Frequently Asked Questions

How can I find out what my student is currently working on in class?

The two best ways to keep updated on what your student is studying or working on is to check your student's itsLearning Dashboard. While PowerSchool will also provide important information on your student's progress, it won't reflect assignments that aren't due yet or have not been graded.

How do I sign up for Parent Access Portal to PowerSchool?

The Justice League teachers strongly recommend that all Justice League parents have a Parent Access Portal account to check PowerSchool, as this will provide information on your student's current grades between progress reports. To sign up, follow the directions on the SCCPSS district website here.

How do I access my student's itsLearning Dashboard?

Note: Please do not post as your student--their dashboard is a safe digital space for them to collaborate, discuss, and learn freely with peers, and posting as them would impact that negatively. If you have a question about an assignment, grade, etc. please email that content area teacher directly!

OK, I'm on my student's Dashboard but...what does everything mean? I don't know how to navigate--help!

New to itsLearning? Check out our information and support page!

What if my student needs extra help? What can they do?

The main way we provide extra help and academic support to students is through tutorial time. During remote learning, students will have a tutorial period from 2:25-3:00 PM Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays. During this time, teachers will be available for individual support by student request (email, itsLearning message, parent phone call). Teachers may also schedule additional individual or small group learning sessions on Wednesdays (independent learning days) for students who need extra support or assistance. If your student is having significant difficulty in a class and needs more intensive intervention, please reach out to that content area teacher for assistance. If your student is struggling in multiple classes, a team conference is likely in order to help identify areas for improvement and behavior patterns that may be impacting academics, etc. To schedule a conference, please contact Ms. Sauers!

What is the independent reading requirement?

To help students improve their reading and comprehension skills, practice is essential! To this end, students are expected to bring their current independent reading book to school every day. Students will have the opportunity to choose a new book from the STEM Library and Learning Commons during their ELA class every other week, but they may also choose to borrow a book from the public library or buy their own copy. Students are expected to be reading their current chosen book during any free time they may have in their classes.

What is the team policy on students' cell phones?

Students may bring their phones to school, but the expectation is that they will be silenced or turned off completely and remain in the student's backpack during class. Inappropriate phone use in class will result in disciplinary consequences. Students are expected to leave their phones in their classrooms (which are locked and secure!) during lunch and brain break so they can chat and play with their peers without technological distraction (and also so they don't break or lose their device while playing and running around!). Students who disregard this expectation will receive disciplinary consequences.

While teachers generally do not take students' phones away from them due to potential liability issues, if your student's phone use becomes an issue, teachers may request that you have them leave it home.

Please do not call or text your student during class! It is a disruption to the learning environment and other students too. If you need to reach your student for any reason, please call the STEM Academy Main Office at 912-395-3500 and press 0 to reach the front desk.

During remote learning, students are expected to use their school-provided iPads to complete their assignments and participate in real-time virtual instruction. Ergo, students should not be using their cell phones during the school day. If phone use during virtual instruction becomes an issue, your student's teachers may request that you limit your student's access to their phone during the school day.

Can students bring personal devices (iPad, laptop, etc.) to use in class?

Students are expected to use their school iPads primarily, since it functions as their "textbook" and "workbook" for school. Additionally, your student's school iPad is set up with several safety and productivity features to ensure a positive user experience and allow teachers to monitor their work. The only reason a student should be bringing in a personal laptop, iPad, etc. is if their school iPad is out for repairs OR they need it for a particular project, in which case they need to ask their teacher for permission. The other reason Justice League teachers strongly prefer students use their school devices is because they are insured against damage--if your student's personal device is damaged during school for any reason, STEM is not responsible or liable for any repairs or replacements.

Can I observe my student in class?

Absolutely! Just contact the teacher(s) of the class(es) you want to observe to make arrangements.

I'm interested in volunteering! How do I sign up?

If you would like to volunteer, you will need to apply and register through the district's Project Beacon program--click here to get started!

What happens if my student earns a failing quarterly grade in a core content class? What if they fail the class for the year?!?

If your student earns a failing grade in any core content class during the first three quarters, they will have the opportunity to complete Credit Recovery--a set of alternative assignments that cover that quarter's curriculum content. They must earn an 80% or higher on this set in order to "pass" Credit Recovery. If they pass Credit Recovery, their grade for the class they failed will be raised to a 70%. Ms. Sauers is the Credit Recovery coordinator for Justice League--she will provide you with more information at the end of each quarter if your student needs to participate in Credit Recovery.

If your student fails a core content class for the year, they will have to attend summer school. Students may attend summer school to make up a maximum of two classes. If a student fails three or more core content classes, they will be retained and have to repeat seventh grade. If a student attends summer school, but does not meet the completion requirements (ie. didn't do the work or didn't earn the minimum necessary grade to pass), they will be retained and repeat seventh grade. You will be notified of your student's retention status by the last day of school, and will receive information to register them for summer school (if they are eligible) at that time.