As we move from state mandated “maintenance” to “continuity” it means that teachers will be able to teach new material and assess student understanding of new material. Given the fact that we are in a time of crisis, we want to approach this new phase of learning with compassion. Many of our “maintenance” systems will stay in place as we move into continuity.
Teachers will continue to be available via email. You should expect at least one synchronous class per week, per teacher. When the teacher holds a virtual class , it will be using Google Hangouts/Meet. These classes will only meet at the times specified in the attached schedule. If your student is unable to attend the class, they will still have opportunities to access “new” learning electronically, via Unified Classroom. We still suggest that students complete blue day assignments on blue days and the same for white days.
Please note the following FAQs
What is my child’s number one priority during this time?
- Mental, emotional, and physical well being
- BHS has numerous supports in place to help students who are struggling; this includes School Counselors, Case Managers and Student Support Services
Are we taking attendance?
- Yes, per state mandate.
- Teachers will be recording student attendance weekly.
- Students will be marked present for the week if they: turn in assignments on Unified Classroom, attend a Google Meet class session, or email their teacher during the week.
How much work should my student expect to do each week?
- A maximum of 90 minutes per class, per week
- Many teachers will continue to offer enrichment resources as a supplement for students who would like to work ahead
How much new curriculum will be introduced to students?
- Teachers are working to identify critical proficiencies/skills to focus on for the remainder of the school year. They are meeting weekly to determine essential progress. Teachers will complete a portion of previously planned material
How will my student know what their assignments are?
- Teachers will continue to email the weekly work plan on Monday mornings by 9am. All assignments for the week are on the weekly work plan. Additionally, students can access the assignments in Unified Classroom.
When are assignments due?
- All assignments for all classes are due Friday at 4pm.
Does this quarter count?
- Yes. Student learning will be assessed this quarter, though it is not expected that students will have as rich an experience as they would in a face-to-face scenario.
What will show up on my child’s transcript and report card?
- BHS has aligned with a number of Vermont high schools to create a system which values student progress. See below for details.
- Yearlong courses: Because students had the opportunity to provide a significant body of evidence of learning throughout the year, teachers can provide accurate scores for student learning. Students will receive a letter grade on their transcript based primarily on their learning in quarters 1-3. In order to maximize equity and opportunity, the average of quarters 1-3 cannot go down during Continuity Learning, but can be raised through work they do through quarter 4. However, in order to be eligible for a grade on the transcript, students must participate during the Continuity Learning phase; students who do not participate will earn an Incomplete on their transcript.
- Semester courses: Students have not had sufficient time to demonstrate a body of evidence of learning for second semester courses. Teachers may not be able to provide accurate scores for learning targets in second semester courses at this time, so students will receive one of the following scores on their transcript: Pass with Distinction, Pass, or Incomplete.
- Pass (P): Students who show sufficient evidence of achievement (either at the on the Q3 report card or by the end of the year) and continue to participate during Continuity Learning will receive a P on their transcript.
- Pass with Distinction (PD): Students who maintain/improve their current skills and who continue to demonstrate sophisticated levels of achievement during Continuity Learning will receive a PD on their transcript.
- Incomplete (Inc): Students who do not participate in Continuity Learning will earn an Incomplete on their report card and transcript. These students will have an opportunity to change this after the school year.
- Seniors will need to resolve all incompletes in order to be eligible for a diploma
What happens if my student cannot participate in Continuity Learning?
- Students who do not participate in Continuity Learning will earn Incomplete scores on their report cards and transcripts. We are working on ways for students to make up this work at the end of the school year, over the summer, and/or in the fall.
What if my student needs extra help?
- Teachers will be available to support students. If your student is overwhelmed with the workload, please communicate with the School Counselor.
What if my student has tech issues?
- Please call 864-8437 and leave the student’s first and last name, contact phone number, description of the issue and student I.D. number if possible.
Will there be a final exam week?
- Students can expect to have end-of-year assessments, but there will not be a traditional exam week.
Is there going to be a YES program?
- Unfortunately the YES program has been canceled for this year.
Are Habits of Work and Learning being assessed during Continuity Learning?
- Habits of Work and Learning will not be assessed during Continuity Learning.
Click this link for a larger view of the BHS Class Schedule.
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