Flexible Instruction Days (FID)
The district has a plan in place that allows for instruction to occur through a Flexible Instruction Day (FID). A Flexible Instruction Day allows a district to follow an approved plan when closure of a building or buildings is necessary. Pottsgrove School District builds-in a certain number of snow days per year. Once snow days have been expended, FID can be enabled.
In order to ensure we are ready for this potential, teachers will be practicing with students over the next several days. All students will be working with their teachers to access Google Meet links and any necessary resources.
In the event we anticipate a FID, you may expect the following to occur:
- Additional communication from both the district and building level will be sent to all families.
- A clear schedule will be shared from each school building. As you may assume, this schedule would be different from what is scheduled on a typical day.
- K-5 students will be given activity packets that will include additional offline assignments directed by the teacher.
- Due to PA State mandates, Pre-K Counts would need to make-up the day in person.
As you may imagine, there are many logistics considered in the planning for the success of a Flexible Instruction Day. Ongoing communication will occur as necessary. We appreciate your support.
Flexible Instruction Day (FID) Schedules
Flexible Instruction Day FAQ
What is a Flexible Instruction Day?
A Flexible Instructional Day Program can support public school entities in cases when circumstances prevent the delivery of instruction in its customary manner or location. This could include an epidemic, hazardous weather conditions, law enforcement emergency, damage to a school building, etc. The number of Flexible Instructional Days may not exceed five days in one school year. In addition, in order to use a Flexible Instructional Day, all buildings within the school must be closed. It cannot apply to only one building.
Why do other districts have varying plans for a Flexible Instruction Day?
In order for a district to provide a Flexible Instruction Day, districts must have a previously approved plan from the Pennsylvania Department of Education. While each district is provided with the same guidelines, information has been interpreted differently across different organizations. In Pottsgrove School District, a Flexible Instruction Day will count as a day of instruction. As a result, students need to have access to instruction with teachers in addition to completing assignments as directed by a teacher.
What is synchronous and asynchronous instruction ?
Synchronous instruction refers to live online instruction in which students and teachers engage in a learning process at the same time. Asynchronous instruction references activities that students complete independently that reinforce concepts students have learned.
What does a Flexible Instruction Day in Pottsgrove School District look like?
Students will experience both synchronous and asynchronous instruction throughout a Flexible Instruction Day. This means students will have live online instruction with a Pottsgrove staff member. Asynchronous time will be built into the schedule during which students will complete tasks, assignments, or activities on their own. Additionally, staff members will provide office hours for additional support.
What will be the schedule for a Flexible Instruction Day?
Each building will have a schedule that will be communicated prior to the start of a Flexible Instruction Day. There are several characteristics that are common to each building’s schedule.
- Each building will have a start time that is later than a typical school day. This is intentional and allows students and families time to prepare for the day.
- Students in grades 6-12 will follow a schedule similar to their typical day. Students should expect to attend all classes on their schedule online.
- Students in grades K-5 will follow a modified schedule that includes a morning meeting, reading block, mathematics block, and Encore.
- All synchronous activities will be condensed into one portion of the day while asynchronous activities will be included within another block of time.
- Students with IEPs will have online access to their special education case manager.
- Teachers will have office hours during which students can access the teacher for additional questions and/or support.
How will attendance on a Flexible Instruction Day occur?
There are two criteria that define student attendance during a Flexible Instruction Day.
- Students will be expected to attend synchronous instruction times with the teacher online at the scheduled time. Teachers will be taking attendance to document students who attend the synchronous instructional times.
- In addition, teachers will assign asynchronous activities. Students will be expected to show completion of the assignments. Students must complete any assignments provided by their teachers and submit when schools reopen.
- Families reporting student absences must email school attendance by 10 am to report the student's attendance and receive instructions for the student's assignments.
High School: HSAbsent@pgsd.org
Middle School: MSAbsent@pgsd.org
Lower: LPAbsent@pgsd.org
Rocks: RRAbsent@pgsd.org
West: WPAbsent@pgsd.org
How will students access synchronous instruction?
- Students in grades K-5 will access synchronous instruction through ClassLink and Google Meet. This will require students to scan a QR code to login to Classlink, and then provide credentials for Google – which have been practiced with your student ahead of time. Your students will be sent home with the necessary username and password should they require help at home. All asynchronous activities will be sent home in a packet with students. Click here for the instructions on accessing the elementary FID activities.
- Students in grades 6-12 will access both synchronous and asynchronous instruction through Schoology. Teachers will provide the necessary Google Meet links for the students to access their classes for all periods.
- Students will be required to login with their credentials. This ensures individuals within the synchronous instructional times are safe for students.
How will students in specialized programming (Western Center, Internships, Work Study, Grove Academy, etc.) access their learning?
Students in these programs will receive information directly from these instructors.
What if there is a power or internet outage?
If you are experiencing power outage, please report it to the following emails below:
High School: HSAbsent@pgsd.org
Middle School: MSAbsent@pgsd.org
Lower: LPAbsent@pgsd.org
Rocks: RRAbsent@pgsd.org
West: WPAbsent@pgsd.org
In the event of widespread internet outages across the region or in the case of widespread power outages, the district will NOT elect to use a flexible instructional day. In this instance, the district would close and instruction would not occur. This day would be made up within calendar revisions and/or adding days to the end of the school year.
How will I know if the District is implementing a Flexible Instruction Day (FID)?
When the Superintendent declares a FID, all families will receive communication via telephone, text message, and e-mail similar to how school closings and delays are currently announced. FID will also be communicated on typical media outlets. The school day will then be conducted virtually for all students.
Will meals be provided on FID?
The district will not provide meals on a FID.
What if we had a meeting scheduled with the school team in person on this day?
The organizer of that meeting will reach out to you and attempt to reschedule with you to hold the meeting virtual and will provide a google meet link. If that is not possible a rescheduled date will be set between you and the organizer.
Will elementary students get a school device to use while learning from home? And, when will elementary students receive their device?
Yes. The elementary students will use the iPads from their classroom.
If the district is able to anticipate a FID, the students will receive their iPad, to take home, the day before the FID. If the FID falls on a day where there was no school the previous day, then students may need to use home devices.
If the FID falls on a day where there was no school the previous day, why is the district unable to provide a device several days in advance?
Students in grade K-5 store their devices in classroom carts. The charging blocks and cords are attached to the inside of the cart, making them difficult to access quickly. The elementary buildings have approximately 170 carts in total, and dismantling the carts would be a large task for teachers and staff to accomplish in a timely manner. In addition, when the iPads are returned the carts would need to be re-wired once again. The district does not maintain an inventory of chargers large enough to provide a second charger for every iPad, of which we have nearly 2000.
What should we do if my child’s device is damaged while at home?
Please report the damages immediately to your child’s teacher, who will in turn report to the technology department.
What happens if elementary students are unable to receive a device, and our household does not have access to technology?
Elementary students will be given packet activities that should be completed at home. It is important to advise your child's teacher as soon as possible if your child does not have access to technology at home.
If our household does not have internet access, can the district provide internet connectivity?
Unfortunately PGSD is unable to provide internet access. It is important to advise your child's teacher as soon as possible if your child does not have access to internet at home. In some cases hotspots can be provided; however this is a 2-3 week process and must involve a consult with your child's school counselor.
What if I have a question that is not addressed on this FAQ?
Additional questions can be directed to Dr. David Finnerty, Superintendent at dfinnerty@pgsd.org