Secondary Second Semester
Return-to-Learn Second Semester Plans: Oct. 30, 2020
Watch Short Video of Second Semester Plans
Family Choice for Second Semester
- Families must choose for their student to learn at school or online for the rest of the 2020-21 school year.
- Families will be sent a survey Monday, Nov. 2, to complete for EACH student.
- Families must decide by Friday, Nov. 13.
WHAT'S THE SAME FOR SECOND SEMESTER?
- Both plans have students attending class Monday through Friday, either at school or at home.
- WDMCS will continue to monitor Polk County positivity percentages and follow a matrix to help guide decision-making. The updated matrix is outlined later in this newsletter.
WHEN WILL I KNOW WHAT THIS MEANS FOR MY STUDENT?
- Families will receive information prior to winter break regarding any changes to their student's class or school based on number of families who choose a different learning environment for next semester. Please read what you need to consider before you decide in the article below.
What's Different for Second Semester?
Cannot Change Environments After Deadline
Face Masks Required for Students and Staff
Mask requirements take effect second semester, which starts Tuesday, Jan. 19.
Change of Matrix
Is Online Learning a Good Fit for Your Student?
Do You Have What You Need at Home?
Does your student have adequate internet bandwidth to support virtual meetings without disruption?
Does your student have a space to work that is quiet, with school supplies and few distractions?
Does your student have an adult able to help navigate questions, technology issues, or monitor safety online?
If you need technology support, let us know.
Virtual Learning Experience?
Has your student been successful with managing their time when balancing independent work with remoting into each course?
Has your student been able to connect with their teachers in a meaningful way?
Does your student engage with the teacher and peers when remoting into each course?
Social & Emotional Support?
Does your student have peers that they connect with whether their friends are learning online or at school?
Does your student feel as though their teachers or other teaching staff knows them well?
Does your student enjoy learning online?
Academic Success?
Does your student have satisfactory work completion?
Does your student understand the material being taught, with a minimal amount of additional guidance or instruction?
How are first semester grades?
Health Concerns?
Do you or an immediate family member have a pre-existing condition that might make them significantly higher risk if exposed to COVID-19?
Do you follow CDC recommended mitigation strategies at home and in public places?
Understand Online Schedules
Valley High School, Valley Southwoods Freshman High School, and Indian Hills and Stilwell junior highs will use block scheduling for the 2020-21 school year. Walnut Creek Campus students will attend seven classes each day (similar to previous years).
Example Daily Online Schedules
Second Semester Matrix for Transitioning Online
0-9% Positivity in Polk County
- Students learn at school or online based on what families chose.
- Daily wellness checks by staff and students who learn on-site.
- Face masks required. Social distancing followed when possible.
- Practice frequent hand washing and other safety measures.
- Continued consultation with local health officials.
10+% Positivity in Polk County
THINGS TO CONSIDER
- Positivity percentage in classroom, school, or district.
- Types and number of student absences.
- Availability of staff within a classroom, building, or school.
WDMCS will call a Board meeting to provide a recommendation to the Board for review.
WDMCS Total Positive Cases: Aug. 27-Oct. 27
Survey Coming in Early November
- Families must choose for their student to learn at school or online for the rest of the 2020-21 school year.
- Families will be sent a survey Monday, Nov. 2, to complete for EACH student.
- Families must decide by Friday, Nov. 13.
School/Community Relations
buckl@wdmcs.org
515-633-5023
Alexandra Wade
515-633-5022
Aaron Young
younga@wdmcs.org
515-633-5016
Email: scroffice@wdmcs.org
Website: www.wdmcs.org
Location: 3550 Mills Civic Parkway, West Des Moines, IA, USA
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wdmcs/
Twitter: @WDMCS