Elementary Distance Learning FAQs

We are distributing digital devices to families who need them. We do not have sufficient resources to provide a device for every student, so we will be prioritizing students with no access. If you missed the pick-up times at your school, please contact your school office manager.

Teachers will tell students how to submit evidence of completion for each assignment. This may be an email to the teacher describing their learning, a photo of a project/work sample emailed or uploaded through See Saw, or an uploaded document via Google Classroom. Options should be provided when possible to support different learning styles and device access. Teachers will then use this student work to assess student understanding and progress toward critical skills/knowledge.

We recognize that circumstances and schedules are different for every family during this time. Some students may be in child care throughout the day, some may be home with working parents. We want to make instruction accessible to all students, so we will prioritize learning activities and assignments that support development of only the most critical knowledge and skills. Supplementary learning resources are encouraged as family circumstances and schedules allow.

A third collection of printed student resources (i.e., learning packets) was developed by Central Office staff and will be ready for distribution in mid-May. Similar to the previous sets of resources, it will contain several literacy and math activities intended to support students for 2-3 weeks. The next set of materials will continue to have a thematic approach, allowing students to explore science and social studies content.

Similar to the previous packets, literacy materials will also support students in our dual language programs as they contain literature in Vietnamese and Spanish in addition to the English selections.

These packets will be available through Highline meal distribution sites, as well as other key locations across the community. In the future, days, times, and locations will continue to be communicated with families via daily messages and social media. 

Specially Designed Instruction (SDI) based on individual student needs/goals will be provided to the best of our ability as directed by OSPI. Just as we need to prioritize instruction around critical skills and knowledge for all students, SDI and accommodations will be limited to only the most critical student needs. Related services, such as occupational therapy, speech therapy and physical therapy will be provided when possible through tele-therapy approaches. More direct guidance will continue to come from our special education department directly to special education providers, with principals included.

More information about distance learning and supporting students with Individualized Learning Plans (IEPs) is on the Special Education page of our distance learning plan.

Central Office and school-based ELL specialists will be available to support teachers in customizing instruction, as they are during the regular school year.  Elementary ELL newcomers can access Imagine Learning Language and Literacy. Specialists will support teachers and students with accessing these digital tools.

Learning extensions will be included in the supplementary learning packets. Other digital resources, such as iReady, can support continued learning for any student. Students enrolled in the elementary Challenge program will receive assignments from their teachers.

Just as these content areas are taught consistently each day during classroom instruction, we will continue to prioritize instruction in language arts and math during distance learning. Other content areas, including PE/health and arts, may be reinforced in the additional weekly assignments and supplemental learning.

Our PreK teachers are providing students with online instruction similar to what our elementary students are receiving.  Teachers are connecting with our preK families a minimum on one time a week. They are providing instruction through the online platform of SeeSaw. Teachers are maintaining a consistent schedule of time that is available for families to reach out for support with learning and/or resources.  A preschool/early learning paper set of materials is also available for families to download from the website.

Your child’s teacher should have contacted you in early April. If you are not receiving communications from your child's teacher, please reach out to your principal.