Virtual Instruction Days - FAQ's
Northwestern Lehigh School District will be utilizing Virtual Instruction Days, which may be used in place of a school day that would be canceled because of inclement weather or another unique situation. On a Virtual Instruction Day, students will complete learning activities and assignments provided by their teachers at home.
What's the benefit of a virtual day?
Implementing a virtual day 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. Virtual days 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 a virtual day, how will I know?
Students and parents/guardians will be informed of a virtual day through the District's notification systems in the same way that school closings and delays are currently announced. Notifications will be distributed via the Sapphire Notification System 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 "Virtual Day" 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 the need for a paper-copy version of the assignment if WiFi will not be available on the virtual day. When possible, notice will be provided in advance of a virtual day, so paper copies of the assignments can be provided to the student.
What will be expected of my child during the virtual day?
- 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 may ask students to complete and submit a check-in activity at some point during the virtual day 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 virtual day, in case internet access is unavailable or if more support is needed. This window will begin upon return from the virtual day.
What if I need technical assistance during the virtual day?
The student technology help desk will be available at helpdesk@nwlehighsd.org during regular school hours on the virtual day.
How does student attendance work?
Students should not report to school on the virtual day. Students are expected to participate throughout the day in synchronous lessons (if applicable) and complete the learning activities assigned. Teachers may ask students to complete and submit a check-in activity at some point during the virtual day to track attendance. Attendance will be determined by verification and completion of the virtual lesson and/or assignment. Students who fail to complete their virtual 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 virtual day and cannot complete the work?
Write an excuse for the absence as you would on 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 virtual day?
When possible, notice will be provided to students and parents in advance of the virtual day so they may download or receive paper copies of assignments. Arrangements will be made if a student loses power or internet access during the virtual day. 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 virtual day.
How can I contact a teacher or staff member during the virtual day?
All administrators, teachers, and professional staff members will be available via email during the virtual day. This includes special area teachers such as music, art, library, physical education, learning support, teachers in specialized programs, reading specialists, school counselors, nurses, speech therapists, interventionists, and principals, unless the individual is ill that day. Parents can access a staff directory for each school through www.nwlehighsd.org.
What if my child needs help with a lesson/assignment on the virtual day, will teachers be available to answer questions?
All school-based staff members will be available to answer questions on the virtual day via email during regular school hours. The student technology help desk will also be available at helpdesk@nwlehighsd.org.
How long will my child have to complete virtual 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 virtual day if internet access is unavailable or if more support is needed. This window will begin upon return from the virtual day.
What happens if my child fails to complete his/her assignment(s)?
Teachers will check virtual assignments for completion and/or may count the assignments as graded assignments. If there are questions or concerns about the assignments, students/parents are required to contact the teacher during the virtual day. 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 virtual 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 a virtual day, 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 virtual day will be rescheduled according to the frequency requirements of the students’ individualized education plan.
Will after school activities and athletics be canceled on the virtual day?
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.