Frequently Asked Questions - Virtual Learning

 

HCCSC Virtual Learning Option

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Why is HCCSC providing a Virtual Option?

Based upon our recent parent survey, 10% of our community is requesting a virtual option for their child due to COVID 19, personal and family health reasons.

Students from surrounding districts have expressed interest in a HCCSC Virtual School Option, as well.

2. Who can I contact for more information about the Virtual Learning Option?

Mr. Jay Peters, Director of Curriculum / Virtual Learning Coordinator ([email protected])

Mrs. Beth Husband, Director of Special Education ([email protected])

Virtual Learning Registration:

Bridgett Burkhart ([email protected]) 260-356-8312 ext 6125

Chelle Huston ([email protected]) 260-356-8312 ext 6127

3. Can my child do both the virtual option AND traditional learning brick and mortar (onsite)?

Elementary - At this point, this is not an option.

Middle School - Middle School will offer classes both online and onsite. Each student is allowed to enter and exit the building ONE time each day. (For example, students may come to school to take Band class onsite, then take all other classes online.)

High School - Students will be able to attend a class or classes onsite and return home. Parents will be in full agreement and give permission for their children to take advantage of a flexible schedule. A student may only leave the building once each day and may not return to the building unless special arrangements have been made such as a doctor’s appointment. This is in keeping with the current HNHS policy.

4. What if my student chooses one option and then wants to switch to the other option mid-year?

If the student begins onsite learning, and chooses to attend the virtual option, the request will be considered (depending on availability) by Jay Peters, Coordinator of Virtual Learning.

If the student chooses to NO longer attend the virtual option, the student is allowed a ONE time transfer to go onsite (back to their home school).

5. What are the expectations as a parent for my child to attend HCCSC virtual classroom?

Communication is so important between parents and teachers. Our hope is that parents will partner with us to ensure that our students are being supported and being successful academically. We want our students to invest and take ownership in their own learning.

6. Will the HCCSC virtual school option follow the same academic calendar as the students that are attending in person classrooms within HCCSC?

Yes, all students will follow the same HCCSC school calendar for the 2020-21 school year.

7. Do I need to purchase a computer for my child if they are enrolled in the Virtual Learning Option?

Your student will be issued an instructional device from the HCCSC Technology Department. More information regarding devices will be coming soon.

8. Will my family need internet access to participate in HCCSC virtual school?

Yes, it is important that families preferring the virtual option have the ability to connect daily to a reliable internet source.

9. Are there resources that are available for internet access?

Contact the HCCSC Technology Department, Tom Ashley, Director of Technology at (260) 356-7812.

10. What technology supports are available for my child if their device breaks or doesn’t work?

The Technology Department is available by phone at(260) 356-7812. They will assess the students' issues and provide any support needed.

11. How will the virtual teacher learn more about my child’s academic ability?

Each student will make a scheduled appointment to meet his/her teacher onsite and take beginning assessments so that the teacher can prepare to teach each child where they are to meet their needs. For example, K-8 students will take the NWEA assessment, that will allow teachers and students to be aware of learning gaps, areas of strengths, and weaknesses.

12. How are assessments conducted in the virtual option?

Depending on the level of assessment, scheduled appointments will be needed onsite to take a test. For example, grades 3-8, the ILEARN State assessment is required for ALL students in Indiana in Spring 2021. Special arrangements will be made for the virtual students to take exams in the safest setting at an onsite location.

13. How does an IEP work with the virtual option?

Supports and services will be determined on a case by case situation through a case conference.

14. Will my child be online with other children in the virtual option?

Elementary - Students will be online with other students when video conferencing is used for instruction. These sessions will strictly adhere to HCCSC’s digital citizenship procedures and safety protocols.

Middle School - Students will be online with other students when required during instruction. These sessions will strictly adhere to HCCSC’s digital citizenship procedures and safety protocols.

High School - Students will be a part of the onsite course appearing on their schedule and will have the opportunity to work with onsite students virtually.

15. Will there be communication between the virtual teacher and my student?

Yes, elementary virtual teachers will be in contact daily through virtual lessons, email, Canvas, and once a week phone calls to offer any needed support, answer questions, or give updates on student performance.

The secondary virtual teacher will be in contact daily with each student through virtual lessons, and phone contacts as requested will be available for continued support. For example, families will make an appointment with the virtual teacher to receive weekly phone calls as needed.

16. If my student is struggling, or has questions, what availability

does he/she have to their virtual teacher?

Elementary - Any student that is struggling or has questions will need to contact their teacher through Canvas, email, or phone, and their teacher will respond within a timely manner.

Middle School - Any question a virtual student submits to their teacher by phone, email, in Canvas, or in a virtual conference will be answered in a timely manner.

High School - Any question a virtual student submits to their teacher by phone, email, in Canvas, or in a virtual conference will be answered in a timely manner.

17. How many hours of online learning will my student be expected to complete each day?

Elementary - Similar to a traditional classroom.

Middle school - Similar to a traditional classroom, depending on course options and student ability.

High school - Similar to a traditional schedule, depending on course options and student ability.

18. How does the Virtual Option compare to the Remote Learning or e-Learning lessons HCCSC has provided in the past?

Elementary - Virtual students will be required to take part in virtual class instruction and will work at the same pace as their on-site classmates.

Middle School - Virtual students will be required to take part in virtual class instruction and will work at the same pace as their on-site classmates.

High School - Virtual students will be required to take part of virtual class instruction and will work at the same pace as their on-site classmates. Virtual students will be able to attend an onsite course as needed to be successful. This blended approach will allow students to enter HNHS or CTE courses as needed. Students may only leave the school once during the day, which is in keeping with current policies.

19. How can I track my students' progress? How is academic feedback delivered to parents and students? How often?

Elementary - Virtual students will be expected to keep the same pace as their on-site classmates and will receive feedback from daily assignments as the teacher grades and posts in Canvas and PowerSchool each week. Any question a virtual student submits to their teacher by phone, email, in Canvas, or in a virtual conference will be answered in a timely manner or by special arrangement.

Middle School - Virtual students will be expected to keep the same pace as their on-site classmates and will receive feedback from daily assignments as the teacher grades and posts in Canvas and PowerSchool each week. Any question a virtual student submits to their teacher by phone, email, in Canvas, or in a virtual conference will be answered in a timely manner, during the teacher’s regular work hours or by special arrangement.

High School - Virtual students will be expected to keep the same pace as their on-site classmates and will receive feedback from for daily assignments as the teacher grades and posts in Canvas and PowerSchool. Any question a virtual student submits to their teacher by phone, email, in Canvas, or in a virtual conference will be answered in a timely manner.

20. Is the curriculum being utilized for HCCSC virtual option the same curriculum being used for the on-site students?

Yes, students will receive the same rigorous curriculum that the students in the classrooms are receiving.

21. Will my student be able to participate in athletics?

Virtual learning students will not be allowed to participate in athletics for the 20-21 school year.

22. Will my student be able to participate in co-curricular activities?

Virtual learning students will be allowed to participate in co-curricular activities. For example, a student may participate in Band, Spanish, Choir, Art, etc., if the student attends the course onsite.

23. What fees are involved in attending HCCSC virtual school?

All fees and book rental will be the same for onsite and virtual students.

24. Will my child need any additional school supplies to attend HCCSC virtual school?

Elementary - Your child’s virtual teacher will be in contact with you on any additional supplies that your child would need to participate in the virtual classroom. A list is provided for virtual classrooms on the HCCSC website.

Middle School - Your child’s virtual teachers will be in contact with you regarding the needed supplies and materials. A list is provided for traditional classrooms at our local Walmart or posted on the HCCSC website, and it may include the same for the virtual classroom.

High School - Teachers will typically provide any specialized supplies that are used in the classroom setting. Supplies will be returned to the school at the time of the unit or course.

25. What learning management system will my child utilize for the HCCSC virtual school?

Students will be utilizing our district’s learning management system, Canvas.

26. What would a typical virtual day look like? What are the specific time requirements?

Elementary - At this time, our plan is to utilize video conferencing. We are looking at options to provide real time instruction, but most likely it would be recorded so students could view later if necessary. Additional information will be available as plans are finalized.

Middle School - Students will log into the course and check in with teachers to get instruction at the time of the course offering. The “real time-live” session will be recorded for students to view later, if necessary.

High School

Students attending virtually will log on to Canvas at the beginning of each class period and will participate in the class virtually.

Students will be expected to check in with their teacher live video conference, by email, or phone each day prior to or at the beginning of each class period.

Students taking a blended approach will attend the class or classes they need and return home. Parents will be in full agreement and give permission for their children to take advantage of a flexible schedule. A student may only leave the building once each day and may not return to the building unless special arrangements have been made such as a doctor’s appointment. This is in keeping with the current HNHS policy.

Students and parents will choose from traditional on-campus course work, virtual course work, use of APEX, or any combination of those three options.

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