Virtual Learning

Dexter Community Schools is pleased to announce that we will be continuing to offer a full-time, or part-time, virtual learning option for grades Y5-8 utilizing the Lincoln Learning online platform. The curriculum is aligned with state standards.

Dexter Community Schools Supports:

Courses will be taught by a Michigan certified teacher.
Dexter Community Schools will provide a certified teacher mentor to each student for additional support.
Students will be issued a district-owned device (Chromebook or iPad) to complete coursework remotely.
Counseling and Special Education programs will continue to be provided.
Virtual learners are eligible to participate in DCS extracurricular activities and enjoy the benefits and amenities of being part of the district while working remotely.

Student Expectations:

Students are required to communicate their weekly progress via email, or phone call, with their assigned DCS mentor.
For grades Y5-5, parents/guardians are able to provide this communication for their learner.

Have questions? Need support? Please contact:

Virtual Learning Support Coach

Ann Pregont

734-424-4150 ext. 5160

pregonta@dexterschools.org

Lincoln Learning Intro

Lincoln Learning Course Preview

BUZZ/LINCOLN LEARNING TOTUORIALS

Buzz Student Tutorials

Resources for students for navigating the Buzz learning management system (LMS), understanding course content, and taking assessments

Navigation

Course Content

Assessments

Grades

Course Tools and Features

Virtual Program Q & A

Virtual Learning Questions/Answers

Q: Can my student complete core classes online and come to the school to do “specials or electives” in the building?

A: Yes, depending on the courses that your student is taking online they can come to take specials/electives in the building to supplement their learning.

Q: Will my child have classmates while online that they get the opportunity to interact with during the school year?

A: Classes will depend on the number of students that enroll in online learning per grade level with elementary students. Students work through courses independently. Depending on the course and grade level mentors may provide opportunities where students interact.

Q: If I have a student with an IEP or 504 plan will my student receive the support they are entitled to from their plans?

A: 504 plans and IEP’s are still supported through an online learning platform. Your child’s case manager will continue to implement the program services and accommodations as identified in their IEP/504 plan through the virtual learning platform.

Q: If my student is enrolled online are they still eligible to participate in sports and other extracurricular activities?

A: Yes, online students in Dexter Community schools are students of the district and are eligible to participate in sports and other extracurricular clubs and activities. The same academic eligibility requirements apply to online students as they do for traditional students.

Q: Will my student have access to technology to support their online learning?

A: Yes, students will be allowed to use a district Chromebook and if a home does not have internet access the district will coordinate efforts to provide internet access if needed.

Q: How will this affect my student’s ability to graduate or participate in college athletics?

A: The online high school credit courses are accredited and count towards a student’s graduation requirements. Selected high school courses are also NCAA approved.

Q: Are the due dates for graded assignments flexible?

A: Students will receive a pacing guide outlining weekly due dates for each course. Students are encouraged to stay on pace and will only receive credit for assignments that are successfully submitted. If the student receives a below passing grade on an assignment, the instructor will provide feedback and will give the opportunity to resubmit. High school courses will have strict deadlines and timelines due to credit requirements.

Q: What interactions will the students have with their teacher?

A: Students will have Lincoln Learning teachers and a DCS teacher mentor to help monitor progress and support learning. Both will be available for additional support via zoom, or email. How can parents/guardians monitor progress or upcoming assignments? Parents/Guardians will be able to request an “observer” account and will be provided their own login credentials to view their students progress/grades.

Q: Does the DCS virtual program follow the same calendar as the in-person students?

A: Yes, virtual students will follow the board approved calendar. Blackout dates will be added to virtual courses so work is not assigned during those days.

Q: Will my student have the option to return to in-person school during the year?

A: Virtual students will have the opportunity to transition back in the classroom at the Semester. Please contact Ann Pregont (pregonta@dexterschools.org) if you would like to make the transition.

Q: Are there supplemental course materials or supplies that will be provided?

A: Yes, your student will receive a workbook for each class as well as supplies needed to complete off-line projects.

Q: Can we load our own apps on DCS devices?

A: No, if you need something added, please contact the tech team and they can assist you.

Q: We are using our personal devices. Can we load DCS apps on them?

A: It depends on the app. Please contact the tech team for assistance.

PRINTING AND OTHER TECHNICAL QUESTIONS

CAN I PRINT FROM MY DCS DEVICE?

You can print from a Chromebook if you use a cable to connect to your printer, or you can print wirelessly if you have it set up. Please see this Google support article for more info.
You can print from an iPad if you have an air-print enabled printer.
Students can also save documents in their Google drive and log into their Google account on a home computer and print the document using your existing set-up.

Where do I find my student's Email and network login?

Student emails follow this format: firstname.lastname@dexterschools.org. Use their proper name, not nickname.
The network login for Chromebooks is your student's email. The network login for MacBook Airs follows this format: twodigitgradyearlastnamefirstintial. So, for Bob Smith, class of 2024, the network login would be: 24smithb.
The default student PowerSchool ID is usually their student ID number. If that does not work, please contact your school secretary for assistance. Or, if you reset your own password in the past but can't recall it use the password reset link under the PowerSchool sign-in boxes.

WHAT IS SECURLY?

Securly is a safety filter we use to keep kids safe while surfing the internet. Sometimes it will block internet sites if you aren't logged in. If, for example, you can't view a youtube video on your student's device, you should have them log into their google account, refresh the page, and try again.

CAN WE LOAD OUR OWN APPS ON DCS DEVICES?

No. If you need something added, please contact the tech team and they can assist you.

we are using our personal devices. can we load dcs apps on them?

It depends on the app. Please contact the tech team for assistance.

HAVE A QUESTION YOU WOULD LIKE TO SEE ANSWERED HERE?

Send us your request. (Don't use that email for tech help, only for suggested questions to answer here. The Tech Department will give you the most accurate and efficient info when you have a question!)

Getting to Know Your Chromebook

We are here to help!

This central page is designed to be a one-stop shop for families and students who need help with the technical aspects of remote learning.

Tech Help Hotline: 734-424-4202
This number rings for all available tech staff during regular business hours. If they don't answer, they are occupied. There is no option to leave a voicemail, so if you don't get an answer, please try again in a few minutes.

QUICK GUIDE - HOW TO GET HELP WHEN YOU ARE STUCK

CLEAR YOUR CACHE

Resources for Everyone

Technology Receipt and Responsibility Form and Virtual Meeting Opt-Out. This form must be signed (no electronic signatures) and returned to DCS in order to pick up your devices. We will have extra blank copies at pick-up if you are unable to print or forget to do it ahead of time.
Connecting Your Device to Wifi
Video Conferencing Guidelines for Students
iPad Insurance Form
MacBook Air Insurance Form
Chromebook Insurance Form
Link to Complete Device Insurance Payments

Please note: device insurance may be purchased through September 30th.

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