Please understand that this information may change; we are updating these pages frequently as we refine plans and make adjustments. 

Welcome to the 2020-2021 school year, a year unlike any other we’ve ever experienced. The goal of the Middle School and High School Distance Learning Plan is to run school as close as possible to a typical, in-person day to provide the best academic experience possible while staying connected as a community of learners. We will employ technology resources we currently use day-to-day (Canvas, Google Meet, Google Drive, digital curricular resources) to connect, extend, and deepen learning.

For Hybrid at the Middle School Level:

• Each course will have asynchronous activities/assignments using Canvas at least twice per week.
• Students are expected to log into Canvas for each course daily and complete required assignments, and current policies around turning in work will be maintained.
• Fridays will consist of scheduled office hours for staff and staff learning time. Specific schedules will be released by site. Fridays are considered a learning day and attendance will be taken.
• From time to time, some classes may be videos/instructions via Google Classroom/Canvas that need to be completed by students before their next class.
• When possible, classes will be recorded.
• Students should give their best effort, exhibit their best online class behavior, and attend classes regularly, health permitting.
• Students will follow the dress code during synchronous learning.

For 100% Distance Learning:

• Each course will have a ‘live’ (synchronous) component using Google Meet/Canvas at least twice per week for secondary and daily for Homeroom, Math, Reading, and Writing for elementary. See schedules for additional information.
• Classes will begin on time and current policies around turning in work will be maintained.
• From time to time, some classes may be videos/instructions via Google Classroom/Canvas that need to be completed by students before their next class.
• When possible, classes will be recorded with recordings being uploaded as soon as possible. 
• Students should give their best effort, exhibit their best online class behavior, and attend classes regularly, health permitting.
• Attendance will be taken for each class daily at the middle and high school levels and daily at the elementary level during homeroom/morning meetings.
• Students will follow the dress code during any synchronous learning period.

Schedules: 



100% Distance Learning Schedule:

• Students will be expected to check in for their Virtual Homeroom to listen to announcements and to log in to their email and Canvas.
• Breaks should be as screen-free as possible. Try to make one of them a physical movement break and one of them a reading break.
• The goal for each class is to give students a chance to have some synchronous instruction (once per week at a minimum) and also time to work independently while the teacher is available to help or clarify.
• Each teacher will also have a published office hours schedule for students to access additional help if needed.

Student Expectations

When classes are being conducted online via Google Meet/Canvas, students are expected to follow these guidelines:

• Give your best effort and best online class behavior.
• You are expected to attend your classes unless your parent or guardian notifies the attendance contact at each site that you are sick. Teachers will take attendance for each class.
• Stay in contact (your teachers and school will be checking email daily during the week during school days).
• Treat distance learning in the same manner you would treat a typical school day. Use appropriate behavior even in an online classroom.
• Be dressed appropriately - stick to the school dress code while online.
• Be on time for all class meetings; they are short so log on promptly. You have a 5-minute break between classes. Attendance is mandatory and is taken daily.
• Be responsible for your learning: (a) have homework completed, (b) readings done, and (c) class activities completed so you can ask questions.
• Look presentable, wear school appropriate clothing, and be engaged. No lounging in bed. Stay active in the class and ask questions. Have your camera on at all times.
• Google Meet/Canvas will be used for video conferencing for each class.
• Students in grades 4–12 must check their Lewis-Palmer email account daily.
• Students must use their school Google account on Chrome as their browser and be logged into that account and connect it to Google Classroom (Grades K–6) or Canvas (Grades 7–12).
• Students are expected to be courteous and respectful online and adhere to the student technology user agreement which they agreed to when they signed the handbook at the beginning of the year.
• Students are required to keep the microphone muted unless speaking.
• Students should take turns, contribute, and ask questions in class discussions.
• Students should use chat appropriately and be mindful that their classes may be recorded and filters are in place to scan for inappropriate comments.

Assessment/Grading Expectations:

• Students will be provided at least one weekly assignment per course/subject area where grades are earned.
• Feedback and direction for formative assessments will be given and not graded for accuracy but can be graded for participation/completion. .
• Teachers will re-evaluate grading practices to align with assignments for distance learning.
• Students will earn grades for summative assessments. Assessment scores are recorded for each unit; this could include quizzes, mid-chapter quizzes/tests, end-of-unit tests, essays, and other summative assessment measures.
• Students should be provided enough opportunity to get feedback to be able to reach mastery before summative assessments are given.
• Teachers will inform students which assessments are Assessments for Learning (formative) and Assessment of Learning (summative).
• Formative assessments are highly recommended and, by nature, should be recorded as participation grade.

Attendance Expectations:

• Just like on a normal school day, attendance is required.
• According to CDE guidelines, student attendance must be taken daily during Distance Learning. At the elementary level, attendance will be marked for the day by the grade level teacher. For grades 7–12, each teacher will be required to track student attendance.
• Being considered present may include checking in with a teacher, attending a synchronous class, engaging in any new assignment and/or learning, submitting an assignment, participating in an online discussion, logging into Infinite Campus and marking themselves present (secondary students only), as well as other ways communicated by the teacher.
• Additional detail for the login process will be provided by the middle and high schools.

 For additional information, please see the D38 Distance Learning Plan Guide.