NPSD 100% Virtual Return to School Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is August 31 still the first day of school for all students?
A: Yes
Q: What are the school hours?
All elementary schools will begin at 9 a.m. and end at 3:30 p.m.
The secondary schools need to keep their start and end times similar to previous years due to the schedule at North Montco Technical Career Center (NMTCC). Middle schools will begin with morning announcements at 8:00 a.m. and finish the day at 3:00 p.m.. The high school will begin at 7:30 a.m. each day and end at 2:25 p.m.
Q: Will all lessons be live? Will students be on the computer for the entire day with normal lunch breaks?
A: Students will follow a bell schedule. In grades K-4, there will be approximately 2 hours of synchronous instruction and approximately 2 hours of asynchronous instruction. In grade 5-6, approximately 2-3 hours of synchronous instruction and approximately 2 hours of asynchronous instruction *Instruction is broken down into manageable instructional blocks and not continuous screen time. Secondary students will follow a bell schedule which will include some synchronous time, group work, and some asynchronous learning.
Q: Can the live lessons be recorded for working families who are not available to help students until the evening?
A: All lessons will be recorded for reviewing and support later. Secondary students who want the flexibility to learn at times outside of the bell schedule are encouraged to enroll in NPVA. The asynchronous nature of NPVA will provide that flexibility. By choosing to do the synchronous option at the secondary level, students agree to adhere to a bell schedule.
Q: Will there be kindergarten orientation?
A: Kindergarten orientation will take place on August 26th in the morning. This orientation will virtual with your child’s classroom teacher. Please look for further details from your teacher or building principal for the link to connect to your child’s classroom. This orientation is intended for students and parents. Information from the Kindergarten Virtual Parent meeting can be found
here.
Q If I chose virtual for middle school or high school will I automatically be placed in NPVA?
A: No. All students will be scheduled into the synchronous live virtual learning program following the regular schedule unless they wish to enroll in the asynchronous North Penn Virtual Academy (NPVA).
Q: If I want NPVA and not be on a synchronous schedule for middle school and high school, how do I request NPVA?
A: All students will be scheduled into the synchronous live virtual learning program. If students wish to enroll in the asynchronous NP Virtual Academy option, please contact the administrator of that program Jim Galante at
[email protected]
Q: What is NMTCC’s program now that NPSD is all virtual?
A: NMTCC is planning to educate 9th and 10th grade students virtually for the first marking period. 12th graders are scheduled to take classes in person on Monday and Tuesday and 11th graders will take in-person classes on Wednesday and Thursday. For more information, please visit the
NMTCC website.
Q: If it is deemed safe to return to school in November, do parents still have the three options? When would we make that selection?
A: Conditions will be evaluated throughout the first months of school and return to school options will be communicated once a decision is made to return to school.
Q: Will there be live help after hours for working families?
A: We are working on a way to provide help for families after school hours.
Q: Will athletics, musical performance, and extracurricular activities be held?
This has not been determined. The PIAA did postpone the start of high school athletics two weeks from August 17 to August 31 as they review recent recommendations from Governor Wolf.
Q: How will the Chromebook distribution take place for Kindergarten and new students?
Distributions will begin on August 17 for Chromebooks.
Click here for dates/times and requirements. For additional information please refer to the
Digital Learning Website.
Q: Will there be any training for parents and students about logging in and using tools like Canvas, Google, etc?
Yes. NPSD will have four Canvas Coaches who will be implementing a plan for training, staff, students, and families.
Q: What supports are available for mental health and career planning?
Supports include continued support by NPSD counselors through guidance lessons and family outreach. The social-emotional curriculum will continue at all levels within the virtual day. A districtwide mental health mobile crisis team is in place to support all families. In addition, we are contracted with outside counseling services to provide more services as needed with the potential for a social work component to include individual and group counseling. The RISE Program at Northbridge will be expanded to meet needs at those schools and opportunities and services will be provided for staff.
Q: How will you integrate socialization throughout the day for students?
All elementary students will engage in a morning meeting daily with their classmates and teacher to build community. There will also be opportunities throughout the day for live collaboration and sharing. Clubs and activities will continue to run, virtually, when possible.
Q: Can you advocate state support for working families that cannot afford full daycare for their child?
District administration and school board members are actively advocating for support for families in need.
Q: How will special education services be provided?
- Services will be delivered synchronously
- Guidelines for synchronous related services in development
- Investigating online evaluation instruments for school psychologists and speech therapists
- Working on plans for “virtual academic support”
- In the process of contacting families of students with the most significant disabilities eligible for alternate assessment to explore other options for service delivery
Q: If my student is placed at another school, how will I know if they are open and if there will be transportation?
If your student has an IEP, please reach out to the IEP case manager for clarification. If your child does not have an IEP but is placed at another school, you can contact your home school or the ESC for assistance.
Q: Are we providing transportation for nonpublic schools and NMTCC?
NMTCC is still in the process of determining whether or not they will hold live instruction. Once that decision is made, we will make decisions regarding transportation.
Q: What will 7th and 10th Grade orientation look like, will it still take place on 8-26-20?
7th and 10th-grade orientation will still take place in a virtual format and it will occur on August 26. Look for more information from your building principal regarding the timing and format of orientation.
Q: How will Extended school care payments and deposits work?
Any family wishing to receive a refund of payments and deposits for the 2020-2021 school year may do so by contacting Marjie Scott at
[email protected]
Q: Is there an asynchronous option for elementary school students?
Our NPVA program does provide a 100% asynchronous option for elementary students K-6 for parents wishing to explore that option. Please contact Mr. Jim Galante at
[email protected]
Q: How do I find answers to specific questions pertaining to my student or questions not listed in the FAQ?
Please start with your student's classroom teacher or contact the school with questions