Transylvania County Schools Spring 2021 Online Learning Path (OLP) Application

AND

Application for students going from OLP to Face-to-Face Instruction for Spring 2021

Direct, face-to-face instruction is greatly valued by Transylvania County Schools; however, we understand that often students need another option for a variety of reasons. TCS wants to support the needs of all students; therefore, we are providing a remote learning opportunity.

The following guidelines are to be adhered to for a student to participate in virtual learning courses offered through TCS.

*Please make sure and read the blue, highlighted statement at the bottom on this document! This is a change from our fall application process.

“We, the parent/guardian and student, understand and agree to the following terms for participation in TCS online courses.” It is extremely important that you read through these guidelines carefully.

• I will fully participate in the online course as required by the teacher(s).
• I will respond in a timely fashion to emails from my teacher(s).

• I will follow any and all requirements set forth by TCS
• I will work independently unless otherwise instructed to do so by the teacher.
• I understand that students will have the opportunity for live lessons, as well as recorded lessons. These lessons will occur daily through Google Meet. Work will be posted on a Google Classroom platform, and the student will complete work throughout the day.
• I am expected to complete the course.
• I understand that online courses will be included in my GPA and class rank.  If the course is not completed, the transcript will include a failing grade for the online course.
• I will inform the online instructor and school counselor with the first 5 days of the course if I am experiencing difficulty in the online course including technical difficulties and comprehension of course content.
• I will use courteous language when communicating online with my teacher and peers.
• I will access Google Classroom using the assigned school system email address, or other forms of communication for younger students (i.e. Class DoJo, etc). I understand I am to use my TCS email account for all communications related to TCS online courses.
• I will follow the TCS acceptable usage policy.
• I understand that I may need internet access outside of the school setting to work on assignments.
• If a textbook is assigned, I agree to return it at the end of the course or pay the replacement cost.
• I understand that I must successfully complete the online course in order to be eligible for future online courses offered through TCS.
• Academic dishonesty in online classes will not be tolerated. Academic dishonesty includes, but is not limited to, dishonesty on homework or in test-taking, attempting to get credit for another’s work, or assisting another student in such an attempt to otherwise obtain answers improperly. Students engaging in academic dishonesty will receive a zero on the assignment.  In addition, teachers will refer incidents of academic dishonesty to the student’s home school for disciplinary action.
• Students may need the following supplies in their online course.

•        Flash Drive

•        Headphones or Earbuds

•        Calculator (if taking a math class)

• All NC required exams for online courses will follow the same testing schedule as classes being taken face-to-face at the school.  
• We understand that participation in this course(s) is voluntary, and we hereby release the Transylvania County Board of Education, its members, its employees, and its agents from any and all liability in this course(s).
• If the student participates in the course off-campus, we acknowledge and agree that if we choose to provide transportation between the high school and any site/s as required for participation in the course, we will be responsible for all transportation costs and any and all liability related to such transportation. We hereby release the Transylvania County Board of Education and its employees and/or agents from any liability whatsoever related to such transportation.  
• Elementary Subjects Covered: Reading, Math, Social Studies, and Science. The Arts (PE, Music, Media, Art will be offered each week)
• Middle Subjects Covered: Reading, Math, Science, Social Studies (PE is offered each week) *electives to be determined
• High School Subjects Covered: English, Math, Science, Social Studies; Electives will  be offered through the Edmentum platform- this is 100% virtual and self-paced.
• Edmentum- High School Electives: Students will be required to complete these courses within the semester and should expect to spend 60-90 minutes per day on each course.

Please note, Edmentum electives will not have a live instructor. Electives options are limited to: Career Management, Entrepreneurship I, Principles of Business and Finance, Art History & Appreciation, Music Appreciation, Theatre Cinema & Film Production, Agriculture Food & Natural Resources

• Academically and/or Intellectually Gifted Services (grades 4-12) would be available periodically, but service times will differ from traditional face to face instruction.
• Please note that LD/EC support will look different in the TCS Online Learning Path, and will most likely require an IEP meeting to look at student needs/options.
• School Admin teams will review 504 plans and assure that 504 Accommodations are something that the parent can provide in the home setting (read aloud of test items, extra time on work assignments, etc). 504 team meetings may also be needed.
• Please note that if you sign up for the TCS Online Learning Path, this means your child is learning solely from home. It does not allow him/her to come on campus for certain courses, etc.
• 2020-2021: ALL Students in grades K-12 will be issued a school Chromebook, whether you are in Plan B or in the TCS Online Learning Path.

Student Responsibility

Students should plan to commit time per class each week. Refer to the chart below for guidance on time management. It is critical for students to maintain the pace set by their teacher and to turn in work for every class each week. Also, students must maintain contact with their teachers. A student that is not reading and/or responding to emails, returning phone calls, and maintaining pace is considered truant and may receive a truancy/discipline referral. The Academic Integrity Policy forbids plagiarism. Violating this policy may result in a student's removal from the TCS Online Learning Path.

Parent Responsibility

Parents must monitor student progress and maintain communication with teachers. If an address, email, or phone number changes, parents must notify the school to update.

By submitting this application, I understand that Transylvania County Schools reserves the right to determine that TCS Online Learning Path is not the best fit for a student, due to certain circumstances. I understand that the TCS Online Learning Path will be responsible for my course grade and that all grades earned virtually will appear on my official school record for all grade levels.

• Student: I affirm that I will complete assignments, projects, and tests without the assistance of another unless permitted by my online instructor.  I will demonstrate academic integrity in my work.  I will avoid plagiarism, honor copyrights, and cite sources when required.

• Parent/Guardian: I affirm that I will support my child in the TCS Online Learning Path. I, or another responsible adult, is available to serve as a Learning Coach for the hours suggested above. I understand that my child could face disciplinary consequences or be removed from the TCS Online Learning Path, if he/she fails to follow school conduct policies or is an inactive learner.

For the Spring Semester (2021), there is no 5 day period where students can revert to Plan A/B or OLP. Submitting this application and being accepted into the OLP/Plan A/B is a semester commitment. Our hope is to provide stability for our students and teachers this semester. Thank you in advance for your support and cooperation.

Online Learning Path participants, please email onlinelearningpath@tcsnc.org with any questions.

START APPLICATION HERE FOR:

Elementary School (Open October 26, 2020)

Middle School (Closed October 23, 2020)

High School (Closed October 23, 2020)