Virtual/Remote Learning

Please click on the links to the right side of this page for more information and documents.


It was just nine days ago that we learned that virtual or remote learning would be allowed should a “public health related closure” be needed.  I want to take a moment to thank our teachers, administrators and district staff members who have worked tirelessly to ensure that we would be able to launch our virtual/remote learning plan.  


The Plan

On Friday, March 13, all families should have received a direct communication regarding expectations for Monday, March 16 from either your child’s teacher (K-5 level) or from the building principal (6-12 level).  Monday, March 16, WW-P schools will officially move to a virtual/remote learning environment. 


This virtual/remote learning website hosts the K-5 learning experiences, as well as special education therapist learning plans (links to these plans were also distributed via teachers’ letters to parents last week).  The site will also include email contact information for our schools during the building closures, resources for parents, middle and high school virtual “office hour” schedules, and more. Please know that additional information may be posted on Google Classrooms or communicated by classroom teachers.  


Please be mindful of internet and website bandwidth and realize that some visitors may experience difficulties and delays. Never has a country attempted to remotely teach all students at the same time. 


This closing will occur for a minimum of two weeks, effective through Sunday, March 29.  The school district will re-evaluate the length of closure and follow guidelines provided by our public health officials.


Expectations

I want to take a moment to set expectations for our virtual/remote learning experience.  While we are well positioned to launch a virtual/remote learning experience, I ask that you remain supportive and patient in understanding that this is completely new territory and our first experience at educating 9,500 students outside our physical walls.  I am confident that our staff members will rise to the challenges ahead. The experience will evolve over time, as we adjust to a new instructional methodology. The goal is on learning, not covering curriculum. 


This is a unique time, and the most important consideration is that staff, students, and families stay healthy.  As you know, we have turned off Genesis gradebook. During this time, we will focus on three key strategies: 


  • Feedback not grades.  

  • Guidance and coaching strategies.  

  • Encouragement and social connection.


We are mindful that members of our school community (including our teachers and staff members) may face challenges ahead.  As such, we have asked our staff members that if they do not hear from a student or parent for more than two days that a member of the school district will reach out via email or phone call.  


Goal of Experience

Our goal is to provide students with a learning experience, either through virtual learning or remote learning, in order for students to continue to progress with their skills and knowledge. We will work to provide students with an authentic and engaging virtual/remote learning experience due to the extensive work we have done in this area.  

  • In grades K-5, the district has a multitude of learning platforms including district technology subscriptions, universal technology resources, and Seesaw home access. 


  • In grades 6-12, the district is well equipped to deliver instruction remotely as all students in grades 5 -12 have been issued a Chromebook.  Our virtual/remote learning plan expands upon our existing practices to ensure continuity of instruction. Teachers and students will continue to utilize the Google Suite for Education and other web-based tools designed to promote online communication and collaboration.


Guidelines for Students and Families: Elementary School

  • A series of learning experiences have been created for students by grade level.  These experiences are posted here and were made available to students via a direct email from teachers to parents at the end of last week. 

  • Teachers will be available between 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. to address questions and concerns.

  • Parents should submit questions directly to their child’s teacher.  

  • If a response is not given within 24 hours, please reach out to your child’s guidance counselor or building administrator.

  • Should you or your child need assistance and have not heard from your child’s teacher within 24 hours you can also email each school at via the email addresses found here.


Guidelines for Students and Families: Middle and High School Level

  • Students should follow teachers’ instructions on their Google Classroom sites.

  • Students will be able to complete work on their own schedule but will have real time access to teacher feedback during “office hours” using the schedule below.  

  • Students will receive feedback via Google Classroom from their teachers (not Genesis).

  • Students should be sure to hit “Submit” when completing assignments via Google Classroom.

  • Students should submit questions to instructors during designated class time via Google Classroom or email. 

  • Teachers will check email, give feedback on assignments, and/or respond to students’ comments and questions during designated “office hours” period/day/time.

  • Teachers may participate in a Google Hangout.



Middle School Virtual “Office Hours” - Weekdays 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. Only 


Should you or your child need assistance, please email  [email protected] or [email protected]

 

High School Virtual “Office Hours” - Weekdays 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. Only 


Should you or your child need assistance, please email [email protected] or [email protected].


Here is the Day 1/Day 2 Online Schedule which will begin Monday, March 16 (Day 1) as well as the overall March (Day 1/Day 2) calendar.  


Please make sure your child has access to their teachers’ Google Classrooms and follows the digital learning calendar. Please remember that district devices and email accounts are only for school-related activities.

 

Additional Information

For students that do not have internet access or need a device, please complete this Google form so that a member of our school district can assist in arranging support. You can also email [email protected] for support.


  • Xfinity WiFi Free For Everyone: Xfinity WiFi hotspots across the country will be available to anyone who needs them for free – including non-Xfinity Internet subscribers. For a map of Xfinity WiFi hotspots, visit www.xfinity.com/wifi. Once at a hotspot, consumers should select the “xfinitywifi” network name in the list of available hotspots, and then launch a browser.

  • For eligible families, Comcast is offering a no contract home internet option.  More information can be found at https://www.internetessentials.com/

  • Guidance counselors for each school will maintain contact with students/families, as needed, through email. 

  • Building administration will be available to all families through email. 

  • Students receiving free and reduced lunch have been contacted via email or phone call.  A weekly distribution schedule has been established.


Parent Information for Supporting Your Child(ren) Through COVID-19 Pandemic

The best way to prevent infection and illnesses (including COVID-19) include:

  • Washing hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.

  • Avoiding touching eyes, nose and mouth.

  • Avoiding close contact with people who are sick.

  • Staying home when sick and avoiding close contact with others.

  • Covering mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing and throwing away tissues.

  • Cleaning and disinfecting frequently touched surfaces.

  • Social Distancing is critical to combat the spread of COVID-19.  This means restricted social contacts outside the home. Please adhere to no playdates or gatherings outside of the immediate family unit.  Social gathering must be avoided. Limit contacts to the food store, gas stations and the pharmacy. Maintain safe distances of six (6) feet as recommended by the CDC.

  • Remember, social distancing is not social isolation.  Here is an important article to read about social distancing.


We remain committed to the social, emotional, and academic needs of our students. Stay healthy and safe.  Be the calm for your children.  



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