Here’s when your Beaufort County schools student will be expected to log in for class
Beaufort County School District’s elementary and middle students will be expected to log into online classes every morning at 8:30 and 8:45 a.m. respectively, according to a Friday video briefing from the district to provide more details on its online-only reopening plan for Sept. 8.
High school students taking classes with instruction in real time will also be expected to log in at 8:45 a.m. daily — but each student’s schedule will vary due to the wider array of classes available.
Each elementary and middle school will set its own schedule for classes, with “broad latitude” for teachers to determine things like class breaks and the ratio of group instruction versus independent work.
“For example, if a first period class is scheduled for 45 minutes, actual teacher-led instruction may last for only 20 minutes — with the balance of class time left for independent work,” one briefing slide read.
All kindergarten through fifth grade classes will end by 2:30 p.m. every day, and over the course of the day teachers will “include brain breaks, and/or snack or wellness breaks,” according to the presentation.
Deputy superintendent Duke Bradley III and director of educational technology Colleen Beck-Ungvarsky led the briefing, along with two district principals: Chavon Browne of Lady’s Island Middle School and Nikki Lucas of Hilton Head Elementary School for the Creative Arts.
Schools will use their standard grading scales, superintendent Frank Rodriguez said Wednesday; Bradley announced Friday that the district will use its regular attendance policy and student code of conduct as well.
Beaufort County School District teachers will teach all courses, including electives, per district spokeswoman Candace Bruder.
The district is using two new platforms to provide virtual learning this year: a Virtual SC franchise from the state for high schoolers, and K12 Learning Solutions for kindergarten through eighth graders. High school students will also continue to use the Edgenuity platform.
Virtual will give high school students options to enroll in a variety of core classes needed for graduation requirements, which Bradley said will create a “much more dynamic” experience. High schools will also use Edgenuity as a class platform.
A one-year contract for K12 Learning Solutions was approved by the school board in a Tuesday vote. The contract will not exceed $2.75 million, and will be funded by CARES Act dollars, per the board’s motion.
Friday’s briefing included several promotional videos from K12 Learning Solutions emphasizing the active role that in-person “learning coaches,” such as parents or daycare employees, should undertake for students.
“As you saw on the video, Demonty’s learning coach provided focused support six to eight hours a day. Even though a certified teacher provided direct instruction, his learning coach was actively involved throughout the process,” Lucas said.
“Practicing strategies such as staying in close proximity, checking engagement levels and providing breaks when necessary will help students get the most out of their daily experiences.”
Chief instructional services officer Stratos said Wednesday that the district is conducting “biweekly meetings” with community partners regarding childcare for students, including the YMCA, Boys & Girls Club, Love House Ministry and collections of local churches.
“We do not want to miss an opportunity of bringing in, but in the same regard we want to also ensure in collaboration we’re meeting the needs of kids as well as safety,” Stratos said.