Self-Paced Virtual Instructional Program

Below is the NCS VIP Commitment for Success.  It is intended to outline the agreements and expectations for students in our virtual learning environment.  Students and parents are expected to review this at the beginning of their enrollment with VIP and again at the beginning of any subsequent year.

Introduction

Students who apply for the Fall Semester are committing for the entire year.  Students who apply for the Spring Semester are committing for the rest of the current year only.

Students must re-apply each Spring to continue in the Fall. 

Participation in the program is 100% self-paced.

All students will complete learning modules through the Edgenuity platform with the support of certified facilitators. Learners will also have asynchronous access to Concept Coaching through Edgenuity. 

Learners are expected to abide by these guidelines and requirements set forth by the Newton County School System, which are outlined in the Student Code of Conduct.

The Newton County Schools Student Code of Conduct can be accessed here: https://www.newtoncountyschools.org/students/codes_of_conduct.

Students in 3rd-8th grade choosing this virtual learning experience will progress from grade to grade based on the same expectations as students in traditional classrooms.

The minimum passing score for grades 4-8 is 70%.  Grade 3 uses a 1, 2, 3, 4 rating scale for grade level standards.  Level 2 is the minimum "passing" score for 3rd Grade.

Student Readiness for and Success in an Online Learning Environment

Student Requirements for Success:

• Commit to the virtual instructional program for the entire 24-25 school year. (July 29, 2024-May 22, 2025)*

                       *If accepted for 2nd Semester, the remainder of the school year, January 7, 2025-May 22, 2025.

• Maintain adequate academic progress. If a student fails more than one class, they will be placed on academic probation and if they fail to maintain a grade point average of 70 or above during two consecutive 4.5 week grading periods, they can be removed from the program.

• Follow both VIP and the base school communication feeds for updates of schoolactivities.

• Maintain timely progress in courses and meet required deadlines.
  

• Maintain communication with facilitators during the year to discuss progress and learning goals.

• Follow all course requirements, including notetaking, studying for tests and quizzes, and following virtual learning rules.

• Attend the Beginning of Year (BOY) virtual orientation with program staff (or beginning of semester for 2nd semester).

• Adhere to all academic integrity requirements outlined in the NCS Student Code of Conduct.

Parent Requirements for Success

• Agree to keep your student enrolled in the Virtual Instructional Program for the entire 24-25 school year. (July 29, 2024- May 22, 2025).

• Required to attend parent orientations/open house.

• Follow your student's zoned school communication feeds for updates of class/program activities.
  

• Ensure your student has reliable access to Internet.
  

• Supervise and monitor your student to make sure they are making adequate progress.
  

• Initiate communication with, ask questions of, and follow up with your student's assigned facilitator regularly and in a timely manner.

Adequate academic progress is defined as earning at least a Standards-Based Level 2 (3rd Grade students only) or at least a grade of 70% (Grades 4-12) each 9-week grading period or as their rolling cumulative total. Middle and High school students are provided progress reports every 4.5 weeks and elementary students every 9 weeks. 

If a student fails to make adequate academic progress by the end of the 9-week period, the student will be placed on academic probation for the next 9-week grading period.  

Students not passing more than 2 courses at the semester break will be considered for placement back at their home school for the Spring Semester.  


Acceptable Use

Itis the responsibility ofthe learner to know the contents of any Acceptable Use Policies found in the Student Code of Conduct of Newton County Schools.

Academic Benchmarks

Newton County Schools is committed to high academic standards and will require virtual students to validate learning by participating in assessments as required by the state of Georgia and the local school system:

Students enrolled in the NCS Virtual Instruction Program must complete grade appropriate state and local assessments.

Virtual learners will be notified of dates and locations of applicable tests.  When permitted to do so, NCS will administer assessments virtually; however, NCS is not allowed to administer state assessments virtually. Parents/guardians will be responsible for ensuring students report in-person for state assessments.

Information relative to specific grade-level testing will be communicated by school administration.

Facilitators

Facilitators work part-time in the evenings and sometimes weekends to serve your student. 

Newton County Schools Facilitator will provide:


·       Program orientation, set-up, and navigation assistance

·       Content learning support

·       Goal-setting andprogress monitoring

·       Email support

·       Weekly progress reports

Student Commitments

I have read, and I understand the requirements for online learning readiness.

I accept the responsibilityfor the preparation needed to complete virtual learning.

I am aware that I must meet attendance requirements to remain active in the course.

I will organize my time, communicate with my faciltator as needed, and contribute positively to the online learning process. 

I understand that any school property is checked  out to me for  academic purposes  is my responsibility to care for and return it in good condition.

I understand that if I do not meet the above criteria, I may be in jeopardy of losing my enrollment status.

I agree to adhere to all academic integrity requirements outlined in the NCS Student Code of Conduct.

Parent Commitments

I understand there is an expected adequate academic progress provision for my student, and I understand the consequences of my student not meeting that academic progress during the probationary period.

I am aware of attendance and participation requirements for my child.

If any school property is checked out to mystudent for academic purposes,Iunderstand andagree,if lost or broken, the cost or repair or replacement will be my responsibility.

I understand for secondary students it is important to note that the following courses are not available in the Edgenuity platform: Band, Chorus, and some CTAE courses.  

I understand that by enrolling in VIP, my student is not able to participate in the following programs or schools: STEAM Academy, STEM, ALANHS, ROTC, or Newton College & Career Academy.

I understand if my student does not meet the above stated criteria, they may be in jeopardy of being dropped from enrollment with VIP and for high school students, not receiving credit for the class.

I understand that VIP high school courses do not meet NCAA eligibility guidelines.

I understand that in some cases, my student and/or myself may be required to come into the school building for face-to-face conferences.

I understand that my student will be required to come into the school building to take standardized assessments.

I understand there may be home visits made by school system staff to check on the student and family’s well-being.

I understand I must provide reliable internet service.