Remote Learning Information

Update on grades: May 5, 2020

We want to update you on grading for this semester based on the new information districts have received from the state Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI). At the end of April, OSPI provided new rules and guidance about grading in light of the COVID-19 school closures. The rules are intended to address the current and future needs of students given the difficult conditions we all continue to experience during this global health crisis.

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Read More about May 5, 2020

Remote learning updates: April 20, 2020

We are thankful for our staff and families who are working hard to support students in these very difficult times. Without each other, we would not have been able to make the significant shift from in-person learning to remote learning. As we move into this next stage of remote learning, we are pleased to share information about our plans moving forward. 

These plans have been developed to foster connection and to ensure the success of each student. They also provide the flexibility required for our educators and students to manage learning outside of our classrooms. We will continue to monitor and adjust as we learn together in the coming weeks and months.  

Remote learning skills and concepts

For each grade-level and subject-area, we’ve identified the essential skills and concepts students need to master to be prepared to move on to the next grade or receive the credit necessary for a course. Educators are designing weekly plans for the remainder of the year, including learning activities and resources for each week that will support students in mastering those skills and concepts.

Weekly schedules and communication

To help parents and students navigate remote learning, teachers will be using a common format for weekly learning e-mails. These e-mails include an outline of the lessons for the week and will be sent each Monday. They are designed to provide students and families and with consistent, accessible information to help with planning for the week. 

Daily lessons for students will available primarily through our digital learning platforms - PowerSchool Learning and OneNote. The weekly email will point students and families to the lessons.  

At the elementary level teachers will be using a weekly schedule that emphasizes literacy and math, and that also includes science, social studies, library, music, PE and ongoing enrichment. 

At the elementary level teachers will be using a weekly schedule that emphasizes literacy and math, and that also includes science, social studies, library, music, PE and ongoing enrichment. 

At the secondary level, teachers will provide weekly schedules assignments by content area.  

Lessons and instruction

Today, over two-thirds of American families are headed by two working parents or single parents, many of whom are now home balancing work and childcare. This includes our teachers. For this reason, most instructions and assignments will be developed so that they can be easily accessed at different times by students. This allows students, families, and teachers to work flexibly while addressing the different demands on their time and availability caused by the current situation.

Teachers will be scheduling time for connections with their class(es) in real-time through weekly office hours. These connections will be through available through discussion boards, video-conferencing and email. Schools are developing schedules for coordinated office hours while providing as much flexibility as possible.

Our teacher guide for remote learning at the secondary level can be found here.

Grading and report cards

Click here for grading update: May 5, 2020

(April 20, 2020) At the elementary level teachers will be reporting which content areas have been taught and whether work has been submitted by students for these content areas.

At the secondary level, teachers will assign and grade work. We are awaiting guidance from the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction about assigning Pass (P) / No Credit (N) grades at the semester, and the potential option for students to request a letter grade on their transcript at the end of the semester. Secondary teachers will be providing more information about how work will be graded in their classes directly to students and families. 

Recognizing that student and families are experiencing the current situation in different ways, teachers have been asked to provide a great deal of flexibility in grading. Please don’t hesitate to contact your child’s teacher(s) to discuss options for your child. In addition parents may appeal semester grades if there is a disagreement around grades for students. 

Attendance

During the mandated school facility closure, schools are not required to take daily attendance. However, at the end of each week teachers will indicate in our attendance tracking system students who are not participating in remote learning or responding to communication. This information will be used to help us reach out to students and families who may need additional support. This information will not be included in students’ official records or used for enrollment or penalties.

Materials distribution

Schools are developing plans for the distribution of print materials to support curriculum-based learning for students and families who need them. These plans will include safety provisions such as scheduled pickup times to reduce person-to-person contact. More information will be shared by schools as plans are finalized. 

Seniors/Class of 2020

Class of 2020 web page available here (added May 8, 2020)

We are committed to helping our seniors graduate on time.  We will continue to monitor the guidance about options and requirements for seniors from the Governor, OSPI and the State Board of Education, as well as colleges, community colleges and universities through the spring.  Please note, guidance could change, and we will adjust accordingly if it does. We have updated our website to include the latest information for seniors.

Senior FAQ

Don't see an answer to your question? Please use this form to submit senior-related questions.

Remote learning resources