From The Trussville Tribune staff reports
TRUSSVILLE — Trussville City Schools Superintendent Dr. Pattie Neill is working to inform parents about plans for reopening schools in fall 2020.
A detailed plan was released on Thursday, July 2. School is scheduled to begin on Wednesday, Aug. 12 and students will have three options. Neill said all students will have the same curriculum and will be moving at the same pace throughout the school year.
“There’s no wrong choice for parents because the curriculum for Options A, B and C is Schools PLP,” Neill said.
There will be an option for traditional school but that option includes an online element as a backup plan in case schools must close again, an online-only option, and a hybrid option that includes both online and in-school opportunities.
Parents are asked to register students by July 17. There will be opportunities to change options at each grading period. The school system said emergency medical issues will be handled on a case-by-case basis.
The options are:
Option A
Traditional School with Backup Plan for 50% Blended and Temporary Remote
Frequently asked questions for Option A:
How will specials and PE be handled at the elementary schools?
Specials and PE may be delivered through multiple formats such as: face to face, zoom, and prerecorded lessons.
Will students attend recess as usual (daily, on the playground, etc..)
Recess will occur through various options for elementary students. Options may include indoor and outdoor opportunities.
How many students will be in a class?
We will meet our accreditation guidelines for class size. However, depending on how many students choose Option B, class size could be reduced.
Will elementary students have switch classes?
This may occur through multiple formats. Teachers may rotate to students, students may rotate to teachers, zoom participation may occur, and prerecorded lessons may also be an option.
Will students share supplies (crayons, scissors, etc…)?
Students will not be allowed to directly share supplies. Students will use individual supplies from their labeled container, cubby, or designated area. If anything is shared, it must be wiped down first.
Will students share Chromebooks?
No, students will be assigned a Chromebook for their personal use.
Will my student have access to Library services in Option A?
Library services will be available in various formats. Students also have access to numerous virtual library options on and off campus.
Will students be able to use a locker at HTMS/HTHS?
Each school will provide specific information to address logistical procedures such as locker assignment and protocols for access. This information will be available prior to the start of school.
How will lunch be handled?
A rotation of cafeteria, classrooms, and outside areas will be used for lunch to increase social distancing. The child nutrition department will develop protocols to keep students safe when obtaining their lunch.
Option B
Husky Online Academy with Off Campus Instruction and an online curriculum
Frequently asked questions for Option B:
How will subjects be introduced to students?
The online content is similar to a traditional lesson plan format. Overall objectives/learning targets are presented, lesson content is presented, and follow up application of learning/assessments are given for each unit.
If I choose Option B, does my student have to complete their work during school hours or could they complete it at night when I am home from work?
Students can work at any time in Option B. However, contact and support from the virtual teacher will only occur during school day. This option does provide flexibility to complete work on a weekly schedule, but it is recommended to complete work daily.
In grades 6-12, do I have to enroll in seven courses?
In grades 6-8, all seven courses are required.
In grades 9-12, the Alabama Department of Education sets the requirements for graduation. Courses are determined on how many credits are needed to graduate. All freshmen through juniors will need 7 courses, but it is possible that seniors may have fewer than seven courses, depending on the number of credits entering their senior year.
Can my student take Dual Enrollment courses in Option B.
No. Dual Enrollment courses are not available in Option B. Students would need to choose Option C for Dual Enrollment courses.
Are advanced courses available through Option B.
At this time we know that AP courses are available. We are waiting on the final course list to determine if advanced courses are available.
Will my student be able to access AR and Dreambox?
Yes, these will be available as optional learning tools.
Will pacing guides be used to keep Option A and Option B,C students aligned?
Yes. Teachers will identify standards and alignment within the SchoolsPLP framework prior to the start of school.
In Option B, if my high school student chose a hands on elective such as electrical, culinary, EMS, etc…, will they be available in an online format in SchoolsPLP?
Some career tech options are available within SchoolsPLP. If your student wants to participate in an elective that is offered only at HTHS, they will need to choose Option C.
What is the difference between Schoology and SchoolsPLP?
Schoology is a Learning Management System. SchoolsPLP is an online curriculum. Schoology is the platform that students will access to see and engage in the SchoolsPLP content.
In Option B, who will the virtual teacher be for my child? Will it be their classroom teacher if they had chosen Option A?
Virtual teachers will be certified teachers. Since the content is already created, certified teachers will be facilitating the online learning experience. They will assist with technology issues, additional learning resources, time management support, and other virtual process support.
How can I get a Chromebook if my child needs one for Option B?
You can check out a Chromebook through our technology department. More information will be sent if you are an Option B student.
What are the elective choices for Option B?
Most of the electives we currently offer are available through SchoolsPLP. If your student chose an elective that is not offered through SchoolsPLP, a counselor will contact you regarding elective options.
Option C
Husky Online Academy Plus that includes all of Option B plus Scheduled In-School Opportunities
Frequently asked questions for Option C:
How often are “in- school opportunities” in Option C?
1st-5th enrichment: It is based on how many students enroll in this option. Therefore, the schedule cannot be determined until a later date.
6th-12th courses: This would mirror a traditional schedule where a student would attend based on when those courses are offered. This will be determined once we have all options in place and HTMS/HTHS has their master schedule planned.
In grades 6-12, if my child enrolls in multiple electives/courses, will they be scheduled consecutively?
Courses in grades 6-12 will be determined by the master schedule course offerings. There is not a guarantee for consecutive courses.
In grades 6-12, do I have to enroll in seven courses?
In grades 6-8, all seven courses are required.
In grades 9-12, the Alabama Department of Education sets the requirements for graduation. Courses are determined on how many credits are needed to graduate. All freshmen through
juniors will need 7 courses, but it is possible that seniors may have fewer than seven courses,
depending on the number of credits entering their senior year.
If my student attends middle or high school courses on campus, will they be in the same class with students who are in Option A?
Yes, the master schedule will determine where students are placed based on availability.
Will my student have access to Library services in Option C?
Library services will be available on a scheduled basis. Students can coordinate this through their virtual teacher. Additionally, there are numerous virtual library options that our students currently use and will continue to be available.
Can my student take Dual Enrollment courses and will they able to take them online?
Students in Option C, can take Dual Enrollment courses. Jefferson State Community College will determine if students can participate online. This information will be shared prior to the start of school.
Are there any extra safety precautions for Option C students?
All students will be encouraged to socially distance, wash hands and sanitize frequently, encouraged to wear masks, and abide by other school safety measures.
What are some of the enrichment opportunities available for elementary students choosing Option C?
Enrichment will likely consist of “STEAM” opportunities- science, technology, engineering, art and music.
In Option C, how will attendance be counted?
Students participating in Option C have a two part answer:
- Virtual Portion of Option C – All students in Option C will be considered as being in attendance if the students are successfully progressing in the virtual education coursework.
- Face to Face Portion of Option C – Students in 6th – 12th grades must be physically present for their enrolled courses at middle school and high school. Face to face attendance for elementary students is not graded and not counted.
The form to register for school and a list of frequently asked questions can be found by clicking here. You can watch Dr. Pattie Neill’s visit on Tribune Unscripted below.