DLA Newsletter 4

Welcome to the start of an extraordinary school year! It was so wonderful seeing familiar faces and meeting new faces during our parent-teacher conferences this week. Success is built on partnership, and connecting face to face, even in our virtual campus, is a wonderful way to start the school year.

Our official first day of school is Tuesday, September 1, and as we count down the final days, I want to emphasize the importance of starting out strong. Success in distance learning isn't accidental; it is built on the routines, positive habits, and strong connections established in these very first weeks.

Setting the Stage for Success

While online learning offers incredible flexibility, it thrives on structure and community. I encourage every student to focus on three core goals to launch the year:

• Build Positive Habits: Set up a dedicated, quiet workspace free from distractions, and establish a consistent daily sleep and study schedule before Tuesday.

• Connect with Your Teachers: "Distance" learning should never feel isolated. Jump in with camera-on engagement and reach out to your teachers early. Our teachers are here to guide and support you, and building those relationships from day one makes a world of difference.

• Take Ownership: Log into your learning platform daily, track your assignments, and actively communicate whenever you need help.

Key Items for Next Week

Please ensure the following dates and events are marked on your family calendar:

• Monday, August 31 – Concluding Parent/Teacher/Student Conferences: We will wrap up our initial conferences. Thank you to all the families who have met with us to set goals and pave the way for a smooth launch. I look forward to meeting families that signed up on Monday!

• Tuesday, September 1 – First Day of School & Mandatory Student Orientations: This is our official start! All students are required to join their virtual orientation sessions to meet me, review course expectations, and learn how to navigate our learning tools.

Thank you for your dedication and partnership as we embark on this exciting journey together. Please review the remainder of this newsletter below for orientation time slots, login credentials, and tech support resources.

Principal Treichel

If you have not signed up for our required Welcome Back Conference, there are still some time slots available on Monday, August 31st. This is a time to meet face-to-face, review expectations, discuss new procedures for the 2026-2027 school year and ask questions.

Conference Dates & Registration Links

• Monday, August 31st (9:00 AM – 6:00 PM): [Click Here to Reserve Your August 31st Slot]

🗓️Google Calendar Navigation Tip: When you click the August 31st appointment link, the calendar may open to the current week by default. Please click the arrow controls within Google Calendar to navigate forward to August 31st to view and select your preferred time slot.

Location North Branch Area Education Center — Office of Teaching and Learning / Principal DLA Office

What We’ll Cover During Your Visit

• Student & Family Orientation: Review online learning strategies, coursework layout, attendance guidelines, academic integrity policies and Tips and Tricks.

• Connections & Support: Chance to meet your teachers and start building that partnership which is so critical to student success.

• School Business: Get school pictures taken and pick up your student's Chromebook.

Please note: Completing this conference before the first day of school is required for all DLA students. If you cannot make either date work, please reach out to Dana Johnson at 651-674-1051 right away to arrange an alternate setup time.

We look forward to partnering with you for a year filled with connection, achievement, and Viking pride!

Student Orientations are a required and vital first step for every student to launch a successful school year at Distance Learning Academy. Attendance is mandatory as we use this time to set high expectations, review daily schedules, and clarify student responsibilities so everyone is equipped to thrive from day one.

Students will receive an email invitation containing their specific session link, and the event will automatically populate directly onto their student Google Calendar.

Orientation Schedule

Grades 6–8 Tuesday, September 18:00 AM – 9:00 AM [Link to Google Meet]

Grades 9–10 Tuesday, September 19:30 AM – 10:30 AM [Link to Google Meet]

Grades 11–12 Tuesday, September 111:00 AM – 12:00 PM [Link to Google Meet]

Follow these steps to make sure you get into your orientation session smoothly

Important: If you are signed into a personal Gmail account, you will not be able to join the meeting.

• Google Calendar: Open your school Google Calendar—the orientation will already be listed there. Click the event, then click "Join with Google Meet."
• Gmail: Check your school inbox for your orientation invite and click the Google Meet link inside.
• Newsletter Link: Click the direct link for your grade level in the schedule table above.

Check Your Video & Audio

• When prompted by your browser, click "Allow" to grant permission for your camera and microphone.

• Turn your camera ON so your teachers can see you!

Once you see your video preview, click the blue "Join Now" button to enter the room.

If you can not get logged in please call Dana Johnson at 651-674-1051

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.

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