FAQ

Q: Will the 3K program follow the SDMF guidelines for opening or will it be a separate decision? Do we need to select an instruction option per the email sent out earlier this week from SDMF?
A: The 3-year-old preschool program run through Community Education & Recreation will take place if schools resume with face-to-face instruction. If schools start up in a hybrid or virtual model, the program will not take place, and we would re-evaluate for second semester.

Q: Would it be an all day learning session or just 1/2 days like it would be if the child was going to school in person? If we choose Choice 1 is the wrap around program still available?
A: The all virtual option would be ½ days, the same as the in person option. A Menomonee Falls teacher will teach the lessons. Students will experience learning through direct instruction and individual practice/application. When possible, students will participate in small group work. Learning will occur through a blend of live and recorded lessons. Throughout the program, teachers will provide feedback to the students and parents related to student progress.

The 4K wrap around will run if students return to school for face to face instruction. In the hybrid model students will most likely be able to participate in 4k wrap but only on the days they are in school. In other words. In a fully virtual model we would not run the 4k wrap program but are looking at full day options within the traditional Kids INC program.

Q: What will 4K wrap-around care look like?
A: We are planning wrap-around programs at Ben Franklin and Shady Lane. Students will not be mixed between the two schools. Students registered for wrap around will attend the program at the school they attend during the day. However, there will be mixing of students from classrooms when they do participate in the wrap around program, essentially creating another cohort of up to 25 students. The class sizes within wrap around will be up to 25, but could be smaller depending on enrollment.


Q: Will Kids Inc be available on virtual hybrid days or fully virtual days?
A: Kids INC will not be available to students on the days they attend virtually within the hybrid model. It will be available before and after school on days when the student attends face-to-face, for those that register. The space needed to run Kids INC for a full day will be utilized by the students attending face-to-face instruction.

We continue to look at what a model would look like should students return to school virtually. A significant challenge is staffing. Many of our Kids INC employees are high school students, which would make them unavailable during the regular school day.

Q: Will students who chose online be able to participate in sports and clubs?
Yes. Students who participate in virtual learning would need to meet the same attendance expectations as students attending school face-to-face.

Q: Will there be any air quality improvements made, such as classroom air purifiers or enhanced HVAC filtration systems?
A: We will be providing more fresh air by adjusting our HVAC system. Our air filters are rated at Merv. 8 level or more and changed three times per year.

Q: How frequently will classrooms be sanitized?
A: Classrooms will be disinfected both day and night by the custodial staff. Classrooms that have a higher absence rate will be additionally disinfected.

Q: Typically parents are asked to provide Clorox wipes and hand sanitizer for the school year. Will the school district be supplying these items since it has been impossible for the general public to find any of these products for purchase?
A: We are in the process of supplying every classroom space with disinfectant wipes for the year. The district is providing these across the district so we can be sure the products used are safe and effective. This plan was put in place before the Covid-19 situation. Our disinfectant and sanitizer wipes are the same product mixed at different durations. We use it as a sanitizer in wipes and as a disinfectant in our sprayers. Please click here for details about our sanitizer products.

Q: Will hand sanitizer be provided in the district?
A: Hand sanitizer stations have been installed in classrooms and high traffic areas. Students and staff will be asked to wash hands or use hand sanitizer upon entering or exiting a room. This hand sanitizer is the same brand used in all the Aurora Health Care buildings. Please click here for details about the hand sanitizer brand.

The annual back to school process for all students will began in mid-August.

1). Annual Data Verification - Parent will receive an email with instructions on updating your contact information, students' medical information, updated policies and agreements.

2). Paying School Fees -School fees will be available to be paid online.

For more information, please click on the links below for your school's Back to School page. and paying school fees.

• Ben Franklin Elementary
• Shady Lane Elementary
• Riverside Elementary .
• Valley View Elementary
• North Middle School
• Menomonee Falls High School

Q: Will Non-Mandated Busing still be available?
A: Due to the Covid-19 health precautions, we are unable to offer non-mandated bussing for students in the first semester. A decision about 2^nd semester will be made in December

Q: How will bus routes be adjusted to allow for social distancing?
A: Parents are encouraged to drive their child(ren) to and from school if concerned with busing protocol enforcement. It will required for students who ride the bus wear a face mask.

Q: My kids do non-mandates bussing to and from the Children’s Community Center. Will non-mandated bussing still be an option?
A: Non-mandated busing may not be available this year to help reduce the number of students on the bus.

Q: My child will be entering 2nd grade at Ben Franklin. We would be able to provide her with transportation to school in the mornings instead of using the bus like we have previous years. However, it might be difficult to always do parent pick-up at the end of the school day. Would we have the option to do parent drop off in the morning and busing in the afternoon?
A: Yes. Parents can can choose to have their child ride the bus on the days or times that are needed. Elementary students will be receiving a form as part of their annual back to school process - paying school fees, update of contact data and medical information. These instructions will be emailed after August 10th.

Q: Will masks be required on the bus?
A: Masks will be required for all students and drivers on the school bus. If a student does not have a mask, the bus drivers will be able to provide one to the student. If a student does not comply with this policy, the driver will report the student to the school for follow-up discussion.

Thank you for your questions. We will post more information as soon as it is available.

Q: What safety measures are being taking in school to reduce the risk of Covid-19?
A: The district has worked closely with their partners from the Waukesha County Health Department and with recommendations from CDC to create a safe environment for staff and students. Please click here to view our risk mitigation plans. Slide 1. Slide 2

Q: What is a "pinch point" referenced in the plan?
A: A pinch point refers to places where congestion of people is common. An example of this would be waiting in lines to get lunch in the cafeteria. We will redesign processes so students can move through lunch lines quickly with more personal space.

Q: Will the school hours remain the same as last year?
A: Yes, our current planning retains the same start and end times for school days at all levels.

Q: How will recess be scheduled and will they mix with other students on the playground?
A: Plans for recess are not yet finalized. Our goal is to limit the intermixing between students as much as possible. This will include recess.

Q: The AAP recommendations state that outdoor spaces should be utilized as much as possible. What, if any, plans does the school district have for outdoor learning?
A: While we don't have detailed plans yet to utilize outdoor learning space, we will be encouraging teachers to move activities outdoors where it is practical.

Q: Will the list of school supplies needed change? Example: 2 packs of 24 crayons. My child should have his own container of his own crayons, no sharing of items.
A: We will be limiting sharing of materials wherever possible and have cleaning protocols in place where materials must be shared. Please watch for communication from your child's school regarding school supplies.

Q: Will there be exceptions made on the number of days a student is allowed to miss per school year?
A: We are working to finalize and adjust our attendance policies and expectations.

Q: Does the district feel they have a large enough pool Of high-quality subs to cover illness, given that a number of subs will not be returning, combined with CDC quarantine times of 2+ weeks for each teacher who contracts Covid?
A: Yes, in addition to the five subs already in place every year, there have been an additional ten subs requested for the 2020-21 school year, as well as working with contractors for additional coverage for specialized services coverage. As formal requests for leaves are processed, this request can be increased based on needs.

Q: If a teacher becomes ill, possibly spreading it to the class, who will teach quarantined children at home?
A: Students who experience intermittent absences will continue learning in a distance learning model. This will include a blend of synchronous and asynchronous learning.

Q: Will COVID test be regularly taken by staff?
A: This is not in our plans right now. We will be following the guidelines of health care professionals and test when there are symptoms or suspected close contact with someone with COVID. Regular testing is not something that has been recommended by health organizations.

Q: How will students work in teams with social distancing? Everyone is concerned about the students' social needs, but how can we work on them if everyone is socially distanced?
A: Students will be working together within their classroom cohorts. Students will be wearing masks which will allow them to safely be closer than 6 ft. We know much learning happens cooperatively, and although we can’t run our classrooms the same as we have in the past, having students wearing masks and spaced when appropriate, will allow them to continue to work together and closely with teachers.

Q; How are the younger students going to be introduced to their teacher? A person they've never met, in a mask is scary, and how can they console a sad, scared or hurting child?
A: We are working a few strategies. Things like video introductions without masks, or meeting students outside first, distanced, so they can have their mask removed. We know the beginning of the school year can be an exciting, but anxious time for students and parents, so we work to have welcoming opportunities like our Ready, Set, Go conferences. We are refining those conferences to decide how to safely and appropriately hold them. In the coming weeks, I will be sharing messages with families as well about what the beginning of the year will look like and conversations that you can have with your kids to help ease some of that anxiety.

Q: What will the size of a cohort be at the elementary level?
A. Cohort sizes would be approximately the same class sizes as we have traditionally had with the difference this year being we may have a couple fewer students due to some families choosing the fully virtual option.

Q: Will students intermix with other cohorts during the day?
A: Students would stay with their homeroom cohort throughout the day including at lunch and recess. However, some students may have other cohorts for a limited period. For example a student receiving extra math support or reading support from an interventionist or a 5^th grade student who is enrolled in our 6^th grade math class may have additional cohorts. We will do our best to meet the needs within the homeroom classroom when we can.

Q: Do the teachers have any input on the decision? If the teachers are not on board we are going to have a hard time having enough.
A: We will be working with teachers to understand how to manage the day to day procedures students will follow under the safety guidelines and recommendations. Teachers will be essential in developing these procedures.

To review the SDMF Process for COVID-19 Positive Cases, please click here.

Q: Will masks be required for students and staff?
A. We are in discussions with with local heath care providers from Children's Hospital and a team from Froedert, as well reviewing current research regarding the use of masks. Currently, the decision regarding mask use has not been finalized.

Q: If a student tests positive for Covid-19, what will the procedure be for everyone that student has come in contact with? Will classmates/teachers simply be monitored for symptoms? Will those classes/teachers all go virtual for a two weeks?
A: These decisions will be made in collaboration with the Waukesha County Health Department.

Q: What happens when multiple same grade level staff test positive and are out on sick at the same time and no subs are available?
A: These decisions will be made in collaboration with the Waukesha County Health Department.

Q: How long must a student or staff stay home after a fever?
A: This will depend on the situation. Many illnesses cause a fever for different reasons; not all fevers will be a result of COVID-19. Our current policy is 24 hours without fever reducing medication.

Q: If a teacher or student, or someone in their immediate household, tests positive for COVID-19, will they be required to share this information with the school?
A: The health department will contact the school when there are cases which will impact schools.

Q: Will families be notified if there is a positive case in the district, in a school, or within a pod?
A: Historically, the health department has supported the communication for all communicable disease, with a formal letter being sent home to families.

Q: What will the protocol be for a suspected case of a teacher/staff/student as that individual awaits test results? Will people be required to report that they have been tested because of symptoms - teachers, staff, students?
A: These decisions will be made in collaboration with the health department. We are working to develop these decision points with their support.

Q: Will there be a change in protocol when a child feels ill or develops a fever during the school day while they await parent pick-up?
A: The health rooms have been restructured and procedures have been adjusted to meet the safety requirements of COVID-19.

Q: If my child's classroom is required to quarantine at home, do the siblings in other classes or schools have to also quarantine?
A: These decisions will be made in collaboration with the health department.

Q: Can I access the meals for students while quarantined?
A: Yes, there are meal pickups at North and the High Schools from 11-1 Monday through Thursday (Thursday will distribute a Friday meal as well). With questions please call 262-250-6461 or visit the school nutrition.

Q: How do you plan to deal with a child who has lung and respiratory issue that make it impossible for her to wear a mask?
A: Health care plans are developed with the district nurses for individual student needs with diagnosed medical concerns.

Q: Many students are sent to school when they are sick, who is monitoring this?
A: Attendance is monitored by the school administrator, pupil services staff and district nurse

Q: Will students/parents need to report if they get sick during the school year? Will other students in the class be made aware?

A: These decisions will be made in collaboration with the health department

Thank you for your questions. We will post more information as soon as it is available.

Q: Also, how are you protecting older teachers, staff, and janitorial staff? Studies have shown that the staff are most at risk in school situations. How will the staff be protected?
A: Risk mitigation strategies including cleaning protocols, increase hygiene protocols, face coverings, decreasing intermixing of students, increased ventilation, reconsidering the daily structure and flow, etc. For specific staff concerns, staff are asked to contact the human resources department

Q: Will COVID test be regularly taken by staff?
A: This is not in our plans right now. We will be following the guidelines of health care professionals and test when there are symptoms or suspected close contact with someone with COVID. Regular testing is not something that has been recommended by health organizations.

Q: Where can i find information about the health metrics in the community the school is using to base its decision on fall learning?
A: Click here to view our health metrics dashboard. Information on this page is collected from the Wisconsin Department of Health Services webpage which is updated each day after 2 p.m. We do anticipate have to fluctuate between the instructional models as the metrics fluctuate.

Q: How do you calculate the percentages you're tracking to determine if kids will be back in school? Are you using average of the last 7 days? 10 days? 14 days?
A: We currently track the average for 7 days and looking for trends over that time.

Q: Is there a specific percentage of community spread that we will need to be at to go from in person to hybrid or virtual?

A: We are planning on defining the thresholds (working with local health officials), but we are not planning to have a hard cut line. We will use three sources county metrics, local metrics, absence rates to help guide our decisions. If we used a specific cut score we would be at risk of have frequent shifts which would be unmanageable for staff and families.

The School District will be opening school on Tuesday September 1st in the Hybrid Instruction Model.

Q: When will i find out what days my child will be in school?
A: The building staff has been working on putting together hybrid groups and class placements. As soon as they are finalized, they will communicate to families.

Q: What does the days will be child be in school in the hybrid model?
Students will attend school in-person 2-3 days a week and “attend” class via a live video-conference in real-time on other days. All the school day start and end times remain the same. Students will be placed into two groups - Group A and Group B.

• Group A attends in-person on Mondays, Tuesdays, and every other Wednesday. Students attend class via a live video-conference every other Wednesday, Thursdays, and Fridays.
• Group B attends class via a live video-conference on Mondays, Tuesdays, and every other Wednesday. Students attend in-person every other Wednesday, Thursdays, and Fridays.

Q: What does the hybrid instruction look like?
During in-person learning, students will experience learning through direct instruction, small group work, and individual application. When students attend via a live video-conference, they will experience learning through direct instruction and individual practice/application. When possible, students will participate in small group work. Students will experience both synchronous and asynchronous learning. Feedback to students to guide their learning will be prioritized.

Q: My family has siblings will different last names. Will they be in the same group?
Groups will be coordinated across the district so that students from one family will attend in-person and video-conference learning on the same days. Please contact your building's principal or administrative assistant to confirm that the students are linked as "family" in PowerSchool.

Q: Will Kids Inc be available on the virtual days?
Kids Inc will only be available to students on the days they physically attend school. There will not be a full day Kids Inc option for virtual days in the hybrid model. Families need to register for Kids Inc.

Q: Will Wednesday still be an early release day?
The school start and end times will remain the same across all instructional models, including the Wednesday early release.

Q: At the middle and high school levels, will block scheduling affect the elective class offerings students have for the upcoming school year?
A: With the shift to block scheduling at the middle and high school levels, our goal is to not impact student choice any more than we do in a typical year when we build the schedule. Elective experiences are important for students.

Q: How does block scheduling reduce exposure?
A: Block scheduling reduces the number of contacts students have each other, each day and during the week. In our typical schedule, a student may have eight periods with a total of approximately 200 contacts. In a block schedule, they would have four class periods and approximately 100 contacts. If we can adjust schedules to keep students together, we may be able to reduce that number below 100.

Q: For either Choice, with going to Block classes, could a year long class such as Calculus potentially be taken in 1^st Quarter and then the second half of the class may not be on the student schedule until 3^rd or 4^th Quarter? (the concern being loss of learning in the interim months)
A: We are currently working hard on the schedules, and trying to make sure those gaps in classes would not happen.

Thank you for your questions. We will post more information as soon as it is available.

Q: Will students, staff and visitors be required to wear masks?
A: Governor Evers has issued a statewide mandate for masks to be worn in enclosed spaces through the end of September. Please click here to read the full mandate. In addition to the state mandate, SDMF has created a procedure requiring all students, staff and visitors to wear appropriate facial masks when social distancing is not possible, through out the 2020-21 school year until further notice. The policy provides details on the types of masks that are appropriate, mask breaks, accommodations and exceptions. Please click here to see the SDMF Covid-19 District Procedure 453.4.2

Q: Can students choose to wear a face shield instead of a face mask?
A: Using recommendations from the CDC, face shields do not offer the appropriate level of protection for Covid19. Face shields cannot be used instead of a face mask.

Q: Will students be allowed to wear a neck gator?
A: Yes, a neck gator if covers the nose and face and made of appropriate material will be allowed as a face mask.

Q: Will students be allowed to take their masks off or take a break from wearing them all day?
A: As part of the mask policy, teachers will developing scheduled mask breaks for all students when the kids can be physically distanced and when outdoors. In addition if there are additional breaks for students with medical needs we will work with the nursing staff and health care plans to develop a system for these breaks. We will work to ensure during these time students have the physical distance recommended by the CDC.

Q: What if a student needs a mask break (due to a medical condition such as asthma flair up) but it is not a scheduled mask break?
A: Teachers will certainly work with students on a case to case basis when unexpected breaks may be needed. If your child has a care plan for a medical condition such as asthma, the care plan can be created as far as what they need when having a flare up t we will work to have them physically distanced during that time. The care plans should be developed with the doctor and the doctor can write recommendations as to when the mask should not be worn and how we can best meet their needs.

Q: What happens if a student refuses to wear a mask?
A: Students who repeatedly and intentionally do not follow the policy or the health care plan as written will be subject to removal or offered a virtual option.

Q: Will masks be required on the bus?
A: Masks will be required for all students and drivers on the school bus. If a student does not have a mask, the bus drivers will be able to provide one to the student. If a student does not comply with this policy, the driver will report the student to the school for follow-up discussion.

Q: Are there resources for information on the types of masks might be easier for kids to use for all-day use, so not so hard to breathe?
A: This link from the American Academy of Pediatrics may be helpful for these questions.

Q: At the middle and high school levels, will block scheduling affect the elective class offerings students have for the upcoming school year?
A: With the shift to block scheduling at the middle and high school levels, our goal is to not impact student choice any more than we do in a typical year when we build the schedule. Elective experiences are important for students.

Q: How does block scheduling reduce exposure?
A: Block scheduling reduces the number of contacts students have each other, each day and during the week. In our typical schedule, a student may have eight periods with a total of approximately 200 contacts. In a block schedule, they would have four class periods and approximately 100 contacts. If we can adjust schedules to keep students together, we may be able to reduce that number below 100.

Q: My student attends VIP reading and get additional help with comprehension. What type of help would they get in the fully virtual model with this program? Would it be an elective that they would need to sign up for or something they could do in virtual schooling?
A: We have two ideas that depend on the amount of students who are in VIP reading that decide to go virtual. The third is the option of bringing your children in to the building. If we have many students that choose the virtual model, we would be able to set up virtual sections for those students. If we only a few students that choose the virtual track, they will have synchronous instruction via live camera with the small group during the in-person class. We will also have the option to bring the student in for that class during the scheduled time. Those students in VIP also would continue to use the Achieve 3000 program asynchronously and be monitored by their instructors.

Q: How will electives be handled for students if they choose virtual?
A: Students they would have two options. Option one would be for them to come into the building only for the electives. The second option would be for them to join the class synchronously. We are working with our teachers and the tech department to set up our classrooms so that students will be able to join remotely.

Thank you for your questions. We will post more information as soon as it is available.

Q: Will the students be eating lunch in their designated classrooms? Or will they have staggered lunchtimes in the lunch rooms? And what will be the sanitation/cleaning procedures in place between lunchtimes if they are?
A: We are currently exploring several different meal service models for students, which include meals in the classroom, cafeteria or using additional building space. Prior to COVID-19, the standard operating procedure for sanitation/cleaning in the lunchroom was to sanitize every cafeteria table prior to lunch, in between each lunch period, and after the last lunch period. This standard operating procedure will remain in place along with additional sanitizing/cleaning in identified areas.

Q: How will hot lunch service be handled - what extra precautions will be taken, and will it affect the food offerings?
A: Currently, we are exploring several different meal service models students. This includes meals in the classroom, cafeteria, or using additional building space to serve students. Based on which meal service model is selected, we will follow current sanitation/cleaning standard operating procedures for the lunchroom and will implement additional sanitizing/cleaning procedures where identified. Food offerings may be slightly altered in order to accommodate specific meal service models. However, both breakfast and lunch entrees will meet the National School Breakfast and Lunch program requirements and will include fruit, vegetables and milk.

Thank you for your questions. We will post more information as soon as it is available.

Q: I am aware that special education students will each have individual plans based on their needs if choice one is chosen. What if the plan offered for an IEP student isn’t feasible given the students needs? Will we have the option to move to virtual school instead at that time? Meaning before school actually starts and parent and IEP team can’t come to an agreement to best help the special needs student.
A: We plan to work with all families to discuss their child’s needs and how that will look in the current environment. We do recognize there may be a few situations which will warrant a shift. I am confident IEPs teams, which includes families, will be able to develop solid plans and make these just right decisions with families. Please reach out to your building principals. They can connect you with a case manager to begin this process.

Q: Will students be provided with chrome books for virtual learning?
A: All students grade 1 - 12 will receive a chrome book. For students in 4K and Kindergarten, we are asking families to use their own technology if available - either a computer or chromebook with webcam or ipad. If parents are in need of technology for their students, please contact your building principal.

Q: What do you suggest for families that struggled with multiple students/parents trying to be online at same time?
A: We recognize that this will be a continued challenge. We also know that our fully-virtual design will not hit the mark for all families. Some will want asynchronous for the challenges you described and some will want more synchronous access to teachers and peers. Our hope is that we can find a happy medium. Our technology team worked to find a smoother process for our teachers to record live-video conferences and post them in schoology. In the event that you have a high-traffic day or run into issues watching these at a later time could certainly be an option.

Q: I am a new family enrolling in the district after August 1st. Can we still sign up for virtual schooling?
A: New students enrolling in district after the August 3rd deadline will be given a request form to fill out. The form will be forwarded to the school principal for consideration based on the current numbers we have. There is no guarantee of virtual school enrollment.

Q: I would like to sign up my current student for the all-virtual model but it is after the deadline. Who can i make this request to?
A: Please contact your student's principal for more details.

Q: Can parents choose the hybrid model or only the all-virtual model?
Choice 1 is the District Model. Currently, we are planning this model to be 5-day in person. If health metrics change before or during the year, these students will pivot to either a hybrid or all virtual model until health metrics improve. The district will make these decisions on pivoting and all students in this model will move with the district decision.

Q: For the fully virtual option, I understand you are making a commitment for 1 semester. However, I have 1 child in elementary which has traditionally used trimesters. When would the fully virtual actually end for my elementary school child? At the end of 1st semester for the middle school/high school?

A: The fully virtual option will end at the end of semester 1 for all levels, which is January 22, 2021.

Q: If a family registers for the fully virtual option, can they switch back to in-person before the end of the first semester? Or if parent chooses the district option but the health metrics are changing and they wish to switch to virtual, can they do so after the start of the school year?
A: The registration window for the fully-virtual choice commitment for semester 1 is open until August 3, 2020 at 8:00 p.m. Based on the number of fully-virtual registrations, the District will create grade-level or course sections for fully-virtual learning. We will aim to offer as much flexibility as is possible should there be open student seats, however we may not be able to accommodate requests for the fully-virtual choice after the registration period due to class size and staffing implications.

Q: If there is any virtual learning involved does that mean students will be able to see the live instruction going on in the classroom? Or will it be on your own work like it was at the end of last school year?
A: We are planning for our virtual options to be a blend of synchronous and asynchronous learning. We are developing a solution that will allow students "live" access to classrooms during intermittent absences. More information will be shared with families as soon as this delivery model is finalized.

Q: Who will be facilitating online education?
A: SDMF Teachers will facilitate the online (virtual) option.

Q: What will virtual learning look like?
A: Fully-virtual learning will be a blend of synchronous and asynchronous learning. Parents and students can certainly expect live-video conferences and learning practice and application. Not unlike a typical classroom experience, practice and application will occur through a mixture of educational resources (i.e. Dreambox, writing via a google doc, using flip grid to record a video showing your learning, etc.).In the fully-virtual learning model we are asking for a commitment from families to work closely with their child's teacher to support learning. Families can expect that there will be frequent contact to discuss progress and provide support.

Q: I'm leaning towards keeping my son home this coming semester. How can you guarantee that he will get the same education and support that the students with in-person lessons?
A: We are working to design a rigorous and enhanced experience from our fully-virtual approach in the spring. There is no doubt that in-person learning is different than virtually learning. We are committed to ensure the highest quality virtual experience for our students.

Q: If a student is taking AP classes, if they go to Choice 2 (virtual) would the class remain as an AP class?
A: If a student is enrolled in the fully virtual option, AP classes will still be AP classification.

Q: For Juniors, if they go to Choice 2 (virtual) would they still be able to take the ACT test along with the Choice 1 students?
A: All juniors will take the ACT no matter Choice 1 or 2.

Q: Will students who chose online be able to participate in sports and clubs?
A: Yes. Students who participate in virtual learning would need to meet the same attendance expectations as students attending school face-to-face.

Q: During the virtual registration process one of the questions was about attending in person for an elective class. The only choice was yes or no. I marked no, but I would consider it if I had more information. It would depend on time of day and how many days it would be as I would need to plan transportation. Any recommendations?
A: At the middle school level we are building our schedule now. Elective offerings for our students are at many different times of the day and depend on our elective teacher schedules. We will do our best to accommodate and try to schedule them back to back or as close to back to back as possible. That may limit the offerings for your child. If you are not sure I would select “YES” at this point. It would be easier to add your child to the schedule on the front end and if for some reason it did not work out we could easily remove them from the schedule.

Q: I have questions about the 4-6 hours of adult support for fully virtual elementary option. My son will be in 5th grade. I need to have an understanding of what you are asking for from parents as we both work outside the home.A: We offered the recommendation of 4-6 hours of support based on what we learned from our research on the most rigorous examples of online learning for elementary students. As students rise in the elementary grades the hours of support will likely be less. For example, a student who is an emerging reader (grades 4K-2) will likely require much more support navigating their learning than an 4th or 5th grade student who is reading to learn.

Parent and students who selects the fully-virtual model can anticipate a blend of synchronous (real-time) and asynchronous (independent application and practice) learning. We are designing this model within the school day where live video-conferencing will done between students and teachers during our typical school day.

Q: Will online options be the same at all grade levels?
A: SDMF teaches will provide virtual instruction at all levels, however; the fully virtual learning experience may look different by level. For example, families who select fully virtual learning for their students at the elementary level will need to provide more structured daily support than families who select fully virtual learning for students at the secondary level. At all levels, students and families should expect a blend of synchronous and asynchronous virtual instruction.

Q: Would the district consider a model for some of those elective classes, where if a child is able to be transported to and from school, could they come for just one of the periods such as orchestra?
A: Yes, secondary families may choose to send their child for an elective. We recognize for some families/students attending an elective that cannot be provided in the fully-virtual model will be a workable choice. In this situation families will be responsible for providing transportation. Secondary families have the ability to enter information about attending for electives on the registration form

Q: I'd like to understand better what mitigation will look like when there is a positive or suspected positive case. What will the experience look like for a typical student at each level? For instance, my middle/high-schoolers - will they be able to pick up on-line where they left off?
A: Our goal is to provide continuity of instruction. We are planning for how to support learning within an environment with intermittent student absence. Students will have the ability to join their classes virtually during this time.

Q: Will students who need virtual learning be included in their classroom?
A: We intend to create opportunities for students who select a fully virtual model to connect with their peers.

Q: Are there any qualifications that need to be met to choose all virtual learning?
A: We not not currently planning to limit the number of students who can select a fully virtual option. Families may be asked to make a commitment to virtual for a period of time (i.e. a semester).

Q: If we get a choice for remote learning, will the teachers have double the work, or will there be a separate set of teachers for remote students? How are teachers supposed to address the needs of full time in school learners AND remote learners?
A: We are currently planning staffing for virtual learning.

Q: I am aware that special education students will each have individual plans based on their needs if choice one is chosen. What if the plan offered for an IEP student isn’t feasible given the students needs? Will we have the option to move to virtual school instead at that time? Meaning before school actually starts and parent and IEP team can’t come to an agreement to best help the special needs student.
A: We plan to work with all families to discuss their child’s needs and how that will look in the current environment. We do recognize there may be a few situations which will warrant a shift. I am confident IEPs teams, which includes families, will be able to develop solid plans and make these just right decisions with families. Please reach out to your building principals. They can connect you with a case manager to begin this process.

Q: What do you suggest for families that struggled with multiple students/parents trying to be online at same time?
A: We recognize that this will be a continued challenge. We also know that our fully-virtual design will not hit the mark for all families. Some will want asynchronous for the challenges you described and some will want more synchronous access to teachers and peers. Our hope is that we can find a happy medium. Our technology team worked to find a smoother process for our teachers to record live-video conferences and post them in schoology. In the event that you have a high-traffic day or run into issues watching these at a later time could certainly be an option.

Q: If students are learning virtually, and the classroom is live streamed, will it only be available at that time? or can it video be viewed later? Asking for parents who both work and would have their student in daycare that might not be able to access school at that time.
A: Recordings will also be available. We want students to engage in lessons as they happen as much as possible to support kids with having as close to normal of a school schedule as possible, but understand that all family situations are different and needs are different. Any lesson that is live streamed will also be available to view at a later time.

Q: I will be keeping my second grader and k4 student home this semester. Will I have access to the district adopted curriculum and pacing guides?
A: If you choose the virtual option, curriculum will be delivered by a teacher. To follow along, the curriculum information is available here. https://www.fallsschools.org/divisions/curriculum/elementary

Q: Will chrome books be provided for students?
A: All students from Grade 1 - 12 will be provided with a chrome book for use at home.

Q: If a student commits to virtual learning for 1 semester, what happens for 2^nd semester?
A: Should the public health crisis continue into semester 2, our intent is to open another registration window for semester 2 fully-virtual enrollment. Families could either decide to re-enroll in fully-virtual, enroll for the first time in fully-virtual, or return to in-person learning.

Q: Should we buy all the school supplies on the back to school lists if we are going to have our children in the virtual school?
A: Families will receive more details on what supplies they will need for the all virtual school around mid August.

Q: What about students that are enrolled in the Academy programs?
A: If your student has enrolled in one of the Academy programs and chooses virtual learning, they will attend those classes virtually. Students may come to the HS for an elective class such as band. Teachers from MFHS will be teaching the virtual classes.

Q: My student attends VIP reading and get additional help with comprehension. What type of help would they get in the fully virtual model with this program? Would it be an elective that they would need to sign up for or something they could do in virtual schooling?
A: We have two ideas that depend on the amount of students who are in VIP reading that decide to go virtual. The third is the option of bringing your children in to the building. If we have many students that choose the virtual model, we would be able to set up virtual sections for those students. If we only a few students that choose the virtual track, they will have synchronous instruction via live camera with the small group during the in-person class. We will also have the option to bring the student in for that class during the scheduled time. Those students in VIP also would continue to use the Achieve 3000 program asynchronously and be monitored by their instructors.

Q: How will electives be handled for students if they choose virtual?
A: Students they would have two options. Option one would be for them to come into the building only for the electives. The second option would be for them to join the class synchronously. We are working with our teachers and the tech department to set up our classrooms so that students will be able to join remotely.

Q: Why is the commitment to virtual school an entire semester? Why not a shorter period like a quarter or trimester?
A: We are asking for a one semester commitment due to the staffing and shifting of class lists (elementary)/schedules (secondary) involved. SDMF is committed to offering a high-quality, rigorous, and enhanced version of virtually learning. To do this well, which is what we believe families want, we need to prepare teachers, families, and students for learning in this environment.

Q: Will the class teachers receive the same training on virtual teaching as those assigned as strictly virtual teachers initially?
A: Yes. All our teachers will be receiving the same training and if the district goes into a virtual or hybrid mode, they will be working with the same technology and processes as those staff that are in our fully virtual classes.

Q: Will the teachers who will initially be assigned as their classroom teacher also be their virtual teacher? Assuming when school resumes they will go back to those same teachers again?
A: Yes. If the district has to pivot to a virtual model, all the students will remain with their current teacher and class when they shift to virtual and when they shift back to in-person.

Q: Will volunteers be allowed to help in the classroom?
A: At this time, for the safety of students, staff, volunteers and the community, only essential volunteers will be allowed in the buildings. The building principals will make the determination of volunteer needs.

Q: Will parents be allowed to visit the classrooms during the school day?|
A: At this time, for the safety of students, staff, volunteers and the community, we will be suspending classroom visits during the school day. The building principals will be making the decisions for each school on exceptions to that policy.

To get more information about volunteer opportunities and to fill out our district online form, please visit

https://www.fallsschools.org/parents/volunteer-with-the-district

To review the SDMF Process for COVID-19 Positive Cases, please click here.