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Academics - In-Person & Virtual Options
As of July 28, Harrisonville Schools will be providing two learning options for students to select from for this fall. We will offer an in-person and virtual learning program, both of which will begin on Monday, August 24. Parents are asked to review our complete plan which is below and posted on the district website.
After reviewing the plans, parents will be asked to make a selection for their students of either in-person or virtual learning. This selection will need to be made by Wednesday, August 5 to help us in the planning process. The selection you make for your student will be for the first semester, running August 24-December 23, 2020.
In-Person
Elementary students will be assigned a classroom teacher and attend according to the district calendar.
Middle & high school students will be assigned a schedule and attend according to the district calendar.
The Daily Procedures/Guidelines outlined (see link at left) will be followed as closely as possible.
Virtual Learning - General Information
The district will provide devices for all students in grades K-12 who are participating in virtual learning. We also have a limited number of hot spots available for checkout.
Due to the hands-on nature of Cass Career Center block programs, a student may take the CCC course in-person and the remainder of his/her coursework virtually.
Things to consider when thinking about virtual learning….- Student has demonstrated time-management skills that indicate the student is capable of submitting assignments and completing course requirements without reminders.
- Student has demonstrated persistence in overcoming obstacles and willingness to see assistance when needed.
- Student has demonstrated verbal or written communication skills that would allow the student to succeed in an environment where the instructor may not provide nonverbal cues to support the student’s understanding.
- Student has the necessary computer or technical skills to succeed in a virtual course.
- Student has access to technology resources to participate in a virtual course.
- Consideration of the student’s previous success (or struggle) in virtual coursework.
Parent Choice: Virtual Learning (semester)
Virtual learning will be provided by third party vendors with district staff serving as points of contact, coordinators and resources for students. District students have used both platforms in the past for summer school and virtual learning. Both platforms are based on the Missouri Learning Standards.
Grade 4-12
Students in grades 4-12 will use Odysseyware as their online platform. District teachers will select the lessons within Odysseyware based on the Missouri Learning Standards which will be covered during first semester. HHS students will enroll in courses similar to their “in-person” schedule. HMS students will enroll in core classes with a few elective options. McEowen students will enroll in core classes (English Language Arts, Math, Science, and Social Studies). Each school (McEowen, HMS & HHS) will have at least one administrator and one teacher as the virtual learning coordinator. All grading and assessment will be done by a district staff member. Odysseyware is a self-paced software in which students will log in and complete work on their own schedule.
Grades 1-3
Students in grades 1-3 will use Launch as their online platform. Launch is taught by Missouri teachers using the Missouri Learning Standards. In this platform, students will be assigned to a class with students from their grade level across the state of Missouri. The coursework will include all core subjects, as well as some specials. The platform provides 6 hours of daily teacher-support programming to include videos, online activities, and project-based activities (not necessarily online). Please note that this does not mean a student will be on his/her device for six hours straight. A Harrisonville Elementary School staff member will be the Launch coordinator/resource for families. Grading and assessment will be done by the Launch teacher.
Kindergarten
Kindergarten students will be taught by a Harrisonville Early Childhood Center teacher. They will use Google Classroom to give instruction through videos, worksheets, and online games and activities. In-person lessons will take place using Google Meet.
Grades will be assigned for all virtual learning.
Students who choose virtual are eligible to participate in MSHSAA activities as long as they are in compliance with all other MSHSAA guidelines. Questions regarding eligibility should be directed to the Activities Director at Harrisonville High School at 816.380.3273 or email brent.maxwell@harrisonvilleschools.org.
Virtual Learning for Quarantined Students (Scenario 4 - short term)
Students excluded due to positive test or exposure and, who are able, can use Google Classroom to continue school. Students will work directly with their teacher(s) to continue completing assignments from home.
Virtual Learning for All (Scenario 3 - district or building closure)
All learning would be conducted by district teachers using Google Classroom. This will look different from the spring in several ways…Spring 2020
Fall 2020
Teacher check-ins
Teacher-led instruction
Unplanned, reactive
Purposeful
Focused on review, limited new concepts
Focused on grade-level standards, new material
Flexible daily requirement
Scheduled/planned school
No grading
Grades assigned
No assessments
Regular assessments
Additional information regarding Scenario 3 Virtual Learning would be provided when/if we move to this level.
Due to the hands-on nature of career and technical education, alternate plans may be developed for Cass Career Center students that would involve in-person learning.
Attendance
Students who choose virtual learning will automatically receive 94% attendance for completing assigned coursework. High school students who participate in virtual learning and complete all courses will earn 95% attendance for the A+ program.
In-person attendance will be counted as normal.
The high school is suspending its attendance procedures for extracurricular and graduation participation, as well as the attendance incentives for “opting out” of finals.
There will be no attendance incentives/awards.