Welcome to the 2021–2022 Remote Learning Program

We understand that it will be difficult for families to know what next fall will look like with so many variables. Setting up a successful Remote Learning Program requires gauging how many students will be participating in each grade level so we can move the appropriate number of highly trained staff from the traditional classroom to the remote learning environment. Planning ahead allows us to provide training to teachers over the spring and summer, and will help reduce program costs by shifting existing teachers to follow enrollment instead of hiring new teachers late in the summer on a one-year only contract.

This district-wide Remote Learning Program will be open to students in grades kindergarten – 12, and will look different than remote learning this year. Students will be taught by teachers focused only on remote learners, and all students in the classes will be remote learners from across the school district. If a student has health issues that prevent them from attending in person, contact your school’s Special Education coordinator to inquire about homebound services.

Students most successful in remote learning are:

• Independent learners; student does not rely on a staff member for redirections
• Self-starters
• Willing to stay focused with limited adult interaction
• Comfortable without a lot of socialization
• Physically and mentally able to be on a computer for much of the day
• Comfortable and independent with technology
• Require minimal support services and no support services that are most effective when provided in-person or one-on-one.

Remote learning is not recommended for students with the following needs:

• Students in primary grade levels where the foundation for education success begins (grades K-2).
• Students who require support services and one-to-one support.
• Level 1 or Level 2 English Language Learners.
• Students who attend Donald D. Sherrill, Nuernberger or Yankee Hill full time.
• Students who attend Individual Success Programs: Humann, Lux, or East or the Independence Academy.
• Students who participate in classrooms such as Life Skills or Support Centers for an extended time.
• Students needing sign language interpreting and/or Braille services.

At home, students participating in remote learning will need:

• An adult who can assist the student in getting on during their assigned class times.
• Someone in the home who can help troubleshoot technology issues.
• An adult that can help with appropriate online behavior, engagement, and work completion.
• Reliable internet at home and dedicated space for student learning.

The primary grades (K-2) are the most important in building a foundation for success. After reviewing data from last fall, and remote learning programs from across the country, we have found remote learning provides significant challenges for staff and students in these grades. We recommend that students in kindergarten through second grade attend school in-person, and we feel our safety protocols allow for this to happen while reducing the risk of spread.

Families will be asked to commit to at least one semester when signing up for the Remote Learning Program. Students will only be able to switch between the Remote Learning Program and in-person school at the semester. Requested changes during a semester will align with the district’s permit process through Student Services (Policy 5122).

Additional expectations include:

• Attendance will be taken for every class. Students not attending will be considered absent from school. LPS attendance procedures will be followed which may include reporting excessive absences to the County Attorney.
• Cameras will be expected to be turned on at all times.
• Students will be required to follow the code of conduct as if they were in school; this includes dress and language.

• Students will not necessarily be assigned a teacher from their in-person school. They will be enrolled in the Remote Learning Program with other students from throughout the school district. 
• In grades K-5, students will not receive regular communication from their school, or participate in before or after school activities from their home school (except for band and strings). They will only be part of the Remote Learning Program.
• In grades 6-8, students will be co-enrolled in the Remote Learning Program and their middle school. This will permit middle school students to participate in co-curricular or extra-curricular activities as their schedule permits.
• In grades 9-12, students will be co-enrolled in the Remote Learning Program and their high school. This will permit high school students to participate in co-curricular or extra-curricular activities as their schedule permits.
• Students in the Remote Learning Program will need to attend in-person school on the days of standardized assessments or sign a waiver.
• Certain grade levels or courses in the remote learning program may become closed based on enrollment (Policy 5120).
• It is important to note your student may not be on Zoom the entire class time (based on teacher instruction). Your child will be required to complete work independently outside of scheduled class (Zoom-in) sessions.

• The curriculum will be an adaptation of Lincoln Public Schools curriculum.
• At the elementary level, the course content will focus on reading, writing, math, science, and social studies. Limited specials will be offered. No differentiated (gifted) classes will be offered remotely.
• At the middle level, core grade-level subjects will be taught, including English/Language Arts, math, science, and social studies. Some elective courses will be offered. No differentiated (honors/gifted), or Special Education versions of courses will be offered. E-learning courses will be available through the Remote Learning Program.
• At high school, general core classes will be offered, including English, math, science, and social studies. No AP, differentiated (honors/gifted), or Special Education versions of courses will be offered. E-learning courses will be available through the Remote Learning Program.
• At high school, limited elective courses will be offered through the remote learning program.
• It may not be possible as a senior to meet all graduation requirements through the Remote Learning Program and the student may need to attend some courses in-person to meet graduation requirements or to access particular elective courses.
• At high school, a student may be enrolled in the Remote Learning Program and an in-person Focus Program.
• Targeted class size in the remote learning program is 25-30, although some elective courses may have larger enrollments.
• Limited Special Education services will be offered.

The Remote Learning Program will not be an option for quarantined students or students with an extended absence. Extended absences from in-person school will be handled as they were prior to the pandemic.

Early Childhood

• Cara Lucas-Richt, Director of Early Childhood, clucas2@lps.org, 402-436-1995

Elementary Education

• Gena Licata, Director of Elementary Education, glicata@lps.org, 402-436-1452
• Cindy Schwaninger, Director of Elementary Education, cschwan@lps.org, 402-436-1630

Secondary Education

• Pat Hunter-Pirtle, Director of Secondary Education, ppirtle@lps.org, 402-436-1637

Special Education

• Jenny Fundus, Director of Special Education, jfundus@lps.org, 402-436-1919

Curriculum

• Takako Olson, Director of Curriculum and Instruction, tnagaya@lps.org, 402-436-1634

Registration/Enrollment

• Russ Uhing, Director of Student Services, duhing@lps.org, 402-436-1650