R-1 District releases virtual learning details, guidelines

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Maries County R-1 School District on Tuesday released virtual learning guidelines and expectations for virtual learning during the 2020-21 academic year. The R-1 School Board approved the guidelines.
Parents wishing to sign their student up for virtual learning must contact their building administrator by Monday, Aug. 17.
When deciding whether or not to enroll their child in virtual learning, parents should consider the following:
• The commitment to study virtually is made for an entire semester. The virtual learning enrollment deadlines are Aug. 17 for the first semester and Dec. 11 for the second semester.
• Students who opt for virtual learning will be ineligible to participate in extracurricular or co-curricular activities, field trips, special events of any kind or participation on school athletic teams.
• High school students electing to study virtually will not be allowed to attend programs at Rolla Technical Institute (RTI).
• Students studying virtually will be expected to attend class virtually during the time of their assigned classes. If internet connectivity issues arise at a student’s residence, it is the responsibility of the student and family to access one of the district’s internet access points to participate virtually during the school day.
• Students studying virtually must also demonstrate mastery of the same learning standards and will complete the same or similar assignments and assessments as seated students.
• The grading and late assignment policies in effect at Maries R-1 Schools will apply to virtual learning students.
• The school district will provide a device to students who need one. Students who opt to use a school-owned device will be responsible for it’s safe return at the end of the school year.
• Instruction and assessments offered in the virtual environment will be offered by Maries R-1 teachers. It will be the teachers’ responsibility to contact virtual learning students at least three times per week to assess their progress and understanding of the content. This contact may occur in multiple formats including phone, email, electronic messaging or face-to-face through electronic means.
“It is essential that each family and student planning to exercise this option understand fully the guidelines and expectations included here,” a school spokesperson stated.
The district's official guidelines and expectations are available in full here.