My child has special needs. How will he/she work on assignments?

Special education teachers will work with classroom teachers to modify assignments as appropriate. The special education teacher and classroom teacher will also be available to your child via email or Schoology (Our Learning Management System).

How long should my child be working on Blizzard Bags?

Teachers design their blizzard bag work for a half day of school or approximately 4 hours. Should my child be working on school work for the exact number of hours he/she is in school? No. Five to six hours of constant school work without lunch breaks, recess, moving between classes etc., would be difficult for any child. When at school students have many opportunities for learning together and for social interactions. However, with regard to the time frame, it is likely to be a more focused, useful and productive day for students if the time on task is around 4 hours.

How will I know if it is a Blizzard Bag day?

You will receive a notification message from our superintendent stating that school is cancelled and that the day has been designated as a Blizzard Bag day.

Will all of our snow days be Blizzard Bag days?

No, only days designated as Blizzard Bag day are Blizzard Bag days. The first school cancellation will be a snow day not a Blizzard Bag day. A number of factors (including a high chance of power outages) are considered when determining that a school cancellation is a Blizzard Bag day.

When are the assignments due?

The assignments are due the next time the class meets. For our elementary and middle level students, the assignments are general due the day we return to school after a Blizzard Bag day. For our high school students, the assignments are due the next time the class meets, which maybe the next day we return to school or the school day after that.

What if my child is sick and does not do the assignment?

A child who is excused due to illness will have the same amount of time to make up the work as with any absence.

When are teachers available?

Teachers will be available from 8:30 to 12 pm. Teachers are available for students via Schoology (Our Learning Management System) in our grades 4-12 and all teachers are available via email.

If my child does not do the work will they be marked absent?

Yes. Attendance is based on participation by completing the assignment. However, if there is an extenuating circumstance, our policy on absences will be followed and students will be given additional time to complete the assignments. Late Blizzard Bag assignments may not count towards the student's attendance, but missing or late assignments may affect a student's preparedness for the class following a Blizzard Bag day, as well has the student's grade (as is the case with any assignment).

How does my child know what to do?

Teachers will review their blizzard bag expectations with students.

Should my child need help to complete the assignments?

Your child should be able to complete most activities independently, though they may want to email, or go online with their teachers. Teachers will be available during the day to: clarify directions, answer questions, make suggestions for additional resources, and to explain concepts.