Union Public Schools Frequently Asked Questions About the 2020-21 ...

PLEASE NOTE: The details in this document are subject to change as directives from governing authorities and health

officials respond to new information and developing environmental conditions.

Union Public Schools

Frequently Asked Questions About the 2020-21 School Year

See Spanish Translation

1. What is the first day of school for the 2020-21 school year?

Union Public Schools plans to start school on Monday, August 24, 2020 ? a delay of about a week. This is being done in order to allow parents and students more time to choose between in-person and virtual learning options, as well as allowing the district more time to adjust staffing and class configurations. These dates are subject to change should further restrictions prevent us from having school. The last day of school will be May 25, 2021.

See the 2020-21 school calendar here. Please check the Union website weekly for updates at coronavirus.

2. What is the plan for learning for the 2020-21 school year?

As Union Public Schools plans for the 2020-21 school year facing the challenges associated with Covid19, we know it is imperative that we offer our students options for an exemplary educational experience. For the upcoming school year, there will be two learning pathways offered to our students: 1) inperson learning; or 2) virtual learning. Parents are asked to make their choice no later than Monday, July 27, at 5 p.m. Traditional in-person learning is the default position, so if the district does not hear from parents, the assumption is their child has opted for traditional school. Once parents select a learning option, their student will be committed to that option, either virtual or in-person, for the entire semester. In the event in-person school is cancelled for any period of time, students will be provided instruction through distance learning. See the district's Re-Entry Plan for 2020-21 (English/Spanish).

Submit your Request for the Virtual Learning

HERE by 5 p.m., Monday, July 27

View Learning Options In-Person Learning OR

Elementary Virtual Learning information: English / Spanish

Secondary (6-12) Virtual Class Options: English / Spanish While Union is planning for two different instructional environments, please know we will continue to consult with local and state health officials and the recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for school opening and operations.

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3. What if I miss the July 27 deadline for selecting the virtual option?

Traditional in-person learning is the default position, so if the district does not hear from you by July 27, the assumption is your child has opted for traditional school. Once parents select a learning option, their student will be committed to that option, either virtual or in-person, for the entire semester.

4. In selecting between the two options -- IN-PERSON learning (at school) or VIRTUAL (at home) ? am I committed for the full year?

You are enrolling for the full 2020-21 school year; however, you will have the opportunity to change at second semester, if desired. (Virtual students can change to in-person, or vice versa). If in-person learning is interrupted, traditional students will move to distance learning. Students who select in-person learning but choose not to attend school will be given instructional materials through the student learning management system. There may be exceptions granted by the principal, when appropriate.

General Learning Questions

5. What is the difference between the virtual option and distance learning?

Distance learning will be used only in the event that in-person/traditional learning is interrupted. Conversely, the virtual option enables students in grades K-12 to take as many as 100 percent of their courses online from home. Union Virtual is free of charge to students accepted into the program. Participating students will be issued a school-owned laptop or iPad (depending on grade) for use while enrolled. All students need home internet access 6-8 hours per day in order to receive instruction and complete assignments. Union can provide a portable MiFi device that will allow the student to work from home.

Virtual/Elementary (Grades K-5): For elementary students (grades K-5), virtual learning classes will be taught by Union certified teachers in the student's grade level or subject area, and may or may not be from the student's home school.

Virtual/Secondary (Grades 6-12): Most instruction will occur online from Union's provider, Edgenuity, with Union teachers providing support. Every student is assigned a certified teacher who will monitor their progress, provide assistance as needed, and will be the point of contact between the student, parent and their grade-level school site. Secondary students also have the option to take one elective course ? like Fine Arts or athletics ? in a face-to-face setting. (For virtual class options, see the links on Page 1 for details on available course offerings.)

6. Will my child be required to take a certain number of courses?

All students, in-person or virtual, will be required to take a full schedule of courses.

7. Will student attendance be recorded? Are there academic consequences for absences?

Yes, attendance will be taken daily for all learning types and students will be responsible for making up missed work. Failure to do so may result in their grade being affected. (See the district's Attendance Policy.) Special consideration will be given to students for absences due to Covid-19.

8. Are there any virtual options for special education students?

Yes, virtual options are available. We are working with parents to provide the best options given your child's specific needs. If you select the virtual option, we will reach out to you directly.

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9. If my student plans to play college sports after high school, what learning guidelines are required and at what grade do these take effect?

The NCAA Clearinghouse oversees all students wishing to play collegiate sports after high school. As of 7/23/2020, the NCAA has decided that Union's virtual learning program will meet eligibility requirements for the 2021-21 academic year. According to the NCAA, "Consistent with the approach to reviews in Spring/Summer 2020, the Eligibility Center will not require a separate review of distance, e-learning or hybrid programs offered by schools with NCAA-approved core courses in response to COVID-19 for the 2020-21 academic year. Students may complete their NCAA-approved core courses through the channels of instruction provided or recommended by their school, district or state department of education." Students and Parents concerned about NCAA sport academic guidelines should speak with their school counselor. For more information, click here.

10. Has distance learning changed since implementation in the spring?

Yes, we have made substantial changes to distance learning to improve the effectiveness based on student, parent and teacher feedback. The most significant enhancements to distance learning include:

A. Supporting new learning through live lessons, recorded lessons, and small group instruction. The new plan provides a more structured day for students and teachers. While the plan implemented in April focused on engagement and review, the new plan includes teaching new standards aligned with the Oklahoma Academic Standards.

B. Submitting and grading homework C. Taking attendance

Virtual Learning

11. What will a typical virtual learning day look like for the student? Will there be set times/schedules, live-chats, required meeting times, etc.?

The virtual day for most elementary students will look like this. For most secondary students (grades 6-12), students can work at their own speed. However, there is set pacing and there will be built-in due dates in which students will have to submit assignments and coursework. They will work on six courses at a time that need to be completed, which equates to a six-hour workday and a full course load. In general, we can guarantee that teachers will be available from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily, although some may choose to extend their hours. Secondary students have core classes they have to complete at each grade level, along with an extensive choice of electives. At all grade levels, students may participate in an in-person extracurricular activity like fine arts or athletics. Students are responsible for their own transportation to and from school, and enrollment will be based upon availability.

12. What materials will be provided to students who select Virtual Learning?

A digital device ? either a laptop or iPad ? and supplies appropriate to the course and grade level will be provided. Students without Internet service at home may request a portable Mi-Fi device.

13. Will students in virtual learning be able to participate in school activities including sports, fine arts, or other extracurricular activities?

Yes. Virtual students may participate in onsite school activities. However, families will be responsible for their own transportation.

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14. Will students in virtual learning have the opportunity to participate in Gifted and Talented Enrichment Program and Accelerated Math?

Students participating in activities normally available in an in-person venue will also have the opportunity to receive it in a virtual setting.

15. Who will teach the virtual learning classes and will they be from the student's home school?

Virtual learning classes in elementary grades will be taught by Union certified teachers in the student's grade level or subject area and may or may not be from the student's home school. Virtual classes for secondary students are hosted by Edgenuity, with Union teachers providing support.

16. What concerns should I have as a parent if I choose virtual learning for my student?

Virtual learning, to be successful, does require a greater degree of parent involvement since the student is working from home and is not with a teacher during the entire school day. There is a greater degree of discipline and commitment needed from the student in order to be successful in the virtual environment.

17. Will bus transportation be provided for virtual learning students?

Virtual learning takes place at home. There are no plans to provide virtual students with transportation.

18. If distance learning is activated for in-person students, will there be a change for students who selected the Virtual Learning option?

No. Virtual Learning will not change if schools areclosed.

19. Who will decide if schools need to be closed?

A closure could be mandated by local/state health officials or governing bodies or the superintendent may decide to close schools due to concerns about the health and safety of students. If schools are closed, inperson learning students will follow the Distance Learning Plan.

20. How will parents, students, and staff be notified regarding Distance Learning?

The district will follow similar protocols for inclement weather cancellations including calls to the home, email, notification of local media outlets, and on the district's website and social media pages (Facebook and Twitter). Notification is usually made within 30 minutes to one hour of the decision being made. Please contact the Enrollment Center at 918-357-6150 or at union.enrollment@ if you need to update your contact information.

Masks/Face Coverings Required at School

21. Will all students be required to wear masks all day? Will there be exceptions? All students are expected to wear a face covering at all times while at school or on a school vehicle. Exceptions will include when students are eating, are in designated "mask-free zones," or have been granted an exception by the principal and nurse. Exceptions may require the development of a modified student learning plan. Limited exceptions will be made for recess and courses such as physical education, music, or instrumental music.

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22. What are the consequences for not wearing a face covering? Students may be sent home and required to do distance learning or they may be placed on an alternate learning plan. Students may also be refused bus service. Refusal to follow school guidelines are a violation of the Student Code of Conduct and may result in disciplinary action. Any conduct, which jeopardizes the safety of others, will be addressed. Exemptions will be addressed on an individual basis.

23. Are there guidelines regarding the type of face covering or restrictions on face coverings?

Face coverings are to cover the mouth and nose, and must not violate the school dress code guidelines. Bandanas and scarves are not acceptable face coverings.

24. If a student needs a replacement mask during the day, will the district provide it?

Efforts to secure additional disposable and cloth masks are ongoing with hopes of being able to provide replacement masks as needed. There is no plan to provide for the face covering needs of all students.

25. Will students have their temperature taken each day at school?

No, but conditions may change over time. Parents should follow the guidelines for student screening including temperature taking to determine if their student is healthy enough to attend in-person learning. Students who are ill or suspect they are ill should remain at home.

Quarantine Procedures

26. What responsibility do parents have to prevent the spread of Covid-19 at school?

It is important that all families partner with the district in monitoring the health of students and families. Students with a fever or other prominent COVID-19 symptoms (dry cough, shortness of breath, congestion, runny nose, nausea/vomiting, diarrhea, sore throat, body aches, chills, etc.) should not be sent to school until they are fever-free (without medication) for 24 hours. Once school resumes, temperature checks will not be conducted by school personnel on students or staff prior to entry on buses or in school buildings.

Families are expected to monitor the health of their children. Parents or guardians will need to notify the school if their child is symptomatic or has had possible exposure to COVID-19. If anyone in your household has had a possible exposure to COVID-19 and is being testing, please quarantine your student until test results are received.

27. If a student is absent due to Covid-19 concerns, will any consideration be givenregarding attendance, or will the same attendance policies remain in force?

Allowances will be made for students who are absent due to Covid-19 concerns.

28. What are Union's quarantine guidelines to determine when students and staff can return to school?

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has issued new quarantine guidelines. Union Public Schools will utilize these guidelines for all student and staff quarantines beginning in January 2021.

Version 2 ? July 27, 2020 Details subject to change in the event of an emerging public health issue

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