What is Virtual Learning? Virtual Learning involves online lessons that students complete when away from the physical school building.  By using one-to-one Chromebooks/Chrome touch, USC recognizes that a robust education can continue even when students and teachers are not in the same location.  Along with emphasizing the value of learning, the virtual Learning plan encourages character growth in the areas of self-sufficiency, adaptability, and perseverance.  

What are the Goals of USC’s Virtual Learning Initiative?  

1. To minimize the disruption to academic progress caused by emergency school closures by making these out-of-school days as educationally productive and engaging as possible.
2. To allow USC’s PK-12 students the opportunity to practice the kind of online learning that is increasingly part of both college study and workplace training.  
3. To maximize use of USC’s one-to-one technology.

What does Virtual Learning look like at USC?  

• PreK-4 students will complete lessons posted in Seesaw.
• 5-12 students will complete lessons posted in Schoology/Google Classroom.
• Teachers will monitor student progress and provide feedback and guidance regarding student work.
• As required under Chapter 125A, assignments for students with disabilities will be designed to meet the needs of IEP/504 plans.
• Access to Seesaw, Google Classroom, and/or Schoology will require Internet access.  Students and parents without home Internet access are asked to inform teachers of this fact so the school can provide Internet access.

How Will Families Be Notified That Virtual Learning Is Expected?  If regular school is cancelled, families, teachers, and students will receive an announcement about Virtual Learning expectations through the school messaging system.  Also, a notice will be placed on the USC website, on the school’s official Facebook site, and, if possible, the implementation of a Virtual Learning Day will be broadcast in conjunction with the school closing announcements on radio and television.

What Will Teachers Provide on Virtual Learning Days?

• K-6 Teachers

• Lessons in Reading, Language Arts, and Math will be posted to Seesaw.
• Teachers will provide the opportunity for students to virtually meet for Reading/Language Arts at 9:00 am.
• Teachers will provide the opportunity for students to virtually meet for Math at 10:30 am.
• Assignments and other work will be collected via Seesaw/Google Classroom.
• Students and teachers may communicate through Seesaw, Google Classroom, email, and/or individual virtual meetings.

• Specialists (grades K - 4)

• For students in K-4 there will be a separate page labeled Virtual Learning Day (Specialist) in Seesaw; there will be a BINGO board containing interactive options for students in Physical Education, music and computer. Students need to complete one row per Virtual Learning Day in order to get a BINGO. Specialist contact information is at the bottom of the board.

• Specialists (grades 5 - 6)

• Students in grades 5 and 6 need to check their emails for directions from the Specialist of the day.

7-12 Teachers

• Teachers will provide instruction following a simplified school day schedule. Grades 7-12 will follow this simplified bell schedule.

• Virtual Meeting links will be provided in Schoology or Google Classroom
• Additional lessons will be provided in Schoology or Google Classroom
• Assignments and other work will be collected via Schoology or Google Classroom
• Students and teachers may communicate through Schoology/Google Classroom messaging, email, and/or individual Zoom/Google Meet meetings.

• When creating lessons, teachers will be mindful that students learn at different levels, especially in independent settings. If needed, teachers will modify lessons to meet individual learning needs.

What are the Expectations for Students during a Virtual Learning Day?

• Log into each class in Schoology/Google Classroom/Seesaw. Attendance will be taken for every period in high school and daily for elementary.
• Attend daily Zoom/Google Meet class meetings.
• Understand the standards and essential learner outcomes for each lesson.
• Observe appropriate digital etiquette.
• Engage in your learning tasks and self monitor your progress.
• Ask questions when you are unsure.
• Complete lessons with your best effort.

How can Parents Help Support Student Success with Virtual Learning?

• Let the school know if you need a Hotspot; they are available for checkout.
• Organize a dedicated learning space with your student, free from distractions.
• Contact the USC Elementary (507-553-5810) or USC High School (507-553-5819) if your student is ill and will miss class.
• Communicate any concerns with your student’s teachers.

IMPORTANT REMINDERS