Embedded Files
Virtual Learning Option (Opt-Outs)
Virtual Learning Option (Opt-Outs)
Parents have the right to have their child attend Vinal THS virtually. We certainly respect this difficult choice parents and students must make. Every effort has been taken to ensure that the in-person experience is as safe as humanly possible, if you determine to send your child to school in-person.
Students who wish to opt-out of in-person learning and begin the year with Virtual Distance Learning should contact the guidance department:
Brian Pereira, Director: Brian.Pereira@ct.gov
Gina Goldstein: Gina.goldstein@ct.gov
Darbi Spivak-Simon: Darbi.Spivak-Simon@ct.gov
Lisa Carr, secretary: Lisa.Carr@ct.gov
Schedules
Schedules
Due to the strict adherence to cohorts, student schedule change requests may not be fulfilled this school year.
Parents/Students can access students’ schedules in PowerSchool
If you have forgotten your log-in credentials please email: Lisa.Carr@ct.gov
Incoming ninth grade students will receive a separate email regarding log-in credentials by Wednesday August 27
Guidance Department:
Brian Pereira, Director: Brian.Pereira@ct.gov
Gina Goldstein: Gina.goldstein@ct.gov
Darbi Spivak-Simon: Darbi.Spivak-Simon@ct.gov
Lisa Carr, secretary: Lisa.Carr@ct.gov
Special Education
Special Education
Mike Altenburger, D.H.: Mike.Altenburger@ct.gov
Jen Keeney: Jennifer.Keeney@ct.gov
Diane Law: Diane.Law@ct.gov
Student Services
Student Services
Counseling sessions, college and career planning, and supports in time-management, organization, stress management, and other needs may be scheduled with students via online communication platforms (G Suite, G Meet, Skype, etc.).
Students who receive services through an IEP or 504 plan must be scheduled for contact time by the service provider. Staff will continue to document conferences in PowerSchool and monitor all students on caseloads.
Social Worker: Nancy.Oporto-Brown@ct.gov
Brian Pereira, Director: Brian.Pereira@ct.gov
Gina Goldstein: Gina.goldstein@ct.gov
Darbi Spivak-Simon: Darbi.Spivak-Simon@ct.gov
Student Conduct
Student Conduct
If students are misusing virtual platforms or not following teacher expectations in virtual meetings, teachers should reach out to parents/guardians to address student behavior. After communicating with parents/guardians concerning student behavior, teachers may remove or prohibit students from participating in virtual contact venues.
Students who violate school policies and expectations while using a CTECS’s account may receive school discipline, up to and including expulsion and referral to the State Police.
Student Attendance
Student Attendance
Students are expected to attend school on their cohort rotation days. Students who plan to be absent should follow the normal procedures for alerting the school of absences as described in the handbook.
Students who choose to begin the year virtually are expected to attend their scheduled classes virtually. Students who do not attend scheduled classes virtually will be marked absent and be responsible for all assignments missed. Students who will be absent for virtual learning should also follow the normal procedures for alerting the school of absences.
Face Masks/Coverings
Face Masks/Coverings
CTECS Face Covering/Mask Use Information & Policy
Violations of this policy will be considered a health and safety violation.
If a student refuses to wear a face covering/ mask and such refusal does not fall within any of the exemptions allowed by this policy, the student may be removed from class. School personnel will have a meeting with the student’s parent/guardian to address the behavior and discuss available options. Students who violate this policy may also be subject to the full range of disciplinary sanctions.
Faculty and staff who violate this policy will be subject to disciplinary action.
If a visitor refuses to wear a face covering/ mask, entry to the school or CTECS facility may be denied.
Daily Schedules & Cohorts
Daily Schedules & Cohorts
Students and staff will follow their daily schedules as shown in PowerSchool, whether in-school or virtually learning.
Cohort groups are identified in the course listing with an A or B appearing after the section number.
An example on a schedule might say "EN110.107A" which means English, course 110, section 107, cohort A.
Grading
Grading
There are no changes to the school's grading policies for the 2020-2021 school year. All students, whether attending in-person or virtually, will be graded by the instructor in adherence to State, district, and course standards.
All students, whether attending in-person or virtually, will be expected to successfully complete state, trade specific, or other certifications, licenses, and/or standardized assessments.
Grading should be focused on understanding, not seat time and busy work.
Grading should focus on student mastery of learning objectives.
Quality project-based assignments are encouraged. These promote engagement, rigor, and student choice.
There should be a variety of modalities in which students can demonstrate their learning/understanding.
Teachers should take into account that many students will face unique barriers, be flexible with assignment submission
Teachers should adhere to student accommodations based on the student’s IEP, 504, or EL Student Plan.
PowerSchool will be used for all students to record and post grades. Teachers should update their gradebooks at least twice a week.
Cafeteria & Lunch
Cafeteria & Lunch
Students will adhere to social distancing guidelines when eating in the cafeteria. Our cohort and rotation model will ensure that the lunch room will not exceed a 50% capacity.
Extra tables will be places in the hallway next to the cafeteria and outside in the court yard to increase social distancing options.
Students do not have to wear a mask while seated and eating or drinking but must put a mask on when not seated.
Students will NOT be able to access the Serverary; lunches will be distributed to students while they are seated at their lunch tables.
SATs & PSATS
SATs & PSATS
Standardized Assessments will still be scheduled and free of charge for all enrolled Vinal students, grades 9-12. These assessment will be taken IN SCHOOL for ALL STUDENTS on scheduled test dates. Students who opt-out will not be able to take the test outside of school. Specific schedules and further details will be communicated in September and October.
Athletics & Activities
Athletics & Activities
TBD
WBL
WBL
Typically, work-based learning (WBL) doesn’t start until later in the school year. However, in light of the missed opportunities for students last spring, we are planning to arrange WBL for seniors during the first weeks of school, if possible.
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