Remote Learning Days (FID)
Flexible Instructional Days (also known as “Remote Learning Days”) – Act 64 of 2019 allows public school entities to apply to the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) for permission to use up to five “flexible instructional days” annually. Flexible Instructional Days (FIDs) support public school entities in cases when circumstances prevent the delivery of instruction in its customary manner or locations for reasons such as hazardous weather conditions, among others. Our school district has an approved plan and can use up to five FIDs that will count toward the required number of instructional days and hours.
A Flexible Instructional Day, which we call “Remote Learning Day,” means students will learn remotely/virtually on the FID day and will not have to make up instructional days at the end of the school year. Students will participate in school through either Google Classroom (grades 1-6), Schoology (grades 7-12), and a printed FID packet (K).
Frequently Asked Questions:
How will students find the learning activities and assignments for the Remote Learning Day?
Students will complete all learning assignments provided by the teacher at home. All assignments will be posted on our Bensalem learning management systems (Schoology for secondary (7-12) students and Google Classroom for elementary (1-6) students).
NOTE for Kindergarten Families: Printed resources will be available for an unplanned remote day of learning. Completing the activities will count your child present for attendance purposes and must be submitted immediately upon return to school. If the Remote Learning Day is planned, kindergarten students may bring a Chrome tablet home for asynchronous instruction.
What will the Remote Learning Day’s schedule look like?
Instruction will be delivered Asynchronously. Lessons will be posted on the learning management system (Schoology 7-12, or Google Classroom 1-6) by 9am by your child’s teacher. Kindergarten will receive printed FID packets to be completed.
Parents/guardians can make a schedule that fits the needs of your family/ household as to when the activities are completed during that day. Teachers will be available for two hours of live support sessions “office hours” via district video conferencing platforms (Zoom, Google Meet, etc). If you need special accommodations or an extenuating circumstance arises, contact your child’s teacher(s).
Will attendance count on Remote Learning Days?
Yes, attendance will count on Remote Learning Days. In Elementary, attendance will be taken by completing a Google form in your child’s Google Classroom. Secondary, attendance is recorded automatically when logging in to Schoology.
If a student is assigned an “unplugged” activity due to lack of Internet or device, the student will turn in their assignments on the first day back from the Remote Learning Day for attendance credit.
How can I contact a teacher or staff member during a Remote Learning Day?
All teachers and professional staff members will be available through communication within the Learning Management System (Schoology 7-12 or Google Classroom 1-6), TalkingPoints or via email during a Remote Learning Day. This includes special area teachers, special education teachers, reading specialists, EL teachers, school counselors, nurses, and principals, unless the individual is ill that day. Instructional staff members will post office hours (one hour in the AM and one hour in the PM) during the Remote Learning Day in which they can provide support to students and respond to questions posed by students.
My child is in Kindergarten, where do we find the printed FID packet at?
Instruction for Kindergarten students on Remote Learning Days will be facilitated through printed FID packets. These packets will be sent home by the classroom teacher and will be updated each marking period. If you need the packet, please reach out to the teacher. Completed packets will be turned into the teacher following a Remote Learning Day.
Will elementary students have assignments and activities for their special classes such as music?
Students will be expected to complete lessons for classes that are typically scheduled for that day to include specials in physical education, technology, art, music, and library.
Will Remote Learning Day assignments be graded?
Grading of these assignments will be up to the discretion of the teacher.
Will meals be served Remote Learning Days?
Meals will not be provided on Remote Learning Days
Will after school activities and athletics be canceled?
A determination by the Administration will be shared about the status of after school activities and athletics.
Does this mean there will be no more snow days?
No. It is still possible the District will have snow days this winter.
How do I access technical support on a Remote Learning Day?
Please contact your child's teacher first. If the teacher is unable to resolve the issue, they will open a help desk ticket on your behalf with our Bensalem IT department. The IT department will be on standby to assist Bensalem families with technical needs during the normal school day hours.
Who do I speak to if I have additional questions or concerns about Remote Learning Days?
Please contact your child's teacher first. If additional information is needed the teacher will refer you to the appropriate building staff member or Principal.