Virtual/Flexible/Distance Learning During School Closure

Dear (District/School name) families,

As part of the state's efforts to contain COVID-19, Gov. Tony Evers on March 17, 2020 ordered the closure of all K-12 Wisconsin schools, public and private to be closed for the duration of the public health emergency. In response, District/School name will be implementing virtual/flexible/distance learning during school closure.

While not a replacement for classroom learning, we want our students to continue to learn and keep up with skills during the time that schools are closed. We will be providing resources, guidelines and expectations for your students while they participate in virtual/flexible/distance learning. 

Virtual/flexible/distance learning will start on DATE HERE. Instructional information will be available for your student by DATE HERE.

If your family has a specific concern or request, please contact our Curriculum Director,(NAME), at (EMAIL, PHONE).

Key Dates for Learning Transition

• March 24 - 30

  • Staff: Training and Planning 
  • Families and Students: Continue Short-term Instruction Plan

• March 27

  • Staff: Provide instructional information
  • Families and Students: Technology or Packet Pickup

• March 30

  • Virtual/flexible/distance learning launches!

Expectations for Students and Teachers

What is the expectation for student engagement in distance learning environments?

All students are expected to remain engaged in their learning each weekday. We ask that students check (Google Classroom, Email, other software) by 11 a.m. each day. Students with disabilities also need to maintain their specially designed instruction sessions with their special education teachers and therapists (PT, OT, Speech). Teachers will be monitoring the engagement of their students throughout the week and attendance will be recorded.

Have your student create their learning plan for the day. Daily planner example (Under "File" please "Make a copy" of it to use once signed in to Google.) 

What is the expectation for teacher/ student communication? 

General educators will maintain office hours for student contact and questions. Teachers will communicate the hours they are scheduled to be available to their students. Questions to teachers can also be submitted via email at any time. Special educators will maintain a schedule for office hours and specially designed instruction (SDI), which is based on the IEP, to be provided individually to students. If your child’s case manager would like your student to participate in a group session, you will receive a communication directly from that case manager. 

How Parents Can Help

Parents can help their students by:

• Setting clear times during every weekday when your child(ren) should be focused on learning. A daily schedule of academic and behavior expectations can help everyone stay organized and minimize stress. (planner example)
• Finding a place in your home for school work. Preferably in a brightly-lit family living area (not a bedroom) where you can provide supervision, guidance and ensure progress on assigned work is being made. If your child is struggling to find or understand materials you will need to email the classroom teacher or call the school.

Technology

Teachers will be primarily communicating through online platform.

The district will work to ensure virtual learning continues for students. (add any details about technology, online resources, Chromebook pickup)

Technology Help

1. Contact your child(ren)'s classroom teacher via their school phone number or email address.

2. If the problem still persists after contacting your child(ren)'s teacher, submit a help request. HOW? add phone number, email and/or form  

Internet Access

Some internet carriers are offering free and/or low-cost options that your family may be able to use.

See DPI list of internet offers for families with maps showing coverage areas.

Spectrum is offering free broadband internet and WiFi access for 60 days to families with K-12 and college students. Charter, which operates Spectrum internet, said they will also waive installation fees for new households. Learn more about the Spectrum offer here or call 844-488-8395. 

Comcast Internet Essentials indicated that they are providing 60 days of free internet to qualifying families. Learn more about the Comcast offer.