Dear MAPS Families,
You’re likely aware that public schools in Michigan are allowed 6 days (or the equivalent number of hours) for conditions not within the control of school authorities, including school closures resulting from hazardous weather conditions. Once these 6 days have been exhausted, schools may be required to make up any additional days at the end of the school year. This can, of course, have an impact on the plans our families and staff have made long in advance, not to mention the desire for all to enjoy the warmer months of summer. As of February 20, 2023, MAPS has canceled five days of school due to inclement weather.
In an effort to mitigate the impacts of exceeding the six allowable days, in certain situations and with proper notice, MAPS will be considering virtual learning in lieu of traditional school closure.
Considerations
Virtual Days would follow the same schedule as that for in-person instruction for grades JK-12, a format otherwise known as “synchronous learning”. The instructor is guiding and supporting students in real-time. The teacher will stay online throughout the entire class period.
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MAPS will be issuing credit for completion of work done over the time of closure. Teachers will track student participation; monitor student wellness; grade assignments, homework and quizzes; provide feedback on student work; differentiate instruction; communicate through the appropriate platform (Seesaw, Google Meet, email, Google Classroom, etc.).
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Before calling a “Virtual Learning Day”, families and staff would be provided notice so as to allow students to bring home their school-issued device.
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MAPS will survey families of affected students to determine internet accessibility and device needs. If a student does not have internet access at home, hard copy learning packets will be made available.
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Students with IEPs, 504s and other learning plans will be provided accommodations that fit with a synchronous virtual learning format. Services such as OT, PT and speech may happen virtually if appropriate.
Attendance
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Student attendance is mandatory. Please call and leave an attendance message at the school office if your child is unable to attend a virtual learning day.
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Students would be marked virtually present (this indicates students attended the course in real-time online) but would also indicate instruction was done virtually. Attendance is taken for each class period on the student’s schedule. As with in-person instruction, 75% of students must be present in order for a Virtual Day to count.
Students Without Internet Access
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Students will not be penalized if they do not have internet access at home.
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If possible, staff are able to help students download files in advance.
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For certain assignments, students may complete some steps at home and mail/drop off their work at school when in-person instruction resumes.
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For families without the internet, the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) is a U.S. government program that helps many low income households pay for broadband service and internet connected devices. More information can be found at https://affordableconnectivity.gov/
Expectations for Teaching and Learning
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Virtual learning will follow the students’ daily schedule, which we encourage families to use when setting up your children’s learning schedule at home.
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Virtual learning will include a variety of lessons and activities which may vary in the amount of time required to complete. Quality is more important than quantity.
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Each lesson will be relevant to the current unit of instruction.
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Classroom teachers will design lessons and activities for core subjects (Math, Reading, Writing, etc.) which generally include the following:
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Clearly defined learning targets
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Direct instruction Mini-lesson (this could be done using online resources)
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Opportunity for Students to explore new learning via teacher made video, text, online resource
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Independent practice or skill work
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Formative Assessment /check for understanding
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Feedback to Student(s)
Staff/Family Communication
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Staff will provide support to families and/or students in a timely manner.
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Additional communications may occur with parents and students through Skyward, classroom communication platforms (e.g., Bloomz, etc.), digital remote learning platforms, and virtual platforms (zoom, google meet, etc.)
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Tech questions: Contact MAPS technology department at: [email protected]
Sincerely,
Zack Sedgwick, Superintendent