2020-2021 Return to School Q&A Page
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Have a question about returning to school this year? Please click the link below to submit your question and then they will be posted below. Similar questions will likely be grouped together.
Return to School Q&A
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HYBRID MODEL QUESTIONS
Q: Are you only accepting so many students in the hybrid model?
A: You do not need to register for the Hybrid Model if you were enrolled in the St. Helens School District last year. Consider the Hybrid Model our regular public school. It’s called hybrid because it will be both in-person and remote learning based on the restrictions and mandates placed on the district for opening schools.
Q: What if I choose the hybrid option, and then change my mind a little later in the school year. Am I stuck with that option?
Students starting in the St. Helens Virtual Academy may transfer back to the hybrid model at the semester. In addition, a student selecting the hybrid model may transfer to SHVA at the semester as well.
Q: How do we register our child for the Hybrid Model? She attended Lewis and Clark last year and will be in 4th grade this year.
A: You do not need to do anything different to enroll your 4th grader than you have done in the past. Consider the Hybrid Model our regular public school. It’s called hybrid because it will be both in-person and remote learning based on the restrictions and mandates placed on the district for opening schools.
Q: What will comprehensive distance learning look like? Will it be laid out on a week to week basis like distance learning was in the spring?
A: Comprehensive Distance Learning (CDL) is part of the Hybrid Model. It’s the name we give remote learning when we are not allowed to have in-person instruction. CDL will consist of live and recorded instructional lessons, projects, assignments, and digital lessons. It will not be like school was in the spring, expectations will be much higher and grades will be earned.
Q: Do we need to fill something out or register if choosing the hybrid model?
A: No, you register for school just like any other school year. Consider the Hybrid Model our regular public school. It is called hybrid because it will be both in-person and remote learning based on the restrictions and mandates placed on the district for opening schools.
Q: What platform and technologies are going to be used for virtual learning in the hybrid model? What are the recommendations from the learning technology specialists for devices, browsers, technology aids, etc. that will make learning easiest for the specific tools being used? Have there been any identified concerns using such certain devices such as Apple IOS, PC, iPad, or Android-based tablets?
A: The St. Helens School District will be using Canvas as our Learning Management System (LMS) through which all other programs will be managed. For best performance, Canvas should be used on the current or first previous major release of Chrome, Firefox, Edge, or Safari. Because it's built using web standards, Canvas runs on Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS, Android, or any other device with a modern web browser.
Q: What if we choose the hybrid model then decide it's not working out, can we switch to the virtual academy?
A: Students may switch to St. Helens Virtual Academy (SHVA) at any time, but there will likely be a delay in starting while they are enrolled into the system. Switching from SHVA to the hybrid model depends on the grade level and number credits earned whether it would be at the quarter or semester.
Q: In reference to the hybrid model, will it be on a similar platform? I know last year some of the “assignments” were a little weird for us and I chose to not have my child do them. If there are similar situations, how will that affect his grades? Also, will hybrid be able to post the entire week’s schedule at the beginning of the week rather than day by day? Due to parent work schedules, it would be nice if we could get work done early and still check in daily for attendance. If I chose to strictly homeschool my child, could he go back at the semester for in-person classes are resuming?
A: The number of assignments, videos, and projects posted in advance varies depending on the grade level, subject, and teacher. St. Helens Virtual Academy is self-paced with all assignments, videos, and projects for the entire course are shared at the beginning of the school year.
Q: I live in Deer Island and plan to enroll my three students in the hybrid model. I am concerned about our internet handling three mandatory meetings simultaneously. If we run into technical difficulties and are unable to live stream classes, would it adversely affect their grades?
A: It should not impact a student’s grade if they are unable to stream a class live due to technical issues. Live-streamed classes should be posted for students unable to attend to view at a later time.
Q: At the secondary hybrid level will students be required to have their video turned on during live classroom meetings or can they participate through voice only? I have a student who is anxious about being on live video and is concerned this may be a requirement to participate in the hybrid model.
A: Students will not be required to turn on their video during live-streaming classes.
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ST. HELENS VIRTUAL ACADEMY (SHVA) QUESTIONS
Q: If you decide to do SHVA, do you need to register for that and the normal registration too?
A: If a student was enrolled in the St. Helens School District last year and decided to enroll in SHVA, they only need to complete the SHVA application.
Q: Will the virtual academy be normal school hours or will kids be able to finish the entire day of work within a couple hours and start later in the day depending on parent work schedules?
A: St. Helens Virtual Academy is a self-paced program that allows students to work on lessons that best fit their schedule. If they struggle or begin to fall behind where they should be a teacher will contact them to provide support and encouragement.
Q: If my Senior went with SHVA would he be able to still participate in sports? More specifically, how many classes per term would he need to enroll in in order to participate in sports?
A: Yes, he would need to be enrolled in at least 3 classes to be eligible per OSAA rules.
Q: He is also VERY interested in the Introduction to Accounting course but I saw something mentioned that stated even though this class is listed as an optIon, he may not be able to actually have the class as it depends on how many people register for it. Is this true? Unfortunately he tried last year to get in and was told the high school would not be offering it during the 2019-2020 school year but that it would be offered in the 2020-2021 school year. So, if the school district offers the course available via the hybrid model, can we also assume it would be available on the SHVA platform as well?
A: Most all classes offered in the hybrid model will be offered through SHVA with few exceptions. A number of our elective courses and CTE programs that do not lend themselves to virtual teacher will likely not be offered. Please check with the High School later in August for a full list of SHVA classes offered.
Q: How would homecoming and prom look like if he were to enroll in SHVA? Could he still attend the St Helens High School prom if they were to have one?
A: Students part of SHVA will participate in homecoming, prom, sports or clubs just like they were attending a school building.
Q: If my Senior went through SHVA would he graduate at the end of the year with his St Helens High School class?
A: Yes. If your senior earns enough credit to graduate early in January, they would still participate in the regular St. Helens High School Graduation festivities.
Q: We have signed our 10th grade student up for the SHVA as this is the option that works best for our family in terms of consistency and safety. However, she has 4 questions she'd like me to ask/get clarification. Some of her elective classes for the fall term are not possible via VA (wood shop, teen cuisine). Will she be able to change out those electives for other electives offered via SHVA to ensure she receives her credit?
A: If the High School is able to offer hands-on CTE classes, students enrolled in SHVA would be eligible to enroll in those classes too.
Q: In addition, will she be able to receive PE credits with the SHVA as she was last year and is this year in the Zero Period fitness program?
A: We are currently working on a PE credit option available for SHVA.
Q: She is currently enrolled in AP European History and AP Language Arts/English. She has been doing work for the courses over the summer. Will she be able to continue with AP classes as we see them listed on the page of courses.
A: At this time the intention is for students to have access to AP classes through SHVA. The work required over the summer may not be the same required for the SHVA AP classes, but would be similar.
Q: She was interested in and signed up for German as her foreign language. We know this was offered through BYU for an additional fee. That language is listed on the SHVA page of courses. Is it still through BYU for the additional fee or is it included in the SHVA curriculum at no additional charge?
A: At this time, German is one of those classes we hope to offer in the near future. She would need to access the BYU class at this time.
Q: Our middle school student was going to be recommended for an advanced math class this year. Will advanced options be available through SHVA?
A: Yes, and students may have the ability to advance through the advanced classes at their own rate with the possibility of taking additional classes.
Q: My wife and I have decided to enroll our incoming freshman son into the St. Helens Virtual Academy until the crisis is over. We do not want to participate in the hybrid model when the environment seems safe enough to do so. How do we get him enrolled into the academy? When can we enroll?
A: If your son was enrolled in the St. Helens School District last year all that is needed to do is complete the application to St. Helens Virtual Academy (SHVA).
Q: On SHVA it says not all classes listed at the high school and middle school level will be offered this year. Will we know what is offered before we have to choose which program our child uses on August 14th?
A: No. We anticipate offering all classes at SHVA that are offered at our High School not requiring hands on instruction, but we need to know how many students have selected SHVA to build a schedule of what we are able to offer.
Q: At the high school level on SHVA will the students be able to choose their own classes or will they be assigned classes based on their forecasting?
A: Students will be assigned classes based on their forecasting and what we are able to offer at SHVA.
Q: If a senior opts for SHVA will they be included in end of the year senior activities, recognition and graduation? And will their diploma be different from the regular St Helens high school diploma?
A: Seniors choosing SHVA will participate alongside their peers that graduate festivities from St. Helens High School and earn the same diploma.
Q: Is it possible for a senior needing just a few credits to graduate, to graduate early (end of the first semester) from both/either SHVA and the high school hybrid model?
A: Yes, but due to SHVA being self-paced the likelihood of earning credits quicker is greater. Students graduating early will be eligible to participate in all of the year end graduation festivities.
Q: Is the SHVA at the high school level being taught the same as the hybrid, meaning is a class on SHVA completed after 1 semester or is it a full year to complete one class?
A: Students enrolled in SHVA will enroll in 4 classes per semester with the expectation that they complete the classes in a single semester similar to the High School’s hybrid schedule. If a student completes one of the 4 classes before the end of the semester, they will be allowed to select another class with the possibility of earning more than 4 credits per semester.
Q: If I choose the Virtual Academy, does my high schooler have to go the full school year? I’m asking in case an effective antivirus becomes available.
A: Students starting in the St. Helens Virtual Academy may transfer back to the hybrid model at the semester. While in SHVA, students may work at their own pace and earn as many credits as possible. Students are scheduled to earn 4 credits per semester but may add more classes once they complete a class.
Q: Will students who choose to do St Helen’s Virtual School be allowed to participate in school sports if they resume?
A: Students enrolling in the St. Helens Virtual Academy will have access to sports, band and other programs not offered through SHVA.
Q: Can my student start the year in SHVA and then switch to the hybrid in person model during the school year or is it choose one method and that is what you get for the entire school year?
A: Students starting in the St. Helens Virtual Academy may transfer back to the hybrid model at the semester. In addition, a student selecting the hybrid model may transfer to SHVA at the semester as well.
Q: In reference to Virtual Academy, is there 1 teacher for every grade level, or school, or per a set number of students?
A: Until we have exact numbers of how many students are enrolling in St. Helens Virtual Academy (SHVA), we will not be able to determine the exact staffing. After August 14 we will be able to determine how best to staff the new program.
Q: If my student is enrolled in the virtual academy, will they have access to Band? If not, what is the status of the band program for students?
A: If your child is enrolled in the St.Helens Virtual Academy (SHVA), they may participate in band, sports and other programs offered at other St. Helens School not offered by SHVA. The band program will continue as best it can following State mandates and best practices outlined by experts to keep students and staff safe. Ms. Freshner has been working closely with a number of organizations to help provide the best possible experience for our students.
Q: Will SHVA be offering a course like credit recovery like they do at the high school?
A: St. Helens Virtual Academy is a self-paced program where students are enrolled in four classes, yet as soon as they complete a course they may add an additional class. Based on the 4 credits per semester model students will earn 8 total credits this year, 1 more credit than in previous years. In addition, if a student is credit deficient they should work with their school counselor to determine if they can enroll in additional classes to remain on track to graduate.
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REGISTRATION QUESTIONS
Q: I saw that you need to register for the virtual option. Do we need to notify the school district/register for the hybrid model or are they already enrolled?
A: If you were registered in the St. Helens School District last year and want your child in the hybrid model, you are already enrolled.
Q: What will be the registration process for kids returning to school? Will there be an auto enrollment for returning to the middle school or high school? What needs to be done by parents to select classes with our children?
A: Unless a student is new to the St. Helens School District, they should have already registered and enrolled for classes. Based on what each school is able to offer and enrollment forecasting, schedules will be generated for both the hybrid and St. Helens Virtual Academy.
Q: How would I know which classes he needs to register for? I believe he would need one full year of LA as well as a civics and economics class, but how would I determine what other classes he would need?
A:School Counselors will work with families to assure they have the correct classes to remain on track for graduation.
Q: Will new forecasting be done for the high school students choosing the Hybrid option? Will they be allowed to rearrange their schedules if they don't like the one they are given?
A: We will have very limited ability to change classes in the hybrid model due to cohort restrictions. Students will be assigned classes offered based on last spring’s forecasting.
Q: My daughter was in kindergarten last year at Lewis & Clark. Do I need to re-register again? I filled out the virtual academy application.
A: You do not need to register again, completing the St. Helens Virtual Academy Application is all you need to do to enroll in SHVA if you have already attended school in the St. Helens School District.
Q: I will have a 6th grader and a 9th grader. Do I need to do anything to make sure they are ready for school? I know we are starting with distance learning, but we haven’t received any information, and I’m worried we are missing vital information.
A: You should have received information Monday and will begin receiving more information the closer we get to school as well as school specific information from both the Middle School and the High School. As far as having your students prepared, we always recommend students read and read some more.
Q: How are we doing enrollment this year? My daughter attended Kindergarten last year and I’m not sure how the school system works, if I need to re-enroll or if she just rolls into 1st grade and someone will contact us, etc.
A: If your daughter was enrolled in a school within the St. Helens School District there is nothing more you need to do. You likely will be asked to verify your contact information at the beginning of the year. Only if you want your daughter to attend St. Helens Virtual Academy would you need to submit an additional application.
Q: How do we register our child for the Hybrid Model? She attended Lewis and Clark last year and will be in 4th grade this year.
A: You do not need to do anything different to enroll your 4th grader than you have done in the past. Consider the Hybrid Model our regular public school. It’s called hybrid because it will be both in person and remote learning based on the restrictions and mandates placed on the district for opening schools.
Q: I have one boy coming up from 8th grade at Sauvie Island to St. Helens High School. Does he need to register? Is there a campus tour/familiarization day for him? He is one of two going to the high school? Will they be able to attend on the same days?
A: Yes, he will need to register for St. Helens High School using our online enrollment follow the link to enroll. Due to the complexity of the cohort, it is impossible to identify if your son will be in the same class as his friend. Please contact the High School to arrange a tour for your son.
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PARENT-TEACHER CONFERENCE QUESTIONS
Q: What time on the 8th is the meet and greet with families on the 8th? Will people who are doing distance learning thru McBride be checking out things needed for the distance learning? Is it parents only or do we bring along our kinders?
A: Each school will contact parents and arrange specific times for individual families to meet with teachers. The time is mainly for parents to learn about the digital tools and ask questions about expectations. When you are contacted about signing up for a time, ask if students are to attend the meeting.
Q: How is the parent-teacher night going to work on the eighth? Is it going to be in person or virtual conference?
A: Parent-Teacher Conferences will be scheduled with individual families from September 8th – September 15th with the goal to help families become acquainted with the new digital tools their children will use to access learning. We will host them in person practicing social distancing and wearing face masks if possible, but will also have virtual meetings and by phone if there is no other way to visit with families.
Q: Will there be parent-teacher conferences? When will academy classes start?
A: We plan to have Parent-Teacher Conferences between September 8 – September 15 for both the Hybrid Model and St. Helens Virtual Academy. Each school will contact parents and arrange specific times for individual families to meet with teachers. The time is mainly for parents to learn about the digital tools and ask questions about expectations. All classes are expected to begin September 16.
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GENERAL QUESTIONS
Q: Will there be an option for online where kids don't have to log in and be on video? Our school did recorded videos of the lessons so we could work at our own pace. My concern is I have 5 kids at home and no quiet place for my son to log in to a live teacher. Please let me know as soon as possible so I can find something different for him.
A: School will not be the same as it was during the spring. Students will need to participate in live and recorded lessons in the hybrid model. If they choose St. Helens Virtual Academy (SHVA) they have the ability to work at their own pace and timeline.
Q: How is the distant learning model going to look for our kindergartners? Will we have access to physical items? One dimensional learning is so inappropriate for early education and I am worried about screen time vs physical exploration. Thank you!!
A: We too are worried about screen time and the lack of social interaction for our kindergarten students. Schools are in the process of developing learning baskets with books and other instructional items for those parents that want them.
Q: Regarding Kate Brown's announcement that new metrics for rural counties may allow students to return to school. Is Columbia County considered a rural county?
A: Columbia County is considered rural, but Southern Columbia County’s proximity to the Portland Metro area essentially makes the St. Helens School District a suburban school district. With 80% of our families commuting to the Portland Metro area and 40% of our teachers commuting from the Portland Metro area to teach the St. Helens School District must also monitor Multnomah and Washington Counties to open schools to in person instruction.
Q: Will SHVA and the hybrid model students have the same school week schedule? If we have an extended Winter break, do both have the same amount of time away?
A: Yes, both models will be on the same schedule and calendar. Keep in mind that St. Helens Virtual Academy is self-paced and students may complete classes earlier than those students in the hybrid model.
Q: If we start out enrolled in the Virtual Academy and realize that it just is not working for us, are we able to request a transfer into the school's hybrid model, or vice versa?
A: At this time due to cohorts and credits we will open enrollment and transfers at the beginning of each semester.
Q: I am choosing to homeschool my child, I placed an online request with my intent to homeschool via Northwest Regional Education Service District. Is there anything I need to provide to McBride?
A: Please send an email to the school letting them know you plan to homeschool your child.
Q: As a parent of a beginning kindergartener, are there estimated daily time expectations for both tracks? I’m not thrilled with the idea of my kindergartener spending hours on a computer every day. Or will there be any paper packets/workbooks on either tracks?
A: Plan on two to three hours of instruction per day. Not all of it will be on the computer and an effort will be made to differentiate the instructional model.
Q: Will I need to purchase any school supplies for the online virtual academy? i.e pens, paper etc. If yes, when will a list of supplies be provided?
A: Students will need supplies for SHVA. The St. Helens School District is in the process of developing a list for families that should be out the last week of August.
Q: I have two kiddos that want to try the Virtual Academy and another that wants to go back to school. Do we have to choose one option for all of our children, or can we enroll each of them separately?
A: You are welcome to enroll each child in the model that best fits their learning style.
Q: If I keep my kids signed up with the hybrid option are they going to use the Virtual Academy until classes are able to start? Or will it be like it was in the Spring?
A: School will not look like it did this past spring as expectations are significantly different. Students in the hybrid model will receive lessons both in real time and recorded. Teachers teaching in the hybrid model have access to lessons used by St. Helens Virtual Academy as a supplement resource, but not as the sole instructional program.
Q: What is expected of a 2nd grader for the 2 days they are distance learning for the week? Both parents work 40hrs a week M-F and we can’t expect our normal daycare provider to make up for lost education or force our child to do class work virtual learning all day while they are at daycare.
A: According to the Oregon Department of Education, regular daily attendance is expected in either the Hybrid or with St. Helens Virtual Academy (SHVA). Attendance is evidenced by the following”
- Participating in a video class
- Communication from the student to the teacher via chat, text message or email
- A phone call with the student, or, for younger students, with the parent
- Posting completed coursework to a learning management system or web-based platform or via email
- Turning in completed coursework on a given day
When there is no evidence of student interaction during a 24-hour period surrounding a scheduled school day as described, students are reported as absent. A day present for attendance may not be claimed for weekends or holidays, per ORS 336.010 and 187.010.
Once in person instruction is permitted, the St. Helens School District will begin building capacity to increase the number of days our kindergarten, first, second and third grade students attend in person instruction. We are also working with our community partners in hopes to provide additional childcare options for families.
Q: My kids need to go to school because when they had the Chromebooks they would say they were doing their work but nothing was getting done. They were messaging their friends and doing everything they were told not to do. So my question is how are they going to learn if they cannot have electronics to do the work? I do not want them to have the Chromebooks again.
A: Last spring we had a State mandate of using a pass/no pass grading system. Although we cannot motivate your children to use their Chromebooks properly while they are at home, we hope the understanding that if they do not use them properly and participate in school they will not pass their classes and be at risk of not graduating or moving on to the next grade level with their friends.
Q: When is the next school board meeting?
A: The next board meeting is August 12. After that, the next meeting will be August 26.
Q: We are a new family in the district and our son is supposed to start kindergarten. I am wondering if it would be better to wait to put him in school?
A: As long as your child is under the age of seven choosing not to start kindergarten is an option for any family wishing to delay starting school. The decision to delay school is a very individual decision and we recommend contacting your school or the central office to consult with someone about the pros and cons in your particular situation.
Q: Is there a time expectation in terms of how long kids are expected to “attend school” with both the hybrid and virtual model?
A: According to the Oregon Department of Education, regular daily attendance is expected in either the Hybrid or with St. Helens Virtual Academy (SHVA). Attendance is evidenced by the following”
- Participating in a video class
- Communication from the student to the teacher via chat, text message or email
- A phone call with the student, or, for younger students, with the parent
- Posting completed coursework to a learning management system or web-based platform or via email
- Turning in completed coursework on a given day
When there is no evidence of student interaction during a 24-hour period surrounding a scheduled school day as described, students are reported as absent. A day present for attendance may not be claimed for weekends or holidays, per ORS 336.010 and 187.010.
Q: What is the projected first day of school for both the hybrid/distance learning and the virtual academy?
A: Teachers will set up “parent-teacher conferences” beginning September 8 to help families become acquainted with the new digital tools their children will use to access learning. Instruction begins on September 16 for all students.
Q: I have 2 kids but I also watch my niece and nephews who will be 6th, 8th, and 1st grade. When the kids start back in school is there a way to get all 5 of them on the same days in the 2 separate schools so I'm only having to go 2 days a week. I also watch a toddler so it is easier to have it all together.
A: We will do everything we can to coordinate schedules. As you can imagine it is a tremendous puzzle when you include Busing Cohorts, Multiple Schools, Family Cohorts and Childcare groupings. We will do our best to make it work for as many families as possible. Please make sure to notify your children’s school of any special circumstance. We will prioritize families and work from there.
Q: Are we returning to school like any other year? If we are what day?
A: We are not returning to school like normal. Unless families enroll in our virtual program, St. Helens Virtual Academy (SHVA), students will be in what is called a Hybrid Model. When schools are allowed to open up to in-person instruction, classes will be held two days a week with remote instruction on the other days. Until a school is approved to open to in-person instruction students will be learning remotely. The District has invested in multiple tools and will be doing intensive training with teachers to support a more rigorous learning experience than in the spring. If a family chooses to enroll their child in SHVA it will be a complete virtual program without in-person instruction, yet supported by St. Helens Teachers. Students choosing this option may work at their own pace very similar to any other virtual program such as Connections Academy. Teachers will set up “parent-teacher conferences” beginning September 8 to help families become acquainted with the new digital tools their children will use to access learning. Instruction begins September 16.
Q: If kids are in pods, how will kids who are not on grade level learn when the rest of the class is on grade level? Also, if they have electives that the other kids do not choose isn’t mixing pods counterproductive?
A: Students in “pods” or “cohorts” will be grouped by grade level at the elementary level and middle school level. High School cohorts become significantly more complex. During any regular school year, students of varying degrees of ability, from below grade level to well above, are in the same class. When we begin our Hybrid Model, after our county has met the reopening schools metrics, cohorts will be under 15 students per class allowing for better one on one attention for those students that may be struggling. We are also reserving Fridays for interventions and support of those students needing extra help.
Yes, mixing cohorts is counterproductive to some degree. It is impossible to open a comprehensive high school without mixing cohorts. The guidance we have received is to keep the total number of students in a cohorts to under 100 students. The following key principles provided by ODE and Public Health guide our protocols for reducing exposure. If one is compromised, then we need to make sure the others are effectively implemented. For example, if cohorts are not as stable as we want, then we need to make sure protective equipment and cleaning is strong.
Q: What does school supposed look like? Are some of the kids in school and others online?
A: All students will be enrolled in what is called a Hybrid Model unless they choose to enroll in St. Helens Virtual Academy (SHVA). Consider the Hybrid Model our regular public school offering during the pandemic. Until the St. Helens School District is allowed to open school to in-person instruction, all students will be working from home. When the District is allowed to have in-person instruction those students in the regular Hybrid Model will have in-person instruction every other day, while those in SHVA will remain in the virtual learning platform. As State mandated restrictions are reduced we will continue to expand in-person instruction.
Q: How will school be this coming fall is it all online or they going back to class?
A: Schools will open in a Comprehensive Distance Learning model based on the metrics for safely opening schools that the Governor outlined. Once the county meets the criteria, we will transition to a Hybrid learning model. Families have two options to choose from: the Hybrid Instruction Model or St. Helens Virtual School.
The Hybrid Model is designed to be flexible and work in tandem with Comprehensive Distance Learning (CDL) while providing strong instruction in the classroom and at home. Students choosing the Hybrid Model will move in and out of CDL and in person instruction based on metrics outlined by the Governor, ODE, and Public Health. The St. Helens Hybrid Instructional Model is based on an A/B schedule with smaller cohorts meeting in person with St. Helens Teachers, alternating in home instruction days. In person sessions will resemble traditional instruction with smaller groups of students. At home instruction will consist of live and/or recorded instructional lessons, projects, assignments and digital lessons. Fridays will be reserved for family outreach and student intervention support.
St. Helens Virtual Academy (SHVA) is powered by a nationally recognized interactive software supported by highly qualified and motivated St. Helens Teachers to work in an innovative environment. Teachers work to ensure that students achieve mastery of learning objectives. Providing guidance, instruction and support to manage the learning process and focus on students’ individual needs. St. Helens Teachers monitor student progress through lessons, daily assessments and work actively with students and parents to advance each child’s learning. A fully digital program supported and managed by St. Helens Teachers that know our students and our community. SHVA info page and registration link: https://www.sthelens.k12.or.us/shva
Q: We have been homeschooling our children for a few years. May our middle school aged children join sports at St. Helens Middle School this year while we continue homeschooling them? How might we register?
A: Yes. Please contact the Middle School about how and when to sign-up for Middle School sports once they are offered.
Q: How will I, as a parent, be able to track if my child is keeping up with his school work? Parent/StudentVue in the past is not updated on a regular schedule, Google classroom was inaccessible by parents.
A: All teachers will be using the same Learning Management System (LMS) kindergarten through twelfth grade. The system is called Canvas and is used across the country to help consolidate educational programs, classes, lessons and assignments. In the system, parents can monitor and create settings that notifies them of assignments. With instruction going digital to start the year, it is critical for teachers to keep grades as up to date as possible. If you have a student that is not having their grades updated regularly, please contact their teacher or building principal.
Q: Will the students have any "mask free" time besides their lunch break? Are desk shields allowable to use in order to provide students more time without having to wear a mask?
A: Desk shields will not be utilized. However students unable to wear facemasks for extended periods of time will be provided a face shield.
Q: My children have iPads for learning. Will these work for what they need to do at school?
A: iPads should work fine for younger students, but in higher grades with more writing required it could become a hindrance for students without a keyboard.
Q: When do we make the choice of what online version we are going to do for the year? Does this happen during parent-teacher conferences? Do we get a new schedule? Are there take-home hot spots available for students to be online? Can siblings be in the same cohort? How are the cohorts decided? Alphabetically or by grade?
A: Registration deadline for St. Helens Virtual Academy was August 14, but has been extended to August 21. If a family is choosing the Hybrid Model, there is nothing for them to do if they attended schools in the St. Helens School District last year. Each school will contact parents and arrange specific times for individual families to meet with teachers. The time is mainly for parents to learn about the digital tools and ask questions about expectations. When you are contacted about signing up for a time, ask if students are to attend the meeting. Students will be in several cohorts such as a transportation cohort or classroom cohort with a limit of 100 students in aggregates for an individual student. Cohorts are built by neighborhoods as much as possible and by grade level at the elementary level. Siblings would not be in the same class cohort at the elementary unless they were in the same grade.
Q: I see that masks are required for students. Is that also a requirement during P.E.? Also if we do Virtual Academy, can we check out a chromebook for it?
A: Depending on the type of lesson and where it is happening will guide the need to wear masks during P.E. class. Chromebooks will be available for checkout during Parent-Teacher conference for either the Hybrid Model or St. Helens Virtual Academy.
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SPECIAL EDUCATION QUESTIONS
Q: My child has a hearing impairment and lip reads. How will my child be able to do this when everyone is wearing a mask?
A: The district staff will be providing accommodations to our students with disabilities while maintaining adherence to ODE and OHA guidance. This could include using an FM system or other accommodations as outlined in a student’s IEP.
Q: My child has a disability and is medically fragile. I do not feel comfortable sending my child to onsite school at this time. Can my child access the virtual academy?
A: Please ask your child's teacher to set up an IEP meeting so the IEP can be reviewed. During the review process, the team will discuss provisions of your child's IEP in the virtual academy environment.
A: If an IEP family chooses SHVA, will they receive IEP/Speech services?
A: Yes, students enrolled in the SHVA will continue to receive special education and related services on their Individual Education Program (IEP).
Q: If your child receives special education in order to improve or enhance a subject limitation how will that be handled during this upcoming school year?
A: The St. Helens School District will first and foremost follow the State metrics for onsite/ comprehensive distance learning, and ODE guidelines. Due to the individualized nature of each student's IEP, it will be best to reach out to your student's case manager to discuss the provisions of a free and appropriate education.
Q: There have been lots of plans/ideas for the students in the mainstream classrooms, what decisions have been made for the students in the special education program/life skills classrooms?
A: All district mainstream/regular education plans have included Special Education ideas including considerations for our specialized programs. This includes curriculum, schedules, instructional strategies and services provided that meet the Metrics as outlined by Oregon Department of Education and Oregon Health Authority. If you have specific questions about your child's educational plan, please contact your child's special education case manager.
Q: For the students who are in the special needs classroom - how so you plan on incorporating their speech and occupational therapy into the online model? Last term we were told that they would receive instruction from the therapist but that never materialized. Which I believe is in violation of most of their I.E.P.s.
A: The Oregon Department of Education's guidance provided last spring has drastically changed in the guidance being provided this fall, becoming more robust and rigorous. Free appropriate public education including specially designed instruction based on goals and objectives, related services, and consultation will be provided to students participating in the Hybrid/Comprehensive Distance Learning or St. Helens Virtual Academy models.
Q: What is the school's/district plan for helping kids who struggle the most? My son has ADHD and has already been pushed back from 2nd grade to 1st grade and he barely met the goals even then. His father and I both work and can not fully do what we need to for him to succeed the way he should be. I fear my son is going to end up so far behind he will rather quit then keep trying. What's the plan for that?
A: The St. Helens School district understands that many families like your own are experiencing hardships related to this pandemic. The Office of Student Services goal is to continue to meet the needs of students who have been traditionally marginalized, including students who qualify for special education or 504 services. Please reach out to your student's case manager or to the Student Services Office to speak further about your personal concerns.
Q: How will you accommodate children that have IEPs and need that extra academic/social support?
A: All students eligible for special education services in the St. Helens School District will be provided specially designed instruction, related services and consultation as per their IEP. Should you have additional concerns for your child during COVID-19, please reach out to your student's case manager to further discuss.
Q: My child has an IEP, if we decide to do virtual school this year then next year come back to in-person classes, will he lose his IEP and have to reapply all over again?
A: No, your child’s IEP would remain with them even when attending St. Helens Virtual Academy. If you have concerns about your child needing support while attending SHVA, we recommend you contact their current school and request an IEP meeting.
Q: How will the comprehensive learning plan affect the children who have IEPs and need additional help?
A: By definition, an Individualized Education Program (IEP) is tailored to each individual child. If you do not feel comprehensive learning can support your child with an IEP, please contact your school and set up an IEP meeting to make needed accommodations to their IEP.
Q: As a parent during distance learning, I do not feel that some IEP goals are necessary, what do I do?
A: Please ask your child's special education case manager to hold an IEP meeting so the IEP can be reviewed and the team can discuss and address your concerns.
Q: My child has a disability and is medically fragile. I do not feel comfortable sending my child to onsite school at this time. Can my child access the virtual academy?
A: Please ask your child's teacher to set up an IEP meeting so the IEP can be reviewed. During the review process, the team will discuss provisions of your child's IEP in the virtual academy environment.
Q: My child has a hearing impairment and lip-reads. How will my child be able to do this when everyone is wearing a mask?
A: The district staff will be providing accommodations to our students with disabilities while maintaining adherence to ODE and OHA guidance. This could include using an FM system or other accommodations as outlined in a student’s IEP.
Q: In the school board meeting it was mentioned that NWESD has FM systems for the deaf and hard of hearing kids, what about the kids that rely on lip reading and FM systems. Will shields be provided for people in their pod/ teachers or will these kids be left to figure it out?
A: The St. Helens School District has purchased 500 face shields to assure each staff member has a couple on hand to help support our students that are hard of hearing and for lessons that require students to see a teachers face such as when teaching phonemic awareness.
Q: I have one kid in special ed (ADHD) and I think 85 min classes would be tough. How would this be handled in the hybrid model? Also soon can you switch to another method of instruction if it doesn't work out?
A: In the hybrid model an 85 minute class when taught in the school building will move between multiple activities like reading, group discussions, working in groups, simulations and other types of lessons. Teachers will do their best to mix it up and keep the class moving. Students may switch to St. Helens Virtual Academy (SHVA) at any time, but there likely will be a delay in starting while they are enrolled into the system. Switching from SHVA to the hybrid model depends on the grade level and number credits earned whether it would be at the quarter or semester.
Q: Will my child's IEP be supported with SHVA?
A: IEP’s are supported through SHVA, yet depending on the support and accommodations in your child’s specific IEP an IEP meeting may be required to align those supports and accommodations to a virtual instructional format.
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SCHOOL LUNCH QUESTIONS
Q: How will lunches go with all grade levels? Will it be in classrooms or the cafeteria? Will kitchen staff serve all plates/trays so there are not multiple students touching the same serving tools (such as for fruits and vegetables)?
A: How lunches are served depends on the grade level and school building. In general, elementary students will be served a set meal and eat in the classrooms with their cohort. Secondary will have designated areas for cohorts to eat. Meals will be preselected and packed similar to when meals were being served in the spring.
Q: How will school lunches work for those doing SHVA and hybrid? Will lunches still be handed out each day like in spring and even now in summer?
A: Students in the hybrid model attending school in buildings, lunches will be provided on site during a lunch break. At the end of the day students will pick up food in the cafeteria upon dismissal to take with them for the following days meal. Students attending the SHVA will need to make arrangements with the school to pick up meals. Lunches provided during the spring, similar to our summer meals program, was made possible by a legislative action providing additional funding for school to serve free meals to all students. The additional funding is no longer available, but we are hopeful another such legislative action will be made so we are able to provide free meals to all students once again.
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TRANSPORTATION QUESTIONS
Q: I haven't seen any information about transportation. How will that work for children who would normally use a bus route?
A: Due to cohorting requirements we are unable to provide specifics about transportation until students are placed in classes and assigned cohorts. At this time we anticipate the routes to remain the same, yet the timing and schedule will likely be adjusted. As soon as we are able to finalize schedules we will publish routes and times.
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CHROMEBOOK QUESTIONS
Q: Will Chromebooks be provided for students doing the hybrid/distance learning and the virtual academy?
A: Chromebooks will be provided to any student that needs them similar to last spring. At this time we are planning to hand them out between September 8th – 16th.
Q: When will Chromebooks be assigned for this upcoming school year 20-21?
A: Chromebooks will be assigned after September 8. Each school will hold Parent-Teacher Conferences before school begins to share with parents how to best utilize the new programs used to support learning and answer any questions they may have for schools.
Q: We are new to the district enrolling in the virtual academy. Will Chromebooks be provided?
A: Yes, Chromebooks will be provided by the district. We will inform parents of pick-up dates when it becomes available.
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SCHOOL SPORTS QUESTIONS
Q: Will students who choose to do St Helen’s Virtual School be allowed to participate in school sports if they resume?
A: Students enrolling in the St. Helens Virtual Academy will have access to sports, band and other programs not offered through SHVA.
Q: When will we know when school sports will be available for students?
A: The OSAA announced a delayed start to sports on July 22, prior to the Governor’s metrics for safely reopening schools. It is our understanding that the OSAA Executive Board will meet next week and make an announcement on how they plan to make adjustments to athletic seasons. Once we have that information we will share it with our families.
Q: We have been homeschooling our children for a few years. May our middle school aged children join sports at St. Helens Middle School this year while we continue homeschooling them? How might we register?
A: Yes. Please contact the Middle School about how and when to sign-up for Middle School sports once they are offered.
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CAREER/TECHNICAL EDUCATION (CTE) PROGRAM QUESTIONS
Q: I have two high schoolers that will be returning this year both with IEP’s. The youngest will be doing auto tech for the second year in school and plans on doing it all 4 years. Is this even possible with SHVA? This is the most important class for him and I am torn about signing him up for the wrong thing since if it doesn't work for us we cannot switch until the semester.
A: Students enrolled in St. Helens Virtual Academy will have access to our CTE programs. Sadly, distance learning does not lend itself to hands-on programs such as AutoTech. We are working hard to determine how we can offer our CTE programs or if they will need to be offered in the second semester.
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BAND QUESTIONS
Q: Is band going to be offered for middle school students?
A: The Middle School will be offering Band.
Q: Is the middle school band going to continue? How would we go about returning the instruments that we've rented all summer if it doesn't, or if my student no longer wishes to enroll in band?
A: Yes, Middle School Band will continue. Contact the Middle School about returning your instrument.
Q: My older daughter will be a senior this school year, and she is interested in the Virtual Academy but also wants to take AP classes. Will these be offered at the Virtual Academy, or is she better off with the hybrid version?
A: At this time we plan to offer AP classes through our St. Helens Virtual Academy similar to what we offer at St. Helens High School.
Q: What will the band look like, if it takes place at all?
A: The band program will continue as best it can following State mandates and best practices outlined by experts to keep students and staff safe. Ms. Freshner has been working closely with a number of organizations to help provide the best possible experience for our students.
Q: Can students who enroll in the St. Helens Virtual Academy still participate in band and choir at the high school level?
A: Students enrolling in the St. Helens Virtual Academy will have access to the band, sports, and other programs not offered through SHVA.
Q: If my student is enrolled in the virtual academy, will they have access to Band? If not, what is the status of the band program for students?
A: If your child is enrolled in the St.Helens Virtual Academy (SHVA), they may participate in band, sports, and other programs offered at other St. Helens School not offered by SHVA. The band program will continue as best it can following State mandates and best practices outlined by experts to keep students and staff safe. Ms. Freshner has been working closely with a number of organizations to help provide the best possible experience for our students.
