LHS Continuity of Learning Plan 2020 - 2021
With the COVID-19 outbreak, LHS utilized a task force of teachers, coaches, and administrators to develop and evaluate options to maximize our commitment to Academic Excellence and Christian Service in the 2020 – 2021 school year. The task force utilized input from parents, students, and teachers, along with guidelines provided by governmental, educational, and health care experts to develop our Continuity of Learning Plan for the 2020 – 2021 school year. This plan was implemented when classes returned on Thursday, August 13, 2020.
The Continuity of Learning Plan provides your children, our students, with an emphasis on safety and the best educational experience in these circumstances. The plan is based on the following assumptions:
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- Face-to-face school is the best mode of education for students
- Social distancing , hand washing/sanitizing, and face coverings help reduce disease transmission
- It is impossible to eliminate risk, we will however reduce risk
- Some individuals will be uncomfortable returning to group settings at this time
The plan was built to provide flexibility and inclusiveness, with the ultimate goal to minimize the impact of possible disruptions if situations change at any point in the year. To address this possibility, LHS is prepared for 3 possible modes of instruction which will allow us to move seamlessly to another education format if necessary:
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- In-Person . . . students on campus with modifications to the schedule and daily routine.
- Hybrid . . . half of the students on campus, and half attending remotely on alternating days.
- On-line . . . all students utilizing remote instruction at home.
Families that are uncomfortable sending their child to school have the option to sign a “Commitment to On-line Learning” form. These students are to remain at home using On-Line (#3 above) for the duration of the quarter for which this option is chosen. Please note, selecting On-line learning when In-Person or Hybrid are available will result in the student not being eligible to participate in any extra-curricular activities in that quarter.
Contingency planning requires that students, parents, teachers, and administrators be prepared to quickly transition to a different mode if campus, community , state or national circumstances warrant a change. LHS will evaluate the effectiveness of the plan every 9 weeks (each quarter), to assure proper balance of safety and educational experience is maintained.
In addition to the three possible modes of instruction, LHS implemented new practices and procedures to improve the safety of the school environment. Some of these modifications come at the cost of perceived comfort and convenience; however, the cooperation of ALL students, parents, and teachers, allows LHS to function and serve with the highest level of quality and care in these uncertain times. These practice and procedure modifications include, but are not limited to, the following:
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- All faculty, staff, students, and visitors are required to wear a mask/face covering at all times when inside the building.
- On campus students, faculty, and staff are screened daily prior to Block 1
- Building cleaning and disinfecting practices have been expanded and enhanced
- Parents and students are required to sign a “Commitment to Health” document
Lutheran High School is committed to providing an innovative learning environment that will equip and empower students for college and lifelong learning. Two key components of academics at Lutheran High include the 4×4 Block Schedule and the use of iPad technology.
4×4 BLOCK SCHEDULE
With the 4×4 Block Schedule, the school year is divided into two semesters, and the school day is divided into four instructional blocks of 80-minute periods. During the first semester, students are enrolled in four courses that meet daily. Courses once taught over the entire school year are now taught in one semester, similar to colleges and universities nationwide. At the end of the first semester, students receive one full credit for each course successfully completed and then enroll in four new courses for the second semester.
A 25-minute PRIME TIME period is built into the school day four days of the week. Students use this time to meet with teachers for extra help, to make up a test or quiz, or for quiet study. They also organize personal study groups, work on collaborative projects, or touch base with instructors for additional instruction in small groups. In addition, PRIME TIME can be used by student organizations for meetings and planning time. Some students elect to carry out small group Bible studies, small service projects, or meet with college representatives.
The 4×4 block schedule provides a number of advantages for students:
- Deeper inquiry into subject matter. Increased contact time in the classroom and student discretionary periods provide further opportunity to ask questions.
- Less stressful schedule. Rather than managing 7 classes at once, the student can focus on four courses at a time.
- More time for reflection and concentration. Student focus is less fragmented by a multitude of study tasks at a time.
- More options for electives and advanced courses both at LHS and local colleges.
- Improved preparation for the ACT. Each student will have completed more overall coursework prior to taking the ACT.
- More time on task and less time used for shifting from class to class throughout the day.
- Preparation for college and life. Focusing on 4 classes each term simulates both a college schedule and work pace.
- Students graduate with 32 credits, well above the 24 credits required by the state of Missouri.
iPAD TECHNOLOGY
As a leader in academic excellence, Lutheran High School recognizes that students learn best when they are actively engaged. Our 1 to 1 Technology Program utilizing the iPad helps our teachers to effectively engage 21st century learners.
Students use their iPads to:
- track assignments, homework and grades
- access the Internet to research information needed for class projects
- create online presentations
- collaborate with classmates on a group project
- compose essays and create projects
- use a variety of apps required for certain classes
- read electronic books, newspapers and magazines
All students are required to supply their own iPads for their studies at LHS. The specific requirements are outlined below:
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Each student will provide his/her own iPad. Other tablets, e-readers, Chromebooks, laptops, etc. are not compatible with the expectations for students.
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The most recent generation of iPad Pro, iPad Air, or the iPad, wi-fi only, with at least 64GB of storage should provide new students with the tool needed for all four years of high school. Please consult apple.com/ipad for the most up-to-date information on pricing and options.
Students are strongly encouraged to purchase an iPad case that will fully protect their device. LHS does not recommend specific vendors; however, the following sites are provided for you as suggestions. You can also find cases at local stores such as Walmart, Office Depot, Target and Best Buy. We recommend that you read reviews and research the best solution for you.
OTTERBOX | DUX | SPECK
All students are required to have an Apple ID. To set up a new account, click here.
All new students will have an orientation to the iPad as part of the New Student Orientation day in August. If the purchase of the iPad presents too large of a financial burden for your family, please contact the school office; we are willing and able to assist you.
LHS TECHNOLOGY ACCEPTABLE USE POLICY
