FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
A continuous and consistent learning environment is best for student success. However, we understand that parents and students might have compelling reasons to seek a transition from one option to another, so we will provide opportunities to do so when available. For the sake of continuity, once an option has started, transfers from one learning option to another would be best after the completion of a 9 week grading term or semester. Unique circumstances will be handled on a case by case basis in partnership with the assigned school.
Yes, all SCOLA students must reapply each year.
Key elements to a successful online learning environment will be those non-traditional school supplies like a comfortable chair, a separate workspace, earphones/earbuds, printer paper, and a calendar or dry erase board. There could also be value in creating a sense of school with a backpack to store materials and moving between locations in the home.
Device such as a Chromebook or laptop (SCS will provide a Chromebook to all students)
Access to internet
A comfortable chair
A computer mouse makes the program easier than using the touchpad.
Notebooks (1 per Subject)
Pens and pencils
Highlighters
Calculator for Grades 4 and above
Earbuds/headphones
Binder / Folder for Organization
Elementary - Crayons & glue sticks
Notecards
Printer (optional)
Students who have an IEP will require an ARC meeting prior to being accepted into SCOLA to ensure the student's needs can be met.
Section 504 accommodation plans will remain in place with SCOLA.
With good academic standing, SCOLA students will be eligible to participate in extracurricular (not co-curricular) activities offered at their districted school. Some exceptions may apply.
For high school students enrolled in SCOLA:
Athletic eligibility will be determined based upon the KHSAA eligibility guidelines.
Learning will occur through the learning management system, Schools PLP, with support from mentor teachers. Our SCOLA staff can easily monitor student progress and performance with usage statistics, grading and feedback tools, curriculum maps, and communication tools.
Yes, a desktop, laptop, or Chromebook will be required. A stable internet connection will also be necessary at home. If you are unable to provide your own device please notify SCOLA.
Yes. A large portion of learning will be personalized, targeted learning objectives to improve student outcomes that can be completed outside the "normal" school day. This learning model provides families the flexibility to choose an instructional model to meet their needs while reflecting Scott County School's commitment to providing a high-quality instructional experience, no matter what the setting. Attendance will be monitored daily. Students who fail to complete activities/assignments on a scheduled school day will be considered absent. SCS attendancy policy is the same for SCOLA as a traditional in-person student.
Yes. SCOLA is a public school choice, students must participate in all required state assessments. Students will be required to report to a school campus for state assessments.
All students attending SCOLA will have access to many accommodations that naturally occur in the virtual setting. In addition, SCOLA may be able to provide additional accommodations per a student’s IEP or Section 504 Plan if the accommodation(s) is/are applicable to the online educational environment. Please note that some accommodations may not be possible to implement in the online educational setting. Students who have an IEP will require and ARC meeting with SCOLA staff to ensure the student's needs can in fact be met through SCOLA. Students who have 504 Plans will require a meeting with SCOLA staff to ensure the student's accommodations can adequately be met.
Yes. Students will have flexibility and can "catch up" on their course work but should still submit an excuse note from a parent or medical provider for any date they will not complete school work. If the student will have an extended absence, SCOLA staff should be notified in advance. Attendance will be monitored by SCOLA staff twice per day for all students. Student attendance will be monitored at 11:00 A.M. and 2:00 P.M. daily.
Yes. Scott County residents who do not maintain academic success, despite layers of intervention, may be required to return to in-person learning at their assigned home base school. Students not residing in Scott County who do not maintain academic success, may be denied re-enrollment the following school year.
You can use the staff tab to find your mentor's email as well as the texting feature in Schools PLP.
If you have forgotten your username or password, please contact your assigned mentor teacher.
If you have forgotten the name of your mentor teacher, please contact the SCOLA principal at heather.brown2@scott.kyschools.us
Any student seeking a virtual learning option will need to request NEW registration in the Scott County Online Learning Academy each year.
Yes! SCOLA students are eligible to earn KEES money. Learn more about KEES here: https://www.kheaa.com/pdf/pubs/KEES_Brochure.pdf
Yes! Like all juniors, SCOLA students will be eligible to take the ACT for free their 11th grade year.
Yes! SCOLA students can participate in dances/PROM at their assigned districted school.
No. SCOLA students are enrolled full time with SCOLA. Students will not be permitted to be in person part time and SCOLA part time. For example: Students will not be permitted to attend SCOLA and ECS.
SCOLA does maintain a flexible schedule for students. However, students must demonstrate attendance by completing course work daily. SCOLA staff will clarify attendance by checking platform engagement. Attendance requirements will be the same as any other SCS student. Parents may write up to 6 notes to excuse an absence. Doctor notes should be turned in within 5 school days of the absence. When in person students are out of school, SCOLA students are not required to login.
Families will work with our SCOLA counselor to determine the appropriate courses for their schedule. This will be personalized based on your child's needs. Students will be allowed to work ahead on assignments/modules.
Families can find more information regarding the the Schools PLP platform here: https://schoolsplp-pub.s3.amazonaws.com/videos/Student+Walk+Through.mp4
Student discipline code of acceptable behavior and discipline can be found here: https://www.scott.kyschools.us/userfiles/1533/my%20files/2122/sdc%20final%20print.pdf?id=84040
Is SCOLA open to any Scott County student?
Yes, any student is welcome to apply to Scott County Online Learning Academy (SCOLA). SCOLA staff will review the application to determine if SCOLA can best meet the needs of the applicant.
Can nonresidents of Scott County apply for SCOLA?
Yes, any Kentucky student is open to apply to Scott County Online Learning Academy (SCOLA). Nonresidents will be required to pay a yearly tuition fee of $500. This payment is due in full at the time of acceptance and official enrollment with Scott County schools.
What is the SCOLA progress Report Schedule?
SCOLA will follow the district determined midterm and semester report dates as noted in Infinite Campus. You will have access to your student's real time progress through Schools PLP. Final course grades will be posted into Infinite Campus at the end of the year or when the student is no longer enrolled with SCOLA. SCOLA highly recommends parents/learning coaches routinely monitor student progress. This will allow you to provide the appropriate support/resources for your child to demonstrate success in online learning.
What happens if the student is unsuccessful with online learning?
Scott County residents who do not maintain academic success, despite layers of intervention, may be required to return to in-person learning at their assigned home base school. Students not residing in Scott County who do not maintain academic success, may be denied re-enrollment the following school year.
Can students re-enroll in SCOLA once they voluntarily/involuntarily leave?
Once a student is unenrolled from SCOLA they are ineligible to return during that school year. Students may reapply to SCOLA the following school year.
What process will SCOLA staff use to communicate extracurricular activities at the student's districted school with SCOLA families?
Each school communicates extracurricular activities differently. SCOLA highly recommends that you contact your district school for specific information about activities of interest.
It can also be beneficial to follow both SCOLA and your districted school on Facebook.
SCOLA students stay connected to their districted school in IC. So, you will receive any information that your districted school sends out through IC messenger.
If you are having difficulty gaining information from your districted school please reach out to heather.brown2@scott.kyschools.us.
How much work is done at their own pace/timing and how much is at set times?
Students should focus on both passing course work with a 65% or better while staying "on pace" in each course. Each course provides pace dates for suggested dates of completion in order to remain "on pace." Student who are flagged "far behind" or who have a grade less than 65% will be placed on academic probation. A student who is unable to get back "on pace" or passing within the probation timelines will be required to return to in-person learning for more academic support.
What happens on NTI days?
SCOLA students will not be required to complete additional NTI work outlined by their districted school. SCOLA students will simply continue with their online program through Schools PLP. Daily work engagement will continue to be monitored for attendance purposes.
What if my kid completes all core classes before the calendar school year ends?
SCOLA students will continue with curriculum until the end of the year. Additional lessons and extension activities can be added to meet the student's individual needs.
What is the plan if our Internet goes out and we have no way to log in?
Individual cases can be accounted for with a parent note via email. If Scott County Schools is closed then SCOLA is also closed. Students in SCOLA are not required to login for attendance when Scott County Schools is closed.
Is there an exception for attendance if we go out of town and it is an educational experience (Washington DC, wildlife preserve, Pearl Harbor, etc...)?
A student may be approved for up to ten (10) days of absence per year for this purpose. Families can submit an Educational Enhancement Opportunity (EHO) form to the SCOLA principal, at least 5 days prior to the absence. Upon approval students would be excused from their absence. More information can be found on the district webpage here: https://www.scott.kyschools.us/Content2/20450
Do SCOLA students attend their districted school orientation?
SCOLA students will be provided online orientation information specific to SCOLA. SCOLA students are not required to attend orientation/open house at their districted school. However, some families may find it beneficial to learn about items such as clubs, sports, and the method of parent communication the school uses. Each school does open house/orientation differently and the activities at these events vary widely across the district. It may be worth calling your districted school and asking about the benefits of attending before attending with your SCOLA student.
Will a student be able to login on more than one device?
The program is web-based. Students will be able to access the program on any device with their login credentials.
What about meal information?