Remote Learning using Zoom allows students complete Blair course content with their regular Blair instructor. Expectations for learning are the same for Remote learners and for in-person learners. During scheduled class times, students are required to sign on to each teacher's Zoom class using a school issued Chromebook. However, it is important to note students may not be on Zoom the entire class time based on teacher instruction. Students will have the opportunity to work independently outside of scheduled class sessions. While we work to make Remote Learning a high quality experience, there are some classes, courses and services that are more challenging to offer through Remote Learning. Student engagement during Remote Learning is the responsibility of the student and parent.

New K-12 and all K-2 students who chose Remote or Virtual Learning and need a computer can pick up a Chromebook computer at Deerfield Elementary on Monday, August 17 and Tuesday, August 18 from 8-4 p.m. at the southwest District Administration Entrance. Virtual Learners will be receiving a personal email detailing all of the information necessary for course registration on Tuesday August 18.

On Tuesday, August 18, students and parents will receive their Login, Student Password, and Parent Password. Contact your school Principal about questions about your schedule.

Remote Learning Tutorial

Neither the remote learner (student), nor the parent/guardian will record lessons, take screenshots of lessons, or post information from the class on social media concerning students in the classroom or the teacher.

Students participating in remote learning will still need to follow behavior expectations listed in the handbook as if they were attending school physically. School dress code expectations should be followed by remote learners.

Students should have a physical space that is conducive for learning. (i.e. not a bed) and be free from distractions. Students should be on camera throughout live zoom. Teachers will need to see the student engaging in the learning. Students will follow all teacher expectations for zoom (muting, name, hand raising, etc.) Materials should be readily available to the student and the student should be learning-ready.

Replicate the in person learning environment as much as possible. Example: if you can’t eat in class, don’t eat on zoom, if you can’t move around in class then don’t walk around with the computer on zoom.

Expectations for learning are the same for remote learners and for in person learners. Grading expectations are the same for remote learners and for in person learners. Remote students should be doing their school work during the day rather than in the evening when there won’t be teacher support available. Their school day expectations should be very similar to in person.

It is important to note your student may not be on Zoom the entire class time based on teacher instruction. Your child may be required to complete work independently outside of scheduled class sessions. Not all class activities will be the same for remote learners. Some assessments and labs may need to be completed in person and will be arranged between teacher and student.

While we work to make remote learning a high quality experience, there are some classes, courses and services that are more challenging to offer through remote learning. Student engagement during remote learning is the responsibility of the student and parent.

Assessment

Under remote learning certain state and/or national assessments will require the student to come to school for administration of the assessment or a parent will need to opt out of the assessment. Some classes might expect assessments to be completed in person to be arranged by teacher and student.

Remote and Virtual students may request meals, these meals will be pre-ordered and will be recorded on student meal accounts when distributed; therefore, charges will apply if meals are taken. Remote and Virtual students that qualify for Free and Reduced Meal benefits will be available in five (5) day meal packages that include five (5) breakfasts and five (5) lunches.

Weekly lunch menus will be added to the below link each Saturday live on Monday, August 17. Please select

• Select here for K-5 Lunch Orders.

• Select here for 6-12 Lunch Orders.

Food Pick up is every Monday through Friday from 11:00 am through 11:30 am. You can pick up the daily meals you order at Blair High School West Loop.

Technical issues are possible during remote learning which may prevent a student from successfully participating in important class sessions.

Students should log on to zoom early to ensure that there are not technical issues

Technical issues are not the responsibility of the teacher.

Students experiencing issues contact the person listed below:

North: Secretary 402-426-3835 then Wanda Dolphin 402-427-2989

South: Secretary 402-426-2229 then Wanda Dolphin 402-427-2989

Deerfield: Secretary 402-426-5123

Arbor Park: Wanda Dolphin at 402-427-2989

Otte: Media Kris Pfeil 402-427-2837

High School: Media krystal.macholan@blairschools.org then Wanda Dolphin 402-427-2989

Wanda Dolphin at 402-427-2989

During scheduled class times, your child will be required to sign on to each teacher’s Zoom class using their BCS issued Chromebook. Joining a class via Zoom requires an internet connection with a minimum dedicated bandwidth of 1.5Mbps up/1.5Mbps down per learner. Internet plans vary in the amount of bandwidth and you are encouraged to check with your provider to ensure your plan is sufficient to support the number of concurrent Zoom sessions you intend. If you don't have internet connectivity you may contact your school office to inquire about the availability of a cellular hotspot configured to provide access only to BCS Chromebooks.

Parents and students will communicate with the student's teacher, as normal. The teacher will set expectations and guidelines for classroom communication.

• 1. Send your child’s teacher an email to their school email address.

  2. Teachers, principals, and other licensed professionals will be available by email from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

  3. Staff will respond to all communication requests in a timely manner during scheduled hours.

  4. Staff contact information can be found at www.blairschools.org, under staff directory at the top of the page. Or by the link below.

     • Amy Rogers, North/South Primary Principal: amy.rogers@blairschools.org

       • North Primary Staff Directory

       • South Primary Staff Directory

     • Laura Jackson, Deerfield Primary Principal: laura.jackson@blairschools.org

       • Deerfield School Staff Directory

     • Kyle Johnson, Arbor Park Principal:

kyle.johnson@blairschools.org

• 4. • • Arbor Park Staff Directory

     • Chris Stogdill, Otte Blair Middle Principal: chris.stogdill@blairschools.org

       • Otte Blair Middle Staff Directory

     • Tammy Holcomb, High School Principal: tammy.holcomb@blairschools.org

       • Blair High School Staff Directory

     • Dr. Randy Gilson, Superintendent: randy.gilson@blairschools.org

When can changes be made?

Parents can change from remote learning to in person learning at the 9 week quarter break. There will be communication from the district ahead of the 9 week quarter to notify parents and request any change.

Students in grades K-12 can take home a school issued Google Chromebook. All Remote lessons will be in Google Classroom. A Remote Learning folder with the Remote Learning date will be located inside each class under the Classwork tab. The Remote Learning folder will be visible at the top of the screen with the date assigned.

Students can access their work by opening Today’s lesson for a description of the lesson, objective, materials, video/or text lesson developed by their teacher. There will also be a description of practice work, and assignment. Students will be able to access all of these materials inside the eLearning folder including assignments, online readings, quizzes, tests, etc. In some cases, the student may be directed to complete offline activities such as textbook readings or other assignments.

Students have the opportunity to interact with one another and their teacher through a cloud based solution called Zoom. Teachers will provide each student with a ZOOM link or meeting phone number and code in advance through email and with a posted link in their Google Classroom. Select here to learn how to Join a Meeting in Zoom.

All video synchronous learning opportunities will begin and end on time. Video synchronous learning will be recorded and posted and communicated to students who are unable to participate. The teacher will be the last person to leave a learning session. Core courses in grades K-12 will meet live during each course. Synchronous learning will be scheduled during the time of day that a teacher would normally be face-to-face with students. Live Learning will occur for the first 15 minutes of every class.