In the past Iowa legislative session, a bill was passed that allows Iowa schools to utilize up to five virtual days of learning per academic year. The state of Minnesota has utilized virtual learning days during inclement weather events to help curb make-up days extending into the second week of June.
The Clinton Community School District has begun planning on the possible use of virtual days if a predicted weather event’s outcome is that there is virtually no chance of holding school in person. The belief is that the district can have a more productive day of learning during the winter than in the second week of June.
In order to call a virtual day of learning, it will need to meet these criteria. First, the weather event is being predicted well in advance, at least 24 to 48 hours ahead. Second, the weather event has a high probability of no chance of school. The virtual day will be a last resort versus an in-person day taking into account the possibility of a delayed start or early dismissal. Those decisions may still lead to a weather day off.
Each building will be providing more detailed information of the expectations of students on a virtual learning day. Among the supports needed to be successful will be the partnership with parents to provide a learning environment at home to successfully interact with his/her teacher on Google Classroom.
Thank you for your support of Clinton Schools!