Online Learning Plan: Weeks 6 & 7
High School
WHPS Online Learning Plan
Dear High School Students and Families:
As students begin Week 6 (starting May 4) and Week 7 (starting May 11) of the WHPS Online Learning Plan, we send our best wishes for health, happiness, and peace to all members of our community.
Despite the major challenges we face during these times, there are many positive things happening. To lift your spirits, check out these extraordinary performances from Hall High Choraliers and from the Conard High Solo Choir. Our students are talented and hopeful; they bring us much joy.
What are our objectives for Week 6 & 7
to make connections with each student, monitor needs, and provide appropriate supports
to encourage students to do their personal best as this new environment approaches the two month mark
to enhance our online environments to promote student learning, collaboration, and independence
to refine our use of the many interactive online learning tools available and use them effectively to promote learning and to engage students' hearts, minds and bodies
Some new questions have come up this week; here are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions.
Will students take exams in June?
No. Final exams will not be held this year. Students will continue their assignments until the last week of school. Some teachers may assign culminating papers or projects. Such work will be graded and entered into the S2 grade, but not as a separate exam grade.
When is graduation and what is the last day of school?
Graduation is scheduled for June 15 and the last day of school is June 18. Currently, a commitee of administrators is working on the details for this year's graduation. Both high school principals will be gathering feedback from students to inform the plan.
My child signed up or wants to sign up for summer school; will WHPS offer summer school?
WHPS will host an online summer school program. There are two summer sessions with classes beginning 6/22 and run through 7/10 (Session I) and 7/13 through 7/30 (Session II). The daily schedule will feature a blend of live teaching, asynchronous learning, and student small group collaborative time. For more information, visit the summer school page.
What is happening with AP exams?
AP Exams will be held from May 11-May 22; you can find the full exam schedule here.
The College Board encourages students to have read the 2020 AP Exam Day Checklist before their exam day and to keep a copy of this checklist in front of them during the exam. WHPS is mailing each student a print copy of the 2020 AP Exam Day Checklist. These letters should arrive by US mail on or before May 9. For more exam day information, click here.
Are the AP Exams the same format as in previous years?
The College Board has made major changes to the exam. The most significant changes are:
Students will take a 45-minute online free-response exam at home. Traditional face-to-face exam administrations will not take place. Please find the exam schedule here.
The exam will only include topics and skills most teachers and students have already covered in class by early March. Information regarding units covered on each test and exam question types can be found here.
Are teachers grading assignments?
Yes. Teachers are grading assignments and entering grades in PowerSchool. Students and parents should check PowerSchool to get an update on student progress.
Will students get the traditional letter grade at the end of S2?
Students will earn letter grades during S2. If a student, in consultation with their family, would prefer a Pass/Fail (P/F) option in any class, the student can elect that option.
Are teachers teaching during Class Meetings on Google Meets?
Yes. Each Friday, teachers post lessons, assignments and resources in Google Classroom including readings, videos, audio clips, and videotaped lessons. During Class Meetings in Google Meets, teachers teach the content live, provide additional explanations, take student questions, review expectations, and collect student feedback. Find the schedule for Class Meetings here.
How are teachers holding classroom conversations?
WHPS teachers understand the powerful role student-to-student dialogue has in supporting students to make meaning of academic content. In an online environment, this is more challenging; however, WHPS teachers are finding their way. Teachers are learning how to split their classes into small group sessions during Classroom Meetings to promote dialogue and then bring students back to a whole class meeting to debrief.
What are other ways teachers use to engage students?
Teachers continue to find new tools and ways to engage students' hearts and minds during this time. The use of journaling, group projects, collaboration through Google Docs and new technology tools are increasing each day. Here are some tools teachers have incorporated recently.
- Google Docs, Slides, and Sheets Collaboration Features -Google embeds collaboration features in each of its products so that users can give each other feedback on their work. As students write essays, research papers, reflection papers or calculate models and formulas, they share their work with their peers who offer commentary and suggestions for improvement.
- Kahoot - Teachers use Kahoot often during their face-to-face learning sessions. This tool is easy to use in an online environment as well. Whether teachers want to do a quick quiz, survey their students, or collect responses to open-ended questions, Kahoot can quickly collect student responses in a fun and engaging manner while teachers gather information on student understanding.
Are students supposed to attend all scheduled Class Meetings?
Yes, the expectation is that all students attend all Class Meetings. Students who cannot attend a session should notify their teacher.
When will the College Board hold the next SAT?
To keep students safe, this week the College Board canceled the June 6 SAT. The College Board plans to offer SAT administrations every month from August through the end of the calendar year if public health guidance allows. Dates for upcoming tests are currently scheduled for August 29, October 3, November 7 and December 5.
What digital tools are available to help students who have reading or writing challenges?
There are many free tools on the Internet or pre-installed on Chromebooks. Below you will find a short list of some very helpful tools.
Natural Reader - Natural Reader is a professional text to speech program. Students simply open Natural Reader and drag and drop a .DOC, .PDF, .TXT, .RTF, or .EPUB file into this online tool and Natural Reader converts text into spoken words.
Speechtexter - This free online resource allows students to speak their response into a dictation box and text will appear. Text then can be copied and pasted into documents or text boxes to create written responses to assignments.
ChromeVox - Pre-installed on all Chromebooks, ChromeVox is a screen reader that allows users to browse the Internet with the aid of synthesized speech played through their speakers or headphones.
How is WHPS supporting students with IEPs and 504 plans?
WHPS is providing multiple supports to students who have IEP and 504 plans. These include:
Untimed assignments with flexible due dates. Students with IEPs will work with their special educator and teacher to determine appropriate flexibilities.
All assignments posted in Google Classroom will include accommodations for students with IEPs and 504 plans. In addition, digital tools to support access to instructional materials are posted above.
Content Support classes, those classes that provide students with additional targeted instruction, will hold Classroom Office Hours as all other classes do. Students can check in with their special educator for support in meeting their goals.
Special Educators will use afternoons and Wednesdays for small group work and individual check-ins.
Special Educators will have access to their co-teacher's Google Classroom to review assignments and be prepared to support students.
Special Educators and 504 case managers have created individual learning plans to outline individualized instruction in support of each student's individual goals.
School Counselors will check in with their students with a 504 plan during the afternoon or on Wednesday to determine their needs. Students whose 504 plan includes direct related services (e.g. speech and language, counselor or clinician check-ins, etc.) will have an individualized learning plan sent home that outlines how and when services are provided.
Special Educators of students in Intensive Academic classes will email families directly with plans for continued learning.
OnLine Learning Plan Weeks 6 and 7
Monday, May 4, 2020, 08:30 AM
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Google Classroom
Google Classroom will be the primary platform for posting lessons and resources. For many of our students and teachers, Google Classroom is already a resource they use for learning each day. Over the last week, all teachers checked their Google Classroom accounts and invited co-teachers and Department Supervisors to join.