Friday, October 30, 2020

Temporary Shift to Virtual Learning at OHS

Hey Raccoons!

As you know, we will switch to a virtual learning platform from Tuesday, November 3-Friday, November 13, with the full intention that we return to full face-to-face instruction on Monday, November 16.

I know online learning brought many challenges this past Spring. However, unlike last year we will have live synchronous classes and will only be in the model for two weeks. We must work together to slow the transmission of the virus in our school and stop the number of large-scale quarantines we are experiencing. While these next few weeks may present new challenges, we will navigate this together as one-big Raccoon family.

The purpose of this communication is to outline our instructional expectations and operational plan for the next two weeks. Please let me know if you have any questions.


Materials & Belongings Pick Up
Students can come to campus between 7:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. any school day to pick up learning materials or personal belongings they will need during this virtual learning period.  There is no sign up required, you can visit any time during these hours.

Instructional Expectations 
  • We will operate our classes in synchronous online meetings following an adjusted GREY day schedule. Modifications were made to our Grey Day schedule based on student, staff, and community feedback.
  • You can review the schedule by clicking here
  • Please note:
    • Each day will start with a “Morning Launch Period” from 7:00-8:25 a.m. This time is designed to help you transition your time to get ready for the day, complete your online seminars, and connect with classmates, teachers, or clubs as you usually would during Pride.
    • There will be two online seminars to complete during this two-week window:
      • Lesson 1 will be posted on November 3 and must be completed by November 6.
      • Lesson 2 will be posted on November 9 and must be completed by November 11.
  • We are expected to be on our Zoom calls for the duration of the entire period. We added 15-minute brain breaks between each block. Sitting on a screen all day is hard, so hopefully, you can get some fresh air and go for a walk.
  • Attendance norms should be followed. Eligibility and extracurricular participation are dependent on these records.  We will follow our standard practices:
    • Students who are late will be marked tardy.
    • Students who miss more than 15-minutes will be marked absent.
    • Students who do not attend class will be marked absent.
  • You do not need to report to study hall virtually. You are allowed to work independently during your scheduled time.

Limited On-Campus Operations will Continue
To emphasize, this is not a full shutdown. Athletics and extracurriculars can continue to occur within our current guidelines and mitigation practices. While our primary instructional model will be virtual for the next two weeks, we will offer limited face-to-face experience on campus. The status of these unique operations is outlined below:
  • Building Trades 3: Should continue to report to the job site daily, as communicated by Mr. Olson.
  • 18-21 Program: Will operate under their regular schedule at East Campus.
  • Option 2: Will remain open and operate under their regular hours.
  • School Farm: Will remain open for face-to-face instruction and FFA meetings/operations.
  • Apprenticeships and Offsite Work Locations: Can continue as scheduled.
  • Just Drive: Will operate as normal.
  • Athletics: Practices, tryouts, signing day, and other events can begin no earlier than 3:15 p.m. each day. Any modifications to schedules or games will be communicated from the athletic office. Students should enter through the Field House.
  • Library and Technology Services: Will be open for tech support from 7:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.
  • Senior Directed Play: Will continue rehearsal as planned. 
  • Front Office: Will be open daily from 7:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.
  • Health Room: Will be open from 7:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. every day. Families may stop by to pick up any prescriptions they may need during the virtual learning period.
  • Make Up Exams: Will continue as scheduled in the evenings at East Campus.
  • Pre-ACT Makeup for Juniors: Will still occur as scheduled on Monday, November 2.
  • With classes ending at 2:45 p.m, any on-campus meetings or practices cannot start until 3:15 p.m.

East Campus WiFi Support
There will be a limited number of spots available for students to work from East Campus during the virtual learning period. This is intended to support students and families who need to lessen their WiFi burden or need WiFi access. Our buses are operating under their normal schedule. Students who select to work from East Campus can either be dropped off at East or take the bus to Main Campus and walk to East Campus. If you need help with WiFi or working from East Campus, please sign up here.


Food Service Support for Families
OHS students will have the opportunity to order meals during this virtual learning period.  Meals are packed based on the number of virtual school days your child will have each week and families can pick up those meals at OHS Main Campus. Student breakfast and lunch will continue to be free because of the USDA sponsored free meal program.

How to Order Meals for November 3-6: Deadline Saturday, October 31 @ 5:00 p.m.
Families need to complete these steps to order meals for November 3-6:
  1. Click this link to reach the online order form.
  2. Complete a separate order form for each student.
  3. Submit your student’s order no later than 5:00 p.m. on Saturday, October 31, to receive meals for November 3-6.  This is an extended deadline specifically for OHS students.
  4. Pick up meals on Tuesday, November 3, between 4:00-6:00 p.m. for the entire week
  5. Meal pick up will occur on Tuesday, November 3, because Monday is a non-school day.

How to Order Meals for November 9-13: Deadline Friday, November 6 @ 2:00 p.m.
Families need to complete these steps to order meals for November 9-13:
  1. Click this link to reach the online order form.
  2. Complete a separate order form for each student.
  3. Submit your student’s order before 2:00 p.m. on Friday, November 6, to receive meals for November 9-13.
  4. Pick up meals on Monday, November 9, between 4:00-6:00 p.m. for the entire week.
Visit the OASD Food Service page for more information on the Food Service program


Symptom Reporting
It’s imperative that you continue to report any COVID symptoms, positive cases, and any doctor’s appointments time as usual. We are still trying to get a handle on the pandemic and the increased numbers in our community. We will continue to track attendance and positive cases during our absence.


OASD Technology Help Desk
Please check your technology and Chromebooks before your first class starts at 8:30 a.m.  Students who need technical support can also submit a tech support ticket using this form, which is also available on their student bookmarks. Also, support from our Technology Help Desk is available during the school day by calling 262-560-2126 or emailing HelpDesk@oasd.org.

For those who do not have reliable internet access at home, we will provide either a hotspot or a location to access school WiFi. If you need help with WiFi or working from East Campus for internet access, please sign up here.


Monday, November 2 at 4:00 p.m.:  A Special Edition Raccoon Community Connection
Finally, we will have a Virtual All School Meeting for parents, students, staff, and our community at 4:00 p.m. on Monday, November 2, to review virtual learning expectations. You can view the meeting on our OHS Live Stream, which is available here. The event will be recorded if you cannot watch live.


As always, feel free to reach out to CurtisJ@oasd.org if you have any questions. 

We got this, Raccoons!
Jason

 

Class of 2024 Celebrations and Commencement Ceremony Information!

Friday, April 12, 2024 Hello OHS Class of 2024 and Families! We recently started the last term of high school, and now it is almost time f...