Middle/High school FAQs

April 3, 2020 | MS/HS Survey Results and Upcoming Modifications

On March 27, we distributed a survey to Middle/High School students to assess the initial transition to Online Learning. We are so thankful for everyone’s feedback.

As we head into Easter Break, we want to share with you a breakdown of the findings, and how we are using the data to further improve the Online Learning experience when we return from the break.

• Please click here for a summary presentation of the survey data.

How the student survey and parent feedback from “homeroom” teachers influenced our changes:

• There was tremendous positive feedback, so the schedule was adjusted slightly but not greatly modified. We made more changes to guidelines for teachers.
• We made changes to Fridays to help with overlapping live events.
• We added office hours at the end of the day three times each week to provide opportunities for students to ask questions and provide individual support from teachers in small groups.
• There was a great deal of student frustration, stress, and anxiety about trying to get work for all of their classes done prior to the 3 p.m. deadline. We have directed teachers to extend due dates for their daily assignments until the morning of the next day.
• We are allowing teachers to spread assignments over several days (as they did prior to the Online Learning transition). Our goal is to help students work at their own pace and to allow for some flexibility.
• We are asking teachers to make their live events the assignment for the day and not have an additional assignment on that day.

KEY POINTS

• Every day is an “All” day, but classes with live events will not have additional assignments besides the live event.
• Second period teachers will have an “attendance” assignment. Please respond to this each day. The purpose of this assignment is to help identify and help students who are not keeping up with their work.
• Assignments will not be due the same day they are assigned.
• Assignments could extend over several days, giving students the opportunity to work at their own pace.
• Teachers will respond the same day to emails they receive between 8 a.m. and 3 p.m.
• Teachers will hold office hours Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday at the end of the day to answer student questions and offer small group support.
• For Quarter 4 work that is missing from the first three weeks, teachers will accept without penalty until April 17.

DAILY SCHEDULE

Thank you for your support and hard work! We hope you have a blessed and restful Easter Break, and we look forward to continuing Online Learning on Tuesday, April 14.

Please see below for important information about the week ahead. We will provide additional updates and information as they become available.

Tips for Being Successful in VCS’s Online Learning Platform:

1. Log in to Google Classroom each morning.

2. Respond to your second period teacher’s attendance assignment

3. Check all classrooms for any live events that are scheduled.

4. Look at your daily assignments.

5. Plan your activities for the day and begin doing your work.

6. Submit your work through Google Classroom, email your work to your teacher if you have problems.

7. Contact your teachers through email, but don’t expect responses outside of the school day.

For Technical Support:

Locked out of Family Portal? Email Mrs. Clayton (dianec@villagechristian.org)

Don’t know your login information? Email the school office:

• Middle School | Mrs. Crumbey (sandrac@villagechristian.org) or Mrs. Keller (shellyk@villagechrisrian.org)

• High School | Mrs. Briggs (diannab@villagechristian.org)

Problem with eBooks (shelf it)? Email Mrs. Raub (shellyr@villagechristian.org)

Problem with accessing Google Classroom? Email Mr. Endacott (raye@villagechristian.org)

Teachers will post class assignments by 8 a.m. every day with a recorded message in Google Classroom and FACTS (RenWeb).

Each content area has a designated block of time to have live “events” (e.g., lecture using Google Meet, group discussion using texts in Google Classroom)

Teachers are expected to be checking emails from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. each day

ADDITIONAL NOTES AND FAQS

What resources are required for online learning?
Students will need a device (phone, tablet, computer) that can access the Internet. If they have a tablet or phone, they should download the Google Classroom App. Students might also need their textbooks and other physical resources as well as access to their electronic books. Students may come pick up their textbooks and band/strings instruments on Wednesday, March 18 from 7:30 a.m. to 10 a.m.

How are we ensuring a quality education while the campus is closed?
In light of the challenges that schools are facing across the nation, Village Christian is making every effort to provide meaningful assignments for students during the time of school closure. Teachers will be providing daily assignments and feedback for students as they continue their coursework.

How will students be graded on coursework during campus closure?
Students will be graded on both participation (the submission of assignments) and quality. Teachers will provide feedback.

How are we facilitating lesson plans/teacher interaction, while utilizing the online platform?
Teachers will upload a daily video greeting to students. Teachers have time (and training) on holding live online events, which include interactive office hours for students to ask questions and get help. We expect students to interact daily with their classes by logging in to Google

Will students have access to their teachers for questions regarding lesson plans?
Students will be expected to log in daily to access their assignments/learning activities for that day. Each content area will have a designated time set aside for students to engage in classroom activities and office hours with their teachers. Teachers will be available to answer student emails throughout school hours.

What is the teacher communication turnaround-time policy?
Teachers will respond to emails they receive during the school day in a timely manner. There may be times that teachers are instructing classes; the expectation is that teachers respond within that school day.

What do parents need to know to help their students be successful?
Teachers will be posting daily video instructions for students which students can access after 8 a.m. each day. Parents should encourage students to check in daily and make use of teachers’ office hours in order to have communication with the teacher to answer questions they may have. Parents can also check FACTS/RenWeb to see daily assignments/learning activities.

How will students be graded on coursework during campus closure?
Each teacher will communicate to students the requirements and expectations for assignments. Teachers will also provide feedback from the assignments they have received from students.

Thank you for your understanding and flexibility as we work to provide a quality education in the midst of these uncertain circumstances. We will do everything we can to support each student and family, and we are thankful to be in this together with you.

If you have additional questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us via email.

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