The Lake Hamilton School District will begin offering “Flexible Fridays” to 4 - 12th grade students on Fridays of each week beginning Friday, October 30, 2020, until the end of the semester. K - 3rd-grade students will continue their normal schedule and will not participate in Flexible Fridays.
Why is the District implementing Flexible Fridays for 4 - 12th-grade onsite students?
After receiving input from teachers, parents, administrators, members of the Ready for Learning team, school leadership team, and the personnel policies committee, the District found that Flexible Fridays would benefit 4 - 12th grade onsite students and teachers by:
- Reducing potential exposures by reducing the time onsite at the schools and grade levels most impacted by COVID-19
- Reducing the number of students onsite at the schools and grade levels most impacted by COVID-19
- Increasing planning time for teachers that are serving both virtual and onsite learners
How will Flexible Fridays work for 4 - 12th grade onsite students?
All 4 - 12th grade onsite students will have the option to attend school onsite or online on Flexible Fridays. Learners will participate in online interactive lessons provided by their own classroom teachers. Flexible Fridays will allow time for remediation and/or enrichment of the essential skills and knowledge. Students who report onsite will engage in the same activities as those students who choose to learn from home during Flexible Fridays.
What are the benefits of Flexible Fridays for 4 - 12th grade teachers?
Many of the Lake Hamilton School District 4 - 12th grade teachers are teaching both onsite and virtual classes. Flexible Fridays will be beneficial for teachers and students by allowing teachers additional time to be available for students (both virtual and onsite) and providing teachers flexibility for lesson development, team planning and collaboration, and monitoring of student progress.
Will buses still run for those 4 - 12th grade onsite students who choose to attend school onsite during Flexible Fridays?
Yes. Buses will run normal schedules on Flexible Fridays.
How will meals (breakfast and lunch) work on Flexible Fridays?
Meals will be provided on Flexible Fridays. All 4 - 12th-grade students who choose to learn from home on Flexible Fridays can pick up meals at no cost on Thursdays between 3:30 and 5:30 p.m. behind the high school cafeteria. No pre-registration is required. Any student that chooses to attend school onsite on Flexible Fridays will be provided with meals.
Will therapies and other special services be provided during Flexible Fridays?
Yes. All therapies and special services will be provided during Flexible Fridays.
How long will Lake Hamilton utilize Flexible Fridays?
The District will utilize Flexible Fridays for onsite 4 - 12th grade students until the end of the semester (December). The District will determine later whether to continue this schedule for the second semester.
Why are Flexible Fridays not being offered to K - 3rd grade onsite students?
So far this year, K - 3rd grade onsite students have not been as affected by quarantine and/or isolation due to COVID-19 as our older students. The leadership teams in the primary and elementary schools felt that a regular five-day onsite schedule would best benefit K - 3rd-grade students and staff.
Will Lake Hamilton Virtual Academy students participate in Flexible Fridays?
Yes. Virtual student schedules may change to accommodate Flexible Fridays. Virtual academy teachers will communicate any schedule changes with affected students.
Do 4 - 12th grade students need to pre-register for their FlexibleFriday choice?
No. Students do not need to sign up for a specific Flexible Friday option. Students may choose onsite or online during Flexible Fridays. Attendance will be counted based on student participation and completion of assignments.
What will the Flexible Friday schedules look like?
The schedules for Flexible Fridays will look different depending on the grade/building. Each grade/building will release Flexible Friday expectations and schedules for their students and staff.
Can my student participate online one week and then participate onsite the next during Flexible Fridays?
Yes. Students may change their Flexible Friday attendance option (onsite / online) throughout the duration of Flexible Fridays.
If my student stays home on Flexible Fridays, we will need internet access. Does the school have any internet help available? Yes. Please see the technology FAQ section for personal mifi options.
Will students still attend extra-curricular practices on Flexible Fridays?
Possibly. Each extra-curricular employee / athletic coach will share his/her expectations regarding practices during Flexible Fridays.