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VIDEO: Virtual Learning will be provided by CCS in 2020-21 school year
The start of the new school year is fast approaching, and Clay Community Schools is working on creating a new “virtual academy” as part of the district’s “re-entry” plan. The hope is to return to the traditional brick-and-mortar schools, but due to the COVID-19 pandemic, some parents around the state are concerned about sending children back to school.
Questions about the option of homeschooling are being considered by many families, which is why CCSC is working to provide a virtual learning program through Edmentum, for up to 100 elementary and secondary students.
The Clay County School Board of Trustees watched a video that showed how the rigorous program works at a recent special session where they approved the project. (Log onto www.thebraziltimes.com to watch a short video taken during the presentation.)
According to Superintendent Jeff Fritz, the 15-page CCS 2020-21 School Year Roadmap is a working document that will undoubtedly need to be revised as situations change. The program is part of that Roadmap. Fritz said there were a lot of unknowns due to COVID-19 in the upcoming school year. However, the main goal is to provide the safest learning experience for students and staff members.
“We don’t know what kind of turnout we will get,” Fritz said about the virtual learning experience the academy would provide. “We feel some parents may be uncomfortable at the beginning of the school year. The virtual academy gives us an available option.”
Secondary students have used Chromebooks for several years, while elementary students used computers in the classroom. However, that changed this spring when the board took a proactive stance and approved the purchase of Chromebooks for elementary students.
Fritz said the new Chromebooks would allow all students more access to eLearning, and now virtual learning.
Students and families wanting to sign up for the virtual academy will do so through their home school, remain on that school’s roster, and the principal and school counselors will stay in contact with students and parents to ensure the best learning environment. At this time, students will be enrolled a month at a time in the Edmentum program.
Assistant Superintendent Dr. Tim Rayle has been working with Edmentum about the upcoming school year and the virtual learning project.
“It won’t cost parents anything. We’re absorbing that cost,” said Rayle, who added the parents would have to pay tech fees for the Chromebook.
Rayle explained students would be able to return to classes easily as long as they keep up with their virtual courses. Virtual school is rigorous instruction, and Rayle said it’s not an easy option for students to think they can escape.
“The rigor is there. If a student says, I want to go to virtual learning because I am not passing in traditional. I would say you better second think that, and really think that through, because the rigor is there. You’re going to be locked to that computer online.”
However, Rayle believes virtual learning will be a viable option for some students.
“We may save some kids we would lose otherwise, for a multitude of reasons,” said board president Tom Reberger about the program he believes is an excellent opportunity.
Students enrolled in the program at this time would not be able to participate in athletic programs (like football, wrestling, and basketball), marching band, and other extracurricular clubs due to guideline requirements at the Indiana High School Athletic Association. However, the band class would be available for students.
At this time, the IHSSA guidelines require students to be enrolled for a full semester with grades in good standing before allowed to participate in these activities. Both Rayle and Fritz said because schools across the state are dealing with similar issues due to the recent COVID-19 closure, the IHSAA is reviewing the guidelines, which may change in the future. The CCS will follow the lead of the IHSSA if changes are made.
“I think it’s a wonderful thing to do,” said trustee Lynn Romas, who admitted there would be unexpected things that will come up as the program is implemented. “There are some kids who have a hard time in big classes and things like that, and they need an option.”
Requests for students to participate in the new virtual learning program are available at the school corporation’s website (in02200674.schoolwires.net/CCS) under the COVID-19 information box. The Roadmap, book rental, class fees, and other back-to-school information are also available.
The new virtual learning program is capped at 100 students at this time. If more students apply, the corporation will have to go through creating the program as a stand-alone school within the corporation.