MES Digital Learning Day

The second semester Digital Learning Day is Friday, March 10, 2023.

The Digital Learning Day will replace the half day of instruction that has historically been scheduled for parent conferences. Teachers will now offer virtual instruction during this time using a consistent district schedule for the first half of the day and continue to meet with parents in the afternoon, which can also be virtual to meet the needs of parents.  Students will participate in recorded (asynchronous) lessons. The total time of instruction for Digital Learning Day, including all activities, should not exceed four hours.

Why a Digital Learning Day?

To be successful in the workforce, we want to ensure that students are intelligent users and well-informed digital citizens. Colleges now require students to be able to quickly transition between online and in-person learning. Students must be familiar with a variety of learning and collaboration tools. In addition, almost any work environment requires employees to interact with and utilize technology in ways that are changing every day. 

Elementary students now have the option to participate in Digital Learning Day at school.

Parents of elementary students who plan to participate in Digital Learning Day from home must visit the school's website to complete the required form.

If an elementary student is planning to participate in Digital Learning Day at the school a form is not required.

 Digital Learning Day Expectations

Below are a few things students can expect with the upcoming Digital Learning Day:

• Students will receive quality instruction in the format of recorded (asynchronous) lessons from his/her teacher in all content areas.

• The total time of instruction on Digital Learning Day should not exceed four hours.

• Students will use the Classlink Student Portal to login to their Google Classroom or Seesaw (K-2 at select elementary schools) course pages where they will access assignments, resources, and other materials.

• Need a refresher course on how to access Google Classroom? Click here for more information. For more information on how to access Seesaw, contact your child’s teacher.

• Assignments may be accessed using a device connected to the internet. If your student does not have access to a computer or device (tablet, smartphone, etc.), please contact name and email address of appropriate contact to arrange for a one-day check-out (one device per student is recommended).

• Student assignments should be turned in through Google Classroom or Seesaw by the end of the Digital Learning Day.

• If digital access is not available, the student will have three school days to complete the assignment(s).

• Teachers will share additional information with students regarding Digital Learning Days such as how they will support students and their work on this day (For example, some teachers may set up a discussion board while others may use online conference tools or be available via phone.).

• Tech support will be available during the hours of 8:00 a.m. -12:00 p.m. on the Digital Learning Day. Contact (place name, email, and or phone number here) for tech support.

• All lessons will be recorded and students with extenuating circumstances will be afforded an opportunity to complete the activities within three school days following the Digital Learning Day.

• A brief survey will be conducted at the conclusion of Digital Learning Day to identify areas of improvement.

Elementary students will have the opportunity to participate in Digital Learning Day assignments at their zoned school. During this time students will complete the prepared asynchronous lessons with a school staff member. Regular school bus route transportation and breakfast/lunch will be available for those opting to participate in Digital Learning Day in person at the school. The elementary before/after school program will be available for students who regularly participate in the program. Elementary students will be released on DLD at 12:10 p.m.

Parents of students planning to participate in Digital Learning Day from home should visit the school website and complete the required form prior to March 3, 2023.

For Digital Learning Resources for Parents, Click Here. 

Lesson expectations by grade level for Digital Learning Day, are as follows:

Pre-K-2nd grade - Digital Learning Day 

Pre-K and self-contained special education students who choose to participate in Digital Learning Day at school on March 10, 2023, will participate in regular class with their teacher.

Pre-K and self-contained special education students who do not attend school in person will be provided a home study packet.

Asynchronous Lessons:

• ELA - 30 minutes total for the lesson and activity

• Math - 30 minutes total for the lesson and activity

• Science/Social Studies - 30 minutes total for the lesson and activity

• Specials (PE, Music, or Art) - 30 minutes total for the lesson and activity

Total instruction time should not exceed four hours.

Attendance:

Students who attend in person on March 10, 2023, will be counted as present.

Students who do not attend in person will be expected to submit assignments by the end of the school day on March 10, 2023 in order to be counted present for the day.  Students absent on March 10, 2023 who have extenuating circumstances must submit all assignments no later than March 15, 2023 to be counted present. A parent note or medical documentation will be required for approval of extenuating circumstances.

Elementary 3rd - 5th grade - Digital Learning Day 

Self-contained special education students who attend school on March 10th will participate in regular class with their teacher.

Self-contained special education students who do not attend school in person will be provided a home study packet.

Asynchronous Lessons:

• ELA - 30 minutes total for the lesson and activity

• Math - 30 minutes total for the lesson and activity

• Science - 30 minutes total for the lesson and activity

• Social Studies - 30 minutes total for the lesson and activity

All non-core staff will support students attending school with asynchronous lessons provided by core teachers.

Total instruction time should not exceed four hours.

*ESOL and Horizons teachers should collaborate with all grade levels to support their students.

Attendance:

• Students who attend in person on March 10, 2023 will be counted present.

• Students who do not attend in person will be expected to submit assignments by the end of the school day on March 10, 2023 in order to be counted present for the day. Students absent on March 10, 2023 who have extenuating circumstances must submit all assignments no later than March 15, 2023 to be counted present. A parent note or medical documentation will be required for approval of extenuating circumstances.

Parents and students will be asked to complete a brief feedback survey at the conclusion of Digital Learning Day. The link will be made available on the school’s website at the beginning of Digital Learning Day on March 10, 2023.