Distance Learning Academy Gr. 6-12
Weekly Update - December 23
Dear students and families,
The Distance Learning Academy will be closed through January 1st. If you have concerns or questions during this time please call 651-674-1051.
Students may still access Edmentum over the holiday break to get caught up or to work ahead. Teachers are not available during the break.
Course Grade - Creating Clarity
- Current Grade = This indicator tells the student and family how the student has done for the assignments and assessments that have completed.
- Course Grade = This indicator tells the student and family the grade the student would earn if the trimester were to end today. Because the trimester is not even half way done, most students Course Grade will be low. As the trimester continues this grade will go up.
- Color indicator = This indicator tells the student and family if they are on target, ahead of target, slightly behind, and red for behind.
- Time on task = This is an important indicator. A typical class will take between 30-40 hours. Some classes may take less time, others more time. As a general rule, students should spend between 35-50 minutes per day to stay on track for each course.
Important: It is important to look at all of the indicators together. Please do not get caught into just looking at one. For instance, a student who looks at the color indicator and is only concerned with keeping the status in green, may not be earning a passing grade. The student needs to also pay attention to time on task along with current grade. Toward the end of the trimester the student will begin to focus on the course grade which will end up at their end of trimester grade.
If you have any questions, please reach out to your teachers. The important thing is that you are monitoring your progress on a daily basis.
In the illustration below, Vixayvong is the teacher name, NOT a student.
11th grade College and Career Readiness Day - March 2nd
Please watch your emails on January 4th. The form will be send at that time. You will have four days to decide which test to take and submit your response. Please refer to my first letter with the ACT, Accuplacer, and ASVAB assessments.
Again, sorry for the confusion.
Trimester 2 Student Expectations - Friendly Reminders
- Contact tech support at 651-674-1097 or email helpdesk@isd138.org for technology support
- Use appropriate study skills i.e. note taking, ask questions to teachers, collaborate with a fellow students
- Create your student friendly workspace at home
- Contact teachers between 7:00 AM - 3:00 PM. Teachers are available via Google Meets and by phone to review materials Monday through Friday. If you make an appointment, please make sure you follow through and attend the meeting
- Middle School students- please use your school gmail account when emailing teachers. Practice using this communication tool
- Use appropriate academic language when communicating with staff
- Advocate for yourself
- Please make sure you know how to perform these tasks; downloading assignments, accessing teacher feedback and comments, and avoid distractions
- Utilizing Google Docs for essay responses and copy and paste from Google Doc into Edmentum
- Important: A student will generally spend between 30-40 hours in a course per trimester. So, students typically spend between 4-6 hours per day in their studies. The is a generalization which gives you something to aim for.
Trimester 2 Family Expectations - Friendly Reminders
- Reinforce appropriate work space at how that is free from distractions
- Reinforce a daily schedule
- Communicate with teacher(s) when you have a question or concern
- Know how to access Sensei for families (Edmentum Parent Portal)
- Know how to access teachers
- Have a daily conversation with your student regarding school
- Access technology support; parentsupport@isd138.org
DLA Teachers are here for you!
**Please Take Advantage of the Teacher Office Hours**
Mrs. Lattimore HS Social Studies
Tuesday and Thursday
12:00 - 2:00 PM - Google Meet Office Hours
And by appointment
Ms. Keller HS Social Studies
Tuesday and Thurs
12:30 - 2:30 PM - Google Meet Office Hours
And by appointment
Mr. Kirkland HS Math
Monday through Friday
11:00 AM - 12:00 PM - Google Meet Office Hours
And by appointment
Ms. Strain HS English Language Arts
Monday through Friday
12:00 - 1:00 PM - Google Meet Office Hours
And by appointment
Mr. Thompson HS Science
Monday through Friday
9:00 - 10:00 AM - Google Meet Office Hours
And by appointment
*The following information is also located on our website
Schedule for Accessing Middle School Teachers Starting Nov. 30
**Please Take Advantage of the Teacher Office Hours**
Ms. Tabor - MS English Language Arts
Monday through Friday
9:15 - 10:15 AM - Google Meet Office Hours
and by appointment
Mrs. Trunk - MS Science and Art
Monday through Friday
11:30 AM - 12:30 PM - Google Meet Office Hours
and by appointment
Mrs. Vixayvong - MS Math and DLA Coordinator
Monday through Friday
10:15 - 11:15 - Google Meet Office Hours
and by appointment
Mr. Stevens- MS Social Studies
Monday through Friday
1:15 - 2:15 PM - Google Meet Office Hours
and by appointment
* The information above is also located on our website
Have a wonderful holiday break!
Principal, Distance Learning Academy
Principal, Norse Area Learning Center
Director of Teaching and Learning