What is a Flexible Learning Day?
A Flex Learning Day allows students to continue their learning through educational engagement provided by the teacher for completion of work outside of the traditional classroom. A Flex Learning Day also provides a positive opportunity to approach learning in a different setting when Minnesota weather dictates the closing of school. As part of the flex learning process, students will be given the necessary resources for each class/subject in order to successfully complete their learning.
Expectations for a Flex Learning Day
Lessons will be provided in a grade level choice board. Lessons will be specific to each grade level K-6.
Teachers are responsible for taking student attendance through completion of assigned grade level choice boards. Attendance taking will consist of parent verification that one activity will be completed from each column on the grade level choice board. Parents/Guardians will sign the choice board, and the student will return it to their homeroom teacher within two school days or they will be counted absent for that day. Teachers will also send home a paper copy of their choice board with each student. The choice boards will also be posted online in English and Spanish. Teachers are expected to be available electronically, via email, from 8:00am to 3:00pm on Flex Learning Days.
Students with an Individualized Education Plan will follow lessons provided by their classroom teachers and/or lessons modified by their caseworkers online or otherwise (hard copies, projects, reading, etc.)
Why do we need Flex Learning Days?
Due to the extreme weather conditions that happen over the winter months in Minnesota that affect decision-making on ensuring student safety, the Medford School District is making use of Flex Learning Days as an alternative to adding student school days/professional development days to the end/beginning of the existing/next school year and to keep students active in their learning during days that school is closed due to extreme weather conditions.
How will students, parents, and staff be notified that there is a Flex Learning Day?
The school will communicate to all parents (K-12), students and all staff through our District Messenger System (Infinite Campus), which is currently being used for any weather related announcements. In the message being sent it will state/read that this school closure day is a Flex Learning Day. Scheduled Flex Learning days during the school year will also be posted on the distinct calendar.
What will happen if students do not complete Flex Learning Day assignments?
Flex learning assignments are treated like every other assignment given in class. They must be completed, otherwise the student will receive an unexcused absence for that day. Students will have two school days beyond the Flex Learning Day to complete all assigned work for the Flex Learning Day. Parents will notify the school if there are circumstances beyond their control.
Is technology required for our Flex Learning Days?
No, technology is not required for a Flex Learning Day.
Will teachers be available to me if I have questions?
Teachers will be available to students via email from 8:00am-3:00pm on a Flex Learning Day.
How many Flex learning days are possible?
The Minnesota Department of Education allows for a maximum of FIVE Flex Learning Days that can be used in one school year.
*Flex Day attendance will be based on the completion of your child's Flex Learning Day Choice Card (This card must also be signed be a parent or guardian before returning)
