Belle Chasse High School
Parent/Student Q & A
Welcome back Cardinals! It is going to be an EXCITING year!
As we embark on the 2020-21 school year, I ask for your patience and trust in our administrative team and teachers. We have been working tirelessly to ensure that this school year starts as smoothly as possible.
I hope this Q&A, which I will update as more questions arise, will help settle some of your concerns. Please feel free to reply to this newsletter, using the tab on the side, to submit any new questions.
I cannot wait it see you all in person or virtually! No matter which one you chose, we are going to have a fantastic school year!
I still need help logging on. Do you have a video? 8/19/20
YES! Watch the link below and visit our BCHS webpage. Under the "About" tab, click "Virtual Learning."
What is the deadline for Hybrid Schedule Changes? 8/18/20
What if I only have to come to school for second or third block? 8/17/20
If you come for 2nd block, you need to be here by 10:00 for screening.
If you come for 3rd block, you need to be here by 12:15 for screening.
Report to the two main entrances on each side of the cafeteria for screening and sanitizing.
DO NOT ENTER THE BUILDING WITHOUT GETTING SCREENED!!
What is the earliest I can arrive on campus? 8/16/20
Where do CAR RIDERS and WALKERS go when they exit the vehicle? 8/16/20
**Students need to be here by 8:15 a.m. in order to have time to be screened.
STUDENTS CANNOT BE DROPPED OFF or LEAVE THE VEHICLE BEFORE 8:00 a.m. because they must be screened before they can step foot on campus.
1. While in the parent drop off line, the student's temperature will be taken.
2. The student will walk up the sidewalk between the 300 hallway and auditorium.
3. The student will sanitize their hands and pick up a school breakfast if they want to purchase one.
4. The student will go to a table set up in the 200 or 300 hall to pick up an updated hybrid schedule BEFORE reporting to their assigned classroom.
5. The student will enter their 1st block classroom and sit in their assigned desk.
6. Breakfast is from 8:00-8:30 in their 1st block classroom. They may eat the purchased school breakfast or bring one from home. Remember, no commercial food or drinks are allowed on campus.
IMPORTANT!
*Students are not allowed to congregate anywhere on campus and must wear their masks at all times.
**Students need to social distance themselves at all times while on campus.
Where do BUS RIDERS go when they exit the bus? 8/16/20
**Reminder, for the first day of school, BUS RIDERS are to report to their high school bus stop for 7:15 a.m. They are to ask the driver what time they are to report to their bus stop from that day forward. Please be patient with the bus schedules, it will take a few days to work all of the details out.
1. The student's temperature will be taken upon exiting the bus.
2. The student will walk immediately to one of the two entrances beside the cafeteria.
3. The student will sanitize their hands and pick up a school breakfast if they want to purchase one.
4. The student will go to a table set up in the 200 or 300 hall to pick up an updated hybrid schedule BEFORE reporting to their assigned classroom.
5. The student will enter their 1st block classroom and sit in their assigned desk.
6. Breakfast is from 8:00-8:30 in their 1st block classroom. They may eat the purchased school breakfast or bring one from home. Remember, no commercial food or drinks are allowed on campus.
IMPORTANT!
*Students are not allowed to congregate anywhere on campus and must wear their masks at all times.
**Students need to social distance themselves at all times while on campus.
I plan on driving to school for hybrid. Where do I park? 8/16/20
Where do STUDENT DRIVERS go after they exit their vehicle? 8/16/20
1. Drivers must be on campus NO LATER than 8:15 a.m. in order to be screened.
2. Upon exiting the car, the student will go to the vending machine gate for your temperature check.
3. The student will walk immediately to one of the two entrances beside the cafeteria.
4. The student will sanitize their hands and pick up a school breakfast if they want to purchase one.
5. The student will go to a table set up in the 200 or 300 hall to pick up an updated hybrid schedule BEFORE reporting to their assigned classroom.
6. The student will enter their 1st block classroom and sit in their assigned desk.
7. Breakfast is from 8:00-8:30 in their 1st block classroom. They may eat the purchased school breakfast or bring one from home. Remember, no commercial food or drinks are allowed on campus.
IMPORTANT!
*Students are not allowed to congregate anywhere on campus and must wear their masks at all times.
**Students need to social distance themselves at all times while on campus.
I plan on eating a school breakfast or lunch, what do I need to do? 8/16/20
All returning BCHS students, please bring last year's ID with you so it will speed up the process.
If this is your first time to BCHS, a lunch ID card will be given to you to scan. This card must be brought with you every day.
Can I bring my personal device or PPSB device with me on hybrid days? 8/16/20
YES!
You are encouraged to bring your personal laptop to connect to the PPSB wifi using the username and password that is on the blue schedule you received at Student Kickoff. If you were issued a PPSB laptop, you may bring that as well.
What is the dress code if we are coming to school as a Hybrid student? 8/16/20
Who starts school tomorrow, Monday, August 17th? 8/16/20
EVERYONE!!
VIRTUAL STUDENTS:
You will log in to Google Classroom daily for attendance.
You must log in to all four of your classes to be considered present.
In order to marked present you will fill out a Google form daily.
You must log in to all 4 classes each day before 11:59 p.m.
MONDAY/WEDNESDAY HYBRID STUDENTS:
You will come to school at your assigned times.
We encourage you to bring your own personal device or the ppsb laptop that was issued to you.
Even though you are with your face to face teacher, you will still have to log in as described above for the virtual students (see above).
TUESDAY/THURSDAY HYBRID STUDENTS:
You will come to school for the first time on Tuesday, August 18th.
However, your first day of school is still Monday, August 17th virtually!
So, you must log on just as I described for the virtual students (see above).
Then on Tuesday, you will come to school at your assigned times.
We encourage you to bring your own personal device or the ppsb laptop that was issued to you.
Even though you are with your face to face teacher, you will still have to log in as described above for the virtual students (see above).
I signed up for Hybrid and I am a driver, walker, or carpooler. Why can't I stay the whole day? 8/13/20
How do I access my ppsb student account? 8/16/20
Go to www.gmail.com
Find your blue schedule given to you at student kickoff
Enter the username located on your blue schedules followed by @ppsbstudent.org
Your password is also located on your blue schedule.
***The letters "ppsb" must be typed before the 5 numbers listed. For example: Password: ppsb12345
This is where you will be able to access your Google Classroom and log in for all 4 classes.
Once in your email, at the top right you will see 9 dots in a square.
Click on that and you will see "Classroom" with a green chalkboard. Click on this to open your Google Classroom dashboard.
I am still having problems logging onto Google Classroom even after following the steps above. What can I do? 8/16/20
1. Double check that you typed in your password correctly. The letters "ppsb" must be typed before the 5 numbers listed. For example: Password: ppsb12345
2. If that still doesn't work go to www.bchs.ppsb.org/virtual/
3. Click on "Teacher/Staff Directory" towards the bottom of the page.
4. Find your teacher's email address to email them with your problem.
5. When all else fails, call the ppsb technology help desk
I signed up for Hybrid so why do I only have virtual classes? 8/13/20
The only classes offered in the Hybrid model are LEAP classes: English I, Algebra I, English II, Geometry, US History, and Biology. We also added English IV.
If you do not have one of the above classes in the FALL semester, then you will be all VIRTUAL.
I am riding the bus. What time do I have to be at the bus stop on first day? 8/13/20
Students need to report to their regular high school bus stop on Monday, August 17 and Tuesday, August 18 at 7:15 a.m. You may have to wait a little longer the first day than usual. Please communicate with the bus driver as to what time he/she will pick you up from that day forward.
I have received this information from transportation, so there is no need to call them. If you have any additional questions about busses, please call the BCHS front office.
I no longer want to ride the bus. What do I do? 8/13/20
I now want to change my schedule from HYBRID to VIRTUAL. Is that OK? 8/13/20
I now want to change my schedule from VIRTUAL to HYBRID. Is that OK? 8/13/20
Do Hybrid students still need to check in digitally every day? 8/11/20
How do I know what school supplies I need?
Will we sell bundles this year?
No. Due to all of the uncertainty of school spirit events and social activities, we have decided not to do bundles this year. Once an event has been scheduled, we will charge students 1-2 weeks before the event and email parents all necessary information and pricing information.
Who will receive laptops at Kickoff?
If students are enrolled in the following classes first semester, they will receive a specialized laptop with software on it for this class:
IBCA
BCA
Digital Media
Because we are now running a hybrid schedule, we are limited on how many other laptops we can sign out for students. However, if your child is in need and does not own a computer at home, you can go to the laptop table at Kickoff. Parents, you will be responsible for the upkeep of the laptop and for any damages if they occur.
Why should BCHS students only wear only BLACK collared shirts for the first 9 weeks?
We will have Belle Chasse Middle School students on our campus for the first nine weeks during the hybrid schedule. In an effort to keep the two schools separated and better identify students, we are requesting that all high school students wear BLACK uniform shirts only.
If you need a Black collared shirt, we will have extra "gently used" black shirts at our kickoff event. Just be sure to ask for one while you are there.
What kind of masks will students be allowed to wear?
Students will be provided several disposable masks on their first day of their hybrid schedule. If they would rather wear a cloth mask, they are only allowed to wear a mask with a BCHS logo found at multiple businesses in the area. The only other masks that can be worn are solid colored masks with no writing or logos. No Neck Gaiter type masks are allowed per CDC guidelines.
Speaking of masks, will they be required when a person is on campus?
Can students bring clear or mesh bookbags to school?
What is the difference between Hybrid and Distance learning for the first 9 weeks?
All students will be responsible for the 4 classes listed on their PowerSchool schedule. This is the schedule that they will follow once we are all allowed to return to school together again, hopefully for the 2nd 9 weeks.
Due to bus constraints, we will only have 3 blocks of classes a day. So all students who do come face-to-face will be getting enhanced instruction from their teachers, live and in person.
Please note, even though a student will come hybrid, their grades will be based on all digital assignments. So grades, assignments, due dates, etc. will be the same for all students.
My student signed up for the Hybrid Schedule. What will their days look like?
It truly depends. The hybrid schedule was made based on LEAP classes that your child is in for the FALL semester only.
So if your child has one of the following classes, this is the days he/she will attend:
A Schedule: Mondays and Wednesdays
English I
Algebra I
US History
B Schedule: Tuesdays and Thursdays
English II
Geometry
Biology
English IV
Specific class times will be on their schedule they receive on Kickoff Day.
Will students be screened before coming into the building?
Yes. All students and staff will be required to take their temperatures before entering the building. If a student has a temperature of 99 or higher, they will be isolated in a supervised room until an adult can come get them. Please make sure all of your phone numbers are correct and have someone pick up your child as soon as possible to avoid possible exposure or illness to others.
All students must enter the building through the main two entrances on each side of the cafeteria to ensure they are screened properly.
PLEASE! Do NOT send your child to school if they have ANY SYMPTOMS what-so-ever. They can work on their digital assignments instead for that day and still be marked present. As long as they log into Google Classroom daily, they will still be considered present.
How will attendance work for students working from home?
Students will be required to log into their Google Classroom for EACH of their 4 classes DAILY. If they do not log in, they will be marked absent.
If a hybrid student is ill and stays home for the day, he/she can simply log in to each of their 4 classes and will be counted as present.
How will students eat breakfast and lunch?
Once students are screened, they can pick up a breakfast and head straight to their 1st block class and eat breakfast in the classroom.
Lunch will be delivered to each hybrid classroom at the end of 2nd block. Students will remain in their second block classroom to eat lunch. Students may also bring their own lunch from home. There will not be any vending machines or snacks available.
All students must provide their lunch code and will be charged. If students are on free or reduced lunch, that will be applied. However, every student must fill out a new free/reduced lunch form at the beginning of the year.
Should students bring water bottles to school?
There will be no schedule changes for the 1st semester.
I am a student, how do I contact my teacher?
There will be many ways to do this, but we recommend trying in this order:
1. Through Google Classroom
2. Via email (First initial, last name@ppsb.org. Example: jcarlone@ppsb.org)
3. Remind or other app set up by the teacher
4. Call the front office and leave the teacher a message.
Please give teachers 24 hours to get back with you. Most of them will do it much sooner, but 24 hours should be the longest it will take.
I am a parent, how do I contact a teacher?
First, ask your student if they have discussed the issue/situation with the teacher. Now that students are in high school, we ask that they advocate for themselves by talking to the teacher first.
If they have talked to the teacher and you are not satisfied with the response, please follow this chain of command:
1. Email the teacher directly (First initial, last name@ppsb.org. Ex: jcarlone@ppsb.org) Please allow the teacher 24 hours to respond.
2. Reach out to the teacher via the Remind app or other similar apps (if applicable).
3. Call the front office and leave a message for the teacher.
After speaking with the teacher and you are still not satisfied, then call an administrator or counselor. If you are not certain who the next person should be, call the front office at 504-595-6600 and they will be happy to direct your call.
Out of respect for the proper chain of command, please do not call central office, school board members, or Superintendent Rousselle without talking to the teacher and principal first.
My child is struggling with distance learning. How can the school help?
Belle Chasse High School will have 3 different things happening during the hybrid school day:
1. 7th and 8th grade students located in the back hallways
2. Hybrid schedule for LEAP classes in the main building
3. Distance Learning Support Center in the gym
**Please note, the Distance Learning Support Center will not be ready until after the first couple of weeks of school. We must see how many students we will consistently have on campus each day before I can determine the number of walk-in's we are allowed each day.
What about student parking passes for the 1st 9 Weeks?
What is the Distance Learning Support Center?
If your child is doing distance learning, yet is in need for some face-to-face instruction at any time during the 1st 9 weeks, he/she will be able to sign up for a certified teacher to assist him in the gym!
Once the school year gets started, all students will receive specific instructions on how to sign up. But in a nutshell, if your child is struggling with say, Chemistry, and wants to come for help for an hour, you sign them up via Sign up Genius, you drop him off to the gym, and a certified teacher in that subject area will assist him!
There will be no bus service provided for this service. Students may walk, carpool, be dropped off/picked up, or drive to school. All students must sign in ahead of time to ensure there are enough teachers available and that we do not exceed our capacity of 50 people in the gym.
All health protocols for CoVid 19 that are applicable to the Hybrid students apply here as well.
**Please note, the Distance Learning Support Center will not be ready until after the first couple of weeks of school. We must see how many students we will consistently have on campus each day before I can determine the number of walk-in's we are allowed each day.
Belle Chasse High School
Email: jcarlone@ppsb.org
Website: http://bchs.ppsb.org
Location: 8346 Hwy 23, Belle Chasse, LA, USA
Phone: 504-595-6600
Facebook: facebook.com/BelleChasseHighSchool