DLA Newsletter 5

Congratulations on officially wrapping up our first week of school! Whether you are a returning student or stepping into virtual learning for the very first time, completing these opening days is a milestone worth celebrating.

If we are being completely honest, the first few days of online learning can feel a little clumsy. Navigating new platforms, tracking down assignment links, managing schedules, and troubleshooting tech glitches can feel like trying to solve a puzzle in the dark. If you caught yourself feeling overwhelmed or hesitant at any point this week, I want to reassure you: you are right on track.

This initial awkwardness is actually where the real magic happens. Online learning isn't just about absorbing facts; it is about developing crucial life skills: critical thinking, proactive problem-solving, and self-advocacy.

When something doesn't work as expected on your screen or a concept feels confusing, view it as your first test in critical thinking:

• Pause and troubleshoot: Did you re-read the instructions? Did you try refreshing or checking a different browser?

• Think through alternatives: Is there another way to approach the problem while you wait for a fix?

• Advocate for yourself: This is the most important piece. Knowing when to raise your hand and say, "I've tried a few solutions and I'm still stuck—can you help me figure this out?" is not a weakness. It is the ultimate strength of a successful learner. Our teachers, support staff, and leadership team are here precisely for those moments. Never hesitate to reach out.

Learning anything new requires muscle memory. What felt clumsy on Monday will feel a little more natural by next Wednesday. By the end of Week 2, you won't just be navigating your courses—you will be running the show like absolute pros.

Take a breath, step away from your screens, and enjoy a well-deserved weekend. We are so proud of your resilience this week, and we can’t wait to see you back in class on Tuesday!

Remember that we do not have school on Monday! Labor Day!

Principal Treichel

Rather than waiting for Friday progress reports, Sensei puts live learning data right at your fingertips. By logging in regularly, you can:

• Track Real-Time Progress: View completed coursework, time spent on learning tasks, and current skill mastery whenever it fits your schedule.

• Support Learning at Home: Quickly spot concepts where your student is thriving, as well as topics where they might need a little extra encouragement or practice.

• Strengthen Communication: Have meaningful, data-informed conversations with your child's teachers throughout the school year.

Please watch for the Edmentum Sensei Email and follow the directions to set up your account. For security reasons the link is only available for 36 hours. If the link expires please call our office at 651-674-1051 so that we can resend the activation link.

As students wrap up a unit, you will notice that the final post-test is locked. To ensure every student is supported, all post-tests must be proctored by Mr. Pirrie. You can unlock and take your test in one of two ways:

• Option 1 (In-Person): Visit Mr. Pirrie’s classroom at North Branch Area High School on Mondays or Tuesdays.

• Option 2 (Online): Schedule a live Google Meet session with Mr. Pirrie by following the booking steps below.

Plan Ahead for Success; Because setting up testing time requires coordination, please do not wait until the last minute!

1. Monitor Daily Progress: Keep an eye on your coursework so you know when a test is coming up.

2. Book Early: Schedule your Google Meet or plan your in-person visit 1 to 2 days in advance.

3. Complete & Unlock: Log into your scheduled Google Meet (or drop by in person) to take the test.

As soon as you finish the test with Mr. Pirrie, he will unlock your assignments for the next unit so you can keep moving forward. Thank you for your proactive effort!

As we settle into the new school year, we are preparing for our upcoming Fall Reading and Math District Assessments. This information helps teachers understand your child's learning needs and tailor instruction to support their academic growth.

Student Participation Requirements

• Grades K–8: All students are assigned to take the Fall Reading and Math assessments.

• Grades 9–12: Testing follows a gated procedure. Specific criteria and detailed information regarding high school participation will be shared in an upcoming communication.

Testing Schedule

• Reading & Math Testing: September 23rd – September 24th

• Makeup Testing: September 25th

Virtual Access & Setup

• Format: All testing will take place virtually via Google Meet.

• Invites: Personalized Google Meet invites with exact test times and session links will be sent directly to both parent and student email addresses in the coming days.

• Preparation: To ensure a smooth testing experience, please ensure your student has a quiet workspace and a fully charged device ready on their assigned test date.

Thank you for your continued partnership in your child’s education. Please reach out if you have any questions!

The 2026-27 Student/Parent Handbook is available for download below. The handbook contains important information and clarity of processes and procedures that families need to know; Parents/guardians and students will be better set up for success by being familiar with its contents. For access to the handbook throughout the school year, information can be found on the Parent/Student Resources webpage. If you would like a paper copy of the Student/Parent Handbook please contact Pakou Lee at 651-674-1011 or plee@isd138.org.

As we prepare for the upcoming school year, we want to partner with students, families, and staff to ensure that cell phone and personal electronic device use supports a safe, respectful, and focused learning environment across all North Branch Area Public School campuses.

1. Responsible Use and Care
Students are welcome to bring personal electronic devices (cell phones, tablets, smartwatches, earbuds, etc.) to school. We encourage students to care for their devices and keep them secure, as the district cannot be responsible for loss, damage, or theft.

2. Supporting Learning During the School Day

• To help everyone stay engaged and distraction-free, devices should be turned off or set to airplane mode during instructional time.

• At North Branch Area High School, devices are placed in the secure classroom caddie upon entering the Media Center and or distance learning classroom, ensuring the focus remains on collaboration and academic success.

• Earbuds, headphones, and smartwatches follow the same expectations as cell phones to maintain consistency and fairness.

3. Respecting Privacy and Safety

• We value everyone’s right to privacy. Recording, photographing, or live-streaming others is only allowed with their express permission.

• These guidelines ensure our school remains a safe and welcoming place for all.

4. Supporting Individual Needs

• Students with documented medical needs that require device access may use them as outlined in their plan, while still honoring the overall expectations.

• Academic exceptions are made when devices enhance learning and are used under staff guidance.

By working together and using our devices thoughtfully, we create an environment where everyone can focus, feel respected, and succeed.

While on campus, it is important that you are aware of our district safety standard response protocols. Below is each protocol and then what is expected of the students and staff.

North Branch Area Public Schools App! Stay up-to-date with access to district and Distance Learning Academy events, documents, news from administrators, student stories, and even emergency notifications. You can download the app for free on Google Play or Apple App Store.

Download for Android https://bit.ly/3phcIA7

Download for iPhone https://apple.co/3p6NNPA