April 8 update: exams, grading, at-home learning continues

Dear Schuylerville Families,

Below are several updates pertaining to the remote learning period and continuity of education for our students:

NYS Regents Exams

Click here for a visual PDF that details the exemptions and diploma designations by grade level.

The NYS Education Department (NYSED) has announced the cancelation of the June 2020 administration of the High School Regents Exams due to the ongoing COVID-19 virus. 

As a result, NYSED has modified the requirements that students must meet in order to earn high school diplomas, credentials, and endorsements. Click here for a list of frequently asked questions compiled by NYSED.

    • Students who are currently enrolled in a course of study culminating in a Regents Exam and have met the standards for the previously provided coursework are exempt from the June 2020 exams.
    • In the event that the school closure period prevents a district’s ability to provide the full unit of study by the end of the school year, (either in face-to-face instruction or through other methods) students will be granted the diploma credit as long they have met the standards for the previously provided coursework.
    • School districts shall provide opportunities for students to attempt Regents Exams in future administration periods, if students so choose.
    • Hands-on laboratory experiences missed as a result of the school closure does not prevent a student from being exempt from the corresponding Science Regents Exam.
    • Students who are currently enrolled in a course of study culminating in a Regents Exam and have failed to earn credit by the end of the school year will return for summer instruction. Makeup of the failed course credit will result in an August 2020 diploma credit and a Regents Exam exemption.
    • With the cancelation of Regents Exams and local exams, students must concentrate on getting their assigned work done, as this is the only way to receive course credit. 

    More information specific to your student will be forthcoming from the Student Services Department.

    Grading

    The district’s academic philosophy for grades K-12 during the remote learning period is to provide equitable access and use various teaching methods to reflect the needs of all students. Student work expectations have been adjusted to ensure grades are not being negatively impacted as a direct result of the remote learning period. Teachers are working to provide a condensed curriculum for students that focuses on the most important pieces of the academic standards for each subject area.

    • Third quarter ends: April 30
    • Fourth quarter begins: May 1 
    • Grades K-5: Met vs Unmet
    • Grades 6-12: It has been communicated to students that blanks will be in the gradebooks for uncompleted work with the expectation it will be completed.
    At-home learning

    Teachers will continue to provide learning material to students via the means that have been established so far (K-5 at-home learning packets and grades 6-12 online) for the weeks of April 13, April 20, and April 27. There will be no interruption to academic instruction as a result.

    • Thursday, April 9: At-home learning packets will be delivered to grades K-5 and students in grades 6-12 who do not have access to WiFi. Some packets may be delivered on Friday, April 10 (specifically ‘walkers’). 
    • Thursday, April 16: Packets containing work from March 16-April 9 will be picked up by bus drivers at individual homes. Please leave the packets on the front porch/steps/in a place that is easily and quickly accessible. This will allow teachers to effectively evaluate and grade work that has been completed thus far.

    If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out to your child’s teacher(s) or building principals. Thank you for your continued support.

    Dr. Ryan Sherman
    Superintendent of Schools