Remote Learning Plan

 Frequently Asked Questions

General Information

Are the terms remote learning and virtual learning used interchangeably? Is it the same thing? 

Yes. They are the same thing.

What is the difference between remote learning and Baldwin Online Academy?

There is no difference for the first semester. All students will get the same instruction and resources.

Have remote learning and the original Baldwin Online Academy been merged?

Remote learning is being taught through BOA. BOA is the “vehicle” for remote learning.

Is this temporary?

Baldwin Online Academy is not temporary but the remote learning enrollment is temporary because some students will transition back to in-person instruction.

What is the threshold for remote learning to include live instruction elements?  How many have to choose to go back to in-person to cause the shift to “regular” BOA?

Remote learning will include live sessions. However, this depends on individual schools and individual grade level decisions, as well as the teacher course load.  

Will the entire district start remotely?

It is possible, but right now we are scheduled for remote learning and in-person instruction. We are monitoring the situation very closely and are ready to pivot at any given time.

Are there any special requirements for students transferring from another state?

Parents must follow the rules and regulations of enrollment if they want to enroll their child, which is located under the ‘parent’ tab, in the section labeled ‘registration’ on our website. Please visit www.baldwincountyschoolsga.org.

Will schedules be sent to parents of students who selected in-person instruction?

Students will receive their schedules prior to the first day of school.

Are any other online communication methods being used?

Callouts, text and emails through Infinite Campus. We also are posting messages on the district website, school Facebook pages, Class Dojo, and Remind groups are currently being used.

Will schools be doing flex Fridays?

No, there will not be FLEX Friday.

Is everybody starting with remote learning?

No, some students will be doing remote learning and some students will be attending school in person.

Will students have report cards and progress reports?

Yes.

Attendance & Enrollment

Will there be makeup days?

No, school will take place five days a week.  Makeup days will be allowed for students who are sick.

Can you make changes to your enrollment if you want to change from remote learning to in-person instruction?

If a student is enrolled in remote learning, they remain in the program for 9 weeks for grades K-8 and a semester for grades 9-12, then they can return to in-person instruction at their school. Contact the designated school. 

Getting Started

If you have selected remote learning, will you need to do anything else?

You must complete the Instructional Model Form in Infinite Campus.

How will we know if the student is accepted?

If you complete the paperwork, you will be accepted.

If children are missing registration information, will they be able to enroll or start class on time?

No, parents must complete all registration paperwork prior to the first day of school.  

For high school, when will students be able to select classes they plan to take?  

Please contact the high school at (478) 453-6429.

When is the online orientation?

We are looking at August 17th or 18th, which will be finalized this week. Instructional information will be delivered at that time via Infinite Campus and will include emails and phone calls.

Will Baldwin Online Academy orientation be recorded?

Yes, the orientation will be recorded.

Are there any school supplies needed for online instruction?

Yes, students will need a notebook for taking notes, a computer, and internet access.  Supplies are posted online.  

When does class start for online students?  

Wednesday, 8/19/2020.

For students who choose remote learning through 9-12 do they have to return to school on the first day of school or will the teachers send them a Google Classroom link for them to join their classes?

No, if they signed up for the remote learning program, information will be sent out to parents and updates will be provided a link for Google Classroom and Edgenuity.

Courses: Instruction,  Assignments, & Assessments

What time will school start on 8/19/2020 and what time will teachers be there?

We will be following the schedule for the regular school day. Adjustment will be made, if needed, once the school year starts.  

What kind of work and how much of it will be expected?

All students will have a teacher and be able to log into the Clever platform, Edgenuity, Odysseyware, or Google Classroom. Parents will also be needed to assist the students and communicate with their teacher.

Will students be able to log in each day and see their teacher?

Yes, students are able to log in each day and see their teacher.

What time will the remote sessions take place?

The schedules will be communicated to parents and they will be consistent.

Will lessons be recorded?

Yes, lessons will be recorded.

Are there protocols for teachers to get in touch with students? Are there procedures in place for teachers if they don’t communicate in a timely manner?

Yes. Every assignment is available from day one, and a due date is built into the program.  Teachers will be expected to be available to parents on a daily basis.

Will students stay in front of the laptop from 8:00 until 3:00?

Elementary students will not be required to be on the computer the entire school day.  Teachers will provide schedules for daily Google Classroom video conferencing lessons, and students will be provided assignments to work on when they are not attending video conferences. Students will be expected to attend daily video conference lessons and complete assigned work by due dates.

Will students have choices with the classes that they take?

Elected choices for elementary school are set, but for middle and high school, it may vary.  This needs to be discussed with the school counselor.

Will students enrolled in remote learning have in-person help, if needed?

Yes, they will get help from their remote learning teacher(s). 

Will all online work be done during the assignment?

All online work needs to be completed by the due date. Students must keep pace with the teacher.  

My child is behind, will there be an assessment test?

Yes, reading and math assessments will take place in August and September. Students doing remote learning will take the assessment online.  

Will remote learning classes be taught by Baldwin County Teachers?

Yes, remote learning classes will be taught by Baldwin County Teachers

Will the live session be live and recorded? 

Yes, live sessions will be recorded.

Will there be teacher conferences online?

Yes, teacher conferences will be conducted online.

Will there be any packets given out?

No packets will be given out.

Will the students be able to get in touch with the teacher via Zoom?

Yes, they are also using Google Meet and Google Classroom.

If parents work during the day, will they complete assignments at night?

We will be flexible, as long as assignments are completed by the end of that day.  Students need to join the online instruction as required.

How will we know when the teacher is doing the live session?

You will have a schedule and messages from your teacher.  

Are the teachers prepared to keep the workload down?

Yes, the Edgenuity program is planned out.

Will students be able to work ahead?

Yes, students are able to work ahead.

What time is the deadline to turn in the assignment?

Due dates will be communicated by the teacher, and assignments are due by 12:00 midnight.

Is there a required time for students to login?

Yes, teachers will provide that time, but if a student can’t access the portal, the student will have access to the recorded lesson.  Students can work ahead, but they need to submit assignments by the due date.

Will a control limit be placed on students?  

The work will be balanced using the new content.  Please discuss the balance of the workload with your teacher.  All of the assignments are totally visible from day one and the program does a great job at leveling and balancing out all of the assignments throughout all of the courses.

Will middle/high school be swapping classes (in-person instruction)?

 Yes, Protocols will be in place, and if we do not require the students to swap classes, the teachers will switch classrooms.

What about Dual Enrollment students?

The student will follow the protocol for the dual enrollment program.  

Technology and Instructional Websites

Can we rent and borrow tablets?

Yes.  Chromebooks can be checked out. An insurance fee of $30 must be paid prior to checking out the Chromebook. Parents can request a payment plan.

What are computer specs for not using Chromebooks?

Chrome is the default browser used. Students who are five years old and above should be fine.  All students need to have a stable computer to use and access to the internet.  

Do parents apply for a Chromebook?

No, there is no application process but parents must complete a Chromebook user agreement.

When does the Chromebook check out process start?

Chromebooks will be distributed on August 17 and 18 at the physical campus that the student attends schools. You will receive a phone call with the time.  The fee is $30.00 for insurance which can be split up into two payments.  

How can I sign my student up in Infinite Campus?

Click on the parent tab on the Baldwin County Schools website and click on the registration section.

How will we get online information?

Online information will come through the Infinite Campus and website.  

How about a class DOJO Pin? 

This information will be given out by your designated school.

What is Odysseyware?  

Odysseyware is a platform for learning at the elementary school level.

What is the grade level for Edgenuity and Odysseyware?  

Edgenuity is used for middle and high school instruction and Odysseyware issued for elementary instruction.

Will there be a packet available?

There will be a handbook and/or video available. Parents will also have a username and password.

Do you have to have an Edgenuity account?

Students' accounts are created automatically, but the parent account may need to be created.  This will be discussed in orientation sessions.  Please go to the Baldwin Online Academy page to access Edgenuity.

How can the Clever website be accessed?

Published on the website.  There is a folder on the Chromebook web browser, and the link is there for the software and other resources. https://clever.com/in/bcsdclever

What if you need to login to a district account and password?

New students must contact the technology department or the school.

Are teachers moving away from Remind or Google Classrooms?

No, Google Classroom will be used for updates, etc.  Remind is also used to push updates out to parents and students.  All of these programs are used through Edgenuity or Odysseyware.

Gifted Programs

Will students who choose the Baldwin Online Academy option remain in gifted programs like SAGE for accelerating learning? If we transition back to the school of learning, would it affect where they were in terms of being on the same page? Yes, students who are learning online will receive their services and will remain in the program. Our gifted eligible students will receive their gifted curriculum through their assigned teachers. Lessons will be aligned with state gifted standards.

If your child is in gifted programs, will they have additional assignments?

In Edgenuity, they will have the courses offered through the program and the gifted facilitators will supplement the content. Elementary gifted students will be assigned lessons based on state standards, gifted standards, and differentiation strategies. Middle school gifted students will be assigned lessons using the Odysseyware digital learning program with differentiated lessons and enrichment components.

Are students supposed to be tested for giftedness? If so, when will gifted testing take place?

This will be done when school starts and the parents will be contacted.  

What about students in SAGE?

We have gifted programs within the software.  Everything is included in the software. They will receive their gifted services online. Middle school gifted students will be assigned lessons using the Odysseyware digital learning program with differentiated lessons and enrichment components.

Special Education Services

Will students with special needs be given the same delivery of therapy.

Yes, please contact Traci White, Special Education Director.

How will students with IEPs receive their extra services?

These students will continue to receive the services listed in their IEP and the delivery of these services will also be based on the IEP.  

How will IEP evaluations be done?  

These will be done by appointments scheduled with a school psychologist.

What about students with IEPs, how will you support them with technology?

Students with IEPs can be supported through software by Edgenuity as well as their classroom teacher’s google classroom.

Early Learning Center

Will Montessori teachers be available for remote learning?

No, Montessori teachers will not be available for remote learning..  

If students in the Montessori program choose remote learning, can they return back to school if they choose to? 

Yes.

Troubleshooting

How do we resolve password issues for the parent account?  

Call the Board of Education office or email the technology department.

Who can we contact about issues with Infinite Campus?

You can contact the technology department.

How can I change my child from in-person instruction to remote learning?

Please complete the online application and the staff will change the registration selection for your child.

I submitted an application and have confirmation but was called by someone at the school who said there was nothing on file. What can I do?

Please contact the technology department or school.  

Meals

What about getting school lunches?

Between the hours of 11:00-1:00 and 4:30-5:30,  you will complete a form and the meals will be ready for the parents on August 19th.

Is the meal plan picked up once per week?

Yes, and that pickup will cover a week's worth of meals.

Do we still have time to pre-order meals for the week?

Yes, please complete the form.

How do we sign up for the meals program?  

Go to Baldwincountyschoolsga.org or contact Susan Nelson, Director of Food Nutrition.

What if a student does not have a lunch number?

Every student has a lunch number which can be found in the parent portal account under student ID

Other

What about dual enrollment and marching band?

You need to follow the protocol of the college that you have the services with.  For marching bands, that is an in-person course only.

How will virtual students hear about other extracurricular events?

Please visit the school website for updates.

What about sports and drill teams?  

Students still belong to their designated school and can participate in any extracurricular activity.  

My son is in the GNETS program, what will I do about his work and how will he receive help?

Please contact Pat Wolf with the GNETS Program.  

Are there opportunities for parents to volunteer?  

The remote learning program is an online program.  Classrooms are arranged for social distancing, so 15 to 20 students will be in a classroom.  

Who do you talk to in reference to administrative issues and concerns? 

Contact the Principal, Matt Adams (Deputy Superintendent), or Dr. Sharon Simmons (Assistant Superintendent). If the issue is not resolved, please reach out to the Superintendent, Dr. Noris Price.