DLA Newsletter 14

As we move deeper into the school year, I find myself reflecting on the incredible dedication of our families. At the very core of our district’s mission is the commitment to empowering every student to reach their highest potential. However, a mission is only words on a page until it is lived out and we live it out through our partnership with you.

In the Distance Learning Academy, your home is an extension of our classrooms. We recognize the unique challenges and the profound beauty of navigating education from home, and we want you to know how deeply we value your involvement. Study after study shows that when parents and families are actively engaged, students not only achieve higher academic success but also experience greater emotional well-being and confidence. You are your child's first and most important teacher, and your daily encouragement, patience, and support are the true engines of their success. We simply cannot do this important work without you.

Because this partnership is so essential, our upcoming Parent-Teacher Conferences are one of the most important events of our semester. This is a dedicated time for us to listen to your insights, celebrate your child’s growth, and collaborate on how we can best support their unique journey.

Please mark your calendars for our upcoming conference dates:

• Nov. 19 and Nov. 24: K–12+ Conferences · 3:30–7:00 p.m.

• Nov. 25: No School for students — Conferences, 7:30–11:00 a.m.

Below are the dates and times for each of the teachers below. If the times listed do not overlap your calendar, please know that our teachers always are able to talk through any concerns that you may be experiencing at home. We are here to listen, to support, and to walk alongside you.

Thank you for opening your homes to us and for your unwavering dedication to your children. Together, we are creating a community where every student can truly thrive.

With deep gratitude,

Principal Treichel

For all of our math students, I wanted to let you know that Ms. Burrow will be out on a medical leave for the next month. Until her return, we have a great plan to ensure all our students receive the very best support. Peter Osterberg, our math online tutor, has agreed to support these courses until the return of Ms. Burrow. Many of you already know Mr. Osterberg because you have scheduled tutoring sessions with him.

Mr. Osterberg is a retired master math instructor. He is great at meeting each student where they are at. His availability remains the same during the week. You can book his time like you would for a tutoring session if you need extra support.

To Parents and Guardians, if you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to reach out to me.

Mr. Treichel

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!

To help families stay connected to their student's learning journey, progress reports will be sent out starting this evening. These reports are a wonderful tool to foster curiosity about your student's academic growth and check in on their habits.

As you review the report together, keep an eye on two key indicators of progress:

• On-Target Grade: This percentage reflects the assignments and assessments your student has completed and had graded by their teacher. It also measures pacing. If a student falls behind or misses a due date, our gradebook temporarily places a zero as a placeholder to reflect current standing until the work is submitted.

• Time on Task: This metric tracks active engagement time while your student is directly working within the learning content. It automatically excludes idle time (such as when a student steps away from their device).

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