Students have options for ’20-21 school year
WORCESTER » Online learning or on premises learning?
Parents of Methacton School District students will have a choice as to which option best suits their child’s needs when the fall semester begins.
“The board will be charged with approving an Instructional plan that specifies how we will execute two options of learning — online learning and on premises learning. Parents have the choice to select the option best for their child,” explained Amanda Kelly, Coordinator of School & Community Information for Methacton School District.
The school board will vote to make final approval of the Instructional and the Phased Health and Safety Plan on July 28, Kelly said. adding that the reopening plan is still in development and that an archive of all related information is
available at www.methacton.org/Page/19498.
Superintendent David Zerbe was not available for comment but had issued a letter to parents on July 13:
“While the draft Methacton On Premise plan has about 31 pages of detail, we will be highlighting the following specific topics in the coming days including Face Coverings; Classroom Configurations/Distancing; Breakfast, Lunch and Recess; Transportation; Cleaning/Disinfecting Protocols; Athletics/ Activities.”
Any student who is eligible to enroll in a Methacton school can enroll in Methacton Online, which is described as “an alternative educational program to the traditional on premise, in school instructional program for students K-12 that uses the online Google Classroom platform and focuses on three main areas: Instruction, Assessment, and Social-Emotional Learning. These areas are addressed through a common and consistent routine to promote organization and successful participation for all. The virtual classroom is based on the same high-quality curriculum as our brick and mortar classrooms and uses the same high-quality resources.”
Students grades 3 through 12 will be issued their own Chromebook. Students in grades K-2 can request a device if needed
All students will have access to a Google Classroom for each of their core classes as well as electives. The overall school day for students is condensed to account for transitions between classes, lunches, and free periods such as study hall and recess which are eliminated.
Specialists, and support personnel work with the classroom teacher to provide breakout sessions for additional support for all students. Students interact with teachers on a daily basis and work to develop their skills through independent practice for which they are provided feedback. Support is available as needed while students complete independent assignments. Related services are provided virtually as well.
Students who choose to enroll should plan to remain in Methacton Online for the 20-21 school year. Students who need to quarantine due to Covid-19 may be enrolled in Methacton Online by the district for the duration of their quarantine period.
As far as grades, students will be issued benchmark assessments at the start of the year in selected subjects to determine learning gaps and strengths, as student learning is routinely assessed in a variety of mediums, including pencil and paper tests, online tests, presentations, labs and projects.
Zerbe will be sharing the DRAFT plan for reopening Methacton Schools in advance of the Board of School Directors scheduled consideration on July 28, taking questions on the plan and other matters concerning the reopening of schools.
Those interested in attending one of two discussion dates need to register by July 20. Both sessions will cover the identical material but questions from the audience may be different: July 22 or July 23 from 7:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. via Zoom.
Those with questions can contact MethactonOnline@methacton.org
A full “Roadmap to Reopening Methacton Schools” is available at https://www.methacton. org/