As many families try to decide on whether to choose face-to-face or distance learning for each quarter, here is some information that may help you as you make a decision. We know that this is not an easy choice for many of you. Please let us know if there is anything we can do to support you in the decision making process.
Distance Learning:
- We anticipate having a dedicated distance teacher on each grade level.
- Learning will be administered primarily through technology. Internet connectivity is imperative. If you do not have internet capability and still wish to engage in distance learning, please contact the office for options.
- Students will receive instruction in Google Classroom.
- While the teachers will of course provide support for students as they navigate the technology, this option is definitely better for students who are comfortable with technology.
- Most of the instruction will come in the form of recorded videos and pre-prepared learning activities.
- Opportunities for small group or one-on-one help will be available during “consultation” hours that will be set up by the distance education teacher.
- Students who elect to participate in distance learning will be receiving instruction in the same standards as students attending face-to-face and will be graded on those same standards using the same measures.
- Because most of the instruction is created in advance, students may largely complete work at any time during the day. The exception would be real-time small groups or consultation appointments that happen in real-time.
- It is expected that parents communicate openly with distance education teachers to support their students’ learning, but the ultimate goal is to encourage independent learning skills.
Face to Face Learning:
- Currently, our face-to-face teachers are not teaching distance learning classes. This allows them to focus completely on the students in front of them.
- Students are required to wear masks at all times with the exception of lunch, recess when properly distanced, and PE when certain conditions have been met.
- Classrooms are being disinfected and cleaned multiple times each day. Students are expected to help with wiping down their tables.
- Students use hand sanitizer regularly and follow certain guidelines to mitigate risk of the spread of COVID. To See Pioneer’s Covid Reopening Plan (PDF).
- Parents are expected to keep children home who are not feeling well or are showing any symptoms. Attendance policies have been significantly relaxed to allow for this. It is imperative that students who are ill remain home.
Please note that parents will need to submit a form indicating whether their student will be participating in face to face or distance learning for that quarter. Once that selection has been made, the student is committed to that modality for the entire quarter and may not change until the following quarter. Special circumstances may require a change, but such instances will be reviewed by the principal on a case by case basis.