We are committed to our Bogalusa City School System students. Even though they are not in our classrooms and schools for the rest of the 2019 – 2020 school year, we have a continuous learning plan in place to prepare them for their future. We realize that all of our students have different needs during this unprecedented time, and we will continue to provide options for Every Child, Every Day.
Frequently Asked Questions
How will my child/children continue to learn for the rest of the 2019 – 2020 school year?
Students will be learning from grade-specific daily schedules and activities for parents to use found on our webpage at www.bogschools.org. These resources and materials are grade specific, and will change weekly. These resources provide various ways for students to learn and practice concepts and create a product showing a student’s ability to apply what they have learned.
Are these assignments mandatory and will they be graded?
As a district, we decided that these virtual lessons will not be graded and are not mandatory. This pertains to the work on our website that is being “assigned” while schools are closed. Even though there will be no “official” grades during the fourth nine weeks, teachers will be providing feedback to students so they will know how they are doing. Students will be reviewing standards and learning supporting standards that should help them prepare for the next school year. Students and parents should be able to reach out to teachers and administration through email during this school closure.
How does the closure for COVID19 impact fourth nine weeks learning?
Students learn most major curriculum standards prior to state mandated assessments. Following the assessments, teachers continue with the learning process by reviewing standards and teaching supporting standards. These are the same standards our district and teachers will be focusing on during our continuous learning for the rest of the school year.
Will my student be promoted to the next grade level?
The Louisiana Department of Education has given guidance on how students should be promoted during this unprecedented time. In 2019 – 2020, promotion and retention for grades K-8 will be based on a preponderance of evidence from student learning throughout the school year. Performance on classroom assignments, course grades, and any benchmark assessments will be used in making these decisions. Final grades will be calculated using grades from the previous three nine weeks’ grade. The highest grade in each course from the previous three nine weeks will serve as the 4th nine weeks’ grade. This will give the students fourth nine weeks’ grade to be averaged for the year. The school may be in contact with the parent to discuss final decisions regarding promotion.
Will my junior or high school students receive Carnegie credit?
Yes. Students can earn course credit for courses for which they have demonstrated proficiency. Schools may determine if students have demonstrated proficiency in the grade level content or courses to award credit by calculating a final grade for each course. The highest end of a nine weeks grade a student has received in each course will serve as the 4th nine weeks’ grade.
How does the waiver of attendance requirements impact students?
The state has waived mandatory instructional minutes and compulsory attendance requirements in order for students who have shown proficiency to move to the next grade level without the necessary seat time.
How will the school system support my child at the beginning of the next school year?
We realize that students learn differently and at different rates at school, and they may have new challenges when it comes to learning at home. When the 2020 – 2021 school year begins, we will assess our students to determine where they are and create instructional plans to address their needs. We may utilize intensive instruction for some students to help accelerate their learning to get them to the appropriate instructional level.
What if a student has not passed or demonstrated proficiency in a grade-level content or course?
For students that have not yet demonstrated proficiency in required grade-level content or courses, the school will be in contact with the parent to discuss potential extended learning options.
What if a student is enrolled in a dual enrollment course with a college or university?
Students who are enrolled in dual enrollment college classes should follow the guidelines and instructions set by the college or university. The Louisiana Board of Education has advised that the Board of Regents is bringing a policy recommendation forward in April 2020. This will allow a student to continue the course via distance learning options through the higher education institution, earning credit when the course ends. The student may choose to opt for an “In Progress” designation and have until August 31, 2020, to complete the course and earn credit, or opt for an “Administrative Withdrawal” and exit the course with no credit and nothing posted to the official college transcript. If a student chooses a Pass/Fail option for a dual enrollment class, it will be used for the university transcript, and may impact a student’s future college GPA and scholarship eligibility (this option does not apply to students enrolled in Northshore Technical Community College). The Pass/Fail option is not available for the school-based course grade. If a student chooses an “In Progress” designation and the student does not complete the course, this may result in a failing grade and negatively impact TOPS scholarship eligibility and college GPA. An “Administrative Withdrawal” request must be submitted by the date determined by the post-secondary institution. These options should be coordinated and determined through each student’s Individual Graduation Plan.
Southeastern Louisiana University
At this time, students should continue working through their course syllabus completing assignments online. Dual enrollment course materials must be accessed online at moodleDE.selu.edu. Students should continue to check their SLU email. If a student chooses to withdraw from the dual enrollment course, the withdrawal date for spring-only and year-long classes has been moved from April 3 to May 26.
Can a student in a dual enrollment course earn credit in the high school course without dual enrollment credit?
If a student has demonstrated proficiency in the high school course content, students may opt to switch the course to a regular high school course and receive credit through the school, without the dual enrollment credit.
Will my high school student be eligible to take Dual Enrollment classes next year even though they did not take the LEAP 2025 or pre-ACT/ACT?
Counselors may make recommendations for students to take Dual Enrollment classes in the 2020-2021 school year using overall student performance and grade trends in the subject in lieu of using a student’s LEAP 2025 or pre-ACT/ACT scores.
What if a student is currently pursuing an Industry Based Certification but did not complete requirements as of March 13th?
Upon the lifting of the Governor’s current stay at home order, we will notify students and parents of the option of opportunities to complete industry based certifications this summer. Students whom would have taken an IBC related to their Jump Start pathway will have the opportunity to continue engaging with content and take an on-time exam or have an opportunity to take an exam at a later date as part of continuous learning in their Jump Start pathway, in the summer or in the subsequent school year(s).
Will Algebra I credit be awarded without the LEAP 2025 assessment?
Yes, the LEAP 2025 initial testing waivers will allow Algebra I students on a Jump Start Career diploma pathway that do not take Geometry to meet mathematics testing requirements for graduation as long as they are never enrolled in Geometry.
What if a junior has not had the opportunity to take the ACT yet?
ACT announced additional flexibility for summer testing and test-at-home options that will become available in the fall and winter. Additional information about test-at-home options with remote proctoring will be shared by ACT as soon as it becomes available. ACT has announced National Test Date Flexibility with no rescheduling fees allowing students previously scheduled for the June 13, 2020 or July 18, 2020 ACT tests to reschedule without fees for the new June 20, 2020 or July 25, 2020 ACT administration.
How will I receive my report card?
Your final report card will be mailed to your house. Parents need to ensure their child’s school has their current address on file. If you don’t believe the school has your correct address, please contact your school administrators by calling the school, to update this information. Parents and students will also be able to view this information in the Student Progress Center, but the report card is considered the official document for review.
How will school closures impact award ceremonies, planned field trips, and end of year events?
Unfortunately, all events were canceled due to the pandemic. In cases where refunds are necessary, school administrators are working with companies and will notify parents when refunds are available.
Will sports still be played this school year?
The LHSAA executive committee announced the cancellation of all remaining 2019-2020 winter sports championships, as well as, all spring sports regular seasons and spring sport championships. As a result, all BCSS high school athletic competitions, including district and state level competitions, will not be held the remainder of the school year. This affects LHSAA sanctioned spring sports such as baseball, softball, track and field, tennis, and golf.
Are students able to have parents retrieve personal items from the school?
Yes. A parent must call the school and set up arrangements for pickup of personal items.
What if I don’t have Internet access at home?
Limited income households can apply for $5-$10 per month internet access through AT&T Access.
My child needs a work permit. Who should I contact?
For work permits, please contact Bogalusa High School.