What type of instruction will students be given?
Lower School - Schedule and lesson plans will be mailed out each Monday via email beginning March 23rd. 2nd through 5th-grade work needs to be brought back to school Mondays from 8:00 am - 4 pm. A drop off box will be provided at the entrance to the Lower School.
Middle School - Students will receive assignments through Google Classroom (this includes Google Meet, videos, links, etc.) beginning Monday, March 23rd. Assignments will be due throughout the week.
Upper School – Students will receive assignments through Renweb (FACTS) SIS and LMS. (This has been their current method of receiving assignments) They will utilize high technology PDF formatted lessons and assignments which may include Google Classroom, Google Meet, Google/LMS Chat, zoom, youtube videos, math XL or other links to help with lesson presentations, assignments and assessments.
- Teachers will be emailing their students to provide specific instruction from time to time.
Why is MCA using this format of instruction?
This plan is focused on facilitating lesson presentation in a way that suits the needs of our students. This learning allows groups of students to study independently at different times and locations from each other, without real-time communication taking place. This format allows us to provide student-centered learning and with increased flexibility.
What can parents and students expect of teachers?
Teachers will be available during virtual office hours. The virtual office hours are 9-11 and 1-3 and or by appointment.
Teachers will monitor student work and provide feedback within a 24 to 48-hour time frame.
Teachers will respond to student questions in a timely manner (24 to 48 hours). Remember that some teachers have 100 students or more and it may take a longer time to respond to each student.
What are the expectations of students?
· Students' assignment completion time will be given by each individual teacher for Grades 6th through 12th.
· If students have questions (including technology-related questions), they need to contact their content area teacher first.
· Teachers will respond within the virtual office hours each day. The virtual office hours are 9-11 and 1-3 and or by appointment. Teachers will actively monitor email and do their best to get back with you each day.
How much work will my student be expected to complete?
Amounts of work are largely dependent upon the grade level. A student will not be asked to complete unreasonable amounts of work, and activities should not require initial instruction from parents/guardians or other caretakers. A student may need some assistance just as they would on typical homework. If work becomes overwhelming and time-consuming, please make a note for your student’s teacher and move on to the next activity. Please communicate with your student’s teacher.
What if my student has questions or needs tutorials?
Teachers will have plans and activities posted no later than 8 a.m. on Monday morning for the coming week and will be available to answer questions via email from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. to 3 p.m and or by appointment. While teachers will respond to emails during office hours, secondary teachers each may have upwards of 100 students and there could be a slight delay in responses. Each school principal is also available via email to answer questions.
How many days does my student have to complete assignments?
Each student will be given due dates by their teacher to complete his/her required activities. Additional time will be given if circumstances warrant it or if required per accommodations.
US Dual Credit courses will have varying due dates for assignments in alignment with the college course syllabus.
When will the school year-end?
The school year will end as per our school calendar. We do not foresee extending the year at this point.
When will this type of instruction end?
During this unprecedented time, MCA continues to work with local and state health officials to meet the needs of students at a distance. We are taking the situation day by day and look forward to communicating updates.
What if my student receives Directed Studies Services?
Many services can be provided online, including specially designed instruction. Paramount will be continued progress monitoring to ensure students are not slipping.
Your student’s Directed Studies teacher will work with classroom teachers to ensure work is appropriate and accommodations given when necessary.
The education of our students is dependent on our entire community. While the idea of online instruction or blended learning is not new to our instructional team, moving instruction fully online is a journey that we will all navigate together.
Please reach out directly to your Directed Studies teacher for guidance on your child.
My student is worried about AP/ACT testing?
The College Board has provided updated information on AP testing including late testing options. In MCA, we are planning on the regular test dates but may move to alternative dates if needed. Keep learning and studying!
We will communicate with you regarding ACT testing and provide information as the College Board communicates with us. Keep learning and studying! Don’t forget the resources on Naviance and Khan Academy.
Will admissions continue?
Yes, we will be developing virtual tours and will continue to communicate with new and prospective students and their families. If you know of someone who wants or is looking for a Christian Education, please refer them to Elaine Mayberry at elaine.mayberry@christianacademy.org. Our families are our best resources in referring people to come to MCA.
If you have any questions please email questions@mckinneychristian.org and we will respond as quickly as possible.