At the heart of student success lies the home/school partnership. Teachers want to see students succeed and want to accommodate for the needs of families during this time. We invite parents to communicate with the teacher immediately when certain needs and concerns arise.
If a unit of inquiry was introduced prior to spring break, teachers will provide a written report following our normal procedures
Students will earn a Meets Expectations or Does Not Meet Expectations for distance learning participation using the following criteria:
I take ownership of my weekly assignments by showing how I use self-management skills to complete my work on time:
I complete all reading, writing, math, and STEM activities each week. Learning activities start at 8:00 am on Monday and are due by 8:00 pm on Sunday.
I complete one art, music, PE, and Spanish activity each week. I upload my learning to Seesaw.
I am a communicator and participator by:
Attending the mandatory Monday Google Meet
Choosing to attend the optional Wednesday and Friday Google Meet
Asking my teacher for help (through email and office hours) as needed
When students do not make an effort to participate in the ways outlined above, teachers will be communicating on a weekly basis with parents to find a solution. If the student’s lack of participation is not remedied, students will be at risk of receiving Does Not Meet Expectations for the distance learning period.
We understand that distance learning is a combined responsibility for parents and teachers to work together in maximizing student participation. And again, we are here to help - understanding the efforts needed to coordinate and guide your student’s learning during this trying time is not always easy. We desire a collaborative partnership with all Westlake Academy families as it is our goal for all of our students to be successful.
Parents please take a moment to read these with your student(s)
The following guidelines will ensure your son or daughter is successful in our distance learning program. We have used student friendly language so you have the option of reading and elaborating these guidelines to your child. We encourage you to get clarification of each guideline in regard to what it is asking and what it looks like for your child. If needed, conversations or reminders of these expectations should be made on a regular basis.
These guidelines can be posted in your son/daughter’s regular distance learning place for reminders. We would also ask that the IB Learner Profile be posted as well, as the traits naturally connect to the distant learning plans sent by your teacher.
Students, to help you and your teachers enjoy learning at home, here are some important guidelines. If you do not understand the bold words, discuss them with a parent or guardian.
With the help of a parent or guardian, create a space for learning in your home.
Set regular times or daily routines for engaging in learning.
Make times during the week to communicate with your teacher or parents/guardian and ask for help, don’t wait!
Be mindful of waiting for a response - your teachers may be juggling many things at home, as well. You are not forgotten, and they will respond as soon as they can.
Engage and try your best in all learning experiences and be principled in everything you do.
Complete your activities neatly and thoughtfully to the timelines provided by your teacher.
When using your iPad, use it for your learning activities only.
Be caring and have balance in your time at home, help a parent or guardian with chores and routines around the house and balance work and play.
Distance learning plans will be communicated to PYP families via ManageBac by 3pm on Fridays.
Teachers will host a virtual “Monday Morning Meeting” for all students. This live meeting will be recorded for future reference.
Teachers will be available for video conferences with parents and students for one hour each day, providing three 20-minute meetings, Monday-Friday. Parents and students can schedule a meeting via Calendly. These meeting times will be dedicated to Q&A and/or further clarification of tasks and learning engagements. This time is subject to increase as distance learning is established.
Teachers will be available via email from 8:30 am-3:30 pm, responding to parent requests within 24 hours.
Teachers will strike a balance between online/digital learning experiences and off-line learning experiences. An IB education requires that we deliver varied learning experiences that support the development of all five Approaches to Learning skills. Students will have time away from their devices.
The PYP distance learning experiences will allow for flexibility, giving families the agency to design routines suitable for their household based on their personal family dynamics. Westlake Academy faculty recommends consistency through the completion of daily mini-lessons and assignments.
Teachers will design learning experiences that:
are easily understood and facilitated by parents/guardians.
provide opportunities for students to work collaboratively through a virtual environment.
provide time and opportunities for students to have agency over their own learning
take into consideration IEP and 504 accommodations, in coordination with the Special Education teacher and the 504 Coordinator.
take into consideration RTI interventions, in coordination with the math and literacy specialists.
Distance Learning within the core content areas should be a minimum of two hours, with a maximum of three hours. Additionally, an hour of distance learning designed to investigate art, music, PE, and Spanish will be incorporated into the daily plan.
The length of a single learning experience will be dependent on the learner’s age and ability.
Teachers are mindful of time when designing home learning, as learning experiences can be adjusted to meet the needs of individual students. As a guideline, teachers will aim for:
K/G1: 15-20 minutes G2/G3: 20-30 minutes G4/G5: 30-40 minutes