FAQsSection1

Susquehanna Valley

SV School Reopening Frequently Asked Questions

SECTION 1: LEARNING FORMAT AND TECHNOLOGY

Will remote learning be for the entire school year?

We don’t know, as this will be dictated by NYSED, DOH and the Governor's Office.

If we start "in person" and reconsider, can we go "remote" and return to "in person" later?

A parent can change from remote learning to in-person or hybrid learning at any time; we ask that you notify your child’s school staff with this updated information.

If we opt for full time in person, hybrid, or full virtual, how long must we commit to one?

There is no time commitment; families may change learning choices at any time.

Will hybrid days be offered to elementary children?

Yes, the decision to send a child to school for in-person instruction rests with the child’s parents.

Will siblings be attending school on the same day?

Yes, family members from the same household will be placed in the same cohorts.

What are school hours?

School hours for students in Pre-Kindergarten through grade 3 are 8:50 a.m. to 3:05 p.m.; school hours for students in grades 4 through 12 are 7:40 a.m. to 2:22 p.m.

How will it be decided who goes on what days?

Multiple factors influenced scheduling, too many to detail, but a heterogeneous grouping method was utilized.

What program will be used when streaming classes?

The district will utilize Zoom to stream classes.

Will students at home be able to interact with the teacher and other students?

Yes, through their Zoom calls, students will have full interactive capabilities.

If the kids miss an online class will it be available to watch at a later time?

Yes, all classes will be recorded and posted to the teachers’ learning platform around 3:00 p.m. each day. This, of course, also accommodates situations where a student may have a Dr. or Dentist appointment during school hours.

Who is responsible for recording and uploading lectures?

The classroom teacher has this responsibility.

Is it possible that a substitute could be in the classroom?

Yes, like in any year, we will continue to utilize substitute teachers.

Can you address expectations and flexibility for "in person" versus remote scheduling?

For students in Pre-Kindergarten through grade 5, teachers will communicate directly with parents regarding the scheduled times that students should connect to a Zoom call for instruction. We have no intention of having students on a screen from 9 to 3 each day. These lessons will also be recorded so they can be viewed at a later time, or viewed for a second time if needed. For students in grades 6-12, they will follow their in-person daily class schedule with 9 periods (including lunch). Students will be expected to connect to a Zoom call for instruction. Just as with younger students, it is likely that the teacher will provide direct instruction for a portion of this time, and allow for independent work for another portion. Students will have a 40 minute break for lunch, and have approximately 4 minutes between classes. These lessons will also be recorded so they can be viewed at a later time, or viewed for a second time if needed.

What online format(s) are you using, and can all teachers please use Parent Portal?

Teachers in Pre-Kindergarten through grade one will use SeeSaw as their learning platform. Teachers in grades 2-8 will use either Google Classroom or Schoology as their learning platform, with an emphasis on Google Classroom. Other websites (ie. RazKids, Moby Max, IXL, etc.) will continue to supplement teachers’ instructional materials throughout the school year. All teachers in grades 6-12 are expected to use the grading system that allows parents to view student progress through Parent Portal. If you are concerned about a specific teacher, please contact the building principal.

Will students get new or updated Chromebooks or iPads?

Students in Pre-Kindergarten through grade 3 will all be issued new iPads and asked to return any borrowed iPads from last school year. For students attending Brookside, this will take place on August 27, and for students attending Donnelly, this will take place on August 28. Students in grade 6 will receive new Chromebooks and are asked to return borrowed iPads at the Middle School on August 26. More details will be communicated through each building.

When will parents hear about remote learning details ? What's expected, how is work submitted, etc?

Any additional details regarding remote learning will be communicated via individual teachers, this will include expectations, and work completion and grading procedures. Remote learning will follow the same structure as in-person learning related to curriculum and assessment.

In case of a return to remote learning, when will schedules for week/month be sent out?

Schedules for elementary student Zoom meetings would be sent out as soon as possible following an announced closure; middle and high school students would continue to follow their original schedules.

How easy would it be for remote learners to transition back into the classroom?

This should be quite easy; please just let your child’s school know that you are planning to have him or her return to in-person instruction.