Flexible Instruction Days

Students would be expected to log in at the appropriate time for synchronous (live) instruction for the first half of the school day. The remaining part of the school day would consist of asynchronous learning (assignments that can be completed independently), and/or individual meetings with teachers. The idea is to provide a limited time for students to engage online so that they are not in front of a screen for the whole day.

A FID schedule would vary slightly depending on a student’s age. Please see below:

• K-5 students would be expected to log in by 9 a.m. and would wrap up their live instruction by 11 a.m. There would be a break for lunch from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. From 12 p.m. onward, students could meet with their teachers individually (if needed) or work on their asynchronous assignments.

• Middle school students (6-8) would be expected to log on by 8:30 a.m. and conclude live instruction by approximately 11:30 a.m. Office hours for student/teacher collaboration and completion of asynchronous assignments would occur between 12:30 and 3 p.m. 

• High school students (9-12) would be expected to log on by 8 a.m. and would conclude live instruction by 11:15 a.m. Student/teacher collaboration and asynchronous assignments would take place from 12:20 to 2:30 p.m.

We will notify parents/guardians of the potential for a FID Day via our mass notification system, which contacts families via email, phone and text. We would also announce a FID day via the website, social media, and TV/radio. Ideally, we will notify families in advance of the potential for a FID day so that students can bring their devices home and be prepared for virtual instruction. Before implementing a FID day, we will try to use up the inclement weather days that have already been built into the District’s instructional calendar, but this may not always be possible. We can use up to five FID days per year.

Elementary school teachers will use Google Classroom to connect with their students regarding assignments and to provide links for the live instruction. Middle school and high school students will use Canvas to share information and  links for live instruction. 

No.

Students who forget their device may use personal devices at home, if possible. If a student’s device is not working, or they do not know how to get into Google Classroom/Canvas, they may get assistance by clicking here: https://www.colonialsd.org/parents/tech-support

If a student can’t attend class virtually, parents/guardians should reach out to their child’s teacher to make other arrangements. The state requires school districts to provide alternatives, such as packets being sent home, etc. We understand there will be cases where virtual instruction is just not possible. In these cases, we may simply record the day as an excused absence for a student.

Absences will be handled just as they would be on a regular school day. Parents/guardians should complete an absence form online for their child and submit it. Please click here to access the forms: https://www.colonialsd.org/absent

Students should log in at the appropriate time, and conduct themselves online as they would if they were in the classroom. Students should participate and stay in each class, dress appropriately, and use appropriate language, and complete requested assignments, just as they would on a regular school day.