Flexible Instructional Day (FID) Information for Parents

Flexible Instructional Day (FID) Information for Parents

2023-2024

In keeping with our approach from recent years, the district will continue to use Flexible Instructional Days (FIDs) when certain conditions make it challenging to hold in-person school sessions. These conditions could include inclement weather, such as snowstorms, and other emergencies, such as power outages, water main breaks, etc.

During FIDs, the learning activities assigned to students will be asynchronous. This means that students can complete their work at any time during the day without logging in for live online classes. There will be no live Google Meets sessions on these days.

We opt for asynchronous learning on FIDs to provide families with greater flexibility, especially when unexpected issues like poor weather may also affect home schedules and internet connectivity.

 

General FID Information for All Students

How are FIDs different from snow days?

FIDs permit students to complete learning at home when school is closed due to weather or other hazardous conditions. Students will not have to make up that day of school when a FID is called like they would a typical snow day.

How will parents and students be notified of a FID?

The district will use the all-call system like it typically does, and the message will state that a FID has been called and students should complete their FID work. The district will also post the notice on its website.

What if a student was scheduled to be absent on a FID or cannot complete the work due to illness?

Just like if a student misses a regular school day, please send an excuse to the student the next day they are in school. Or, you may email the school with the excuse. If a student cannot complete the FID work on the FID, the state allows students five (5) school days to turn in the work for full credit. The FID counts as one of those five (5) days. This means that students have the FID plus four (4) additional school days to turn in their work for full credit. Students should complete the FID work and submit it to their teachers within five (5) school days for full credit.

What if there is a power outage or the internet is down, and my student cannot complete the work?

Please send a note to the school explaining why the student could not complete the work on the FID. The student has five (5) school days to complete and submit the work for full credit. The FID counts as one of those five (5) days. This means that students have the FID plus four (4) additional school days to turn in their work for full credit.

How will you track attendance on FIDs?

The school will use the completed work as evidence of the student attending the FID. A student must complete the work within five (5) school days to be counted as present.

What if my student has special needs?

Students will be provided with appropriate work that includes the accommodations, modifications, and related services that the student receives in school. Students with special needs will meet with their teachers when they return to school to ensure they have completed their work, understand the material, and have any questions answered. If a student was scheduled to receive a related service (speech, OT, PT, hearing support, etc.), the student will make up that session during a regular school day.

What do teachers, school counselors, nurses, and administrators do on a FID?

All professional staff must be available during their normal work day. Students and parents can communicate with staff through email or Parent Square for those teachers who utilize the program. Teachers will monitor student work through Google Classroom (for students using a Chromebook), answer questions as they arise, and be available to assist parents and students. If a staff member is unavailable, the district will post an announcement on the district’s webpage. School counselors, nurses, and administrators will also be available via email.

What hours will staff be available?

Elementary teachers (PK-5) will be available from 8:15 a.m. – 3:45 p.m. Secondary teachers (6th – 12th) will be available from 7:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. All teachers can be contacted via email or through Parent Square.

 

FID Information for Students with FID Folders

How will students receive their FID work?

Each student in Grades PreK through 2 and Mr. Ciavarino’s 3rd-grade class will have a FID folder that will be updated regularly with work aligned with what students are learning in class. Teachers will update this folder as part of their classroom routine. The folder will include how to contact the teacher on a FID and other directions for students. If students have not brought their folder home already, it will be coming home soon.

Where should students keep the FID folder?

Because the FID folder will be updated regularly, students should bring it to school and home with them each day. Since the district cannot always predict when a FID will be necessary, ensuring that students have their FID folder each day will allow teachers to update the material as needed.

What if a student forgets their FID folder at school?

The state requires that students have five (5) school days to complete the work. Students should complete and submit the FID work within five (5) school days. The FID counts as one of those five (5) days. This means that students have the FID plus four (4) additional school days to turn in their work for full credit.

Will students need any special supplies to complete their work?

Students should only need readily available materials (pencils, crayons, etc.) to complete their work. If anything special is needed, it will be included in the FID folder.

What if my student has questions about the FID work?

Teachers will review the FID work with students when they return to school. Parents may also contact teachers via email or Parent Square during the FID.

How will students complete work for their specials on a FID?

A sheet in each FID folder will contain information for each student’s specials (art, music, wellness, STEAM, and library). Students will complete the work that is designated for that FID.

How will students be informed of the FID procedures?

Classroom teachers will review procedures in class with students.

 

FID Information for Students With Chromebooks

How will students receive their work?

Students in Mrs. Cassano’s and Mrs. Donnelly’s 3rd grade classes and all students in Grades 4-12 will use their Chromebooks to access Google Classroom.

Teachers will post the assignments to their Google Classrooms for students to complete for the day.

What if my student forgets his/her Chromebook at school?

We want to encourage students to take their Chromebooks home with them just as they would a textbook or homework. If a student forgets his/her Chromebook, they will have five (5) school days to complete the work and turn it in for full credit. The FID counts as one of those five (5) days. This means that students have the FID plus four (4) additional school days to turn in their work for full credit. In most cases, Students can access and complete their work on an internet-enabled device such as a PC, Mac, iPad, fire tablet, or smartphone.

What if my student has questions about the work during the FID?

Students and parents are encouraged to contact the student’s teacher through email or Parent Square to ask questions. Teachers will monitor work submitted through Google Classroom and can provide feedback or answer questions.

What if my student has class with Mrs. Radachy or Ms. Kassi?

Since these students do not have Chromebooks, they will receive a folder with materials to work on for the day.

What if a student doesn’t complete the FID work?

Like any assignment, failing to complete the work will result in a zero for that assignment, which will impact a student’s grade for the class. Additionally, the student will be marked absent for all or part of the day based on the work that still needs to be completed.

How much time will my student be required to work for each class?

Teachers will design an activity that should take the same amount of time as they would spend in class. However, students working independently will likely take less time than working in a whole class setting. Teachers will work to ensure that assignments take the appropriate time for each class.

Can students access assignments on their smartphones?

Students can access Google Classroom and many of their assignments on their smartphones. However, students have access to their school-issued Chromebook for any student who does not have a smartphone, data plan, or internet connection.

How will students be informed of the FID procedures?

Classroom teachers will review procedures in class with students.