Classroom Based Virtual Learning Program

Virtual Program Parent Update 9/21/20

Virtual Program Parents/ Guardians and Students:

 

WY-TOPP Testing

Next week on Tuesday, September 29th and Wednesday, September 30th we will offer WY-TOPP Fall Interim testing for 6th-10th graders from 4-7pm at Horizon.  Please see the schedule linked below for more detailed information.

6-10 Virtual Program WY-TOPP Test Schedule

K-5 WY-TOPP test is occurring with the student’s Virtual Program teacher in their buildings.  Most of them have contacted you already with specific information and schedules.

2020-21 School Pictures

If you would like school pictures for your student, we are offering this on Thursday, October 1st 4:30- 5:30pm at Horizon.  For more information about school pictures, please call Horizon at 789-0122 between 8:00am and 3:00pm.

Attendance

Attendance is critical for success in education.  Daily attendance is required for Virtual Program students.  Daily attendance is more than just showing up to a Zoom session.  Attendance in virtual program courses require students to participate, complete and turn in assignments.  If students do not attend, participate and complete work on a daily basis they could be exited from the Virtual Program.

Progress

Schools are beginning to send out regular progress reports.  You can expect to receive these reports from your student’s regular school.  You have access to your students grades and progress at any time through Powerschool.. Teachers update grades on a weekly basis, if not more often.  Virtual Program student progress is assessed at the end of each quarter.  6-12 Virtual program students must complete, with passing grades (70%/ C or higher), a minimum of four of five classes in order to remain in the program.  K-5 students must be progressing at a reasonable and adequate pace as determined by their teacher.

 

 

 

 

Emergency Chapter 41 rules (virtual education) were passed in Wyoming which allow districts to provide virtual education programs this year. UCSD #1 has opted to provide this as an option for students who may not be comfortable returning to the regular school environment. Parents and students choosing the Virtual option must understand that it is only for this year and that only core classes will be offered.

 

 

1)  Contact their local district school and let them know they are interested in this option. 

 

2)  Meet with their local district school principal and/or designee and determine if the Virtual Program is the best option for the student.  

 

3)  If it is determined that the Virtual Program is the best option the local district school will contact the Virtual Program and initiate the application process.

 

4)  Virtual program staff will contact the guardian and email the application.  Once the application is submitted the student will be scheduled and enrolled in the Virtual Program.

 

12th grade high school students choosing this option will have to enroll in Horizon High School, where they will work towards Horizon High School Diploma requirements (core classes).  Elective courses will not be offered. K-11 students will remain enrolled in their district school for the purpose of tracking attendance and grades (Powerschool). 

 

Horizon High School awards credit on a quarter-system (much like DMS and EMS). Considering this, it would be optimal for students to enroll or transfer out of the program, back to regular school at those quarter times (Aug, Oct, Jan, and March). All students enrolled in the virtual program will still be required to take state assessments (WYTOPP and ACT). Courses, curriculum, assessments, and credit offered through the virtual program will be the same as regular classroom courses. Expectations for completion of courses, grading, and assessment will be the same as regular classes. The courses will not be easier.

 

The decision to offer a virtual program this year was based on district parent surveys and feedback.  We are doing our best to provide an educational service that was requested by parents.  The Virtual Program was created for students/ guardians with serious health implications, concerned about contracting/ spreading COVID 19 and/or complying with the federal and state guidelines required for school to re-open during the pandemic.