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General Information for Families
Kirkwood has been a one-to-one (1:1) district for several years, so we are used to technology being an important part of learning. Our students are skilled users of iPads and laptops, and our teachers regularly make use of technology to help students think, collaborate, create, and achieve. Nothing about this experience is normal, however, so we ask for your ongoing patience, grace, and support. Kirkwood staff members will give their all to our students, as always, yet we know there will be challenges and missteps along the way.
While our primary charge is our students, we also recognize the broad impact the shutdown has on our families and our collective social-emotional wellbeing. We will lean on each other, buoyed by the strong relationships that have been developed over the last several months and years. We will be better when we support each other.
Below you will find general information for parents and guardians, including what you can expect from online learning and what we might need from you. Families are also encouraged to view our "How You Can Help" site for additional information. This page is still under construction, so please check back frequently. We appreciate your patience and support.
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When will Kirkwood begin online schooling?
Online classes will begin on Thursday, March 26. We are currently scheduled to continue learning online through April 22, hoping we can return to our campuses on Thurssday, April 23. Please check our COVID-19 website for ongoing updates.
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What will students' school day look like?
- Online school will obviously look different in kindergarten than it will in fifth or eighth or twelfth grades - just like it does in regular school. Older students will have more assignments and will usually be expected to work more independently than younger learners.
- Students will likely spend a lot of time in Schoology, our learning management system (LMS), communicating with teachers and getting or doing assignments. Teachers will usually share new assignments with students in the morning, posting them in Schoology.
- Not all assignments will be graded, and not all will require iPads or laptops to complete. Technology is important to online learning, but we don’t want our students on their devices all day long.
- All teachers will be available to support students online from 10:00-2:00 each day, essentially for video instruction and office hours. Students may be invited to participate in real-time lessons or check-ins during this time.
- Most learning will be asynchronous, meaning students can work at their own pace and will usually not be doing the same thing at the same time.
