FID - Frequently Asked Questions
Northwestern Lehigh School District will be utilizing Flexible Instructional Days (FIDs), which may be used in place of a school day that would be canceled because of inclement weather or another unique situation. On a Flexible Instructional Day, students will complete learning activities and assignments provided by their teachers at home.
What's the benefit of an FID?
Implementing an FID will not require additional make-up days when school is canceled. These make-up days could shorten the spring break or extend the school year. The District can use up to five (5) FIDs per school year. FIDs are considered a school day and count toward the number of instructional days/hours required under the State Board of Education regulations.
If the District calls for an FID, how will I know?
Students and parents/guardians will be informed of an FID through the District's notification systems in the same way that school closings and delays are currently announced. Notifications will be distributed via BlackBoard Connect and will be posted on the District's website and social media outlets.
How will I find assignments for my child?
- Classroom teachers will send out a link to students through their online classroom platform of choice (Seesaw, Google Classroom, Canvas, Sapphire) with an announcement/assignment entitled "FID" that lists the learning assignments, activities, and online resources. The link may also refer to specific learning materials posted to Seesaw, Google Classroom, or Canvas, to which your children have access.
- Parents and/or students should make teachers aware of a need for a paper-copy version of the assignment if WiFi will not be available on the FID. When possible, notice will be provided in advance of an FID, so paper copies of the assignments can be provided to the student.
What will be expected of my child during the FID?
- Check the teacher’s websites or announcements in Seesaw, Google Classroom, or Canvas to access assignment information.
- Complete the assignments and instructional activities as assigned by each teacher by the expected due dates. Teachers will ask students to complete and submit a check-in activity at some point during the FID in order to track attendance.
- Contact the teacher if there are questions or concerns. Students will have a three-day window to finalize assignments given and worked on during the FID in case internet access is unavailable or if more support is needed. This window will begin upon return from the FID.
What if I need technical assistance during the FID?
The student technology help desk will be available at helpdesk@nwlehighsd.org during normal school hours on the FID.
How does student attendance work?
Students should not report to school on the FID. Students are expected to participate throughout the day in synchronous lessons (if applicable) and complete the learning activities assigned. Teachers will ask students to complete and submit a check-in activity at some time during the FID day in order to track attendance. Attendance will be determined by verification and completion of the FID lesson and/or assignment. Students who fail to complete their FID assignments will be marked as absent from school. Parent/Guardian documentation of the reason for absence will be required.
What if my child is ill on the FID and cannot complete the work?
Write an excuse for the absence as you would any other day they are ill and return it to school with the child. The student would be expected to make up the learning activities and assignments within three days of returning to school just as if it were any other absence from school.
What if we lose power or internet access during the FID?
When possible, notice will be provided to students and parents in advance of the FID so they may download or receive paper copies of assignments. Arrangements will be made if a student loses power or internet access during the FID. Parents should notify the school about the issue via phone message or email. Students will be required to complete the assignments within three days upon return from the FID.
How can I contact a teacher or staff member during the FID?
All administrators, teachers, and professional staff members will be available via email during the FID. This includes special area teachers such as music, art, library, physical education, learning support, teachers in specialized programs, reading specialists, and school counselors, nurses, speech therapists, interventionists, and principals, unless the individual is ill that day. Parents can access a staff directory here.
What if my child needs help with a lesson/assignment on the FID, will teachers be available to answer questions?
All school-based staff members will be available to answer questions on the FID via email during normal school hours. The student technology help desk will also be available at helpdesk@nwlehighsd.org.
How long will my child have to complete FID lessons and/or assignments?
Students are expected to participate in synchronous lessons (if applicable) and complete assignments and instructional activities as assigned by each teacher. Students/parents are required to contact the teacher if there are questions or concerns. Students will have a three-day window to finalize assignments given and worked on during the FID if internet access is unavailable or if more support is needed. This window will begin upon return from the FID.
What happens if my child fails to complete his/her assignment(s)?
Teachers will check FID assignments completion or may count the assignment as a graded assignment. If there are questions or concerns about the assignments, students/parents are required to contact the teacher during the FID. If a student does not complete the assignment(s), this may result in a grade of zero for the assignment.
My child has an IEP, will his/her lesson be modified appropriately?
The FID lesson will be designed for students with special needs utilizing their program modifications, specially designed instruction, and supplementary aids and services identified in their individualized education plans. Upon return from an FID, teachers of students with special needs will meet with their students to review work submitted and check for completion and understanding. Any related services (Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Speech, etc.) scheduled during the FID will be rescheduled according to the frequency requirements of the students’ individualized education plan.
Will after school activities and athletics be canceled on the FID?
Generally, these will not be held when school is canceled due to inclement weather. Exceptions to this may be made by the administration if there is a drastic change for the better in the weather and road conditions. In this case, practices would NOT be mandatory and strictly on a voluntary basis and would only be for Varsity teams.