E-Learning Days
Often during the winter months, we are faced with the potential use of emergency days either for snow or even frigid temperatures. Historically, these days have then had to be made up at the end of the school year, requiring amendments to the school calendar.
In December 2021, our school board approved the district E-Learning Plan, which enables students to continue their learning on emergency days, remotely. This prevents the need for additional make-up days in June.
Please view the document and content below for further guidance on what is expected if one of these days becomes necessary.
District E- Learning Plan
E-Learning days provide District 124 with an opportunity to engage students in remote learning activities that will continue to advance learning during building closures.
Timeline:
- If possible, students and staff will be notified of a potential e-learning day before the end of the school day prior to a closure.
- Students will be reminded to bring home their devices (K-1 iPads / 2-8 Chromebooks) at that time.
- By 5:30 am on the day of a closure, notification is communicated to all staff and families via email, text messages, phone calls, website, and social media postings.
- 8:45 am - Teachers will post to Seesaw (K-1) or Google Classroom (2-8) both assignments for the day as well as a Zoom/Google Meets virtual meeting link.
- 9:00 am - Teachers will host a Zoom/Google Meets virtual meeting to check in with students and take attendance.
- 9:00-1:30 Staff are available and supporting students using a combination of virtual meetings and email.
- Upon returning to school, all student work from the eLearning day must be completed and submitted to teachers. A two day grace period will be given when necessary.
Teacher Expectations:
- Teachers will host a Zoom/Google Meets virtual meeting at 9:00 am to take attendance, check in with students, and answer any questions regarding the day’s assignments.
- Teachers will post links to assignments/activities in Seesaw (K-1) or Google Classroom (2-8).
- Specials teachers and other certified support staff assigned to students will post activities for classes scheduled for that day.
- Teachers will provide specific feedback on work that has been completed.
- Teachers will be available to answer questions and support students from 9:00am -1:30 pm on an e-learning day. Teachers have the option to hold Zoom meetings to check in with students or conduct small groups as they see fit.
Student Expectations:
- Students will be expected to log in to their Zoom/Google Meets meeting in order for attendance to be recorded for the day.
- K-2 students should complete activities posted by their teacher in Seesaw.
- 3-5 students should complete and submit activities/assignments posted in Google Classroom by their teacher.
- Students in 6-8 should check for assignments in ALL Google Classrooms for their scheduled day.
- Students or a designated adult should reach out to teachers with any questions via email.
- E-Learning instruction, activities, and assignments should equate to five clock-hours of engagement.
Internet Accessibility Issues:
- If a student is unable to access the internet from home, the parent should contact the school and report the issue. The student will still be responsible for completed e-learning work when the internet connection is restored or upon returning to school.
- Students without internet access will be identified and provided with non-electronic materials.
Students with Special Needs:
- Students with Individualized Education Plans (IEPs),and Section 504 plans will have accommodations made based on their plans, and alternative assignments may be substituted related to IEP goals.
- Students with direct related services will engage in an activity provided by the related service provider on the e-learning day or minutes will be made up accordingly.
EL Students:
- Classroom teachers will work in conjunction with District EL teachers to ensure necessary accommodations are made to student e-learning tasks to ensure appropriate services are provided on e-learning days.
Student Training:
- Students will also receive instruction from teachers regarding procedures to be followed on an e-Learning day, which will include how to navigate online platforms, access assignments/activities, and the expectations for work completion.
- Details regarding the District e-learning plan and expectations will be posted on the school website.
Staff Training:
- A staff meeting will be held annually in October to review e-Learning procedures and expectations for staff.
- Instructional coaches will be available to assist staff in need of additional training.
Staff Access to Technology:
- The district provides all staff expected to participate in e-Learning activities with the necessary hardware and access to online platforms.
Other Considerations for Classified Staff:
- Classified staff should be available via email between the hours of 8:30-1:30 to respond to any teacher, students, parent, or administrator.
- Classified staff will be provided with an infinitec training campaign specific to e-learning days. They will be able to choose from an approved set of modules two sessions that best address their needs.
- Building secretaries will monitor students' attendance by building and reach out to families regarding student absences.
Collective Bargaining Provision:
- Union leadership was included in the creation of the plan and documentation of their approval is included in the application.
Future Revisions:
- The e-learning plan will be reviewed annually with the committee prior to being implemented in a given school year.
Resources
Parent Tech Tools for E-Learning
Bilingual Support for Parents and Students
Clever Login Instructions for iPad/iPhone
Clever Login Instructions for Chromebook, Laptops, Desktop, etc
Google Classroom Login Instructions for iPadiPhone
Google Classroom Login Instructions for Chromebook
Google Classroom: Introduction (Video)