Dear Heritage community,

We still live in a global pandemic, for the 3rd academic year already, and because of this we learn and teach in a hybrid environment, meaning that there might be some students online, while others in class, in the learning process. Or sometimes we have to move all class online, when the need appears to stay isolated. 

Hybrid Learning Request procedures:

For the academic year 2022-2023, not even short-term illnesses such as colds, stomachaches etc are reasons to stay online. Such requests are NOT approved. The requests are Covid-related (for isolations), or other situations that need long-term hybrid learning (ALL documented).

In order to get your child on the hybrid program, you must write a formal request to Mrs Tatiana Popa, hybrid coordinator, or to Mrs Inga Chiosa, academic director.

Emails: tatiana.popa@heritage.md  and inga.chiosa@heritage.md ,

Or to our general email address ( info@heritage.md ), and in this case your request will be forwarded to the persons mentioned above. 

In your email, you should indicate:

- the reason why your child can’t come physically into school - this refers to long-term absence and must be supported with evidence (from the doctor, trainer, etc);

-the timeframe you request the hybrid learning for (1-2-3-4 days absences are not accepted).

NB! Requests for travelling reasons are not accepted.

Colds: The student stays at home and is treated to recover and come back physically (without hybrid learning), instead of staying in front of the computer and struggling to learn, and feeling sick for long-term.

P.S. Only a parent/tutor can submit a request for hybrid learning, not their child. This way we make sure the parents/tutors are aware of such requests. Thank you for your understanding!

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 As we prepare for this transition, students need to understand that the expectations for remote instruction are the same as if they were at school and must practice “netiquette” (Internet etiquette).  This is the use of good manners in online communications such as email, forums, blogs, and social networking sites. Families should know that when students log into their school Google account, they are logging into our school’s network. That means our internet content filters apply, and student internet activity is monitored. Students' Heritage emails belong to the school - they are not to be used for private matters, but only for educational purposes at Heritage International School. Each student is expected to upload a school appropriate picture. If students are in situation when parents do not allow them to have a profile picture of themselves online, from security reasons, the school needs to be informed by the parents in written form.

Under no circumstances is a student allowed to share the Heritage email credentials to anyone. This is a breach of online safety and the school's Behaviour Code (available on our site) will be applied and measures taken accordingly.

In using Google Classroom, Gmail, Google Meet, or any other online tools, we expect students to be respectful of their teachers and classmates. This includes:

• Respectful behavior and language

• Appropriate topic discussions

• Appropriate video transmissions

• Appropriate icon, emoji, and avatar submissions

• Academic integrity and only submitting original work

• Not recording or capturing video or still images that are altered, used in inappropriate ways, or posted to social media or other platforms

• Specific Expectations Virtual Teacher/Student Meetings Google Meet: This is a video conferencing app that allows participants to see and hear the teacher and other students in a group setting. The group can also view presentations and other documents from the teacher or other students. Younger students might need parent assistance in using this service or app (if using a mobile device). Teachers will:

• Communicate participant expectations for virtual meetings

• Instruct students on muting their mic and turning off their cameras. 

Note: The expectation for engaging, interactive online learning is to see one another in (virtual) class. Turning off the camera may be useful if bandwidth becomes an issue and you experience skipping during the online session. Otherwise, each student MUST have their camera on, if asked by their teacher. Cameras must be always ON while taking tests online.

• • • Instruct students on video protocol.

The Video Protocol for ALL students:

• • A plain or appropriate background

  • A space that avoids others in the background unless a parent has been invited to join the lesson for a special event (pre-arranged)

  • School appropriate dress 

  •  Teachers will use video conferencing for remote learning at all times (during regular school hours); if exceptions appear and students have asynchronous tasks, this will be announced in advance.

• Students with online access will:

  • Follow netiquette rules listed above

  • Dress school-appropriate

  • Keep mic muted, except when speaking

  • Find a quiet space to have online lessons in

  • Attend remote learning sessions as scheduled

  • Respect the school Netiquette when working in separate teams, breakout rooms, Jamboards, or other digital platforms.

We are excited to continue to provide an amazing education for your child. Please don't hesitate to reach out to us if you have any questions or concerns about our distance learning classes.