Remote Learning
As you are aware, Governor Baker has closed Massachusetts schools through at least May 4, 2020 in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. Whittier Tech continues to provide remote learning opportunities during the school closure period. These learning opportunities will be aimed primarily at reinforcing and strengthening concepts already learned. Students are expected to participate in these services to the extent possible and will be graded on a pass/fail basis. If you are concerned about your child being able to access or participate in any of these services, please contact Chris Laganas to discuss your concerns.
Since Whittier Tech has been a 1:1 school for some time, we are utilizing our experiences and resources with technology to continue the learning opportunities for our students. These services may involve one or more of the following: emailing assignments to be completed; online, pre-recorded, or virtual lessons; and/or video conferencing and telephone calls. The precise tools to be used may depend on the student and teacher.
Since we expect at least some of the remote learning to be conducted by virtual, telephonic, or other means, Whittier Tech reminds the school community about the importance of protecting the participants’ privacy and of maintaining a safe, respectful environment conducive to learning. Thus, the school district expects all participants (including but not limited to students, teachers, parents, guardians, and other staff) to adhere to the following expectations in virtual, telephonic, online or electronic sessions (collectively referred to as “remote sessions,” regardless of technology used):
Participants will not share the links to the remote sessions with others or otherwise invite or allow others to participate in the remote services, without the school district’s express consent.
Participants agree to participate in remote sessions in a quiet, private area free of distraction, to the extent practicable, to provide an environment conducive to learning and to protect the students’ and other participants’ privacy.
To the extent virtual technologies are used, participants acknowledge other participants in the remote sessions will see whatever is visible by the participants’ webcam or other device, including but not limited to themselves, their children, and portions of their homes. Likewise, participants acknowledge that they will see whatever is broadcasted by other participants. Accordingly, participants are encouraged to participate in remote sessions in appropriate locations and to safeguard information they would not wish to be shared.
Participants understand that certain information that may be protected under, among other laws, FERPA, the IDEA, HIPPA, and the Massachusetts Student Records regulations, might be disclosed in the course of remote sessions. Participants agree not to share any confidential student record information for any other students with third-parties or other not participating in the specific remote session.
Participants agree to behave in a manner conducive to learning, to the extent possible. Pertinent district policies and rules, including but not limited to those prohibiting cyberbullying and any acceptable use policies, apply during remote sessions. Students and family members shall refrain from sharing inappropriate visuals or using inappropriate language during remote sessions. The school district reserves the right to remove from any remote session any participant who violates these rules or is not acting appropriately. The school district also reserves the right to suspend students from remote sessions and to impose additional consequences when school resumes, if a student commits disciplinary offenses during or in connection with the remote sessions.
In addition, recording the remote sessions, however provided (e.g., by video conference, pre-recorded lesson, phone call), without consent, may be prohibited by state and federal law, including the Massachusetts wiretapping law and FERPA. Participants agree not to record in any way (e.g., video or audio recording, screenshots, or photographs) the remote sessions unless otherwise agreed to in advance and in writing by all applicable parties. This prohibition applies to remote sessions provided individually and in a group setting.
Your participation, or that of your child in any remote sessions arranged by Whittier Tech means you agree to the terms set forth in this letter and will not hold Whittier Tech liable for release of any student or personal information. In addition, Whittier Tech understands that you have consented to your child using the technology used to access remote sessions.
If your child is eligible for special education or English language learner services, you will receive additional information from your child’s service provider(s) regarding your child’s access to the remote learning opportunities and special education services during the school closures. You may also receive information regarding electronic communication and remote Team meetings, as appropriate.
If your child receives special education services and you have not received a call from your child’s liaison (special education contact teacher) to discuss your child’s remote learning plan by April 17, please contact Patricia Lowell or 978-373-4101, ext 213.
If you have any questions or if you are unable or unwilling to abide by these provisions, please contact Chris Laganas or 978-373-4101, ext 216.