Virtual/Alternate Learning

Virtual/Alternate Learning During School Closure

Dear River Ridge families,

The school is operating within the recommendations of the "Safer at Home" order that  Gov. Tony Evers put into effect at 8:00 AM on Wednesday, March 25, 2020. This order will stay in effect until at least April 24, 2020.   We want to move forward with the safety of everyone in mind and limit the foot traffic into the school as much as possible.  In response, the River Ridge School District will be implementing virtual/alternate learning for all grade levels during school closure.

While not a replacement for classroom learning, we want our students to continue to learn and keep up with skills during the time that schools are closed. We will be providing resources, guidelines, and expectations for your students while they participate in virtual/alternate learning. 

Communication will help us the most moving forward and the only way that the school can help answer those questions is by reaching out to us. We are doing our best and will continue to provide the best continuity of learning as possible for our students.

Key Dates for Learning Transition

• 3rd Quarter will end on Friday, April 3, 2020

  • Students/Families should make one trip into school to drop off all work that teachers have assigned up to this point for grading
               *  If you or your student are concerned about what has to be handed in, please contact your teacher

• 4th Quarter will start on Monday, April 6, 2020

  • All Grade levels will be moving toward a complete virtual/alternate learning
  • Format for learning will look different from teacher to teacher and will require communication by phone, email, etc. to make this work the best.
  • Families without electronic communications are to contact the teacher to make arrangements for an alternative learning platform.
     

Expectations for Students and Teachers

What is the expectation for student engagement in distance learning environments?

All students are expected to remain engaged in their learning each weekday. We ask that students check (Google Classroom, Schoology, Email, other software) each day. Students with disabilities also need to maintain their specially designed instruction sessions with their special education teachers. Teachers will be monitoring the engagement of their students throughout the week and attendance will be recorded.

Have your student create their learning plan for the day. Daily planner example (Under "File" please "Make a copy" of it to use once signed in to Google.) 

What is the expectation for teacher/ student communication? 

The district will continue to have the office hours from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM. This will be where we can distribute technology, alternative plans, and answer questions. Teachers will communicate the hours they are scheduled to be available to their students. Questions to teachers can also be submitted via email at any time. Special educators will maintain a schedule for office hours and specially designed instruction (SDI), which is based on the IEP, to be provided individually to students.

How Parents Can Help

Parents can help their students by:

• Setting clear times during every weekday when your child(ren) should be focused on learning. A daily schedule of academic and behavior expectations can help everyone stay organized and minimize stress. (planner example)
• Finding a place in your home for school work. Preferably in a brightly-lit family living area (not a bedroom) where you can provide supervision, guidance and ensure progress on assigned work is being made. If your child is struggling to find or understand materials you will need to contact your child's teacher.

Technology

Teachers will be primarily communicating through jmc message center.

The district will work to ensure alternate/virtual learning continues for students. The district office will be open from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM to distribute or exchange  Chromebooks.

Internet Access

Some internet carriers are offering free and/or low-cost options that your family may be able to use.

See DPI list of internet offers for families with maps showing coverage areas.

Spectrum is offering free broadband internet and WiFi access for 60 days to families with K-12 and college students. Charter, which operates Spectrum internet, said they will also waive installation fees for new households. Learn more about the Spectrum offer here or call 844-488-8395.