Dear Parents/Guardians,

With winter quickly approaching, we want to remind you of our district’s e-Learning policy. The Minnesota State Board of Education has given school Superintendents the autonomy to provide continuous learning opportunities through e-learning for students during inclement weather. According to MN State Statute 120A.41, a school district can designate up to 5 e-learning days in one school year. An e-learning day refers to a school day where, instead of coming to a school, teachers and students communicate online or set up prior learning expectations, and students continue their learning from home. All e-Learning days count as a day of instruction, therefore participation is required for attendance. In case of inclement weather, the Superintendent will evaluate the specific situation with considerations for health and safety to determine if it requires the use of an e-learning day. The announcement of an e-Learning day will be made as soon as possible, but no later than 6:00 am on the morning of the emergency. The announcement will be made through the standard modes of communication used by the school district (instant alert, district website, social media, local radio stations, and local TV stations).

Chisholm School District #695 will ensure that all students have access to instruction and/or work as required by the Minnesota school code for students participating in e-Learning days. The instruction will be a combination of synchronous and asynchronous work that is designed and appropriate based on the age/grade level of the student. 

For students in grades k-3, teachers will be sending work home to be completed on e-Learning days. This may be in the form of a packet or choice board. Students will be required to turn in their completed work to their teacher once they return to school. Teachers will also be posting messages, updates, materials, and expectations on Schoology and/or Dojo. As a parent, you will be able to view Course Updates, messages and/or materials in Schoology and/or Dojo. Please contact your child’s teacher if you do not have a Parent Access Account on Schoology or Dojo.

For grades 4-6, teachers will utilize our current online platform Schoology to take attendance, deliver instruction via the “Conferences App” in Schoology, provide directions, and/or assign assignments, as Schoology is a secure learning network for teachers, students, and schools. Schoology provides a safe way for us to connect, share content, access classrooms, participate in discussions, and receive important class information or announcements. On an e-learning day, teachers will share assignments and hold office hours in which they are available to provide learning support to students. However, if a student does not have a school-issued Chromebook or a family has indicated they do not have access to the internet from their residence, accommodations will be made in order for students to submit the required assignments and meet the attendance expectations. 

In grades 7-12, teachers will share assignments, materials, and expectations on Schoology, and they will hold office hours in which they are available to provide learning support to students. Virtual office hours will be held using Webex or Conferences in Schoology. Teachers will also be available via email or messaging on Schoology. If a family has indicated they do not have access to the internet from their residence, accommodations will be made in order for students to submit the required assignments and meet the attendance expectations.

Sincerely,

Robbi Albert, M.Ed.
Elementary Curriculum Coordinator

Teresa Allen, MAT
Secondary Curriculum Coordinator

How will an eLearning Day be communicated to parents/guardians and students? 
Parents/Guardians will receive an automated phone call via instant alert and text message through ThrillShare and announcements will be made on local radio stations and local television stations, prior to 6:00a.m  on the day that school will be closed. Students should not report to school but should engage in eLearning activities as assigned. 

How will teachers communicate eLearning instructions and expectations? 
Teachers will communicate eLearning expectations by 8:00a.m. These instructions will be communicated through email or Schoology as applicable by grade level. These will include accessible digital instruction for students with disabilities under Chapter 125A and meet the needs of each student’s Individual Education Plan (IEP)/504 plans. 

• Teachers are expected to communicate general eLearning expectations to students and families at the beginning of the school year.  

When will teachers be available? 
Teachers will communicate with parents/guardians regarding how students can get help (or ask questions) about their e-learning day assignments. Teachers will be available to assist students and parents during normal school hours by phone or email. The only time staff are not available is during their 30-minute lunchtime. Specialists will also be available via phone or email for support. 

What are students expected to do in order to participate in an eLearning Day? 
Students are expected to spend 2-3 hours of active learning and to complete assignments within 2 days of the eLearning day. This allows for those who need modifications or adjustments due to individual circumstances the ability to complete requirements. 

Is attendance taken for an e-Learning Day? 

• K-3 Attendance - Attendance is mandatory. Students will be marked present by completing the assigned work provided by the teacher. Students who do not participate in planned activities are considered absent. Students have 2 days to complete their eLearning Day assignments.

  
  

•  4-6 Attendance - Attendance is mandatory. Students will be marked present if they check in with their teacher by 8:45 a.m. on Schoology, by email, or by phone. Students who do not check in with their homeroom teacher by 8:45 a.m. will be marked absent until they complete the assigned learning assignments for that e-learning day. Students have 2 days to complete their eLearning Day assignments.

  
  

• 7-12 Attendance - Attendance is mandatory. Students will be marked present by completing the assigned learning options. Attendance must be verified for each class. Students who do not participate in planned activities are considered absent for those class(es) and are reported as absent just as if they were not present for an on-campus class. 

Can families choose to opt out of e-Learning days? 
Students whose family chooses not to participate in the e-Learning day are reported as absent. Absence reasons that fall under current policy (Policy 503 Attendance Procedure). All other absences will be considered unexcused unless the student completes the eLearning assignments within 2 days. If there are extenuating circumstances, the principal may review the absence. 

How will students be expected to “make up” their learning if not in attendance? 
Students will be responsible for completing the required work on their own as they would in any situation in which they may have been absent from school. Students will have 2 days to complete eLearning assignments.

What if the Governor cancels schools across MN on an e-Learning Day? 
If the Governor cancels school statewide, there will not be an e-learning day, and teaching staff will not report to work. 

How will the e-learning day affect activities? 
In general, when school is closed, all activities are canceled.