PDF

English  |  Español

Parent Notification Regarding Distance Learning Guidelines

 

Dear parents/guardians:

As you know, our teachers are currently using live distance learning sessions, such as Zoom, to educate students.  By allowing your students to log in, you are providing consent for this form of communication for instructional purposes.

Please note, teachers may be recording their instruction, if a teacher feels that something being covered in the video may need to be made accessible to students after the class. This will be done without recording students’ faces.  Distance Learning sessions are equivalent to in-person classroom sessions. Accordingly, students are expected to adhere to all classroom behavioral expectations and California Education Code 48900 and 48915 . Students who use inappropriate language, share inappropriate images, or behave inappropriately in any way on a video conference will be subject to appropriate discipline. Students may not record or take pictures of distance learning sessions without teacher and principal permission.  Likewise, parent interaction should be limited to helping their own child, if necessary, just like in a classroom.

Distance Learning sessions are also occurring in multiple student homes, so please understand that other individuals, including siblings and other family members, may be able to hear what is happening in the live virtual meeting session. There is no expectation of privacy. It is the parents’ responsibility to monitor their student’s use of the Internet and devices especially when students are involved in classroom discussions or video conferences.

The PSUSD Online Learning Code of Conduct that follows outlines the specific expectations for Distance learning sessions. This Code of Conduct will ensure a successful and productive learning experience for students, families, and teachers.

 

Palm Springs Unified School District Online Learning Code of Conduct

Distance Learning sessions will be the tool to provide direct instruction and keep students connected. The following code of conduct will ensure that effective, efficient, and distraction free learning will continue for our students during live virtual meeting sessions. Students who fail to comply with any of these expectations may be subject to appropriate discipline.

We understand that students and families may have circumstances or internet connectivity issues that prevent them from joining a live session. If this is the case, please message your teacher so they can provide you with information to help you stay current with the most recent instruction.

 

Please see the following expectations for Distance Learning Sessions

 

Webcam Etiquette

During Distance Learning sessions student’s webcam should be turned on when they come into the session. If there is a reason why your child’s webcam cannot be on during the distance learning sessions, please contact your child’s teacher so you can discuss the situation and make accommodations, as necessary.  Because of this, students must be fully clothed, not in underclothing or pajamas, or wearing anything that is immodest or contains vulgar images or profane language. Distance learning sessions are intended to simulate a classroom environment, therefore, please do not lay in bed, or walk around the house. Please do not set up live sessions in home spaces where privacy is expected, such as washroom areas. Also, try and avoid any part of the home where multiple people will be present as this may be a distraction for other participants. If your location is noisy please be sure to mute the microphone in consideration of others. Students should position themselves so that they are sitting up at a table or similar environment where they would be able to take notes as necessary.  Parents/guardians who are supporting their child should remain outside of the camera’s view. 

 

Please note, any images in the background can be distracting. To the extent possible, please have the student setup in an area where there are no images of any kind in the background.

 

Accurate First and Last Name on Profile

Only the student’s first and last name as listed in the Synergy portal may be used during distance learning sessions.  Profile images should only include appropriate photos of students. Do not use inappropriate, humorous, or otherwise distracting images.

 

Appropriate Virtual Backgrounds

“Virtual Backgrounds” can be distracting to other participants, and must be appropriate for a learning environment.

 

Chats

Language in all discussion and in chats must be appropriate and free from lewdness or profanity. Use your words to build others up and to enhance the learning environment. All prohibitions on bullying behavior will be enforced.  Parents should not be posting in chats or having individual conversations with other children or the teacher during class time.

 

Protection of Privacy

Protect your privacy and the privacy of others. Do not share other student’s private information, post stories or pictures of other students or any other item that involves another person. Do not share any usernames or passwords with any individuals.

 

Overview

A Distance Learning Plan allows students and staff, while not physically in our schools, an opportunity to explore and engage in meaningful learning experiences that are: 

• aligned to the curriculum
• connected to standards
• relevant to the current instructional sequence

 

The intent is to continue to afford students with meaningful learning experiences while connecting with teachers in the event of an emergency.  We know nothing replaces the genuine human interactions that happen authentically in the classroom between students and teachers, but this will allow our students to continue learning in an organized manner. 

All teaching staff will be using Video platforms to intereact with the student (Zoom, Google Meet, Etc.) and the Google Classroom platform so that students can:

• participate in daily instruction as if they were sitting in the classroom
• access information, assignments, and resources
• prioritize their day
• reach out to the teacher(s) with questions 
• submit work/receive feedback 

Learning experiences may include “classwork” and homework, but all work that is required for submission will be communicated by the teacher, and it will receive feedback. Teachers will also indicate any due dates on “classwork” and homework that requires submission. 

Instructional videos may be posted on teacher Google Classroom. These videos will further the instructional sequence by serving as initial exposure to content or supporting student understanding by focusing on reteaching or clarifying previously instructed materials.  The school district will coordinate with families needing additional support.  

Thank you for your continued support!

--------------------------------------------------------------- 

Student Responsibilities

Students should: 

• Log into their teacher’s Video Session Daily, as well as Google Classroom to identify the expected work for the day.
• Limit distractions and be focused while learning. 
• Behave according to school guidelines and follow all school rules. 
• Collaborate (not copy) with classmates, as appropriate. 
• Communicate with teachers when they have questions or need clarification. Outside of the class period, teachers will be available in the Google Classroom and via district email. 
• Meet deadlines as assigned by teachers. This will allow teachers to provide feedback in a timely manner. 

Family Responsibilities

Support your child in their learning process by:

• Monitoring PSUSD and PSHS updates and checking in with your child daily about the distance learning tasks, activities, and assessments that they are working on. 
• Maintaining the school schedule for a three-hour day for your child’s school. 
• Encouraging engagement in the appropriate online Video Zoom meet and Google Classrooms during scheduled times per PSHS Bell Schedule.
• Designating a place where your child will work independently on their assigned tasks.
• Asking your child to provide a brief summary of the learning they are engaging in for each class and of the process they are being asked to engage in to demonstrate their learning. 
• Asking your child about their work and supporting them, as needed, in submitting assignments in accordance with the established deadlines.
• Reminding your child to email teachers if they have any questions.

Staff Responsibilities

• Faculty are expected to be available electronically during the school day and during  specified sessions after lunch.
• Teachers will intiate and run a Video Class Interaction, as well as log into Google Classroom, daily.
• Instructional lessons and activities will be posted on teachers’ Google Classrooms.
• Teachers will assign due dates and provide feedback on work that is submitted. 
• Zoom or Google Meet will be used  to provide “office hours after lunch” to compliment email communication for questions and answers from students and/or families. It may also be used for supplemental instruction.
• Teachers will be available per the schedule above.

 

 

 

Get help with Technology at the PSUSD Technology Depot

*** Evening / Night Dates and Times ***

Friday March 12^th                    4:30 to 6:30 at Desert Hot Springs High School

Wednesday March 17^th    4:30 to 6:30 at Palm Springs High School

Monday March 22^nd          4:30 to 6:30 at Cathedral City High School

 

español

PSUSD School Opening & Safety Plan

 

English PDF  &  Español PDF

 

 

---