The Hudson City School District is offering families of students entering Grades K-10 the option of full-time online instruction as a replacement to in-person instruction within the school buildings. The decision to participate in this model should be considered using a health and safety point of view. This option requires a commitment to continue full-time online instruction through the end of the first semester (January 29, 2021). The opportunity to select in-person instruction, or remain in Virtual School, will be available for the start of the second semester.
If health conditions improve that would allow HCSD to resume in-person instruction for all students, the District will reassess its operating status and any additional options for families at that time. The deadline to register for Virtual School has been extended to midnight on Tuesday, August 18, 2020.
Family and Student Commitments
If interested in the Virtual School option, families should be prepared to support their child(ren)’s active participation in all online learning. Adequate space and materials will be necessary for daily online instruction. If required by the teacher(s), textbooks and other learning materials will be provided by the district. If needed, students will be provided a district-issued Chromebook. Families without access to the internet can request a hotspot dedicated to school-related activities, as needed. Students will need to follow the established daily learning schedule, meet deadlines, and participate in all real-time virtual lessons. Students will be responsible for participating in assessments including assessments created by the teacher, the district, and New York State. Daily attendance is required.
Schedules
The Virtual School schedule will be four (4) days per week of teacher-directed, synchronous (real-time) instruction, as well as asynchronous (independent) instruction. Wednesdays will be dedicated to virtual academic interaction and support opportunities, as well as enrichment opportunities, that enhance the current academic content. Students entitled to additional interventions or specialized instruction will receive these supports virtually throughout the week as each teacher’s schedule allows. Individual schedules for online instruction will be finalized and communicated in late August or early September.
- Elementary Grades (K-5): HCSD certified elementary teachers* will provide synchronous (real-time) instruction for a specific amount of time each day. This will be done in a whole group, small group, or individual student setting. HCSD staff will also provide specialized instruction as needed, such as English as a new language or special education services. Elementary students will have opportunities to participate in asynchronous (independent) activities each day to practice skills and extend their learning.
- Elementary Grade 6: HCSD certified elementary teachers will provide synchronous (real-time) instruction for a specific amount of time each day. Schedules will vary depending on assigned courses and would align to the in-person school schedule as much as possible. Courses taught by HCSD JHS/HHS teachers will follow the same in-person hybrid Blue/Gold block schedule to the extent practicable.
- Secondary Grades (7-10): Schedules will vary depending on assigned courses and would align to the in-person school schedule as much as possible. Courses taught by HCSD JHS/HHS teachers* will follow the same in-person hybrid Blue/Gold block schedule to the extent practicable.
*Please note that if HCSD is unable to assign a teacher to your child(ren)’s virtual class, a teacher from the Questar III BOCES Virtual School program may be assigned to teach your child(ren).
Curriculum
All courses necessary to fulfill NYS Learning Standards and graduation requirements will be guaranteed for students. However, at the secondary level, it is not certain that students will be able to participate in all courses they originally selected. Families should realize that full-time online instruction may not be able to support some specialized programs and course offerings that would otherwise be available to enhance student options and experiences which may include certain electives, honors, college, and AP courses.
Specific course offerings will be dependent on matching student course requests to teacher availability.
Elementary and junior high school curriculum will include instruction in language arts, mathematics, science, social studies, and other mandated requirements such as health, physical education, etc. High school curriculum will vary based on course enrollment, with students having access to core and elective courses necessary to fulfill graduation requirements.
To the extent possible, HCSD Virtual School students will be grouped together and served by dedicated online HCSD teachers. To the extent possible, courses will be taught using online platforms and digital curriculum resources, unless physical copies of resources are deemed necessary by the teacher(s), along with synchronous direct instruction and support from an online HCSD teacher. When a student grouping cannot be established for a course or grade level, a hybrid model may be used instead, in which teachers support a combination of in-person and online learners using blended learning strategies and digital resources.