Online Learning Plan: Weeks 10-12
High School
WHPS Online Learning Plan
Dear High School Students and Families:
With just three weeks of school remaining in the 2019-2020 year, administrators and teachers are focused on finishing strong. The entire WHPS team is thankful to students and family members for their partnership in this very unexpected journey. With little notice and no prior experience in distance learning, everyone put forth great effort to ensure we took care of our students. As we look ahead, WHPS will remain committed to continuous improvement so that all students are well supported emotionally and academically no matter the learning environment.
Objectives for Weeks 10-12
to keep all students engaged in learning through the final days of school
to individualize work for students who struggle to demonstrate their learning
to deliver helpful supports and resources with flexibility and compassion
Here are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions.
What are schools doing to support students as they navigate they work to understand the death of George Floyd and the nation's and state's reaction?
Superintendent Moore sent a message to the WHPS community in which he rededicates WHPS to the ongoing work of building cultural competence and equity, but expands this work by stating, "we will move actively, and immediately, to anti-racism as our driving ethos."
School principals followed with a similar message and asked teachers to speak with their students during class sessions about WHPS' commitments to building a just, equal and anti-racist community. Above all, teachers sent the message that WHPS schools are places where all students are valued as equals and where racism is not tolerated.
To provide students a space to express their feelings and hear from their peers, each school developed online forums for students to listen, speak, learn and grow. School staff members moderate these ongoing sessions, but the spaces are not structured with a pre-made agenda. As students are witnesses to these local and national events, they benefit from participating in caring and supportive discussions.
These actions are not an end of the district's work toward equity, justice and anti-racism, they are a small part of a district-wide commitment to improvement.
Are there resources for me to support my child?
Here are websites that offer parents valuable tools to support their children and learn more.
The American Psychological Association groups their resources by age,; on this site, you will find readings for the very young child, elementary, middle and teenagers.
How to Talk to Kids about Racism and Racial Violence
My child is struggling to keep up, what should I do?
- Speak with your child to gather information about the classes in which the child is struggling.
- Check PowerSchool to get an update on student work completion.
- Contact the child's teacher and school counselor.
- Work with school staff to identify a plan to submit missing or incomplete work or to get extra help.
Teachers are flexible, compassionate, and understanding; they will work with your child to find a way to move forward.
Are my child's grades in PowerSchool up to date?
Teachers are updating PowerSchool regularly. Caregivers should check PowerSchool and speak with their child about missing work, the support they need, and plans to submit that work.
Will the high school make up the School Day SAT that was canceled in March?
Yes. The high schools will hold School Day SAT on Sept. 23 for the current juniors only. Students who would like to sign up for a weekend SAT can find the dates here.
When is graduation?
There will be two special events for the graduates. First, seniors are invited to participate in a "Graduation Car Caravan" through West Hartford on Monday, June 15. Details on the route, arrival time to the respective high schools, and safety procedures are forthcoming.
The second event is graduation. Both high school graduations will be at the Farmington Polo Grounds. Conard is scheduled for June 24 and Hall's will be held on June 25; both programs will begin at 6:00 p.m.
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 running 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 were held from May 11-May 22. Nearly 95 percent of students who signed up for the exams took them during that two week period. For students who did not take their exam at that time, makeup dates are June 1-June 5. The full make-up schedule can be found here.
Students taking the makeup exams should read and keep a printed copy of the 2020 AP Exam Day Checklist with them during their exam. This document was sent by US mail to each student enrolled in a AP courses.
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 by filling out this form.
Please note, if a student earns a D in any class, the D will automatically be changed to a P. Families do not need to fill out the form in that situation.
Are teachers teaching during Class Meetings on Google Meets for the last three weeks?
Yes. Teachers will continue meeting with seniors through June 12. For underclassman, Class Meetings in Google Meets will continue through Tuesday, June 16. On June 17 and 18, teachers will work with students who are struggling to earn passing grades. The final two days will be devoted to individual student support and small group tutoring sessions.
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 are learning to use.
- EdPuzzle - an assessment-centered tool that allows teachers and students to create interactive online videos by embedding open-ended or multiple-choice questions, audio notes, audio tracks, or comments on a video.
- Newsela - an instructional tool that lets teachers find interesting new articles with appropriate reading levels for students. The Newsela articles includes questions that encourage students to read closely and writing prompts that align with common core standards.
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, hold Classroom Meetings 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 10, 11 & 12
Monday, Jun 1, 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.