Q: Will this be live/synchronous instruction? A: DL@DL will offer both synchronous (live) and ascynchronous (recorded) learning opportunities. That best of both worlds approach will give students the opportunity to interact with their teachers and classmates and it will also provide them with the flexibility to complete their lessons at their convenience and may complete the corresponding assignments when they choose.
Q: Will DL@DL students still have access to Deer Lakes' extracurriculars, sports, clubs, etc.? A: Yes. The DL@DL student will be a Deer Lakes student and has access to the buildings/facilities, extracurriculars, clubs, sports, and anything else he/she chooses to participate in.
Q: How much work a day will be required with DL@DL? A: That largely depends on the student’s grade-level and instructors. In accordance with school code, students in grades K-6 should have the equivalent of 5 hours a day of work, and students in grades 7-12 will have the equivalent of 5.5 hours of work per day.
Q: What about technology?A: All Deer Lakes students are issued his or her own personal learning device. For students in Kindergarten through third grade, those devices are iPads. Students in grades four through 12 have their own Chromebooks. If your student is heading into fourth grade this year, East Union Intermediate Center is conducting a swap event on Wednesday, July 29 from 9-11 a.m., and 3-5 p.m. Accommodations will be made for those students who do not have reliable internet connections.
Q: I’m worried about my student falling behind in DL@DL. Will one-on-one tutoring or help be available? A: On an “as-needed” basis, yes. There will be live one-on-one videoconferences will teachers or other school staff weekly for each student. If the student still needs additional help, the teacher or staff member and student will work together to come up with a plan on a case-by-case basis. There may also be additional GM teachers to do specific online tutoring.
Q: How do I sign up? A: Parents can enroll their students in the DL@DL program by clicking this link. Please note that the last day to lock in your choice of in-person schooling, Distance Learning at Deer Lakes and Lancer Academy is Friday, Aug. 7. Anyone who fails to register for for DL@DL and Lancer Academy by that date will be automatically assigned to the in-person instruction cohort.
Q: What happens if my child wants to return to live learning?
A: This pandemic and resultant school closures has for months required an incredible amount of flexibility by all concerned, including the schools themselves as well as their students and their families. We intend to maintain that flexibility as much as we possibly can. However, we need to start planning now for what school may look for the first nine weeks. That means we need concrete numbers in each of our three learning tracks, so that we can devote the resources necessary to support those students.
Q: What learning platforms will be used for online learners?
A: For grades K-3 at both elementary buildings, Seesaw will be used. In grade 4 at Edinboro Elementary, Schoology will be used. In grade 4 at McKean Elementary, Seesaw will be used. In grades 5-12, Schoology will be used.
Q: How will this be different than what we were doing in the spring?
A: We’re anticipating improvement in the learning platforms, greater and smoother communication between home and school, more curriculum available daily and daily instruction.
Q: Will paper packets be available like they were in the spring for remote learners?
A: No. Each student will have everything they need to complete their education online, including an iPad. No paper packets will be provided for any students.