Bears Virtual Learning Day
A Bears Virtual Learning Day allows instruction to continue when school buildings are closed due to inclement weather or another District emergency. Rather than canceling instruction, students participate in learning remotely using District-approved instructional platforms, allowing the school day to count as an instructional day in accordance with Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) requirements.
When a Bears Virtual Learning Day is declared, the District will notify families through text message, email, the District website, and official social media channels. During severe weather events or other emergencies, the District may determine that a virtual learning day is not appropriate so families can focus on safety, cleanup, and recovery.
Purpose of a Bears Virtual Learning Day
A Bears Virtual Learning Day replaces a traditional school closure by allowing instruction to continue remotely. Because instruction continues, there is no need to make up the day later in the school year.
Communication to Families
Families will be notified of a Bears Virtual Learning Day through the District's automated messaging system, website, and official social media channels. Teachers or building principals will provide information regarding assignments and learning activities no later than the morning of the virtual learning day.
Instructional Format
Students will not participate in live virtual classes during the school day. Instead, students will access assignments through District learning platforms such as Seesaw or Schoology and complete their work independently (asynchronous learning). Teachers will be available during scheduled virtual office hours to provide assistance.
Staff Availability
Professional staff and instructional support staff will be available throughout the day to assist students using their District-issued email accounts and instructional platforms, including Schoology and Seesaw, as appropriate. Teachers will also hold virtual office hours under the District's normal two-hour delay schedule to answer questions, provide support, and assist students with their assignments.
Attendance Requirements
Attendance for a Bears Virtual Learning Day is based on the completion and submission of the required virtual learning assignments. In accordance with Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) requirements, students must submit their assignments electronically on the actual day of the Bears Virtual Learning Day or immediately upon returning to school the following day in order to receive attendance credit for that instructional day.
Students who are ill or have another approved reason for being absent on a Bears Virtual Learning Day should follow the District's regular attendance reporting procedures. Students with approved absences will be permitted to complete their assignments upon returning to school and will receive academic credit in accordance with the District's regular makeup work guidelines.
If your child is ill, please follow our regular absenteeism reporting procedure.
Attendance Status vs. Academic Credit (Grading)
It is important to understand that attendance credit and academic credit are not the same.
- Attendance credit is determined by whether assignments are submitted by the attendance deadline described above.
- Academic credit (grading) follows the District's regular absence and makeup work procedures.
Students have up to five (5) school days to submit Bears Virtual Learning Day assignments for grading purposes, consistent with the District's standard makeup work timelines.
Please note that unless an approved absence is documented with an excuse note, students who miss the attendance submission deadline will be marked unexcused absent, even if the work is submitted later within the five-day grading window and receives academic credit.
Technology Support
Families needing assistance with technology or internet access should contact their child's teacher or principal as soon as possible. When appropriate, reasonable accommodations or extended timelines may be provided.
Special Programs
Etown Cyber (Independent) - Bears Virtual Learning Days do not affect students enrolled in Etown Cyber (Independent), as they follow their regular independent learning schedule.
LCCTC Students - Full-time LCCTC students will not attend LCCTC. Morning and afternoon LCCTC students will participate in their EASD virtual instruction but will not attend LCCTC classes.
Questions
If you have questions regarding Bears Virtual Learning Days, please contact your child's building principal.