2021–22 Remote Learning Program for grades K–8

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.

1. Families will commit to the Remote Learning Program for at least one semester.

2. Regular attendance will be expected by all students.  This includes being logged into class via Zoom at the beginning of the period/subject area.

3. All students will be expected to have their cameras on at all times, unless directed by your teacher to have their cameras off.

4. Students will be expected to have a designated workplace that is conducive to learning and accessible every day.  Required materials will be provided by the Remote Learning Program.

5. Internet access will be required for all students.  The Remote Learning Program will be able to assist families who may need help acquiring internet access.

6. Families of elementary age students will be expected to assist their student in getting connected during their assigned class times, troubleshooting technology issues, and helping with appropriate online behavior, engagement, and work completion.

7. All students enrolled in the Remote Learning Program will still be responsible for following the LPS student code of conduct.  This includes appropriate language and dress code as if they were in school.

8. Students will be expected to attend in-person during state standardized testing.  The location of the testing will be dependent on the location of their teacher(s), their assigned home school, and the availability of space within the district.

9. Families will be expected to exchange materials at a designated LPS location throughout the year.  These materials will be vital for a successful educational experience.

10. Secondary students in the Remote Learning Program will be allowed to participate in athletics and activities.  It will be the family’s responsibility to communicate their student’s interest to their assigned home school.

• 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.

While the goal is to provide an alternative educational experience due to the pandemic, not all courses can be offered in the Remote Learning Program. If you would like more information about your child(ren)’s potential schedule, please contact Jamie Peckham at (402) 436-1412 or jpeckham@lps.org.

Elementary (Hours: 8:15am – 2:53pm)

• Students will receive the same grade level curriculum as their in-person peers.
• Students will receive live, in-person specials from certified LPS teachers.
  • Art
  • Music
  • PE
  • Library
  • Computer Science
• Small group pullouts and interventions will be limited.
• Students will not be separated into differentiated groups based on their ability

Middle School (Hours: 8:00am – 3:00pm)

• 6th Grade:
  • Humanities
  • Math and Math Intervention
  • Science
  • ACES – Art, Healthy Living, Physical Education, Spanish, Technology 6, and Vocal Music
• 7th Grade:
  • English
  • Math
  • Science
  • Social Studies
  • ACES – Art, Contemporary Communications, Family and Consumer Science, Health, Physical Education, Technology 7, and World Language
• 8th Grade:
  • English
  • Math
  • Science
  • Social Studies
  • ACES – Art, Computer Science 8, Health, Physical Education, and Spanish
• Reading:
  • Reading classes will be offered for those students who qualify.

High School (Hours: 8:00:am – 3:00pm, with an optional period from 3:10pm – 3:55pm)

• Art – Intro to 2D Art, and Intro to 3D Art
• Business – Business Economics, Computer Science Foundations, Information Technology, Take Charge, and World of Business
• English – English 9, English 10, English 11, Composition, Advanced Composition, Senior English Seminar, Oral Communications, Creative Writing, Fantasy Literature, and Holocaust Literature
• Family and Consumer Science – Families and Crisis, Human Behavior, and Lifespan Development
• Math – Algebra, Algebra Support, Geometry, Geometry Support, Advanced Algebra, Pre-College Math, Statistics, Pre-Calculus, and AP Calculus
• Music – Guitar 1, and Music Theory
• Physical Education – Fitness for Life, Health, and Low Impact Aerobics
• Science – Geoscience, Physical Science, Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Chemistry, Physical Science Chemistry, and Physics
• Skilled and Technical Sciences – Architecture Design
• Social Studies – Civics, Geography, World History, United States History, Government and Politics, Economics, History of Civil Rights, Psychology, and Sociology
• Special Education – Basic Geoscience, Read 180, Interventions and Strategies, and TBD
• World Language – Spanish 1, Spanish 2, Spanish 3, Spanish 4, French 2, and French ¾
• Non-Departmental – eLearning (APEX), and Learning Center

At all grade levels, requests to take courses that are not offered will go through the Remote Learning Program. These requests are not guaranteed to be granted.

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