Virtual Learning

Elementary K-5

Virtual learning for K-5 students will be offered through the Kenosha Unified K-5 Virtual Learning Program. Early education will be offered in person only. This program is separate from individual elementary schools. The K-5 Virtual Program will offer students access to a virtual learning environment that utilizes KUSD curriculum and requires students to engage in live virtual lessons on a set daily schedule (see sample elementary virtual learning schedule on Page13).

Students participating in virtual learning and/or teacher support sessions will be required to have cameras on for the entirety of the virtual lesson to be marked present. This is to ensure students are present, engaged and safe (based on what can be seen).

Exceptions to this rule include a student requesting permission to turn off the camera to leave the room briefly (e.g. restroom use, etc.). Families are encouraged to find an appropriately private place for virtual learning to the best of their ability.

The K-5 Virtual Learning Program will be offered through the district’s learning platforms, Seesaw (K-2) or Google Classroom (3-5). Students will follow the district’s curriculum and lessons will be closely aligned to in-person lessons. Virtual learning is a blend of online, face-to-face instruction with teachers as well as independent learning tasks. Teachers will meet virtually with students to provide instruction, answer questions and give feedback. Quizzes, tests and grades will align with traditional in-person grading at the elementary level.

Families interested in the K-5 Virtual Learning Program will be required to apply to the program. The application window, process and deadlines will be shared with families via email prior to the start of the 2021-22 school year. All applicants are agreeing to be enrolled in the K-5 Virtual Learning Program for the entire 2021-22 school year. Progress and participation of students attending the K-5 Virtual Learning Program will be monitored throughout the school year. Students failing to meet expectations may be recommended to return to in-person learning at their home school for second semester.

Students enrolled in choice/charter schools will forfeit their seat if they attend the K-5 Virtual Learning Program during the 2021-22 school year. Students may reapply for admittance to choice/charter programs for the 2022-23 school year.

Attendance

Virtual attendance will follow KUSD Policy 5310 – in alignment with State of Wisconsin expectations – for attendance.

Attendance designations will include Present, Tardy, Absent.
As usual, “absent” is automatically adjusted at the end of the day to excused, unexcused, truant, QS-E (quarantine status-excused).
Absent periods that have not been excused by a parent via communication with school attendance staff will automatically convert to truant.
As always, attendance defaults to “present” unless adjusted by the teacher to reflect student absence.

Elementary Student Expectations Overview

Virtual learning will have regularly scheduled class days that will include live virtual instruction by the teacher, independent work time, and opportunities for small group or one-on-one support.
The amount of time spent each day in virtual classes will vary based on student grade level, course complexity, and learner readiness. (see example schedule on page 13.)
Students will be expected to log into their assigned daily classes and fully participate throughout the duration of all live learning sessions.
Attendance will be taken when students log into assigned face-to-face meetings with teachers, and students must engage in the full live learning sessions to be counted present.
To report an absence, parents/guardians must follow the K-5 Virtual Learning Program’s absence reporting procedures.
Virtual classes will be fully graded. Students are expected to complete assignments to show evidence of learning.
Students are expected to monitor their Seesaw (4K-2) or Google Classroom (3-5) and respond to assigned coursework and teacher feedback.
Students are expected to inform teachers of technical difficulties to avoid delayed progress.
Students are expected to be respectful, responsible, and safe, adhering to teacher classroom expectations and all KUSD policies, including the appropriate use of technology.

K-5 Virtual SPED/ELL

Parents and guardians of students with an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) or a Language Development Plan (LDP) are encouraged to consult with the program support teacher or the ESL teacher at their child’s current school prior to applying to the eSchool Virtual Learning Program. A student’s current case manager or ESL teacher will assist families through the process of adjusting the student’s IEP or LDP so that it may be delivered optimally within a virtual learning environment.

Students with disabilities who apply for virtual learning will be provided services in their least restrictive environment (LRE) as determined by their IEP. An IEP review meeting may be conducted to ensure that the virtual learning option is the least restrictive environment for each student with special education needs.

Video Presentation

Secondary 6-12

Kenosha eSchool will be the virtual option offered to students in grades 6-12. This will provide students access to high-quality, standards-driven curriculum in an environment that is self-paced and accommodates students’ varying physical locations, individualized education plans, and timeframes.

Families interested in eSchool will be required to apply to the program. The application window, process and deadlines will be shared with families via email prior to the start of the 2021-22 school year. All applicants are agreeing to be enrolled in eSchool for the entire 2021-22 school year. Students who are interested in continuing with eSchool after the 2021-22 school year must reapply for continued enrollment in the program.

Applications will be reviewed and spots will be allocated based on overall applicant numbers and KUSD’s ability to staff these positions. If the number of applicants exceeds the district’s ability to staff these positions, a waitlist will be instituted. High school students who are accepted will be required to fill out new course requests that align with eSchool course offerings.

Students enrolled in choice/charter schools will forfeit their seat if they attend eSchool during the 2021-22 school year. Students may reapply for admittance to choice/charter programs for the 2022-23 school year.

Unsuccessful Students

Students failing to meet expectations may be recommended to return to in-person learning at their home school for the second semester.

Secondary students who return to in-person learning for the second semester may need adjustments to course selections. Every reasonable effort will be made to limit impact on credit acquisition. Families are strongly encouraged to explore course availability and potential credit impact with their in-person school counselor in advance.

eSchool Courses – Middle School

Middle school students will be enrolled in courses and electives automatically. Students’ elective courses will be predetermined by eSchool and will vary by grade. Students will not be allowed to take courses at their boundary school while enrolled with eSchool. Most middle school courses are a semester in length. To view a list of eSchool middle school electives, visit https://www.kusd.edu/eschool/?page_id=888

eSchool Courses – High School

For a list of eSchool high school courses, visit eSchool Academics. These courses fit the requirements for graduation. Most high school courses are 9 weeks/1 quarter for each 0.5 credit (exception: AP courses are one semester per 0.5 credit). Students typically take 3-4 courses per quarter. Students will not be allowed to take courses at their boundary school while enrolled with eSchool.

Extracurricular/Activities

eSchool students may participate in supervised after-school activities at their boundary school. This includes athletics, clubs, dances/socials, etc.

Additionally, clubs and activities who periodically engage in sponsored, organized competitions (DECA, FBLA, Cheer, Super Mileage Vehicle, etc.) may participate in day-trip only competitions to the same extent allowable for athletic games. Participation is voluntary. Only field trips for event or competition related purposes will be allowed at this time.

Grading

eSchool uses the Buzz Learner Management System, which is independent of Infinite Campus. Via Buzz Learner, families can track progress, pacing and current grades. Grades will not be shown in Infinite Campus until the end of the grading period. eSchool students are required by eSchool policy to pass finals in order to pass courses. eSchool does not offer grade replacement for failed courses. However, high school students may have the opportunity to retake a course or take an Edgenuity course, another online course, for a new grade at their home school if they fail.

6-12 Virtual SPED/ELL

Parents and guardians of students with an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) or a Language Development Plan (LDP) are encouraged to consult with the program support teacher or the ESL teacher at their child’s current school prior to applying to the eSchool Virtual Learning Program. The student’s current case manager or ESL teacher will assist families through the process of adjusting the student’s IEP or LDP so that it may be delivered optimally within a virtual learning environment.

Advanced Placement

eSchool offers a variety of Advanced Placement courses in Spanish, Language/Comp, Human Geography and United States History. Kenosha eSchool offers a variety of honors courses as well, which can be found at https://www.kusd.edu/eschool/?page_id=888

eSchool Teacher Support

eSchool teachers are available during traditional and non-traditional work hours. Teachers are available to answer questions for students via phone, email, office hours or independent online virtual meetings. Teachers are expected to respond to student inquiries within a 24-hour period (excluding weekends and holidays). Teachers also are available weekly during scheduled virtual office hours.

Attendance

eSchool attendance procedures can be found at https://www.kusd.edu/eschool/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/attendance-policy.pdf

eSchool learning requires students to become independent learners who will work through instructional material at a self-guided pace that may require varying degrees of support from their parents/guardians.