By November 22, an online form MUST be completed if you are changing the CURRENT learning platform for your child.
This information is for the second semester, beginning on January 18. If you are NOT changing your child’s learning platform, you DO NOT need to fill out the form; your child’s remote or face-to-face status will remain the same. The form will be on our website and linked to our social media pages. It must be completed by Sunday, Nov 22. I outlined questions I received and provided responses below. As an administrator, former teacher, and parent myself, I know what a tough decision this is, especially with the unpredictable nature of the COVID-19 virus. I sincerely appreciate your understanding.
Access the decision form @ Semester II Learning Platform Decision Form. Please remember to fill out a separate form for each child ONLY if they are changing their learning platform.
Questions & Answers
1. Why do we have to make this decision right now for the rest of the school year?
We know making these decisions is hard, especially with the unpredictability of the future. However, we need this data to plan for the second semester. We must be able to allocate teacher responsibilities, school meals, class sizes, needed resources, and bussing appropriately.
This is normally a transition we plan for in the summer when classes are not in session. The time is a necessity because we must plan for Semester II in the middle of the school year, and this is coupled with the COVID-19 restrictions and guidelines for schools.
What we learned this semester is that we are able to transfer some face-to-face learners to remote learning if the team of parents, student, teachers, counselors and administration decide it is best due to changing circumstances, but we cannot do the opposite: transfer remote learners to the face-to-face environment. This is due to staffing, social distancing, ensuring barriers are in place, bussing, class sizes, and other needed resources.
As we are educators and parents ourselves, we know what a tough decision this is, especially with the unpredictable nature of the virus. We appreciate your understanding.
2. Why did you do semesters instead of quarters?
This answer relates directly to our response to the first question. We must be able to allocate teacher responsibilities, class sizes, needed resources, and bussing appropriately. This necessitates ample planning time.
3. If the number of remote learners decreases significantly, will the remaining remote learners have a different teacher?
Unfortunately, we cannot answer this question definitively. This is dependent on the data we receive, and this is why we need to have our numbers now. We will do our best to keep virtual students with their present teachers.
4. If the number of remote learners decreases significantly, will the remaining remote use the Edmentum learning platform?
Unfortunately, we cannot give a definitive answer until we know the results. If there is a significant increase in face-to-face learners, we may need to merge virtual classes or use the Edmentum learning program. Some of our students are using Edmentum this quarter for a self-paced curriculum. We will do everything possible to keep our teachers teaching our online students.
5. Will changes, if any, be the same for all three buildings?
NO. Changes, if any, will be unique for individual schools as we meet the need for all of our learners. Please contact your building administrator with specific questions.
6. What about Special Education?
Any child who has an IEP will continue to receive services from Keystone Intervention staff (Intervention Specialist, Speech, OT, PT, etc) regardless of learning model choice (face to face or digital academy). If the choice is the digital academy, a Keystone Intervention staff member will be assigned to oversee your child’s progress toward IEP goals and objectives via video conferencing during normal school hours. These video conferences will be scheduled ahead and on consistent days and times (as much as possible) so it becomes part of the child's routine. Each presentation will be unique to each child. Contact Mrs. Campbell, Director of Pupil Services, with specific questions.