North Hills School District

Pride • Tradition • Excellence

Virtual Learning FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is Virtual Learning at North Hills?
A: Virtual Learning at North Hills provides students with the opportunity to learn North Hills curriculum - taught by North Hills teachers - virtually - via Google Classroom. Designed to increase student engagement and achievement, the program features core course offerings in English, math, science and social studies, and some electives.

Q: If my child participates in Virtual Learning, will they meet the necessary attendance requirements of 990 instructional hours and 180 school days?
A: Yes.

Q: How does virtual learning differ from the previous online programs such as North Hills Online Academy?
A: ALL virtual learning courses will use North Hills curriculum and be taught by North Hills teachers.

Q: If NHSD operates a Blended, Hybrid or Virtual instructional model, will there be an impact on students participating in virtual learning?
A: No. Virtual learning courses will operate virtually regardless of the district operational model.

Q: Can you elaborate on the attendance policy and explain what is expected at the elementary level? Secondary level?
A: Students who attend virtual learning courses are expected to log in, participate in lessons and complete assignments on school days just as they would if they attend the district’s in-person instruction.

Q: Will students in the virtual learning program follow the same schedule as the North Hills School District?
A: Yes.

Q: Will virtual learning students also receive a district iPad?
A: Yes.

Q: Will the district iPads given to virtual learning students have the same apps as the iPads given to in-person students?
A: Standard apps such as Google Suite and all other class specific apps will be provided as needed for instructional purposes.

Enrollment

Q: Who can participate in virtual learning courses?
A: Any district student in grades K-12.

Q: When do I have to enroll in virtual learning courses?
A: An enrollment period will occur soon so that we may plan accordingly for the 2021-2022 school year. More information and details will be available on the district website.

Q: Are the sizes of courses limited in virtual learning?
A: Yes. Class size policies used for in-person instruction will also serve as guidelines for virtual courses.

Q: Can my student enroll part-time in virtual courses and part-time in person?
A: Yes! However, you may be responsible for transportation to and from school depending upon the schedule created.

Q: Will elementary specials be available as virtual learning courses next year?
A: Yes.

Q: I'm disappointed that there isn’t more leeway to transition into virtual learning. If we send our child to school in person but aren't comfortable with the situation, why can’t we then transition to virtual learning?
A: You can! Transitioning into virtual learning will be very easy as the curriculum - both in-person and virtual - will be the same.

Q. If my child returns from virtual learning to in-person instruction will this affect class size?
A: The district is committed to the class size policy to the extent possible. We are working with each building’s administration to ensure class sizes and the ability to accommodate students transferring back to face-to-face instruction.

Q: Describe a typical day for a student enrolled in virtual learning at the elementary level? At the secondary level?
A: Virtual learning courses are designed to provide some flexibility for students as all students learn differently in a structured format. However, students are expected to log in daily to participate in course work. Elementary students will have access to synchronous teaching with North Hills teachers whereas secondary students will receive asynchronous instruction and designated office hours. Students should anticipate several hours of online courses as dependent upon the grade level. Online teachers will also provide students with more specifics as it relates to their class once the class begins.

Q: Is there flexibility if my student cannot complete all of the assigned lessons as per the course calendar?
A: Yes. Teachers will work with students to establish a course calendar or pacing guide.

Q: My child wants to participate in extracurricular activities as an online student. Can this occur?
A: Yes.

Curriculum and Courses

Q: Is the curriculum used in virtual learning the same as in-person curriculum?
A: Yes. The curriculum, whether in-person or virtual, aligns to the standards as per the Pennsylvania Department of Education. The curriculum/material used to teach those standards is chosen by the district. The same material will be used in-person, in the classroom as well as in virtual courses.

Q: Who teaches the virtual learning courses?
A: Courses for grades K-6 will be taught synchronously by North Hills teachers using the district curriculum. Courses for grades 7-12 will be taught asynchronously using the district curriculum and facilitated by North Hills School District teachers who will be accessible to students on a scheduled basis.

Q: What courses are available for a K-5 student who wishes to enroll in North Hills’ virtual learning?
A: Students in grades K-5 may take English Language Arts, Math, Science, Social Studies, Art, Music and Physical Education.

Q: What courses are available for a 6-8 grade student who wishes to enroll in North Hills’ virtual learning?
A: A complete course list will be available soon. Virtual courses will be scheduled based upon course availability and demand.

Q: What courses are currently available for a 9-12 grade student who wishes to enroll in North Hills’ virtual learning?
A: The complete course list will be available soon. Virtual courses will be scheduled based upon course availability and demand.

Q: How will the virtual learning courses work with gifted students?
A: Students may select courses from the offerings in each building. Enrichment or extension activities will be offered in the same manner that occurs during in-person instruction. In addition, gifted services will still be provided in each building for students as well.

Q: My child has an individualized education plan. How will their accommodations be met in virtual learning courses?
A: The accommodations included in the student’s individualized education plan will be considered and met, where possible, in the online program. IEP teams will reconvene to revise SDIs to determine which are appropriate and applicable for online instruction.