PWCS Inclement Weather Codes
What is a Code Orange Day?
On Code Orange days, students will have live virtual learning from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Homeroom teachers will share interactive learning for each content area and Encore teachers will join the homeroom teacher's Zoom link so students stay on one link. Time is provided for students to go to the restroom between subjects and students will have a 50-minute break for lunch.
Why are there Code Orange Days?
- During the 2021 legislative session, the Virginia General Assembly passed a bill (House Bill 1790/Senate Bill 1132) allowing up to 10 unscheduled remote learning days (full or partial) to apply to the 180-day or 990-hour instructional time requirement when the closure is due to severe weather and other emergencies.
- Per the Virginia Department of Education, if school divisions can provide instruction and services to each student on these days, the instructional time can be counted toward the length of the school term and core instruction hour requirements for the school year.
- According to Regulation 404.04-1, “School Closing Due to Hazardous Conditions,” school and office buildings are closed, and the division operates virtually when the Superintendent or the designee determines a Code Orange. Synchronous virtual instruction and services are delivered remotely according to the schedule aligned with this guidance and posted online by the school.
How will we know if it is Code Orange?
Emails and texts will be sent to families through SchoolStatus using the contact information families have provided through ParentVue. Alerts will also be posted on the PWCS homepage, this homepage, on PWCS Facebook, and local radio and television stations.
When will Code Orange be used?
Code Orange may or may not be used. There may be times when an extended series of Code Red closures would negatively impact learning or a two-hour delay is insufficient. The Code Orange option is an alternative plan that has been developed ahead of any emergency.
Do we still have Code Red Days?
Yes. Information will be sent to families through SchoolStatus. You may also check the PWCS website.
Is Attendance taken?
Yes. Students will need to turn their cameras on and participate in the class to be counted as present. Blurred or other backgrounds can be used by students. If a student has trouble logging in on a Code Orange Day, families should contact the PWCS Help Desk at 703-791-8826.
How do students log on to their classes?
A Code Orange course has been added to each homeroom teacher's Canvas page and their students have been enrolled. The course is one page long and includes the Class schedule, Encore schedule, and the teacher's Zoom link.
K-2 will log in to Code Orange using their iPads
K-2 will use a 6-digit number code to unlock their iPad and then will use their Clever badge to access Clever. The 6-digit code is the number on the PWCS yellow tag on the back of the iPad. Teachers were advised to write the unlock code on the back of the Clever badge.
Turn on your iPad: Press and hold the top button until the Apple logo appears. If the iPad doesn't turn on, you might need to charge the battery.
Wake Up your iPad: The iPad turns off the display to save power. Press the round home button twice at the bottom of the screen to wake it up.
Login: Enter 6-digit passcode. Passcodes are written on the back of student’s Clever badge. It is also the number on the yellow tag found on the back of each iPad. If your teacher uses a different code- she will tell you.
Connect to Wi-Fi
1. Click on Settings.
2. Tap on Wi-Fi
3. Find your home Wi-Fi in the Other Networks section. Tap on your home Wi-Fi
4. Enter your home Wi-Fi password
5. Tap on Join. If 
appears at the top of the screen, the iPad is connected to a Wi-Fi network.
Login to Clever:
1. Tap on the Clever app 
2. Scan your Clever badge QR code
3. The green check mark will appear when you have successfully logged in
Login to Canvas:
1. Tap on the Canvas app
2. Tap the blue box
3. Tap on Update
Go to the Code Orange Module:
Tap on the LRES Code Orange course. It might be on your Teacher’s Canvas page
Go to Zoom
1. Tap on the Zoom icon
2. The screen will say "Redirecting to Zoom"….Tap on click here
3. Tap on Join
4. Tap on Continue
5. Tap on Join
6. Tap on Wi-Fi
You are in the waiting room and your teacher will let you into the meeting.
Grades 3-5 will log in to Code Orange using their laptops
1. Log into your laptop and go to Canvas. In your Canvas dashboard, click on LRES Code Orange Day.
2. Read your schedule.
3. Click on the Zoom icon.
4. Click the Join button.
5. If you see this screen on your computer, you can WAIT while the Zoom app opens. Many computers will open Zoom automatically. If you get a popup message to launch Zoom on your device, you can click it. If Zoom does not open, you can click the Launch Meeting button.
6. Turn your camera on and click Join. You will be in the waiting room until your teacher admits you to the meeting. Cameras must be turned on at all times. You can blur your background.
