Note: Spanish-language versions of the FAQs are attached
WEST COLUMBIA, SC -- The district would like to remind students, staff and parents of remote learning expectations, in the event a school moves to temporary remote learning because 5% of a class or student population has tested positive for COVID-19, or the school has difficulty staffing or maintaining safe school operations as a result of COVID-19.
Here are FAQs for students and parents. As always, please refer to Lex2.0 for all matters related to COVID-19 and to find the most recent communications and expectations.
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Student Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Remote Learning
Updated:August 19, 2021
- What does remote learning look like for students?
- During remote learning, students will participate in online learning opportunities with their teachers and complete learning activities.
- Assignments and online schedules will be posted by 5:00pm the day before using Google Classroom (Grades 3-12) or Seesaw (Grades K-2).
- Elementary students will have four online sessions a day and other small group sessions. Middle and high school students will participate in online learning during part of their regularly scheduled class times. This may include whole and/or small group activities.
- Attendance is taken based on online participation and work completion. Grades and other forms of reporting are still in effect.
- Teachers will respond electronically to students during the online portions of classes and via Seesaw/Dojo or email.
- Based on the work you do, your teachers will have the ability to provide evidence that learning did occur.
- If schools are closed, could students come into the schools if they forgot something?
No. If there is something that is vital for learning to continue, please reach out to your building principal.
- I meet with the school counselor, speech-language pathologist, special education teacher, ESOL teacher, or another individual who provides related services. Will those services continue?
Yes. Your speech-language pathologist, school counselor, special education teachers, ESOL teacher, or related services staff member will reach out to you. They are also sending information through Google Classroom, Seesaw, and/or communicating via email.
- How are we adjusting curriculum, testing, school schedule, etc.
Teachers are planning lessons based on what would happen in a normal school day. Students will use the curriculum that they currently learn and follow the standards as well. Teachers will communicate with students both online and via learning activities each day. Teachers will communicate their planned class/course workflow with their students by 5:00 pm the day before, so that parents can help to plan accordingly.
- What materials and resources will I have for remote learning?
You should have your device, Seesaw, Google Classroom, and/or other programs you have been using.
- What if I am sick during a remote day?
Your parent/guardian will communicate that you are sick to the home school as they normally would. Any graded work will need to be completed once you are well.
- What if there are issues with Google Classroom or Seesaw?
Please let your teacher know if you are having issues with Google Classroom or Seesaw. Also, please refer to the Technology Help Desk or Self-Help Resources page.
- Who can I go to if I have questions or I don’t understand an assignment while schools are closed?
Before you contact your teacher, you may check over your online class materials again, post your question in any classroom help boards made available by your teacher, or reach out to your peers for clarification or information.
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Parent Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Remote Learning
Updated: August 19, 2021
Q: What does remote learning look like for students?
- During remote learning, students will participate in online learning opportunities with their teachers and complete learning activities.
- Assignments and online schedules will be posted by 5:00pm the day before using Seesaw (Grades K-2) or Google Classroom (Grades 3-12).
- Elementary students will have four online sessions a day and other small group sessions. Middle and high school students will participate in online learning during part of their regularly scheduled class times. This may include whole and/or small group activities.
- Attendance is taken based on online participation and work completion. Grades and other forms of reporting are still in effect.
- Teachers will respond electronically to students during the online portions of classes and via Seesaw/Dojo or email.
- Based on the work students complete, teachers will have the ability to provide evidence that learning did occur.
Q: What if my child’s teacher does not have access to a device or cannot correspond with us?
Staff will contact their grade level/course colleagues and building administrators to make alternate arrangements. Parents/guardians will be notified via email if a teacher is unavailable due to emergency circumstances, but assignments will continue to be posted.
Q: Are teachers accessible at all times during the day via electronic means?
Teachers will be online throughout the school day with students. In MS/HS this will be during part of the regular class times. Teachers will also be available via Seesaw and email during regular school hours or other identified times.
Q: Will my child be given a grade during the remote learning days?
Yes, students are expected to complete their assigned work to receive a grade and to be marked present.
Q: What if a student does not complete all of the learning activities?
Assignments and learning activities will be graded and will count towards a student’s grade.
Q: Will attendance be taken?
Attendance is based on participation during online meetings and work completion. Students who are not able to join an online meeting must let their teacher know at the start of the meeting via Seesaw/Dojo message or email so a solution can be found.
Parents should utilize normal procedures for absences if their children are ill or unable to perform class activities.
Q: How are my teachers planning their lessons?
Teachers are planning lessons based on what would happen in a normal school day. Students will use the same curriculum they are currently using in class and teachers will ensure lessons are standards based. Teachers will communicate with students both online and via learning activities each day. Teachers will communicate their planned class/course workflow with their students by 5:00pm the day before, so that parents can help to plan accordingly.
Q: What if I do not have power or my WiFi is down on a remote learning day?
Please communicate this with your teacher as early as possible. Students will still be responsible for assignments.
Q: What if my child does not have access to their device during remote learning?
Please do the best you can to communicate this to the school and we will work with you on next steps. If the device was left at school, please contact the home school to see if it can be located and picked up.
Q: Where can I get technical support?
Please let your teacher know if you are having issues with Google Classroom or Seesaw. Also, please refer to the Technology Help Desk or Self-Help Resources page.
Q: What if my child has an IEP?
Students with IEPs will receive services through synchronous and asynchronous learning according to the minutes on their IEPs, and assignments will be aligned to each student’s IEP goals. Resource teachers will serve their students during their regularly scheduled times. Special education teachers/case managers will be available to check-in and support students through Google Classroom or Google Meet.
If your child receives a service such as speech-language or a related service such as occupational or physical therapy, those services will be provided through teletherapy if a consent for teletherapy has been provided. Otherwise, asynchronous assignments will be provided.
Q: What if my child has a 504 plan?
If your child has a 504 plan, the accommodations in the plan that are applicable to remote learning will be provided. It is the responsibility of the parent and student to use the provided accommodations in the remote setting.
Q: What if students are taking too long to complete the activities sent home?
It is assumed that students will complete the tasks at different rates, similar to when they are in school. Please instruct them not to spend more than 30-40 minutes on assignments per subject.
Q: How can I keep my student engaged and interested in remote learning?
Ideas for maintaining student engagement include:
- Grades K - 2: Set up a schedule to follow for the day, provide frequent movement breaks between tasks, and incorporate supplemental activities.
- Grades 3 - 5: Set up a schedule to follow for the day, encourage student ownership and responsibility, establish times to check in with your student, provide breaks between tasks, and incorporate supplemental activities (see ideas below).
- Grades 6 - 12: Encourage student ownership and responsibility, and establish times to check in with your child.