St. Cloud Area Schools Distance Learning Academy
We recognize the challenges the COVID-19 pandemic brings for students, staff and families, and are designing the St. Cloud Area Schools Distance Learning Academy to provide a rigorous, engaging alternative to physically attending school.
In alignment with the Minnesota Department of Education (MDE) guidelines, our programming will provide students learning in all required state standards, English Learner (EL) and Special Education services, elective opportunities, and more.
Just like the in-person and hybrid learning models, students in grades PreK-5 will complete lessons in Seesaw and students in grades 6-12 will complete lessons in Schoology. Students will use the suite of St. Cloud Area Schools digital tools and available apps.
The social emotional needs of students are an important component of any St. Cloud Area Schools learning model. Activities, virtual student connections, and virtual individual teacher check-ins will be part of this program.
Check back to this website for more information about the St. Cloud Area Schools Distance Learning Academy in the upcoming days and weeks.
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN ST. CLOUD AREA SCHOOLS’ VIRTUAL LEARNING ACADEMY AND DISTANCE LEARNING 2.0?
- All students will receive:
- INSTRUCTIONAL DESIGN MODEL - All students in grades PreK-5 will complete lessons in Seesaw and students in grades 6-12 will complete lessons in Schoology. Instruction will include virtual face-to-face interactions between teachers and students and within the online classroom. Additionally, individualized, off-line instructional activities will be provided.
- EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES - All students can engage in extracurricular activities at their school of enrollment when/if extracurricular activities become available.
- STUDENT SUPPORTS - All students will continue to receive qualifying services such as special education, English language services, social work, and counseling.
- HEALTH AND SAFETY - Regardless of the educational environment programs will follow state and federal health and safety guidelines
St. Cloud Area Distance Learning Academy |
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In-person, Hybrid, or Distance Learning 2.0 |
An option available to all St. Cloud Area Schools families. Language immersion programs are available through the Distance Learning Academy. Advanced Placement and College in the Schools courses may be available, but are not guaranteed through the Distance Learning Academy. |
Students |
All current St. Cloud Area Schools students |
New Families: Enroll by September 11.
Existing Families: Enroll by August 9 |
Enrollment |
Students remain enrolled in their current school for the 2020-2021 school year. New families can register online at www.isd742.org. |
Students attend our Distance Learning Academy September 2020 through May 2021. Enrollment is a year-long commitment though families may apply to return to their home school at the end of each trimester. Transfers will be granted based on seat availability. |
Calendar |
School begins September 8. Learning models will be determined per state matrix, based on local health data, and may vary throughout the year. |
Students will be provided with a 1:1 device. Hotspots are also available if needed. |
Technology |
Students will be provided a 1:1 device. Hotspots are also available if needed.
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Meals will be available with pick up and distribution options to be determined. |
Meals |
During in person instruction, meals will be served at school. Within hybrid and distance learning models, meals will be available with pick up and distribution options to be determined. |
The Distance Learning Academy Takes place on-line, and students learn in their homes. Instruction will include virtual face-to-face and independent learning. In-person meetings will be limited to required, formal, or legal assessments and services. |
School |
Learning models will be determined per State matrix, based on local health data, and may vary throughout the year: in-person, hybrid, or distance learning. The learning model will be determined by the rate of COVID-19 cases in our communities. Based on MDE’s guidance, we will rely on the most conservative county health data to make determinations. |
Students receive instruction from St. Cloud Area Schools staff who are also assigned to the Distance Learning Academy. While some teachers may be from their current school, teachers from across the district will provide instruction and a full array of courses. |
Connection to School Staff |
Students receive instruction from their schools’ teachers. |
Students will spend part of their day in virtual face-to-face learning with their teachers and some time learning on their own. Start and end times for the Distance Learning Academy will be announced soon and may be more flexible than traditional school hours. |
Daily Schedule |
Students will follow the same schedule regardless of learning model. Students will be expected to attend each class whether in-person or virtually. |
Students may participate with their assigned brick-and-mortar school to the extent health conditions or individual family choice allows. |
Graduation |
Ceremonies will be held as appropriate and will follow local, state, and federal health guidelines. |