Yellow Medicine East School District
Bert Raney Elementary School
"eLearning Day" Frequently Asked Questions
Last updated: October 2023
What is an eLearning Day?
An eLearning Day is used in place of a school day that has been canceled due to inclement weather. An eLearning Day means that students will complete the learning activities and assignments provided by the teacher at home. Students will receive learning activities and assignments for each subject that would have originally taken place during a regular school day.
How will we be notified that a "snow day" is an eLearning Day?
The school will communicate to all parents and staff through the JMC School Messenger System that is already utilized. In the message sent, it will read that the snow day is an eLearning Day.
What about preschoolers and an eLearning Day?
Although there are no expectations for preschoolers to complete activities on an eLearning Day, preschool teachers will provide online activities that parents may choose to do with their children.
What happens if a student does not complete the eLearning Day assignments?
K-5 students are expected to turn in their eLearning day documents within 48 hours to their classroom teacher. The completed document will serve as attendance for the day. If students don't complete their work in a timely manner, they may be marked as absent, unexcused for that eLearning day. Parents should contact their child's teacher if there are extenuating circumstances that prevent their child from completing the assignment satisfactorily.
What if a student is on a pre-arranged absence?
The student would be expected to make up the learning activities and assignments just as if it were any other absence from school.
How is a student expected to complete the activities if they go to daycare when there is an eLearning Day?
Parents are encouraged to share eLearning information with their daycare provider. The school will provide daycare providers with information as requested.
How much time is my student expected to take to complete the assignments?
Teachers have designed eLearning activities and assignments that are equivalent in time to a regularly scheduled class period. Students working independently on an assignment will likely take less time to complete the assignment compared to a large group setting. Depending on the student’s age and abilities, it is estimated that it will take students around 15-20 minutes per subject for elementary students and longer for MS and HS students to complete their assignments.
Will the school building be closed on an eLearning Day, just as it is on a regular snow day?
Yes. The school district buildings will be closed to students and activities on an eLearning Day.
Will staff be accessible during an eLearning Day? And if so, how?
Yes. The school district staff are available to be contacted through their school email or by phone. Staff will be available via email and phone, during regular school hours (7:40AM-3:40PM) to answer questions and assist students. Zoom links will be shared for optional math and reading times. Staff may not respond immediately to questions but are expected to respond in a timely manner. If students struggle with an assignment because they can't contact a staff member due to lack of Internet connectivity, they will still be allowed 48 hours to make up their work. If a teacher is unavailable, families will be notified and may contact the office with questions. Special education teachers will also be available and may reach out to students via phone or other online option.
What if there is only one computer in the house but multiple students?
Students may need to share resources in the home or other locations. Some students may want to work on offline options while others complete online assignments. Grade 6-12 students would be expected to use the district-assigned device which may help alleviate the demand on the home computer. A public library is also an option for in-town students that could get there safely.
Area Public Libraries
Granite Falls Public Library:
M-Th 9:00AM-6:30PM
F 9:00AM-3:00PM
Sa 9:00AM-2:00PM
Clarkfield Public Library:
M - Th 10:00AM-5:30PM
F - 10:00AM-2:00PM
Free Community Wifi Locations*
Granite Falls: Public Library, KCC, and near the plaza area of the K.K. Berge building
Clarkfield: Public Library
Upper Sioux Community: Multi-purpose Building (MPB)
May students access or complete the online assignments from their smartphone?
Teacher websites can be accessed from a variety of tablets, smartphones, laptops, and desktop computers. The assignments may also use a variety of websites and applications that may or may not work from a variety of devices.
Will there still be make-up dates built into the district calendar?
Yes, make-up dates may be built into the district calendar. Although the school board sets the calendar each year, this calendar is subject to change due to unforeseen circumstances including inclement weather and health emergencies. An eLearning Day is an option that may be used in place of canceled school days or make-up days but may not be used for all canceled school days in any given school year.
Other questions?
If there are other questions or concerns, please contact the school offices: PreK-5 Principal Mrs. Hansen, lhansen@isd2190.org or MS/HS Principal Mrs. Hinz, shinz@isd2190.org or via phone at 320-564-4081.