Online Instruction will ONLY be utilized in the event of a sudden school closure.
Unexpected School Closures
In the event that schools are closed unexpectedly, all students will be provided with online learning.
From the Superintendent
The 2020-2021 school year was a year like no other and I sincerely believe that our district stood above the others in regards to the instructional program we provided to our students. An incredible academic in person summer school, as well as numerous enrichment opportunities followed this.
It is our hope that COVID – 19 will not force us to go backwards and once again have to provide online instruction. Although the State Education Department will not require school districts to offer an all-remote option for students in 2021-22, it has stressed that districts must be prepared to offer the option should a public health emergency force schools to close again. This document is based off the work done last summer with teachers and administrators. In addition, it takes into account the feedback provided to us by parents, students and teachers. This document will provide guidelines as to if schools are closed unexpectedly.
COVID-19 continues to bring a myriad of challenges to all school districts throughout the country. There is a possibility that changes to our instructional program will need to occur throughout the year. I am confident that the Valley Central School District administrators, teachers, and families
will work together collaboratively to do all we can to meet the needs of all students at all levels, during this difficult time, regardless of what may happen. We are Viking Proud and Viking Strong.
- All students will be provided with a district Chromebook.
- Unless otherwise mandated by the State, all teachers and staff will work from the buildings. ∙ Teachers will establish a Google Classroom for online learning. All live instruction will be conducted through Google Meets and all instructions and digital learning material will be posted to the Google Classroom.
- Online learning will be done virtually through live Google Meets, utilizing full group and small group instruction. It will take place throughout the duration of a normal school day, following the block scheduling of a typical elementary school day and the nine period schedules of the middle school and high school. This instruction will start with live instruction from the classroom teacher. Students will not be looking at a screen all day, as some activities that take place during these classes will include methods other than the use of the Chromebook. However, teachers will be logged into the Google classrooms and available to the students to answer questions, provide feedback, etc. during these online classes. This applies to special areas, AIS and student support.
- All instruction will be standards-based and will include high quality rigorous instructional opportunities and experiences
- Students will be expected to log in at scheduled times and attendance will be taken. ∙ Although we cannot mandate it, students will be encouraged to turn their cameras on. If they do not turn their camera on, teachers need to check in with random students periodically to see if they are there.
- The District has created a list of approved programs and applications. In order to comply with State and Federal privacy regulations, teachers must not use technology that includes any student data (including login information) that has not been approved by the District.
- Teacher/Parent communication is key.
- Teachers must use Class Link.
Guidelines for Google Meet
∙ Recording. Google Meet can be recorded and may be posted to the Google Classroom once recorded.
∙ One-on-One. It is permissible to have one-on-one Google Meet with students; however, it is recommended that teachers record these Meet. These recordings are not to post, but to protect from any liability.
∙ Environment. Be sure Google Meet and video instruction are hosted or recorded in a location appropriate to teaching students. Google Meet should be conducted from a designated workspace or your physical classroom. Be aware of what is in the background of your video.
Response Times
Teachers are expected to respond as noted below (during the contractual day). Student Inquiry – As soon as possible or within 2 hours
Parent Inquiry – Within 24 hours (for learning questions)
Video Instruction Clarification
Video Instruction – A Valley Central (VC) teacher or consultant providing direct instruction via video. The video may be a recording of a mini lesson, narrated screencastify, narrated slide show, etc. New instruction is consistent with in-class learning mini-lessons. Video instruction must include teaching points. Video instruction cannot be just reading a text or passage. VC video instruction can be supplemented by other learning videos that align with the curriculum.
VALLEY CENTRAL STUDENT EXPECTATIONS FOR ONLINE LEARNING
(IN THE EVENT OF AN UNEXPECTED SCHOOL CLOSURE )
In order to respond to the unique teaching and learning needs during the pandemic, students will be expected to participate online learning opportunities if there is a school closure This document will outline student expectations for remote and online learning.
Expectations:
I.Participation. Although online learning does not take place in a typical classroom, students are still expected to engage in learning activities during the typical school day using Google Classroom, Meet and other technology as follows.
- Students should be engaged in learning activities during normal school hours. Students are encouraged to keep their cameras on and attend all Google Meets.
- Students should participate in live Google Meets. It is strongly recommended that students participate in the live Meet to gain the maximum benefit from teacher instruction and engagement. However, whenever feasible, recorded lessons will be provided.
- Students should watch all instructional videos and review all instructional material.
- Students must complete all assignments by the given due dates. Assignments will be graded.
- Students must communicate with teachers via email, Google Classroom, Hangouts, etc. when they have a question.
- Student/parents must review feedback provided by teachers.
- Students/parents must let teachers know of any technological issues as soon as possible.
- Students must keep their online work organized and accessible so it can be reviewed during in person instruction, when necessary.
II. Google Classroom and Meet Etiquette. Valley Central teachers will instruct students, assign lessons, and provide learning materials through the Google Classroom and Google Meet. Teachers will provide schedules for all Google Meets in advance (including start and end times). Students will be expected to attend all live instruction through Google Meets and will access all assignments and digital learning materials in their Google Classroom. The following details Google Classroom and Meet etiquette.
- Come into the Google Meet, mute your microphone and turn your camera on. Microphones can be unmuted when directed by the teacher.
- Remain logged on for the duration of the call.
- Chat (in Google Meet) and comments (in Google Classroom) should be used for class related communication only.
- Have learning materials including pen or pencil, paper, assignments, and whatever else is needed for the lesson readily available.
- Join in an appropriate learning environment. For example, sitting at a table or in a quiet space if possible. An example of an inappropriate learning environment is curled up in bed, etc.
- Wear school appropriate attire.
- Come ready to learn.
III. Grading
Grades will be applied in the online, remote and classroom environments. Students will be graded based on the normal Valley Central School District report card expectations.
IV. Technology
Valley Central will provide Chromebooks for all Valley Central students. Additionally, if families have additional technology needs (internet), they should contact their school immediately. We recommend using school-issued Chromebooks or to maximize the functionality of the learning environment.
V. Passwords
Students must only use their assigned login credentials to access technology or school-related programs, applications, or web-sites.
VI. Communication
Parents should communicate with teachers about concerns with the learning, learning environment, or situations that may impact learning outcomes as soon as they arise. Parents and caregivers should not communicate through the Google Classroom, but should reach out via the teacher’s email or the teacher’s chosen communication method (for example, Class Dojo).
VII. Privacy Protections
Video instruction, assignments, and other material posted in Google Classroom is intended for Valley Central student learning. These videos, assignments and other materials belong to the Valley Central School District and should not be shared, posted, or otherwise used outside of the Google Classroom environment. This is to comply with educational copyright laws, student privacy, and to protect the integrity of VC instruction.
VIII. Code of Conduct and Dress Code
The Valley Central Code of Conduct and Dress Code applies to all online learning.