Inclement Weather Virtual Learning Day

WHAT IS A VIRTUAL LEARNING DAY?

On days when inclement weather makes in-person learning not possible, the district will announce a VIRTUAL LEARNING DAY for up to five days as allowed by Iowa law. These days will consist of students completing school work at home and are considered instructional days that do not need to be made up. All district staff will report to work on these days and instructional staff will spend a portion of their day supporting students and families.

Should we exceed the five allowable virtual learning days, the district would return to regular weather-related cancellations as we currently practice, with days being made up at the end of the school year.

In the rare instance that it’s deemed impossible for anyone to travel to district buildings due to weather conditions, the district will announce a CRITICAL WEATHER CANCELLATION. If a Critical Weather Cancellation is announced, all schools and offices will be CLOSED and the instructional day will be made up at the end of the school year.

WHAT WILL STUDENTS DO ON A VIRTUAL LEARNING DAY?

  • ELEMENTARY STUDENTS (PreK-5) will move through at-home learning using a printed booklet learning activities that was provided to students in the fall.
  • SECONDARY STUDENTS (6-12) will complete virtual learning using their district-issued laptop with assignments being assigned and submitted using Canvas.
  • Learning on these days will be on-demand for all students, allowing them to complete schoolwork on a schedule that works for their individual family situation.
  • Students eligible for special education supports and services have a contingency learning plan (CLP) within their individualized education program (IEP) that outlines the additional accommodations and modifications needed for the virtual learning days.

WHAT IF I HAVE QUESTIONS?

On a virtual learning day, school offices will open and staff will report two hours later than the normal start time. Feel free to reach out to any teacher your student works with or the school office with any questions.

WHY VIRTUAL LEARNING?

Iowa law now allows school districts to deliver up to five (5) days of instruction virtually each year when inclement weather makes an in-person learning day not possible.

Virtual learning in the district:

  • eliminates the need for mass transportation of students
  • provides a valuable day of learning with instructional staff available to support students and families to complete school work at home
  • minimizes the need for additional days at the end of the school year