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- EO 2020-51 Documentation
- Kyrene School District
- About Flex Distance Learning
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About Kyrene’s Flex Distance Learning
Parents seeking flexibility have the opportunity to transition between Flex and in-person learning at scheduled intervals throughout the year. Families may also choose to enter distance learning at a later date. Through continued enrollment at your current school, you will receive newsletters from your principal, advising your family of virtual school events to enable you to stay connected and participating in your home school activities. Read more about the Flex Distance Learning option below.
Flex Distance Learning Sample Schedule
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Flex Distance at Glance
• Kindergarten–Grade 8
• 5 full days per week
• Enrolled in current Kyrene school
• Opportunity to transition to in-person class at intervals
• District devices available
• Live teacher-led instruction
• Kyrene teachers and curriculum
• Social-emotional support
• Accommodations and support services provided
• Specials and electives
• Participate in activities and events with current school
Common Questions
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What does a day in distance learning look like?
Parents can see a sample schedule for a day in the Kyrene Flex Distance Learning program here. Note that Kindergarten and 1st Grade students are encouraged, but not required to participate in extended learning and special area instruction. Families will receive more specific schedule information from your child's school and teachers.
Flex instructors are Kyrene teachers, using Kyrene curriculum. In addition to live instruction, there is also asynchronous learning and regularly scheduled breaks, such as lunch.
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What resources are available for internet connectivity?
Kyrene has worked with Cox Communications to verify Kyrene student status for the CONNECT2COMPETE program, which offers affordable home internet for students engaged in online instruction. Families should contact Cox directly at Connect2Compete to determine qualifications.
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What time does school begin and end for students in Flex?
The Flex bell schedule will align to the schedule of the assigned school. School hours are available here or on individual school web pages.
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What platform is used for Flex Distance Learning?
Kyrene teachers use the Google Classroom platform for distance learning instruction.
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Does Kyrene provide technology for students in Flex Distance Learning?
Each Kyrene student will need an individual computer, and the District is prepared to support all students who do not have a suitable device at home. There is not special software on Kyrene's Chromebooks, so any computer you have at home will work for distance learning.
If you do not need a laptop for your child, we encourage you to decline the device to ensure families most in need of equipment receive a device.
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What school supplies does my child need in Flex Distance Learning (beyond a computer and internet access)?
Students need the same supplies as students attending school in person. The only exception would be classroom type supplies such as tissues and Clorox wipes. Please consult your school’s website for the supply lists, which vary by grade level.
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What training was provided to teachers delivering distance learning instruction?
All teachers participated in technology training to prepare for distance learning. Exclusively online teachers received additional, advanced training.
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Why are there fewer hours of daily live instruction in Flex than in Kyrene Digital Academy?
The daily time available for live instruction in Flex is somewhat dependent on enrollment and staffing, which may fluctuate throughout the year, as families decide each quarter whether to remain in distance learning or return to in-person learning. Flex teachers may be asked to work with multiple grade levels, reducing the live instructional time for each grade. Flex teachers will also be responsible for supporting the transition as students move in an out of distance learning, which may further impact live instruction time. For these reasons, the Flex model has slightly less live daily instruction for Flex than for Kyrene Digital Academy, which is more likely to have stable, full-year enrollment.
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When can I enter and exit distance learning mode?
The next opportunity to change selection will be in late March, prior to the start of Quarter 4, now scheduled to begin in April.
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Can we choose Flex Distance Learning and remain at home all year?
Families wishing to have children learn at home for the duration of the 2020-21 school year are encouraged to enroll in Kyrene Digital Academy.
Students who have nonresident or resident transfer status in 2020-21 who wish to return to in-person enrollment for 2021-22 will maintain their standing and be placed the same as any open-enrolled student who remains at the in-person school this year.
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Will students have the same teacher when moving between in-person and distance modes?
It is unlikely that a student's in-person teacher will be the same as their Flex Distance Learning teacher. Both teachers will be Kyrene teachers using Kyrene curriculum.
In most cases, the Flex teacher will be a teacher at your child's assigned school.
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How are Special Education services delivered in the distance learning mode?
Services are provided as outlined in the student’s Individual Education Program (IEP). For families selecting Flex Distance Learning or the Kyrene Digital Academy, a student’s IEP team will meet to determine whether digital or in person services are necessary. Distance learning may not be appropriate for all students with disabilities.
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Are textbooks, workbooks and other print materials be provided to students while in distance learning mode?
Print materials necessary to successfully learn at home will be available at no cost.
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What type of laptops or other technology is best for distance learning?
Kyrene's remote curriculum is designed to work on a variety of devices, in order to be flexible for students and families. That said, a Chromebook or other windows based laptop with a keyboard is ideal.
iPads are not recommended as we cannot guarantee the device will be compatible with all grade level resources.
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What events can my child participate in, while in distance learning mode?
Flex Distance Learning students are welcome to participate in clubs, sports and events at their school of enrollment. Clubs for all students will be virtual, and large in-person events are canceled until the metrics indicate that these types of events are safe.
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Is there a student:teacher ratio estimate for each class?
Capacity for all schools is determined by enrollment. After the school year begins and staffing is determined, applications may be placed on a waitlist until the District is able to either staff the increase in enrollment or delay admittance until there is space available. Staffing decisions are being made with the goal that digital classrooms are slightly larger than their in-person comparisons.
