Remote Learning Information
Update on grades: May 5, 2020
We want to update you on grading for this semester based on the new information districts have received from the state Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI). At the end of April, OSPI provided new rules and guidance about grading in light of the COVID-19 school closures. The rules are intended to address the current and future needs of students given the difficult conditions we all continue to experience during this global health crisis.
- coronavirus
Remote learning updates: April 20, 2020
We are thankful for our staff and families who are working hard to support students in these very difficult times. Without each other, we would not have been able to make the significant shift from in-person learning to remote learning. As we move into this next stage of remote learning, we are pleased to share information about our plans moving forward.
These plans have been developed to foster connection and to ensure the success of each student. They also provide the flexibility required for our educators and students to manage learning outside of our classrooms. We will continue to monitor and adjust as we learn together in the coming weeks and months.
Remote learning skills and concepts
For each grade-level and subject-area, we’ve identified the essential skills and concepts students need to master to be prepared to move on to the next grade or receive the credit necessary for a course. Educators are designing weekly plans for the remainder of the year, including learning activities and resources for each week that will support students in mastering those skills and concepts.
Weekly schedules and communication
To help parents and students navigate remote learning, teachers will be using a common format for weekly learning e-mails. These e-mails include an outline of the lessons for the week and will be sent each Monday. They are designed to provide students and families and with consistent, accessible information to help with planning for the week.
Daily lessons for students will available primarily through our digital learning platforms - PowerSchool Learning and OneNote. The weekly email will point students and families to the lessons.
At the elementary level teachers will be using a weekly schedule that emphasizes literacy and math, and that also includes science, social studies, library, music, PE and ongoing enrichment.
At the elementary level teachers will be using a weekly schedule that emphasizes literacy and math, and that also includes science, social studies, library, music, PE and ongoing enrichment.
At the secondary level, teachers will provide weekly schedules assignments by content area.
Lessons and instruction
Today, over two-thirds of American families are headed by two working parents or single parents, many of whom are now home balancing work and childcare. This includes our teachers. For this reason, most instructions and assignments will be developed so that they can be easily accessed at different times by students. This allows students, families, and teachers to work flexibly while addressing the different demands on their time and availability caused by the current situation.
Teachers will be scheduling time for connections with their class(es) in real-time through weekly office hours. These connections will be through available through discussion boards, video-conferencing and email. Schools are developing schedules for coordinated office hours while providing as much flexibility as possible.
Our teacher guide for remote learning at the secondary level can be found here.
Grading and report cards
Click here for grading update: May 5, 2020
(April 20, 2020) At the elementary level teachers will be reporting which content areas have been taught and whether work has been submitted by students for these content areas.
At the secondary level, teachers will assign and grade work. We are awaiting guidance from the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction about assigning Pass (P) / No Credit (N) grades at the semester, and the potential option for students to request a letter grade on their transcript at the end of the semester. Secondary teachers will be providing more information about how work will be graded in their classes directly to students and families.
Recognizing that student and families are experiencing the current situation in different ways, teachers have been asked to provide a great deal of flexibility in grading. Please don’t hesitate to contact your child’s teacher(s) to discuss options for your child. In addition parents may appeal semester grades if there is a disagreement around grades for students.
Attendance
During the mandated school facility closure, schools are not required to take daily attendance. However, at the end of each week teachers will indicate in our attendance tracking system students who are not participating in remote learning or responding to communication. This information will be used to help us reach out to students and families who may need additional support. This information will not be included in students’ official records or used for enrollment or penalties.
Materials distribution
Schools are developing plans for the distribution of print materials to support curriculum-based learning for students and families who need them. These plans will include safety provisions such as scheduled pickup times to reduce person-to-person contact. More information will be shared by schools as plans are finalized.
Seniors/Class of 2020
Class of 2020 web page available here (added May 8, 2020)
We are committed to helping our seniors graduate on time. We will continue to monitor the guidance about options and requirements for seniors from the Governor, OSPI and the State Board of Education, as well as colleges, community colleges and universities through the spring. Please note, guidance could change, and we will adjust accordingly if it does. We have updated our website to include the latest information for seniors.
Senior FAQ
Don't see an answer to your question? Please use this form to submit senior-related questions.
- Is my graduation ceremony canceled?
- Who do I talk to if I am struggling in a class (either before the closure or now)?
- What should I do if I have not yet connected with one or more of my class(s)?
- Will the district be sending seniors third quarter progress reports?
- What will the grading system be for the remainder of the year?
- If the district uses a Pass/No Credit grading system will it impact my ability to get into college?
- If I don’t think I’ll be able to meet the 24-credit requirement to earn my diploma, can some classes or course graduation requirements be waived?
- If I failed a class and need to retake it for graduation, what are my options during the school closures?
- I have received financial aid award letters from the colleges I have been accepted to. Is there someone that can help me review these?
- Is state testing canceled?
- What if I was planning on taking a state test to meet a graduation requirement?
- What is happening with AP testing?
- I was going to take the World Language Competency exam on April 29. Will this be rescheduled?