Frequently Asked Questions

Updated August 9, 2020

Students will participate in full online distance learning for the first half of the 2020-21 school year, beginning on Wednesday, August 19, 2020.

With full online distance learning, curriculum and instruction is delivered in a 100% distance education format, which uses online instruction, online class meetings, online exams, and online submission of projects and assignments.

Below are answers to some Frequently Asked Questions we have received from our community. Additional information is available on our district Schools Reopening webpages.

Q: When is the first day of school?
A: The 2020-21 school year begins Wednesday, August 19, 2020.

Q: What time does school start and end each day?
A: More specifics about the school schedule will be available soon.

Q: When are observed school holidays and inservice days?
A: During distance learning we will observe regularly scheduled holidays and inservice days. The weekly school calendar is available on the front page of our school’s website. The district approved calendar for the year listing holidays and inservice days is available on our school website calendar page. School calendars can be automatically added to your personal calendar by selecting the iCal feed at the top of the monthly calendar on the calendar page.

Q: Will there be Thursday minimum days?
A: There will not be minimum days during distance learning. However, on Wednesdays students will have a mix of morning class meetings, independent work and small group instruction.

Q: Do students go to school on Wednesday or is this a day off from school?
A: Wednesdays students will have a mix of morning class meeting, independent work and small group instruction.

Q: Is the school’s front office open? What hours is the front office open?
A: Staff will be available in school offices beginning August 10. From August 10-18 office hours are 8:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. Beginning August 19, office hours are 8 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.

CLASSROOM AND LEARNING INFORMATION

Q: What supplies does my child need at home the first day of school and throughout distance learning?
A: Teachers will be providing school supply lists and any other supplies needed.

Q: When can students pick up school materials, supplies and technology devices?
A. Each school site will have their own distribution dates for school materials and technology devices. Please check your school’s website for more information.

Q: What technology (devices and software) does my child need to be prepared for the first day of school?
A: Schools are required by Senate Bill (SB) 98 to ensure students and families have the devices and connectivity necessary to participate in distance learning. All students will be provided a Chromebook or iPad if they need one. More information about device pickup will be sent via email and posted on the school’s website. Evergreen School District will also provide internet hotspots for students and families that do not have internet service. Please email your principal if you need one.

Q: What technology will teachers use with students during distance learning?
A: The district’s learning platform for all school sites will be Google Classroom for grades 4-8, Seesaw for TK-3, and Elevation for English Language Learners. Zoom will be the video conferencing platform for our schools.

Q: What kinds of learning and technology help resources will be available to students and their families?

• Student ZoomDesk: Students will have the opportunity to call a homework help desk for support with school work.
• Technology Support Desk: Students and families will have access to tech support. Evergreen School District will make efforts to offer tech support in Spanish and Vietnamese.

More information, including website and telephone number information will be provided at a later date.

Q: Will students take tests?
A: Students will take exams and assessments to measure their learning. The approach to how these exams will be administered will be determined by the student’s teacher(s). Academic integrity policies will be followed.

Q. What is the grading structure for this school year?
A. The district is using a traditional grading model for grades 4-8, and primary grades will receive O,S,U, or N.

Q: Is parent training available on Google Classroom and Zoom?
A: Teachers will orient students and parents on using the classroom learning and communication platforms while going over other information at the beginning of the school year.

Q: Are textbooks provided for distance learning?
A: Both printed and online textbooks will be used. Check our website for how and when these materials will be distributed.

Q: Will there be Back to School night?
A: Each principal is planning their school’s Back To School night approach in a virtual format, and more information will be sent via email and posted on the school’s website.

COMMUNICATION: SCHOOL, CLASSROOM, and DISTRICT

Q: How can I keep up-to-date on distance learning and other important school information?
A: It is important to be registered on the PowerSchool Parent Portal. PowerSchool is the student information and communication system used by Evergreen School District. In elementary school, PowerSchool lets parents see their child's class schedule, see their child's report card, follow their attendance, and communicate with teachers. Parents can view PowerSchool information through a web browser at our ESD login page. Student information can also be accessed through a mobile phone app. Learn more about PowerSchool, how to login, register, and the PowerSchool mobile app.

Q: How does the school communicate with parents?
A. For the most current information, school websites are updated frequently with news and events from our school, PTO, Evergreen School District, and community. A weekly eNewsletter is mailed to all parents. Throughout the week you may also receive emails with important information. After you enroll your child in Evergreen School District, you are automatically registered to receive district approved community programs and events via PeachJar eflyers. Many schools are on Facebook, Instagram, and some are also on Twitter. See the front page of your school's website for links.

Q: How will my teacher communicate with parents?
A: Teachers will receive email addresses and phone numbers from the school when they receive their class lists. If you prefer that your child’s teacher(s) use a different phone number or email address to communicate with you, please provide this information to their teacher(s).

Q: Who is Johanna Villareal and why do I receive emails from her?
A: All Evergreen School District communications come from Johanna Villareal, director of board and administrative services. In addition to email and a weekly newsletter, the district uses Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube to communicate with Evergreen School District parents and our community. The district’s website www.eesd.org is a good parent resource and has a special section dedicated to schools reopening.

POLICY AND PROCEDURES

Q: If my child is sick or absent what do I do?
A: In accordance with SB 98 there are specific requirements for reporting attendance during distance learning. Student attendance is not optional. Schools must take students' attendance and participation under distance learning, or risk losing state funding. The district will work with students who miss more than 60% of their weekly participation rate on a re-engagement plan, including making home visits, if necessary.

Q: Will there be a requirement that students be seen on Zoom at all times during the instructional minutes to assure they are not only there when attendance is taken, but for the duration of the class?
A: Yes, students should be online during designated teaching times.

Q: Will lunch/meals be provided?
A: The district will be providing Grab and Go meals throughout the school year at five sites. For more information, to sign up for the school meal program, and to apply for the free and reduced school meal program, please visit the Child Nutritional Services webpage.

Q: Will there be before and/or after school child care programs?
A: Evergreen School District is responsive to the need of providing childcare options for families as we prepare to begin the school year in distance learning. ESD is partnering with Champions and the YMCA to offer full day childcare programs.

• Champions will be located at Cedar Grove Elementary School. Hours of operation are from 7 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. Children ages 4 years 9 months to 12 years old are eligible to attend. Priority registration will be given to returning families. The weekly tuition cost is $250.
• YMCA will be located at select locations. Hours of operation are from 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. TK through 8th grade students are eligible to attend. The weekly tuition cost is $270.

Champions and YMCA staff have agreed to assist students with distance learning during the school day. If you are interested in registering your child in either of these programs, please send an email to safetogether@eesd.org.