e-Learning

December, 2019

Dear Maroa-Forsyth School District Parents & Families,

I am excited to announce that the Maroa-Forysth Schools will launch an innovative approach to dealing with inclement weather and emergency days upon our return to school in January 2020. Recent legislation has created flexibility in the definition of an "instructional day" here at school. In the past, if school had to close for any reason, that "instructional day" was tacked on to the end of the school year. We are now able to use an eLearning Day when school is closed allowing us to count that day as a day of attendance.

eLearning is the use of technology to enable people to learn anytime and anywhere which will be utilized mainly in grades 6-12. eLearning is also possible when teachers prepare instructional lessons in advance for students to do while at home which will be mainly utilized in grades K-5. Teachers will keep business hours during scheduled eLearning days to help with questions and concerns via e-mail. You will be receiving a more detailed explanation of the expectations for eLearning Days from your Building Principal and the Teachers. Please know the kind of learning that will happen during an eLearning Day will be designed with the intent of the student leading the learning with limited adult intervention.

There are a variety of reasons we are wanting to try this approach. First and foremost, we think this will be a great experience for our students to know what it is like to learn remotely while staying connected to fellow students and their teachers. This is becoming the way of the world now in many cases so what great preparation for their future. Also, when we have to extend the school year it often caused problems with testing schedules, graduation ceremonies, and other end of year events. Further, parents often reported a disruption to their post school year activities and schedules. While we are excited to implement the eLearning plan, we also know there will be a lot of things to learn the first time we do this and will adjust accordingly based on feedback. Thank you in advance for your understanding and patience! For more information, please see the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ).

Sincerely,

Dr. John Ahleyemer

Superintendent of Schools

MFMS E-Learning Days Procedures Starting January 2020.

All assignments and content will be posted by 8:30 am on an E-Learning day.

All MFMS teachers will use Google Classroom or their class websites to post assignments and content. Students need to be signed up for all classes on Google Classroom.

MFMS teachers will be available for communication and questions between 8:30-12:00 and 12:30-2:00. Communications and questions will be handled through Google Classroom and email.

The expectation is for all MFMS students to complete assigned work prior to returning to school.

Each teacher will assign approximately 20-30 minutes of work per class.

Any student who is unable to access the content and assignments will be given a day for each E-Learning day to complete all work.

MFMS teachers will review E-Learning procedures for their class with all students in January when we return from winter break.

Everyone in the MS office will also be available via email on E-Learning days. This includes Mr. Kahler, Mr. Applebee, Ms. Goodwin, and Mrs. Younker.