• High School  - Expansion to Deeper Learning for Credit

    For Teachers

    • Google Classroom is the preferred method of communication with students.  
    • Teachers should post assignments on Google Classroom or their usual platform for posting work.  Assignment should be preceded by either video or written explanations.
      • Check-in and due dates should be posted with the assignments/activities.  All times for due assignments should be 11:59pm.
      • Math, Foreign Language, English should post Monday & Wednesday 
      • Science, Social Studies, Electives should post Tuesday & Thursday
      • Friday should be a make up day - to be used like U Block!
    • Posting in Google Classroom
      • Post as "Assignments" (from the "Classwork" tab) and fill in the deadline, not just outline them in a post. Students will get a floating reminder of the upcoming deadline at the top of the page, they can actually turn something in when they finish it.  Also they can see the activity listed by due date on Google Calendar. 
      • All assignments should have a due date time of 11:59pm on the day it is due.   
    • The focus of assignments will be to deepen students’ skills in relation to learned content.  
    • Teachers should post “Office Hours” for real-time access for students with questions.  Teachers should be available for a minimum of one and maximum of  two hours during the day. For example: 11am-noon and 4pm - 5pm or 11am -1pm.  Office Hours should be posted on the communication sheet.
    • Virtual engagement will be monitored through work completed. 
    • Teachers will track the completion of assignments by marking an X in Aspen, but will not post grades.  This will indicate credit earned.  Teachers should make sure their settings allow for the X to be visible to students in Aspen.   If an assignment has not been received by the teacher, the teacher will put “missing” in the comments.  Late assignments will be accepted.
    • Teachers should provide feedback in terms of comments in Google Classroom when appropriate.
    • If a teacher becomes ill, the teacher should post if they will be unavailable.
    • Regular Education teachers should regularly update Aspen noting completion of experiences.  For students with IEPs, Special Education teachers will also be involved in monitoring student progress.
    • Special Education teachers will provide students with a “toolbox” to support student access to supplemental enrichment experiences at home.  
    • During closure, Special Education teachers will check-in directly with students to identify problems and troubleshoot solutions.
    • During closure, Regular Education teachers should reach out directly to parents and students if they notice that a student is not completing assignments.  If students continue not to engage, the student should be referred to the Dean of Students.
    • Teachers should be mindful that students may be experiencing stress during this time.  Teachers should be mindful not to assign assignments that may be frustrating to students by introducing new complex content.
    • As seniors do not at this time have access to SCORE internships, teachers should continue to engage with students while the building is closed to assure continuity of education.  Understanding there is no 4th quarter curriculum in many courses, teachers should provide seniors with an assignment to maintain skills at least one time per week.

     

    For Students:

    • Students should check both MEAPPs email and Google Classroom on a daily basis, as teachers may be communicating both ways.
    • Students should be engaging in an average of approximately 3.5 hours of schoolwork each day.  Student study style will impact the number of hours required.
    • There is an expectation for students to complete school work.
    • Virtual engagement will be monitored through the completion of work.
    • Students are responsible for completing posted assignments for credit.
    • Students should make every effort to abide by due dates.  Late assignments, however, will be accepted.
    • If a student is having difficulty, they should reach out to the teacher during digital “office hours” or via email to schedule an appointment for an online conference (Google Hangouts, Zoom, etc. or Chat).  
    • For students with IEPs, please also reach out to your liaison/case manager if you are having difficulties. Email is best.
    • Understanding students may not have taken home all necessary tools, supplies, books, etc., students should contact their teacher if they do not have access to a needed resource to find a way to work around that obstacle.
    • If a student becomes ill, they should contact each teacher to let them know.
    • If a student is experiencing stress, anxiety or frustration that is limiting their ability to engage with content, they should reach out to their teachers and guidance counselor.
    • Students should engage in physical activity on a regular basis. 
    • Students should check Aspen and Google Classroom regularly to check teacher comments.
    • All late work will be accepted.  Students should email their teacher that it was turned in.

    For Parents/Guardians:

    • Parents/Guardians should monitor students to assure completion of assignments
    • Parents/Guardians should contact the teacher if there is a concern about their student’s progress
    • Parents/Guardians should contact the guidance counselor with any questions or concerns.
    • For families that do not have internet access, please contact the principal (puglisip@mersd.org)