St. Cecilia School meets and exceeds the state minimum requirements for academic coursework. When enrolling their child, parents may choose from three separate learning models should circumstances merit that such options be made available. Once a particular model is selected and agreed upon among all parties, this model will be expected to be implemented based upon the agreement. Changes will occur only if directed at the school administrator's discretion. Ideally, students would continue on the traditional learning path, but the school wants to allow room for alternative models when and if appropriate.
Traditional Learning - Students report to the school building daily and follow the regular daily routine.
Distance Learning- Students attend St. Cecilia School virtually from their homes; they follow the daily routines with adaptations during certain times of the day if necessary (See Distance Learning Guidelines and Policies).
Hybrid Learning- Students combine traditional learning with distance learning, reporting to school on designated days while learning virtually from home on other school days per agreement. Designated days will be determined in advance and built around chunks of time (i.e. weeks, months, trimesters, etc. but not individually chosen days). (See Hybrid Learning Guidelines and Policies)
*Grade Level/All School Home Based Learning- Students will be required to participate in home based learning should the need arise on a national, state, local, or school level. This model of learning will only be used in extenuating circumstances or a limited capacity, for example illness, an early release day, excessive calamity days.
Distance Learning
Recognizing that some families may need and or prefer a home based educational option, St. Cecilia School offers virtual, distance learning, for students in grades 4-8. The virtual classroom’s schedule will mirror that of the traditional classroom, with slight modifications when and if necessary. Students within a virtual classroom will have similar curriculum, lessons, and assigned work as those students within the traditional classroom. Although in a different setting to receive instruction, home based learners will be expected to follow school policies and meet school and classroom expectations just like those in the traditional St. Cecilia setting with specific modifications applicable to the home setting. Virtual students will be viewed as St. Cecilia students, and they and their families as members of the school community. Special attention in the following areas should be considered for any family interested in distance learning.
Attendance - Students are expected to report to homeroom and all classes on time. Attendance is taken during all time periods, will be documented and kept on file. Parents are responsible for reporting all absences due to illness and early releases following Attendance school policy.
A formula that tracks attendance will used to determine tardies, half day absences, and or a full day absences should they be needed
Resources - Students will be issued a school chromebook, textbooks, workbooks, and other school distributed supplies/resources in order to access lessons and complete school work. Proper care for all school property is expected per school policies. Fees will be incurred for any damages.
Learning Dispositions - Students are expected to be engaged in all learning activities; engaged students must
Attend classes in uniform
Come to class prepared
Work in an appropriate setting
Be attentive
Participate and seek help when needed
Have their camera on with a clear view of their face and learning space
Make productive use of time
Be organized with resources readily available, inclusive of desk, chair, etc.
Use headphones (if needed) to limit distractions
Follow and meet classroom rules and expectations
Google Classroom/Google Meet - Platform All students will be assigned a Google Account and be provided any necessary passwords to access Google and other online resources.
Member of School Community - All students will be considered full members of their grade level class and school community. Students are encouraged to join classmates on field trips, participate in extracurriculars, and be involved in school/parish functions.
Discipline - The St. Cecilia School Code of Conduct will apply to all distance learning students; should the need for a detention be assigned, the expectation will be that it is served in school on designated days and times.
Use of Technology - Distance learning will require responsible and informed use of technology; all students will be assigned a chromebook in good working order. All technological trouble shooting should be directly communicated to classroom teachers first and if further need exists to our technology coordinator, Miss Poux. The St. Cecilia Responsible Use of Technology Policy will apply to all distance learning students.
Communication - Because distance learning requires a higher level of trust and independence on the part of home based learners, extra diligence is required from parents and students in communicating and staying informed with student progress and school related information.
Assessment/Standardized Testing - Students will be required to complete all assessments similar to those in the traditional setting; when standardized tests are administered (NWEA MAP, IOWA, State), students will be required to report to the traditional school setting, where he or she will be placed in an appropriate grade level testing group.
Limitations - Students may be limited in this model. They will be watching and interacting with each class live; however, the overall experience will not be the same. Teachers will monitor and interact with virtual learners, but students should not expect any special one on one attention. Additionally, the full feel of being present within the classroom will not exist.
Hybrid Learning
Recognizing that some families may need and or prefer a home based educational option as part of their child’s traditional education, St. Cecilia School offers a hybrid education, which mixes traditional and distance based learning for students in grades 4-8. This model utilizes individualized school calendars where students will be expected to attend the traditional school setting on specific dates while on other established days be present virtually through home based distance learning. Hybrid school calendars are created jointly with parents and school administration, with some degree of flexibility allowable should circumstances merit adaptations. School policies and expectations will mirror those as outlined in the traditional and home setting. Special attention in the following areas should be considered for any family interested in a combination of traditional and distance learning.
Enrollment - A limited number of slots for hybrid learning are available for students in grades 4-8. Parental rationale for desire to be enrolled must be justified and reasonable with acceptance into this model resting entirely with the school principal. Families interested in such a model should have a high degree of certainty that their child will be successful within such learning circumstances.
Calendar - An agreed upon schedule between the parents and school will be established prior to the start of school. Hybrid calendars will block out attendance in the traditional setting versus the home based setting by full academic weeks, months, trimesters, etc. and not by individual days. Any requests for changes to the agreed upon calendar must be made with adequate time.
Class Capacity - Should a traditional classroom setting reach capacity, hybrid learning will only be available should a family or families have a son or daughter in the traditional setting and express a desire for hybrid learning as an option for their child. If no families show interest in the hybrid approach and the traditional class is full, a student may consider the distance learning model. Once enrolled in the distance learning model, should a traditional slot open and or the hybrid model become feasible, parents may transition to one of those models.
Grade Level/All School Home Based Learning
Understanding the need to provide as much continuity and structure as possible when the traditional school setting is either unavailable due to scheduling or closed for an extended period of time due to unforeseen circumstances, individual grade levels or all grade levels PK-8 will be required to engage in distance, home based learning. This model will be executed as outlined in the Distance Learning section of the school handbook and include the following additions.
Attendance - Students are expected to report to their homeroom and all classes on time. Attendance is taken during all time periods, will be documented and kept on file. Parents are responsible for reporting all absences due to illness and early releases following Attendance school policy. Adaptations for attendance requirements for grades PK-2 will be shared at the time their schedules are shared once Home Based Learning is required.
Technology Access - In order to be successful in a home based setting, all students will need to have internet in the home and access to a device that allows students to utilize the Google platform and school student accounts. For families that may need a device for their child, school chromebooks can be loaned. Proper care guidelines will be expected and fines will be assessed for any damage incurred during home use. Parents are responsible for securing internet access within the home. If this is problematic, they should reach out to the school. All Responsible Use of Technology policies will be in effect.
Pick-up/Drop-off - At certain intervals during home based, distance learning, an exchange of resources and or completed hard copies of work may be required. These days will be communicated to parents with as much notice as possible.
Daily Schedule - All school home based, distance learning will follow an adapted schedule for the school day that allows students to follow a structured schedule and have independent time to allow for the completion of assignments. Utilizing the Google Apps for Education, students will receive direct instruction in grades 3-8 with lessons being delivered with a combination of video and direct instruction for grades PK-2. Specific academic schedules will be shared with all families and posted on our school website when and if the necessity presents itself.
Completion of Work - All school assignments, assessments, projects, and or related work are expected to be completed. Parents assume responsibility to ensure that this takes place. Completed work is an important part of a child’s learning and assists teachers in determining each child’s academic growth and whether or not he or she has demonstrated adequate proficiency at respective grade level to merit retention, placement, or promotion.
Retention - A student has not demonstrated grade level understanding of learning standards; repeating the present grade level is in the best interest in the child in becoming proficient at the necessary skills and knowledge.
Placement - A student has not adequately demonstrated grade level understanding of learning standards; repeating the present grade level is not seen to be in the best interest of the student and or teachers because of age and or social and emotional factors. A student who is placed may be requested to enroll in another school should factors taken into consideration for such a designation result from poor attendance and or lack of work completion.
Promotion - A student has adequately demonstrated grade level understanding of learning standards and is promoted to the next grade level.