Frenship ISD is committed to providing a premier learning environment for all students. Teachers take pride in meeting the needs of every student to empower them to reach their potential. This year’s Virtual Learning will be different from the Remote Learning last Spring.
Virtual Learning courses will be taught by certified Frenship ISD teachers using Schoology, an online learning management system used to streamline all digital resources and content for a more connected learning experience.
Core (required) courses including Pre-Advanced Placement (Pre-AP) courses, Gifted and Talented (GT) courses, and Dual Credit courses will be available to Virtual Learning students.
Elective Courses will be selected by Virtual Learners just as they would for Face-to-Face Learning. The availability of electives for Virtual Learners will depend on student enrollment numbers and the District’s ability to staff elective classes.
Regardless of which learning option you choose for your child, the expectations for coursework and the grading system will be the same for both Face-to-Face and Virtual Learning. Frenship ISD believes this is the most fair and equitable solution for all our students. Applicable courses in 9-12 grade will be included in calculating GPA and class rank for both Face-to-Face and Virtual Learners.
Will students participating in Virtual Learning receive live, teacher-led instruction for the full length of a school day?
No. A structured schedule will be provided to students indicating required times for participation. It will also include breaks and lunch. The schedule may vary by grade, course, or student. A caregiver will need to be available to support younger students in navigating the daily schedule and providing assistance with the learning as needed. Students, teachers, and parents should utilize frequent communication regarding daily schedules and assignments to ensure that students are progressing towards mastery of the learning outcomes.
How will Virtual Learning be different from the instruction provided during the school closure last Spring?
Virtual Learning this year will be a full course load of instruction and assignments that is comparable to courses and instruction that students who are attending school Face-to-Face will be required to complete. Teachers delivering Virtual Learning instruction will receive additional training and support in best practices that are effective in a remote, online environment.
Will there be attendance requirements for Virtual Learning students?
Yes, the Texas Education Agency (TEA) will require daily attendance and participation in Virtual Learning. Students will be required to participate in online classes daily and traditional attendance rules will be enforced. A student will be considered absent if the student does not engage in the designated instruction and/or independent learning activities each day.
Will computer devices be made available to students who need them?
Will students in Virtual Learning have access to instructional materials, such as guided reading books or other classroom resources?
What online learning management system will be used to support elementary students in Virtual Learning?
The benefit of an online learning management system is to streamline all digital tools and content for a more connected learning experience for students. Frenship has identified Schoology as the tool to support elementary students across the District.
Teachers will provide training to students on how to use Schoology. Resources will also be available for parents to learn how to support students in navigating through Schoology.
What online learning management system will be used to support secondary students in Virtual Learning?
The benefit of an online learning management system is to streamline all digital tools and content for a more connected learning experience for students. Secondary students in grades 6-12 in both Face-to-Face Learning and Virtual Learning will utilize the current learning management systems, Schoology and APEX. Resources will also be available for parents to learn how to support students in navigating through these digital tools.
How will student progress be reported?
Overall progress on learning outcomes will be communicated in a “traditional” format using numeric grades. Assignments and grades will be entered into Skyward. The expectations for coursework and guidelines for grading for Face-to-Face Learning and Virtual Learning will be the same.
Will courses taken in Virtual Learning be included in GPA calculations and class rank for high school students?
Yes, courses taken by students participating in Virtual Learning will be included in calculating GPA and class rank in accordance with EIC (Local) policy.
Will STAAR/EOC be administered in 2020-2021?
Yes. The Texas Education Agency (TEA) has indicated that STAAR testing will still occur during the 2020-2021 school year, in compliance with state and federal legislation.
What courses will be available for Virtual Learners?
Core (required) courses including Pre-Advanced Placement (Pre-AP) courses, Gifted and Talented (GT) courses, and Dual Credit courses will be available to Virtual Learning students.
Elective Courses will be selected by Virtual Learners just as they would for Face-to-Face Learning. The availability of electives for Virtual Learners will depend on student enrollment numbers and the District’s ability to staff elective classes.
Will dual credit courses follow Frenship ISD guidelines and schedules for Fall 2020?
Frenship ISD dual credit students will follow Angelo State/South Plains guidelines for health and safety requirements when attending dual credit classes. For more information, students should check with their assigned High school counselor. For additional questions, please contact the Frenship High School Counseling Office at 806-866-4440.
Will students in grades 6-12 who select Virtual Learning be able to participate in extracurricular activities or school-sponsored activities like athletics, band, choir, theatre, etc.?
Currently, Frenship ISD is offering participation in school-sponsored or extracurricular activities to students who select Face-to-Face Learning only. We have been working diligently over the past few months to create a premier learning experience for Virtual Learners. We have made progress, but we still have much to learn. Therefore, we are focusing our efforts on ensuring a rigorous academic learning experience for Virtual Learners.
TRYOUTS: Students enrolled in Virtual Learning will not be allowed to participate in tryouts for upcoming school-sponsored or extracurricular activities (including all UIL-sponsored sports and activities). If students miss tryouts, they will not be a part of the team or activity. We will not create a special tryout for students enrolled in Virtual Learning upon their return to Face-to-Face Learning.
Students new to Frenship and enrolling for the first time after a tryout may be allowed to try out by the coach or sponsor for the school-sponsored or extracurricular activity.
Will meals be provided for students who select Virtual Learning?
Will elementary students be assigned to a teacher from their home campus?
The assignment of students for Virtual Learning will be based on student enrollment. Students will be assigned a teacher who may or may not be from the student’s home campus. Students in your child’s class may include students from multiple Frenship elementary campuses. All teachers will be qualified Frenship ISD teachers.
Will students participating in Virtual Learning remain enrolled and still be associated with their home campus?
Yes, students will continue to be connected to their home campus, regardless of teacher assignment. Parents will continue to receive communication from the home campus.
How do parents commit to an instructional option of choice for their child?
For current students, parents who want to enroll their child in Virtual Learning will complete the Virtual Learning commitment form no later than 11:59 p.m. on August 3. **If a Virtual Learning commitment form is not submitted by 11:59 p.m. on August 3, the student will be enrolled in Face-to-Face Learning.
Parents/guardians are still required to go through the normal registration process regardless of the instruction option. Click here to visit the Frenship Registration and Enrollment page.
What happens after making a commitment to participate in Virtual Learning?
For elementary students, the assigned home room teacher will contact the parent/student near the start of the school year welcoming them to their class.
For secondary students, Frenship ISD staff will make adjustments to course schedules placing students in Virtual sections. A parent/student may be contacted to discuss any applicable scheduling options based on the student’s current course selections.
Will resources be available for parents to support and monitor their child’s Virtual Learning?
Yes. Resources will be available for parents to learn how to support students in navigating learning through these digital tools. These resources will be available in August.
Will students identified as English Learners, Dyslexic and/or Gifted and Talented receive services during Virtual Learning?
Yes. More information will be available at a later date.
Will students receiving services from Special Education or 504 be eligible for Virtual Learning?
Yes, all students in Frenship ISD will have the opportunity to choose Face-to-Face Learning or Virtual Learning.
Will an ARD/504 meeting be required if Virtual Learning is chosen?
ARD and 504 meetings will be scheduled on a case-by-case basis. For students served in special education, the schedule of instructional and related services should be accurately documented in the ARD/IEP to reflect the supports and services the student requires for FAPE. A parent/guardian may request an ARD or 504 meeting at any time.
What if my student does not currently receive 504 or special education services but I am concerned he/she might have a disability?
Please contact your home campus to discuss your concerns.
I have chosen Virtual Learning for my student, but he/she requires an evaluation for 504 or special education this school year. Will the evaluation also take place via virtual methods?
