Seneca Grade School District 170
Plan for use of Remote Learning Days
Remote Learning Day Plan
Seneca Grade School plans to utilize remote learning days as directed by ISBE and state officials.
Purpose of Remote Learning Days
The purpose of remote learning days will be to support teachers with continuing instruction by utilizing innovative methods which are already encouraged and supported via electronic means and/or paper copies.
District Philosophy
We believe that there is no substitute for site-based classroom instruction. With that in mind, we intend to be open for a full day of school as often as possible. However, we also recognize that some circumstances can make it unsafe or impossible for students to attend school. Remote Learning days will be utilized only as a last resort when the information we have available makes it necessary to close school.
Notice
If we cancel school, an announcement will be made via the district’s notification system. This system generates automated phone calls, e-mails, social media and text messages to everyone in our Blackboard database. The message will indicate that it is a remote learning day. We will also post a notice on our home page at www.sgs170.org, ClassDojo, Google Classroom, Facebook, and through our local news media.
Communication and Availability on Remote Learning Days
All electronic communications between home and teachers will occur through either Google Classroom, ClassDojo, school email accounts, District website, www.sgs170.org, or other classroom communication platforms. Teachers are required to post assignments for all of their classes by no later than 9:00 A.M. We do not expect teachers or other staff members to be in constant communication with students throughout an remote learning day. We expect teachers to monitor their email periodically throughout the day so that they can respond to home questions or concerns. Students and teachers do NOT have to be online at the same time. Teachers will be available electronically from 9 am-3 pm.
Remote Learning Day Assignments and Attendance
Students who have access to electronic assignments are expected: 1) submit online when completed, no later than one day after the initial assignment; or 2) turned into the teacher upon return to school. Accommodations will be provided for students who do not have access to a device that would allow them to complete the missed work, provided that the student informs the building administration of this circumstance. Paper copies of assignments will be provided to students who do not have access to a device. These assignments will be due weekly to the building. Attendance will be taken daily. Families will be asked to make contact with their child(ren)’s teacher by 11 am. Teachers will record attendance in the TeacherEase platform by 11 am. Those families that are unable to communicate electronically with classroom teachers, will be required to call into the building each day and check in with office staff. Those families that have not made contact with the building will be contacted via phone and/or home visit to ensure the safety and well-being of all students.
Students with Special Needs / Accommodations
Students who require special accommodations to complete their assignments will be given the appropriate assignment and work with accommodations as outlined in Individualized Educational Plans. Service minutes such as OT/PT/Speech/Social Work will be made up at a mutually convenient time for the teacher and student.
Plan Modifications
It is possible, once we begin using remote learning days, that modifications will need to be made to this plan. We will communicate any plan changes as they occur.
Total Days Used
The total number of remote learning days will be determined by ISBE and state guidance.
School Access
On a remote learning day, the Seneca Grade School campuses will be CLOSED to general public. Teachers may access the building as necessary on remote learning planning days. Parents may pick up and drop off work on designated days and times in accordance with social distancing guidelines as directed by the CDC/PHDP.
Questions
Students or parents who have questions about remote learning days should always feel welcome and encouraged to ask questions of school administrators.