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Distance Learning 2.0 Guide A resource for students and families outlining VISD’s approach to maintaining educational continuity.
Table of Contents
General Expectations 4
Technology Requirements & Expectations of Use 5
Parent Resources 6
Family Roles & Responsibilities 7
Student Expectations 8
Frequently Asked Questions 9
Distance Learning By Grade Level/Student Schedules
• CES 11
• McM and VHS 14
McM and VHS Distance Learning Norms 17
Distance Learning Research-Informed Strategies for Parents 18
Updated 08/12/2020
Our Mission & District Priorities
OUR MISSION
The mission of Vashon Island School District is “Equipping every student to learn, thrive, and contribute in an ever-changing world.”
OUR DISTRICT PRIORITIES
The priorities of VISD are institutional values:
● Secure the Health and Safety of our School Community
● Successfully Support Academic and Social Emotional Growth
● Advance Racial Equity and Social Justice
● Maintain Our Unique Vashon Identity
Message from Superintendent, Dr. McSheehy
Under the banner of Vashon Island School District, we are surrounded by a robust group of district staff, students, families, and community; we are blessed with kindness, confidence, and resilience. Collectively we will endure the strangeness of the day, while providing equitable and meaningful educational opportunities for all of our students regardless of the delivery model. Together, we are bigger and stronger than this pandemic … we got this. VISD has developed this distance learning guide to help ensure educational continuity and equity while we are in remote learning. I also recognize that the circumstances related to reopening schools safely are mutable and our plans require constant monitoring and possible revision. Therefore, the district staff and myself will monitor our distance learning plan throughout the 2020-2021 year, and the District will revise and update the distance learning plan as needed. Thankfully, we are strong, and not alone in this process. Together, we can do amazing things!
All my best,
Dr. Slade McSheehy
General Expectations
Our goal for distance learning will be to mirror a typical in-person school day as closely as possible. To help accomplish that goal, we have set forth the following expectations for teachers and students:
• Each class will have a ‘live’ (synchronous) component using Google Meet.
• Classes will begin on time and current policies around turning in work will be maintained.
• From time to time, some classes may be videos/instructions via Seesaw or Google Classroom that need to be completed by students before their next class.
• Classes will be recorded without recording individual student screens.
• Students should give their best effort, exhibit their best online class behavior, and attend classes regularly, health permitting.
• Students should have their cell phones in a different room during class time.
• All normal school expectations will be expected online. School discipline may apply for students who demonstrate disruptive or disrespectful behavior.
Technology Requirements & Expectations for Use
• CES students will use Seesaw and Google Meet to deliver synchronous and asynchronous learning.
• McM and VHS students will use Google Classroom and Google Meet. Chrome is the preferred browser and they must be logged in with their school account.
• Students are expected to be courteous and respectful online and adhere to the technology code of conduct outlined in the student handbook.
• Students should refrain from experimenting with the Google Meet options during class time and follow the teacher’s directions for their live instruction.
• Elementary students using Seesaw will be instructed in how to use the features during online lessons with their teacher.
Parent Resources
For many of us, finding the right way to talk about coronavirus and the easing anxiety that comes with this atypical moment in time has been demanding. Here are some resources that may be of help during this pandemic.
VISD Distance Learning Resources for Families
• Social-Emotional Learning
How to talk to your children about Coronavirus
• Talking to Children About COVID-19 (Coronavirus): A Parent Resource
• Coronavirus (COVID-19): How to Talk to Your Child
• How to talk to your kids about COVID-19
Other Articles and Resources • Parenting in the Time of Coronavirus
• Overestimating, Underestimating: 5 ways to help teens manage anxiety about coronavirus
• Meditation Apps for Kids
Family Roles & Responsibilities
McMurray and Vashon Island High School
• Help your student manage their online learning by encouraging them to attend all classes and finish all assignments.
• Create a comfortable, distraction-free place for your student to work and attend online classes.
• Refrain from joining your student’s online classes or be visible on your student’s screens during classes.
• Encourage your student to incorporate physical activity and healthy breaks from classes during the day, while practicing responsible social distancing.
• Abide by our VISD Assurance Contract regarding use of the school-provided device.
Chautauqua Elementary
• Calmly establish routines and expectations for your child.
• Take an active role in your child’s learning. Assist them in logging into the device and various applications, and walk them through instructions when needed.
• Create a comfortable, distraction-free place to work.
• Partner with your child’s teachers and reach out should any challenges arise.
• Help your child to plan and turn in their work and keep them focused and on task.
• Provide opportunities for your child to play and move outside, while practicing responsible social distancing.
• Abide by our VISD Assurance Contract regarding use of the school-provided device if you have a loaned Chromebook.
Student Expectations
When classes are being conducted online via Google Meet, students are expected to follow these guidelines:
• Give your best effort and best online class behavior.
• You are expected to attend your classes unless your parent or guardian notifies the school office via email that you are sick or you have an alternate agreement with the school. Teachers will take attendance at the beginning of each class.
• Stay in contact (your teachers and support staff will be checking their email during the week daily, during regular school hours).
• Students must engage with schoolwork daily and complete assignments on a daily or weekly basis.
• Normal school rules apply related to student behaviors as well as consequences for violations of our behavior expectations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who do I contact if I have a question?
For middle school and high school, please contact individual teachers if you have concerns about classwork. Other general questions about your student should go to school counselors or school administration. At Chautauqua, your first point of contact should be your child’s teacher. If you have a technology related issue, please visit http://vashonsd.org/help . You’ll find answers to common questions, links to resources and information about how to open a support ticket with our Technology Department. If you have a general question about distance learning, please contact your school principal.
How will the School ensure that my student has continuity of learning?
Teachers and school leaders have worked closely to finalize a distance learning plan that will ensure continuity of learning. Utilizing Seesaw and Google Classroom (our Learning Management Systems), Google Hangouts Meet, and other technology platforms, like email, our teachers will remain in contact with every student with an open line of communication to parents. Our campus is closed but school remains open.
What resources are available if my student faces challenges with distance learning?
While we may not be together physically, all of the school’s resources remain available to our students. Teachers, counselors, paraeducators and school administrators will be hard at work supporting our students. At the same time, our dedicated and supportive community partners will continue to collaborate to bring the best services to our students.
If my student is sick on a distance learning day, what should my family do?
Just like on a normal school day, a parent should notify their school office if their student is sick. Students will have the opportunity to make up work and students will also have the opportunity to watch classes at a later time when they are feeling better to catch up without having missed that classroom instruction.
Does my student who is a senior need to worry about graduation requirements?
Vashon Island High School teachers and administrators are committed to supporting every student in meeting their graduation requirements. We will make decisions about adjusting graduation requirements as needed if required by the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction and/or the State Board of Education. Rest assured, our district is committed to helping the Class of 2021 successfully graduate. Your first point of contact for graduation requirement questions are the VHS Counselors: Paul Peretti (A-K) [email protected] and Tara Vanselow (L-Z) [email protected].
What will Food Services look like when students are learning remotely?
Vashon Island School District is committed to providing all of our students with healthy and delicious meals during these challenging times. Here are the details:
Meal service will be available for all students whether instruction is in-person or remote (distance learning), and will be without charge or at reduced price for those who qualify. Meal service will be provided for enrolled students only.
Meals will be charged to the student’s name and account number and can be paid for online. Students who qualify for the Free and Reduced Lunch program will continue to receive lunches without charge or at a reduced price.
Pick-up (distance learning) - breakfast and lunch will be served “Grab ‘n’ Go” style similar to this past Spring. Parents, guardians, and students are allowed to pick up student meals at the various locations. Student’s name and lunch account number will be required.
Delivery (distance learning) - similar to this past Spring, pick up locations around the island will continue as well. Routes and times will be available on the VISD website the week of August 24th-28th. Student’s name and lunch account number will be required.
Once VISD is able to commence in-person instruction, meals will be delivered to classrooms; Student’s name and lunch account will be required.
Chautauqua Elementary Distance Learning
GOALS
The goal of the Chautauqua Elementary Distance Learning Plan is to keep your children engaged so they can learn and grow, while also affording them with meaningful opportunities for connection and community. We will provide opportunities for them to read, write, share ideas, explore, create, play, and move. Perhaps most importantly, we will continue to provide them a sense of community and normalcy with a structured school day that continues the planned learning program.
Due to the developmental stages of our youngest learners, parents will need to assist your child with distance learning. For example, you will need to help them with logging into the device and various applications, in addition to walking through directions when needed.
For kindergarten students, teachers will provide activities to allow them the opportunity to continue cognitive, physical, and social-emotional skill-building as well as offer brief live and small group lessons. Learning engagements will include playful, inquiry-based explorations.
For students in grades K through 5, there will be a mix of daily and weekly assignments. All children should read (or be read to) daily.
SCHEDULE (K – Grade 5)
At 9 a.m. on school days each classroom will meet virtually for morning meetings and a beginning lesson. These morning meetings will take place via Google Meet. There will be a link to the online lessons in their classroom Seesaw app. Each class will be recorded so they can be viewed later.
Teachers will provide a daily to-do list describing learning goals and activities for the day. Classroom teachers will formulate core lessons around reading, writing, and math as well as science, social emotional learning and social studies themes. Specialist teachers will provide student support in the mornings and live lessons in the afternoon. Assignments will have a balance of on-screen and off-screen tasks that help connect students to what they have learned and the current curriculum. Students will be able to see the assignments on their to-do list and complete activities in Seesaw. Teachers will present a whole group lesson and be available for support and small group learning.
Within our core learning lessons and in our afternoon independent work block, small group services will be provided for students qualifying for Specially Designed Instruction and those needing additional academic or social emotional support.
If a family prefers to complete more of the work off-line, with less teacher support, they can coordinate with their teacher to continue daily engagement, learning, and work completion.
As students complete their school work, be mindful of taking brain breaks, which ideally includes physical activity and/or exercise. Teachers will be available for office hours at 3 p.m. to check in at the end of the day, review assignments, provide assistance and build community.
DAILY SCHEDULE
Time Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday
9:00-10:00
Welcome Attendance
Literacy Gr K-3* Math Gr 4-5*
Welcome Attendance
Literacy Gr K-3* Math Gr 4-5*
Welcome Attendance
Literacy Gr K-3* Math Gr 4-5*
Welcome Attendance
Literacy Gr K-3* Math Gr 4-5*
Welcome Attendance
Literacy Gr K-3* Math Gr 4-5*
10:00-10:30 Recess/
Movement Break** Recess/
Movement Break** Recess/
Movement Break** Recess/
Movement Break** Recess/
Movement Break**
10:30 – 11:30 Math Gr K-3*
Literacy Gr 4-5* Math Gr K-3*
Literacy Gr 4-5* Math Gr K-3*
Literacy Gr 4-5* Math Gr K-3*
Literacy Gr 4-5* Math Gr K-3*
Literacy Gr 4-5*
11:30 – 12:30 Recess/Lunch** Recess/Lunch** Recess/Lunch** Recess/Lunch** Recess/Lunch**
12:30 – 1:00 Science
Social Studies Thematic Studies
Science Social Studies
Thematic Studies
Science Social Studies
Thematic Studies
Science Social Studies
Thematic Studies Class Meeting
1:00-3:00
Independent Student Work
(offline) and 30 minute specialist
class***
Independent Student Work
(offline) and 30 minute specialist
class***
Independent Student Work
(offline) and 30 minute specialist
class***
Independent Student Work
(offline) and 30 minute specialist
class***
1:30 – 4:00 Team Planning/Staff
Meetings Lesson Development
Professional Development -
Student Independent Work 3:00-3:30
Teacher Open Office Hours
Teacher Open Office Hours
Teacher Open Office Hours
Teacher Open Office Hours
*Math and Literacy blocks will contain small group work and teacher support as well as a whole group lesson. Whole group lesson length will vary based on the developmental age of the students.
**Recess is independent time and not teacher-led. Movement and exercise are encouraged throughout the day.
***May include: Independent reading, Individual student check-ins, academic support groups, Specially Designed Instruction, family connections and 30 minute specialist (Spanish, Art, Library, Music, Social-Emotional) class.
DIGITAL RESOURCES AND DEVICE MANAGEMENT EXPECTATIONS
DIGITAL RESOURCES
• Preschool through Grade 5
Seesaw is an interactive platform where students can access and complete assignments. They can draw, record and create as well as easily upload assignments and get feedback.
• Google Meet links will be posted in the Inbox tab under Messages.
• Daily lessons and recordings of Morning Meeting will be posted to the Activities tab.
• Teachers will upload activities or assignments to Seesaw.
• In addition to using Seesaw with a web browser, parents can download the Seesaw app to an iOS or Android device.
• Families will receive an email inviting their child to their Seesaw classroom.
Please see our family resource home page for additional helpful information.
HOME DEVICES
• Preschool through Grade 5
• Parents may elect to borrow a chromebook book for their student. Email [email protected] with the subject line “Chromebook” to make a request.
• All school issued chromebooks have been preloaded with the relevant apps and have filters installed.
• Each device includes a charger.
• Keep chargers in common areas and create a learning place for your child.
• Do not let other members of the family on to this device unless assisting the child.
McMurray Middle School and Vashon Island High School Distance Learning
GOAL
The goal of McM and VHS Distance Learning Plan is to maximize engagement for students while providing a manageable and sustainable environment for learning. We also want to provide opportunities for rich academic experiences, while staying connected as a community of learners. We will employ technology resources such as Google Meet, Google Classroom, and digital curriculum to connect, extend, and deepen learning.
KEY COMPONENTS AND SCHEDULE
Key elements of our “Distance Learning 2.0” program for the fall include the following:
● Students will follow a consistent schedule of classes throughout the week ● Teachers will deliver synchronous (live instruction) of essential learnings and key
concepts ● Teachers will deliver asynchronous activities for students to apply their learning, which
could include activities or lessons pre-recorded by the teacher or outside learning resources
● Students will be expected to attend and engage in all classes and teachers will be monitoring attendance
● McM: Students will be provided time during the day for flexible learning supports, Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) lessons and opportunities to practice them with one another at the middle school level through homeroom
● VHS: Students will be provided time during the day for flexible learning supports, academic interventions, and connecting with peers and teachers.
● Students will follow a consistent school day schedule five days per week including electives
● Teachers will use unified learning management systems (LMS) including Clever as a portal for students and Google Classroom for delivery of activities, projects, and assignments.
● All students will be issued school technology (chromebooks) to support and connect with instruction and their learning
● Teachers and counselors will have daily built-in opportunities to reach out to individual students/families to support student learning
DIGITAL RESOURCES AND DEVICE/TECH MANAGEMENT EXPECTATIONS
• Google Meet will be used for video conferencing for each class.
• Students must check their VISD email account several times daily.
• Students must check their VISD Google calendar each day for live class links.
• Students must use their school Google account on Chrome as their browser and be logged into that account and connect it to Google Classroom.
• Students are expected to be courteous and respectful online and adhere to the technology code of conduct which they agreed to when they received the handbook at the beginning of the year.
• Students should refrain from experimenting with the Google Meet options during class time, from muting other students’ microphones, removing anyone from the Google Meet, or from jumping ahead.
• Students are asked to keep the camera on in live sessions and the microphone muted unless speaking.
• Students should take turns, contribute, and ask questions in class discussions.
• Students should use chat appropriately and be mindful that their classes are being recorded.
• School-provided chromebooks will have all of the apps and technology capable for any needs during distance learning. Students are encouraged to use their school devices during this time to ensure compatibility.
McMURRAY MIDDLE SCHOOL AND VASHON ISLAND HIGH SCHOOL
DISTANCE LEARNING NORMS
● Before joining a classroom Google Meet, make sure your microphone and video are muted. and your camera is on.
● Once your teacher is ready to begin the meeting, they will review how to turn microphones on and off, and explain expectations for taking turns talking and contributing.
● Make sure their face is visible and immediately recognizable. Please do not bring masks or costumes to class.
● Make sure all of your attire and comments are SCHOOL APPROPRIATE ● NO posting of links that aren’t school/class-related ● A large group format must be teacher-directed. If you have a question, type it into the online
chat. There may be a student-designated monitor (per teacher direction) and they will collate questions students type in the chat and will ask them at the end of each topic.
● Please make sure your questions are relevant and on topic so everyone has the opportunity to have their question(s) answered. Make sure you are “recognized” by your teacher to turn on your mic and speak.
● Write comments relevant to the topic being discussed. After each topic, the leader will pause for questions and the teacher-appointed moderator (if teacher chooses) will read the questions that are relevant. (Feedback we have gotten is that when participants type off current topic comments it distracts other participants, so save other topics for comment breaks)
● Students are expected to leave the Google Meeting when the teacher has ended the meeting. ● Students should not sign into the meeting more than a minute or two early. Students should
then log in and quietly wait for the teacher. ● It is our preference for students to keep their camera on at all times during class, to provide
for interaction and communication. If you have a unique need, please discuss with your teacher for an exception.
● Use their own school-issued computer for distance learning. Do not share computers. ● Be aware that teachers and administrators are able to use Goguardian, a student device use
monitoring tool. ● Have their cell phones away during class time, preferably in another room. ● Remember that classes start on the hour — please be on time.
Research-Informed Strategies for Distance Learning
Distance learning is not a new method of teaching. As a result, there are plenty of research- informed strategies that the Center for Transformative Teaching and Learning has compiled to help support parents and students.
Monotask, not multitask
Help your student monotask. This means, no phone, Netflix, video games, or IM during class time. They should not have non-academic applications, windows, or browser tabs open on their laptop during online class sessions. Encourage your student to set their phone to “do not disturb” and put it in another room while working — they can check it during breaks in the school day.
A good study environment aids good studying
Set up a good study environment. Your student should not do online classes in bed and ideally not in their bedroom. Try to avoid spaces where there are distractions. Try to avoid spaces with clutter because many students find this distracting. Your student should not listen to music while “doing” an online class. However, music while studying is an interesting question. It seems to help some students on some tasks (perhaps because it might reduce anxiety), but have adverse effects on others. Listening to music is not bad per se, but your student needs to find out what works for them.
Strong self-advocacy is always crucial — now even more so
Encourage your student to be a strong self-advocate and communicate with teachers when they have questions or concerns, or even then they just feel they need to check in with their teacher and chat. This can be done by email or by requesting a one-on-one virtual meeting on Google Meet (ask during an online class or by sending them a short email). If at any point they are wondering, “what should I do now?,” just ask.
Everyone benefits from help with scheduling
One thing that might happen in the course of this distance learning experience is that your student may be given more projects and longer tasks that require more independent work. Balancing the demands of several projects at once is something that many students of all ages find challenging. Help your student break down and schedule tasks for asynchronous projects. If necessary, help them monitor their progress, help them decide if switching strategies might aid their progress, or help them determine whether a satisfactory end point has been reached. There are some sample templates for possible schedules on the family resources home page.
Support your student’s metacognition
Metacognition aids learning. You can help by asking questions, such as:
• What are your big learnings or takeaways from the day?
• What’s challenging? / What do you have questions about? / What don’t you understand yet? (and suggest they reach out to the appropriate teacher by email, one-on-one check in, or writ- ing down their question(s) to ask in the chat of their next Google meeting).
Where possible, help your student bring in prior knowledge from experiences they have had in the past. And help them make connections, again where possible, between their work and the things in the real world. We tend to overestimate how automatically students make these connections, so help them.
Emotion and cognition are interlinked
Emotion and learning are intertwined, both in your student’s brain and in their everyday experience of school. Having an emotional well-being check in can help — if they are feeling stressed with school, giving them space to offload those feelings can help them focus on learning. They can talk to you, talk to a friend, or even write or draw.
Relationships help buffer stress, so staying socially connected is an important part of being a suc- cessful student during distance learning. But take note of the monotasking vs. multitasking comment above, and separate out social time from work time.
Exercise, diet, and sleep help reduce stress as well as improve overall health. Going for a walk or run, while practicing responsible social distancing, can be tremendously beneficial for overall well-being and learning. Please see our social-emotional family resource page for more information.
