Virtual Academy
REGISTRATION FOR VIRTUAL ACADEMY IS CLOSED FOR THE REMAINDER OF THE FIRST SEMESTER!
OPTION 2:
Virtual Academy
Families will have the option to choose a virtual-only plan for the upcoming school year.
This option is recommended for students or families who are considered in the high-risk category for contracting COVID-19. This could include individuals with a pre-existing condition or those with families members with compromised immune systems that could also be at risk. If you are unsure if you are considered high-risk, consult your family physician.
Students enrolled in Virtual Academy will receive daily instruction and virtual interaction from a teacher on a set schedule.
Virtual Academy should not be confused with the Non-Traditional Instruction (NTI) provided during the emergency school closures of Spring 2020. NTI will be used for short-term closures, such as snow days, or restrictions related to public health guidelines. Additionally, paper packets will not be a part of the Virtual Academy.
Questions about virtual academy should be directed to virtualacademy@owensboro.kyschools.us
Devices will be provided to all students in Virtual Academy.
Access to quality internet is imperative to student success in the Virtual Academy.
Daily participation will be required for students enrolled in the Virtual Academy.
ANNOUNCEMENTS:
Check here for updated announcements
August 13th, 2020
Good Morning.docxMore Information:
The Virtual Academy option will utilize two different styles of teaching to enrich and elevate the student experience:
Synchronous Learning: Two-way, live virtual communication and interaction between teacher and students, when collaboration and brainstorming are needed. Synchronous learning may include:
Virtual breakout discussion groups
Virtually polling or surveying the audience
Live digital assessments of mastery
Digital review games and other interactive activities
Asynchronous Learning: One-way communication that is not completed in a live virtual setting. Asynchronous learning will be assigned by the teacher and will be done by the student independently. It may include:
A short recorded lesson by the instructor
Short presentations given by students that can be viewed at a later time
Posted assignments that are completed by students and uploaded for instructor feedback
Question & Answers
Virtual Academy
Can Pre K- 2 join the Virtual Academy?
Virtual Academy is not an option for preschool and is not recommended for grades K-2, but will be permitted if it is the best option for your family.
Why would I have my student engage in the Virtual Academy Option?
This option is recommended for students or families who are considered in the high-risk category for contracting COVID-19. This could include students with a pre-existing condition, or those with families members with compromised immune systems that could also be at risk.
Will my student be able to return to their home school?
Yes, students will still be considered enrolled at their home school. While participating in the full-time remote learning option, students will still be connected to their home school and will have access to services such as counselors, social workers and technology support. Once the school year starts, Virtual Academy students must remain in Virtual Academy through the end of the first semester, unless restrictions are lifted by the Governor’s office or the Green River District Health Department.
Are school meals available for Virtual Academy students?
Meal service will be provided to all students, regardless of which option you choose.
Details on meal service procedures are still being finalized and can be found on the district website at owensboro.kyschools.us once they are complete.
Will Virtual Academy be like NTI during the spring?
Virtual Academy should not be confused with the Non-Traditional Instruction (NTI) provided during the emergency school closures of Spring 2020. NTI will only be used for those selecting the in-person classes during closures, such as snow days, or restrictions related to public health guidelines.
Will the Virtual Academy be live-streamed from an in-person classroom?
Virtual Academy will NOT include a live-stream video from a classroom conducting in-person instruction. Designated Virtual Academy staff will be assigned to grade levels and will instruct students who are all in a virtual setting.
What will the Virtual Academy schedule look like?
Virtual Academy will consist of four days of direct/interactive instruction and one day of individual learning. Schedule will be set by instructor.
Will my child be able to participate in sports and extracurricular activities if in Virtual Academy?
Owensboro Public Schools will follow the recommendations and permissions provided by the Kentucky High School Athletics Association (KHSAA) in regards to fall/winter sports.
Spring sports will be addressed at a later date, but we will continue to follow the guidelines set forth by the KHSAA.
Coaches will communicate with their athletes on the guidelines for resuming athletic activities.
Students will be allowed to participate in extracurricular activities whether they are on the A/B Model or Virtual Academy.
Fine Arts activities will also be impacted, and will follow the recommendations and permissions provided by the Kentucky Music Educators Association in concert with the Green River Area Health Department.
What if my child starts Virtual Academy but then wants to withdraw and switch to the A/B model?
Once the school year starts, Virtual Academy students must remain in Virtual Academy through the end of the first semester, unless restrictions are lifted by the Governor’s office or the Green River District Health Department.
Will my child be provided with a chromebook for Virtual Academy?
Devices will be provided to all students in Virtual Academy. It is NOT an option for preschool.
What if I don't have reliable internet?
For families needing assistance with internet access, please contact the Family Resource/Youth Service Center at your individual school.
Will technology support be available?
For technology help, please contact the Technology Department at 270-686-1000.
If all students start virtual will there still be a Virtual Academy?
Yes, if we were to all start virtually students would remain in the separate Virtual Academy if registered.
How to Register for Virtual Academy:
Virtual Academy registration is currently closed for the first semester.
At this time, both models are at full capacity and therefore we cannot allow any further changing between the two, including A/B days.
Virtual Academy students must remain in Virtual Academy through the end of the first semester, unless restrictions are lifted by the Governor’s office or the Green River District Health Department. Please contact virtualacademy@owensboro.kyschools.us with any questions.