Dear PV Families,

We would like to share information about how our education of students will transition beginning Monday, March 30. We will move from providing “learning enhancements” to providing “new” learning in a virtual environment. Our hope is that we promote academic and social growth of our students, while also creating a level of continuity and normalcy. We are looking forward to embarking on our first “Virtual Voyage” together.

As we start this journey, please know that we recognize many of us are feeling anxiety, tension, and even frustration. Planned change is difficult; unexpected change has catapulted us into a new normal with no time to plan or even comprehend all that is happening around us. We know that you may be working, caring for family and friends, and attempting to engage your children in a new way of doing school – and sometimes trying to balance all of these things at once.

Understanding that this is difficult, our goal as we start our Virtual Voyage is to be flexible and empathetic while providing meaningful school work for your children. As we acclimate to this new mode of learning, we know there will be additional challenges to work through and we will be here to support you.

Please read on to learn more about what has been planned by our teachers and administrative team. This email may not address all your questions, but please know we will follow up with regular communication to keep you informed. Thank you for partnering with us and for your patience as we continue to work through this process in the upcoming weeks.

1. When will students start to receive assignments from their teachers?

On March 30, teachers of all grade levels will begin instruction using the app called Google Classroom. Some of our youngest students will receive instructions for new learning via email to parents. Students will be expected to log in to their school-issued Chromebook on a regular basis and access assignments, which will be assessed and graded. We will be virtually “back in school” as of Monday, and prepared to roll out new learning to our students. As we embark upon this voyage, the expectation is that your child participates and accesses the learning in our new way of doing school.

2. What will happen with grading and report cards?

The third marking period for secondary students will be extended one week and conclude on April 7. If secondary students have any outstanding work at this time, please encourage them to contact their teachers via email to complete these assignments. An announcement regarding when third marking period report cards will be available is forthcoming. There will be no changes at this time for elementary report cards/trimester end dates.

When reviewing and grading student work, we will keep in mind the adjustment period that may be necessary for many of our students and particularly our youngest learners.

3. How will my child’s attendance be recorded?

Teachers will be monitoring attendance based on the participation of students in Google Classrooms as well as the completion of assignments. Coursework is expected to be completed regularly and teachers will offer support if students and/or parents are experiencing difficulty in navigating a virtual classroom experience.

4. What is required of my child each day?

Teachers will post assignments on a regular basis and students are expected to check in each day for these assignments. In a virtual school environment, students are afforded some flexibility as to when they engage. Students will be assigned learning activities that are anticipated to take the time indicated in the schedules below. However, we recognize that students will work at different paces while they are on this voyage.

For specific grade level expectations and school schedules, please see the tables below (or attached). Students will submit completed assignments and communicate with their teachers through Google Classroom (secondary and upper elementary grades) and/or email (lower elementary grades).

5. Will my child participate in video conferences with his/her teacher?

The District is using Google Hangouts for video conferencing when teachers are modeling or introducing new learning. There may be cases that Zoom (another video conferencing app) will be utilized as the video conference platform when holding IEPs with parents.

Google Hangouts can be a meaningful resource; however, it is recognized the resource will not serve as a comfortable one for all. When connecting to a video conference, please know that it is completely acceptable for your child to keep his/her video camera turned off. He/she will still be able to listen via audio.

6. How will my child receive support if they have an IEP or a 504?

Special Education teachers will be collaborating with Regular Education teachers to provide modifications and accommodations for students with IEPs who are receiving Regular Education programming. Students who normally receive pullout support/instruction will likely receive a lesson from the special education teacher focusing upon the student’s individual goal. Where appropriate, students may also be asked to login to specific software or programs such as Reading Eggs, Exact Path, or Khan Academy, etc.

School counselors will remind Regular Education teachers of the students who require accommodations noted within their 504 Plan. 

 
7. What is the best way to get support for technology related issues?

If you have a technology question or need Chromebook repairs, please submit a ticket to the following email, helpdesk@pvsd.org.

During our continuity of learning and virtual school experience, your children are welcome to use their own devices; however, the district devices are equipped with our applications and settings for students (as well as filtering) for your child’s protection. 

8. How can I support my child in this “new” learning virtual environment?

Encourage your child to situate him/herself in a space that is conducive to learning. In the event there will be video exchange, avoid personal spaces such as bedrooms or bathrooms. Please access the following webpage, http://www.pvsd.org/curriculum-instruction/covid-19-learning-enhancements for additional ideas on how you can support your child in his/her learning within the new virtual environment.

Feel free to use email to communicate with teachers regarding concerns related to your child’s learning.

9. How long will virtual schooling take place?

The virtual approach is scheduled to extend until April 14, when students are currently scheduled to return to school per the Governor’s order and District calendar. In the event this return date extends, we will communicate the information as far in advance as we are able. The return date for our students will be based upon information that indicates the physical school setting is safe for all.

10. What else?

On Wednesday, April 1, Mrs. Laurie Smith, Assistant to the Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction, and Dr. Barbara Russell, Superintendent, will host a virtual presentation on the progress of our Virtual Voyage. They will address questions as well. If you have questions that haven’t been answered here, please feel free to email them to webmaster@pvsd.org. More information will be sent regarding this virtual presentation and how you can participate – for now, please save the date.

We thank you for your patience and support during this incredibly challenging time, and look forward to setting sail on our Virtual Voyage starting on March 30th.

Continuity of Learning: Virtual Programming Schedules

The following schedules provide you a sense of when students will engage with teachers in particular subjects.