News

Dear Parents/Guardians,

We are near the end of the first quarter for the 2020-21 school year. Together, we have learned that our actions have led to success. Students are successfully participating in competitions, performances, classroom activities, and advancing academically during this unprecedented year. I appreciate your patience and grace throughout this process.

When we allowed families to select Virtual Learning at the start of this year, we requested students to stay enrolled in this learning format for at least the first quarter. So, with the start of the next quarter fast approaching, parents/guardians can now submit a request if they would like to change a student’s current learning model.

Any parent/guardian with a child currently enrolled in Virtual Learning can now submit a request to move the student to On-Site Learning starting the second quarter.

Any parent/guardian with a child currently enrolled in On-Site Learning can now submit a request to move the student to Virtual Learning starting the second quarter. Space is limited in the Virtual Learning classes, so requests will be granted only until capacity is reached.

If you do not wish to change your child’s current learning model, no further action is required. Students currently enrolled in a learning model will continue in their current model unless a parent/guardian submits a new request.

How do I submit a request to change my child’s learning model for the second quarter?

Please complete the online form to submit your request to update your child’s enrollment to Virtual Learning or On-Site Learning. If you need assistance completing this form, please call the District office. If your child is enrolled in elementary school, please call 712-279-6677. If your child is enrolled in middle school or high school, please call 712-279-6676.

Click here to complete the online form to submit your request to change your child’s learning model.

What is the deadline to submit the request to change my child’s learning model?

Parents/guardians must submit the online form by Thursday, October 22, to request a change for a student’s second quarter learning model.

How will I receive information about the next steps to prepare for my child’s second quarter learning model?

Once your online form has been submitted and reviewed, you will receive a message by October 26 from a District or school official with details about the next steps. If you have immediate questions about the process, please call the District office. If your child is enrolled in elementary school, please call 712-279-6677. If your child is enrolled in middle school or high school, please call 712-279-6676.

How will the District support students enrolling in Virtual Learning?

Before instruction begins, students will be taught procedures that include accessing Outlook e-mail, accessing Outlook calendar, joining Teams meetings, participating appropriately during instruction delivered through Teams, accessing the District “landing page” that holds the District supported and most commonly used programs/applications, accessing and navigating within Canvas or Seesaw, and accessing the help desk for technical questions or problems. This information will help a student seamlessly transition to Virtual Learning.

Like On-Site Learning, instruction provided to students during Virtual Learning is required to be completed with attendance taken by teachers, grades issued, and credit awarded. Students will receive instruction from high-quality Sioux City Community School District Virtual Learning instructors.

Each student enrolled in Virtual Learning will be given a laptop or learning device. This device is the District’s property but will remain in the student’s possession throughout the school year. Students will be required to use the device for various class and curriculum activities. All appropriate use policies for technology use apply. Students will be required to follow policies and procedures defined in the acceptable use agreement.

View the Virtual Learning Guide for more details.

How will parents/guardians need to support students enrolled in Virtual Learning?

Parents/guardians that choose the Virtual Learning option will be expected to support their child at home with their learning. It will be the family’s responsibility to acquire the internet in their home.

Parents/guardians that enroll a child in Virtual Learning will also be expected to attend an in-person orientation workshop, on a school day, with their child. This workshop will give an overview of how to use the student’s device and programs to fulfill the basic Virtual Learning requirements.

How long does a family need to commit to Virtual Learning?

Parents/guardians that voluntarily select Virtual Learning must commit for at least an entire quarter.

What will the school day schedule look like for Virtual Learning students?

Parents/guardians that voluntarily select Virtual Learning for their child will have access to the same high-quality common core classes and curriculum. However, some exploratory courses and/or elective courses may not be available through Virtual Learning. A student’s schedule for the upcoming quarter may need to be modified if Virtual Learning is selected.

Virtual Learning will occur five days a week. The number of hours students will be logged into virtual instruction versus the number of hours spent on assigned work will vary by grade level and course.

Thank you for choosing the Sioux City Community School District for your child’s education. If you have questions or feedback, please send us a message on Let’s Talk.

Sincerely,

Dr. Paul Gausman
Superintendent
Sioux City Community School District