What does hybrid learning look like?

Similar to distance-learning, the hybrid model will include the five days of learning overarching philosophy.  This philosophy includes an understanding that learning occurs each day and can be facilitated directly by a teacher (live learning) or through independent student work.  During hybrid learning, we will continue to utilize the traditional bell schedule, as we did during the distance learning model.  The one change will be the combination of homeroom and first period.  We have made this adjustment due to the alphabetical split of students during the Hybrid model and Homerooms developed based on students' last names.  Students will report directly to their first period class instead of their original homeroom.  First period attendance will take the place of homeroom attendance.  Teachers will take attendance throughout the day for the group of students that are physically present in their classrooms as well as when a teacher conducts live learning for all students.  

When will my child report to school?  What will they be doing on other days?

All students will be split into two groups based on alphabetical order or in some cases, administrative placement.  Students with last names beginning with A-La will attend school in person on Mondays and Tuesdays, and continue their five days of learning from home on Wednesdays through Friday.  Students with last names beginning with Le-Z will attend school in person on Thursdays and Fridays, and continue their five days of learning from home on Monday through Wednesday.  At home learning could include a combination of independent student tasks, recorded lessons or live instruction lessons.  During weeks with holidays or days where students are not in session, please refer to this link.

What does “live learning” look like?  What is synchronous and asynchronous?

Live learning will look different from discipline to discipline and classroom to classroom.  In some courses and on some days students will participate in synchronous learning, when a teacher simultaneously instructs the students that are physically in the room and students at home through Zoom.  In other scenarios a teacher may choose to utilize asynchronous learning when students at home work independently while the teacher works directly with the students that are physically present.  Both synchronous and asynchronous models continue to further the goal of moving students forward in their learning each day as well as differentiating for individual students by providing intervention, practice, extension and enrichment opportunities.  

Attendance, Engagement & Grades

Due to the importance of active engagement and participation, Bexley City Schools will track the attendance and engagement of students each day.  Attendance will be taken in each class period where they attend and participate in live learning, whether that takes place in person or at home through synchronous learning.  On days where students will be working independently within a specific class, their attendance will be monitored through their accessing the course Canvas page and/or completing and turning in assignments.  If students do not engage, the school team will convene to identify an intervention plan that will support the student in his/her courses. This plan may include an expectation that students who demonstrate a pattern of engaging only when in person be required to attend school in person each day.  

A strong desire to accommodate student needs during this challenging time still exists, even with the shift to hybrid learning.  We will continue to follow traditional grading practices that have been established historically including completion and timely submission of work.  Additionally, there will be expectations for students to complete work outside of class time, similar to the practice of work completed in support of classroom instruction through homework.  

If your student is unable to “attend” for any reason, we need you to contact the office just as if they were sick or leaving for an appointment.  You can report any attendance information to [email protected] or by calling 614-237-4273, then option 8, then 6.  Additionally, for any absences that are due to a medical appointment, please submit documentation of that appointment to Ms. Hart as soon as possible for accuracy of records.  

When a student is absent, they will continue to access their assignments through Canvas.  If additional support is needed to understand content or assignments, students are encouraged to take advantage of office hours or schedule another time to meet with the teacher.  

Students and teachers will work collaboratively through many different platforms.  High school students, especially, should be in the practice of communicating through GMail, Google Drive, Google Docs, Canvas, Naviance and Family Connection.   

Will my child require technology access in the building?

It is preferable that students be able to utilize technology both at home and in the classroom.  Students will continue to be required to access Canvas routinely, whether in the building or at home.  Additionally, the Hybrid learning model heightens the need for students to continue to behave respectfully and responsibly in the online and physical classrooms. 

How will my child access extra help?

Office Hours (7:35-8:20) will still exist and follow the traditional schedule found here.  Please do note that the hours vary based on the current model to allow all students to have in person access to their teachers.  This time will be used for teachers to invite students to their classrooms for typical office hours activities.  Certainly making up assignments or assessments,  re-teaching concepts or reviewing missed topics are appropriate.  Students must check with their teacher prior to voluntarily attending office hours in person to ensure that there is enough space within the physical classroom. Students may also request to attend office hours virtually.  

How is Bexley High School mitigating risk?  

Parent and Student Handbook:  Information about many topics not specifically discussed below, including cleaning practices, the Bexley Health Pledge, COVID reporting process, COVID contact tracing and required PPE can all be found in the Bexley City School District Parent and Student COVID Guide.  It is important to note that this guide continues to evolve as guidance from local and state agencies changes based on new information.  

Late Arrival, Early Release/Study Hall:  In order to minimize the number of students in the building, all students in grades 9-12 will not attend their traditional study hall during periods 1, 4, 5 & 7.  These students will either arrive late or depart early (periods 1 and 7) or have an extended lunch period (periods 4 and 5).  This limits the number of students present in the building as well as reduces the number of students entering and exiting at common times.    

Support Study Hall/Supplemental:  Students that are scheduled for a support study hall and/or supplemental class period will not have the option of early release or late arrival.  This time will provide valuable opportunities to further support students in these classes. 

One Way Hallway Traffic Patterns:  During hybrid learning hallways and stairwells will have one way direction traffic as much as possible.  Maps will be provided prior to the start of hybrid learning.  Students should familiarize themselves with the directions of the hallways and plan their routes from class to class prior to the first day.  Additionally, students will not have access to lockers during the hybrid model.  This will help maintain a steady flow of traffic and prevent bunching of students.  Finally, students will utilize the restroom during class as opposed to between classes to prevent large groups of students from congregating in the bathrooms.  

Lunch:  Students will still have the opportunity to depart the campus for lunch as they traditionally do.  Students are highly encouraged to eat lunch in their own homes as opposed to at a restaurant or gathering with other students.  The cafeteria will be open to any student that stays on campus for lunch with seating spaced appropriately.  When weather permits, students may also eat outside at a variety of locations.  Overflow/additional seating will be available in the gymnasium on the bleachers.  Students that remain in the building will be required to eat their lunch in the cafeteria or gymnasium.  

Hybrid Learning Suggestions

Hybrid learning can be a complex model that presents many unique challenges.  As we take this next step into the gradual re-entry to the school building, please remember this is new for our teachers as well.  As they work and develop new technologies, processes and practices, the experience and instruction will continue to evolve and improve.  Patience with everyone as we navigate the online classroom, physical classroom, and potentially both spaces at once along with the increase in electronic communication is imperative.  

Ways you as a parent may support your child in this process might include:

• Encourage your student to solve as many problems independently as they can.  Ask a classmate for clarification on an assignment, double-check Canvas and PowerSchool for information they need and review previous emails for answers to questions.  

• Encourage your student to communicate directly with the teacher if they are not successful on their own.  Specific questions are helpful as teachers work with students through email.  Scheduling a brief Zoom call may be a much more efficient way to connect.  Most importantly, students should know all teachers are committed to assisting kids during distance learning and as we transition to Hybrid.  

• Help your child set healthy limits and expectations.  First, with respect to their time -- no emailing after 7:00 PM, for example.  Second, with respect with their teachers who are also working to establish structures for kids.  If a teacher does not answer an email immediately, it is not a sign of disinterest as they are working to manage the needs of all students as well as their own.    

•  Encourage the use of an assignment notebook or online calendar.  Just as during a traditional school year, a way to organize your day and time is essential.  While a planner might have worked during the past year, knowing we are in a different environment might open up the possibilities for a different means of organization (ex. An online calendar with all class Zoom links scheduled).