Course Information, ASSESSMENTS, & EXTRACURRICULARS

What courses are available?

All K-6 core content area courses will be available in the 2020-2021 enhanced online learning option model. The district will offer all K-6 specials online to the greatest extent possible.

For secondary courses in grades 7-12, the district will, to the greatest extent possible, offer all core content area courses. While it is our desire to offer the GMMS and GMHS full program of studies to students, it may not be possible to do so based on available district- and site-based resources, including the number of teachers assigned to each grade level, class/course, and content area. In these situations, you will be notified by the school counselor and additional online course options will be provided.

Are there live or recorded lessons?

The GMSD Enhanced Online Learning Opportunity may provide both recorded lessons and live in-person sessions with the teacher.

What is the schedule? Will my child be required to log in at specific times?

Online classes will be a combination of synchronous and asynchronous. Teachers will post their schedules at the beginning of each week. Elementary students have a more structured schedule than secondary students.

How are labs handled?

Labs, such as those for science or other hands-on courses, will be provided through one of the following ways:

• Students participate in virtual labs and/or simulations.

• Students watch a recording of a lab and then analyze the data.

• Students can participate in labs done safely at home with common household items.

How does gym/PE work?

The students will follow the same physical education curriculum while they are at home. Students may be asked to keep an exercise journal or to submit other evidence of participating in physical activities.

What about books or any other materials needed?

Most of the course materials for the 2020-2021 enhanced online learning option are digital and available within a student’s Google classroom online learning platform. Any need for analog material for a course (books, equipment, etc.) will be communicated by the teacher and pick up will be arranged at a student’s assigned district building. Students must return the material upon completion of the course.

All students are provided with a Chromebook device, free of charge.

Are AP courses offered?

Yes.*

*For secondary students: If a course is not available in the enhanced online learning option, it may be necessary to provide a specific course or courses through the use of our GM Gold program to meet student scheduling needs. In these cases, student courses would not receive instruction through district teachers, but rather through teachers in the district’s contracted online program, VLN.

Are there honors or accelerated programs offered?

Yes.*

*For secondary students: If a course is not available in the enhanced online learning option, it may be necessary to provide a specific course or courses through the use of our GM Gold program to meet student scheduling needs. In these cases, student courses would not receive instruction through district teachers, but rather through teachers in the district’s contracted online program, VLN.

Are special education students allowed to participate?

All GMSD students may consider participating in the 2020-2021 enhanced online learning opportunity. Special Education students who have some of their needs met through specially designed instruction must discuss an enhanced online learning model at an IEP meeting where the team will determine the support(s) needed to provide access to the student’s program of study. The student’s IEP will be provided to the online teachers who will ensure compliance with all required modifications and accommodations. The students will continue to have a GMSD case manager if they transfer into the 2020-2021 enhanced online learning option.

Are there due dates for assignments?

Course work is assigned with due dates by the teacher. The assignments and due dates are posted on Google classroom and Google calendar.

How are tests or other assessments given?

Assessments will be administered online and/or in a live session with the teacher.

How frequently do teachers give feedback to students on their work?

Teachers will be providing feedback at the same frequency as they do in the brick-and-mortar classroom. All feedback from the teacher to the student will be timely, specific, and actionable.

How do students submit coursework not completed electronically?

Students can use their Chromebook to take a picture of work to submit online or to present it to the teacher in a live session.

What about Specials?

The district will offer all K-6 specials online to the greatest extent possible.

For secondary courses in grades 7-12, the district will, to the greatest extent possible, offer all core content area courses, including specials. While it is our desire to offer the GMMS and GMHS full program of studies to students, it may not be possible to do so based on available district- and site-based resources, including the number of teachers assigned to each grade level, class/course, and content area. In these situations, you will be notified by the school counselor and additional online course options will be provided.

Can my child participate in band/choir/orchestra?

Yes, students can participate in band, choir, or orchestra.

Can my child attend field trips?

Yes. Students participating in the 2020-2021 enhanced online learning option are invited to participate in all of the same field trips opportunities as their in-school classmates. Availability of field trip opportunities will be extremely limited during the 2020-2021 school year due to COVID-19.

How will the parents know if the kids are not keeping up with the course and homework?

Grades are posted and available in Skyward. Teachers will communicate student engagement and achievement with parents on a consistent basis.

Can students participate in the Berks Career and Technical Center (BCTC) if they are in the 2020-2021 enhanced online learning opportunity?

Yes, students can be full-time cyber students and participate in BCTC. Students will need to provide their own transportation to and from the high school to board the bus to BCTC or provide their own transportation directly to and from BCTC.

What are the graduation requirements?

High school students are expected to meet the same graduation requirements as the students in the district high school (see the high school page on the district website for graduation requirements). GMSD Enhanced Online Students will receive a Governor Mifflin High School diploma just like their peers who attend in-person building classes.

What about PSSAs, Keystone exams, and other state tests?

Students in the 2020-2021 enhanced online learning option are still required to take state-mandated tests, such as the PSSAs. Arrangements to take these exams will be made in conjunction with the building principal. Keystone Exams are state mandated end-of-course tests. Students are required to take the appropriate Keystone Exam at the conclusion of Algebra I, 10th grade English, and Biology.

How are evaluations handled if my child participates in the 2020-2021 enhanced online learning option (gifted, special ed, etc.)?

Being a part of the 2020-2021 enhanced online learning opportunity does not prevent your child from being evaluated for the gifted or special education programs.

Initial requests for evaluations, both gifted and special education, should be directed to your homebuilding’s principal or school counselor. The student’s educational team will review student data with you to determine the next steps, including issuing a Prior Written Notice for Evaluation. A multidisciplinary evaluation requires an assessment with a licensed school psychologist and arrangements for an assessment would need to be made.

For students that are already identified, reevaluations will take place every three years in compliance with federal mandates (2 years for students with cognitive disabilities).

If my child graduates from the Governor Mifflin School District, will their diploma indicate they were an online student?

No. Their diploma will be the same as any other Governor Mifflin School District student diploma.

If enrolled in the 2020-2021 enhanced online learning option, can my child participate in extracurriculars, clubs, and sports?

Yes. A student participating in the 2020-2021 enhanced online learning option can participate in all clubs, activities, extracurriculars, and athletics.

Can college-bound athletes participate in the cyber program?

Yes. Most of our courses are NCAA-approved. Students who need NCAA-eligibility should consult with their school counselor when selecting courses.