Distance Learning FAQs

We have created packets with practice work for our students in grades PK-12. These packets include assignments that will guide each student through a review of subjects they’ve already learned about in class. There is no plan to introduce new material during this distance learning. The packets were mailed to each student in the district for completion. Our plan is to transition to fully digital distance learning over the next several weeks.

Each of our teachers has a Google Voice phone number. Our teachers will have office hours from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. each class day for students to reach out for assistance with classwork. Please contact your school principal if your child’s teacher hasn’t provided their Google Voice number.

Our guidance for daily classwork follows the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards:

• Elementary (grades K-6): 1-2 hours per day
• Middle School (grades 7-8): 2-3 hours per day
• High School (grades 9-12): 3-4 hours per day

We also encourage at least one hour per day of outside, recreational time following social distancing guidelines.

We plan to transition to fully digital classwork during April and May 2020. Teachers will begin using our virtual tools – such as Google Classroom, Seesaw and Classroom Dojo – for their classes. These digital classes will include:

• Daily videos for student access.
• Daily work assigned by teachers.

High school students were issued digital devices (Chromebooks or iPads) and had the opportunity to obtain Wi-Fi hot spots at the beginning of the 2019-2020 school year. Our high school teachers will utilize Google Classroom for their classes. Teachers will meet them there daily and post assignments to be completed. High school principals will establish a process for their students’ assignments to be graded. This could include submission in Google Classroom, taking pictures of assignments and uploading, collecting assignments through the mail or dropping them off at school. Those options will be shared with students and parents/guardians. We plan to have high school students submit all assignments by May 1, with make-up assignments collected the week of May 4-8.

We are working with high school principals, teachers and counselors to determine which students have the necessary credits for graduation and which students need additional support. Parents will be notified by the school counselor or designee with details about what needs to happen for each senior to graduate on time. We have waived all district graduation requirements for the Class of 2020. This waiver includes, but is not limited to, public service volunteer hours, the completion of the FAFSA, and visiting one college. Missouri’s Department of Elementary and Secondary Education has waived all state requirements for graduation except the necessary 24 credits. We are taking these factors into consideration as we work to ensure that our seniors are ready to graduate.

• Students with a grade of D or F: complete 5 assignments
• Students with a grade of C: complete 3 assignments
• Students with a grade of A or B: complete 2 assignments

Students can receive make-up assignments from their teachers. We are working on standardized assignments so that students across schools will receive the same options for make-up work. We plan to share those assignments during the week of April 13. This make-up classwork will be due to teachers by May 1, 2020.

Students who don’t have devices or Internet access will not be penalized. Teachers can work with them through other options. We plan to distribute Chromebooks and Wi-Fi hot spots as soon as possible. We will share those details with students and parents/guardians when our plans are finalized.

Spring 2020 International Baccalaureate exams have been canceled.