Dear High School Students and Families:
As our third week of the WHPS Online Learning Plan begins, we are thankful to all of our students, families, teachers and staff members for their efforts to make online learning a positive experience for students. As we face challenging times together, we are reassured in knowing that as a community, we are working together in the best interests of our students.
What are our objectives for Week 3?
to promote student and family well-being
to make a connection with every student and provide support based on student needs
to offer students feedback on their learning and updates on their progress
to expand the use of interactive online learning tools and resources that engage students' hearts and minds
Students and parents have asked several question; here are some answers to the most frequently asked questions.
Will we meet Wednesday this week because Friday is a day off?
No, we will not meet on Wednesday this week. The Classroom Office Hours schedule for Week 3 can be found here. As Friday, April 10 is a religious holiday and the first day of April vacation, we will not hold classes. If you need extra help, reach out directly to your teacher to set up additional time.
Do students have to attend Classroom Office Hours in Google Meets?
Our intent is for students to attend Classroom Office Hours. Unless family obligations prevent them from doing so, students are expected to attend all sessions.
Are teachers grading assignments?
Teachers are grading assignments. During the first week of the WHPS Online Learning Plan, teachers provided students with descriptive feedback on assignments and marked those assignments as "Collected." Starting in Week 2 and thereafter, teachers are providing descriptive feedback as they restart the typical grading procedures and enter assignments in PowerSchool.
When does Quarter 3 end and Quarter 4 begin?
As the move to online learning came in the final weeks of Quarter 3, it did not allow adequate time for students to finish assignments and submit work by the original end date of March 31. In an effort to provide all students with the greatest flexibility, WHPS will merge the marking periods(Q3 and Q4) to create a one semester marking term that will close on the last day of school, June 18. Superintendent Moore has been in touch with many colleges and universities who support this decision. Students and families are encouraged to check PowerSchool on April 9 to see student progress to date.
What is happening with AP Tests?
The College Board has taken the following steps:
Our dedicated West Hartford teachers are already making adjustments to instruction to ensure students complete their coursework, prepare for their exams and continue their opportunity to earn the college credit and placement they have worked for all year.
What resources are teachers using to engage students?
WHPS teachers are hard at work identifying new ways to present learning and engage students. Here are some of the tools and resources they are using.
Screencastify- Teachers use this Chrome extension to record mini lessons or offer explanations for an assignment or concept. Some teachers start Classroom Office Hours with a question starter, via Screencastify, as they check to see which students are in "class."
Flipgrid -This website allows teachers to create "grids" that facilitate video discussions. Each grid is like a message board where teachers can pose questions, called "topics," and their students can post responses that appear in a tiled grid display.
Khan Academy -Teachers select from Khan Academy's wide variety of resources to supplement teaching and learning. The site offers practice exercises, instructional videos, and a personalized learning dashboard.
AP Classroom - New in 2019, students have access to instructional resources, sample questions, explanations and personalized study plans that complement their AP course.
What digital tools are available to help students who have reading or writing challenges?
There are many free tools on the Internet or pre-installed on Chromebooks. Below you will find a short list of some very helpful tools.
Natural Reader - Natural Reader is a professional text to speech program. Students simply open Natural Reader and drag and drop a .DOC, .PDF, .TXT, .RTF, or .EPUB file into this online tool and Natural Reader converts text into spoken words.
Speechtexter - This free online resource allows students to speak their response into a dictation box and text will appear. Text then can be copied and pasted into documents or text boxes to create Linkwritten responses to assignments.
ChromeVox - Pre-installed on all Chromebooks, ChromeVox is a screen reader that allows users to browse the Internet with the aid of synthesized speech played through their speakers or headphones.
How is WHPS supporting students with IEPs and 504 plans?
WHPS is providing multiple supports to students who have IEP and 504 plans. These include:
Untimed assignments with flexible due dates. Students with IEPs will work with their special educator and teacher to determine appropriate flexibilities.
All assignments posted in Google Classroom will include accommodations for students with IEPs and 504 plans. In addition, digital tools to support access to instructional materials are posted above.
Content Support classes, those classes that provide students with additional targeted instruction, will hold Classroom Office Hours as all other classes do. Students can check in with their special educator for support in meeting their goals.
Special Educators will use afternoons and Wednesdays for small group work and individual check-ins.
Special Educators will have access to their co-teacher's Google Classroom to review assignments and be prepared to support students.
Special Educators and 504 case managers have created individual learning plans to outline individualized instruction in support of each student's individual goals.
School Counselors will check in with their students with a 504 plan during the afternoon or on Wednesday to determine their needs. Students whose 504 plan includes direct related services (e.g. speech and language, counselor or clinician check-ins, etc.) will have an individualized learning plan sent home that outlines how and when services are provided.
Special Educators of students in Intensive Academic classes will email families directly with plans for continued learning.
