Digital Distance Learning

White County School System is excited to continue our Digital Distance Learning (DDL) program to students in grades 6-12 for the 2022-2023 school year. Students must be dedicated, motivated, organized, disciplined, resourceful, and supported to be successful in an online learning environment. This program is an extension of our middle and high schools. Students must apply and be accepted into the program. After reviewing the criteria, time commitment, and expectations, interested families should download and complete the application.

Eligibility Criteria

Digital learning is not optimal for every student. Some students do not thrive academically, socially, or emotionally in the digital learning environment. Acceptance into the program will be based on the following:

• Prospective students must have been successful (courses completed, passing grades, and credits earned) if previously enrolled in DDL.

• High school applicants must be on track to graduate with their cohort.

• Good attendance history

• History of earning passing grades (marks)

Platform and Time Commitment

• All students will complete coursework using a self-paced online software that is aligned with state or national standards

• Students should dedicate time to each course every school day. Students should expect to spend 4-5 hours each school day completing coursework and remain "On Target" with course progress goals.

• Coursework will be available 24/7; however, it is not expected that students work on weekends or school holidays.

Expectations for Digital Distance Learning Students

• Students accepted into the DDL program are committing for the entire semester. It is crucial that families are confident in their decision to enroll in online learning.

• Students must have reliable Internet access. Lack of Internet access will not excuse a student from completing coursework.

• Families should commit to supporting the student by setting up a workspace, creating a daily schedule, and monitoring students' progress. Parents and guardians can receive daily or weekly updates via email and may access report cards using the parent portal in Infinite Campus.

• Attendance requirements are defined in accordance with a virtual setting. Truancy laws will not be waived by the system and parents who do not consistently ensure their students meet the attendance guidelines will be subject to truancy consequences.

• Students will be expected to abide by the WCSS Code of Conduct (insert link) while participating in DDL.

• Parents/guardians agree to have their student participate in required district assessments depending on student grade level. Such assessments will be outlined at the beginning of the semester. Milestones and MAP testing will be in-person at the school or other designated location.

• Students in the DDL program may participate in after-school extracurricular activities and athletics. Some activities will not be accessible to DDL students depending on when they are held and the nature of the activity.

Calendar

April 15, 2022: Initial application submission deadline

May 13, 2022: Student notification of acceptance

August 1, 2022: Late application deadline for new enrollees

August 5: First day of school

August 5-10: A mandatory orientation meeting will be held virtually for all DDL students

August 5-19: WCHS probationary period - Students who are not making adequate progress will be removed from DDL and required to participate in face-to-face instruction at their respective school

August 5-26: WCMS probation period - Students who are not making adequate progress will be removed from DDL and required to participate in face-to-face instruction at their respective school

Application

• Download the DDL application

• Email the completed application to Stephen Gerrells, DDL Coordinator, at stephen.gerrells@white.k12.ga.us

Once accepted, additional information regarding completing the DDL program will be provided via the email address used on the application.

MEALS FOR DDL STUDENTS

Pick-up meals at the White County Middle School. Pick up location is at the kitchen doors. Signage will be placed so parents can see where to pick up meals. Meals will be free for all students.

• Meals can be picked up from 11:00 – 12:30 daily.

• Parents/students will ring the bell and a School Nutrition staff member will meet them, ask how many meals they need, obtain the name of the student, and give them their meals.

• Students will be given both a breakfast for the following day and a hot lunch each day.

• Student's names will be on a roster. This allows us to process and properly account for the meal. A School Nutrition staff member will check meals off on the DDL roster daily. The breakfast and lunch meals will be accounted for on a numerical chart each day.

• The student does not need to be present to receive a meal. A Parent/Guardian may pick up a meal for their child but they must provide the student's name in order to validate their child’s enrollment in DDL learning.