Student Learning

Students enrolled in the BRIDGE will participate in high quality online instruction and learning opportunities that guide them to mastery in core content areas.  Instruction is aligned with Indiana State standards and utilizes BCSC adopted curriculum resources.  BRIDGE students will be placed in a remote learning class by the building principal and will be served by a BCSC certified teacher. All BRIDGE students will be provided with BCSC resources and a BCSC device in order to access online instruction. 

In addition to participating in remote learning, BRIDGE students:

• Will participate in scheduled online meetings and lessons with the BRIDGE teacher
• Must fully engage in online learning activities, complete classroom assignments and assessments 
• Have access to school library books using a strategic pick-up/drop-off process
• Are eligible to participate in extracurricular activities that take place before or after school
• Have access to the i-Care before and/or after school program
• May transfer back to the traditional classroom at the first natural break of school (ex: end of nine weeks)

Instructional Support

Elementary

IEP, 504 Plans, ILP, Family Services:  All students enrolled in BCSC online pathways are still eligible for any special services provided by BCSC.  Work with your school administrator to determine how services will be received.  

High Ability: Students who have been identified as High Ability will be provided with opportunities for enrichment and extended learning opportunities. 

Secondary

EP, 504 Plans, ILP, Family Services:  All students enrolled in BCSC online pathways are still eligible for any special services provided by BCSC.  Work with your school administrator to determine how services will be received.  

High Ability:  We will have some middle school students who will come into the building  for  specific classes like Biology, Algebra, Geometry, Spanish, French, or band, and then complete other courses through the BRIDGE option. BRIDGE cannot guarantee that students would have their middle school teacher for a high school credit course.   The BRIDGE does not include a designated High Ability class.

AP and Dual Credit at the High Schools:  AP courses could be done on-line in the BRIDGE option  but would not have the same level of teacher support as in-person AP courses. As you can guess, we also cannot predict what the year will hold for the AP exams next spring.  We will have high school students who will come into the buildings for their AP course and do other courses through BRIDGE.

As far as we know right now, our dual credit agreements will be in effect whether online or in-person. As to credit transfers, the guidance counselors at the high schools will be able to respond based on the specific course. Most of our dual credit courses are through IU and Ivy Tech.   We cannot guarantee that in BRIDGEe a student will have the regular certified teacher for the dual credit course, but we will work to have a certified teacher oversee that course in order to receive credit.

Career and Technical Education (C4) : The Governor's WorkForce Council has been very clear that Career and Technical Education - C4 courses - must meet over 50% in-person classes to get credit since much of the curriculum is skilled-based. Again, this is the status for those courses at this very moment.  We  will have some students who will come in for a specific C4 course, and then complete other courses through the BRIDGE option.

Elementary

Devices:  Students enrolling in the BCSC online pathways will receive a personal device to use during their time in online learning.  Parents are responsible for devices during the online process and fees will be assessed for damage to the device.

Online Lessons and Content: All students in the BCSC BRIDGE pathway will access online lessons, digital learning tools, and materials through the BCSC’s online learning management system, itslearning.

Hotspots:  Students who do not have a reliable internet connection will be offered a loaner Hotspot.  Please work with your administrator to secure this device. Parents are responsible for devices during the online process and fees will be assessed for damage to the device.

School Handbook:  BRIDGE students will be provided with all documents that are distributed to students and parents at the beginning of each school year.  These may be placed in the BRIDGE bag and delivered to students.  Students are responsible for returning the permission slip form and the Technology Agreement included in the handbook.

BRIDGE Bag:  All students enrolled in the BCSC BRIDGE program will receive a bag of resources.  Contents may include school specific supplies, district provided learning resources, the school handbook, and any pertinent announcements. BRIDGE Bags must be returned at the completion of the BRIDGE program.

Technology Help

Secondary

Devices:  Students enrolling in the BCSC online pathways will receive a personal device to use during their time in online learning.  Parents are responsible for devices during the online process and fees will be assessed for damage to the device.  **DUE TO THE IMPACT OF THE PANDEMIC ON THE SUPPLY CHAIN, 9TH GRADE CHROMEBOOKS WILL NOT ARRIVE PRIOR TO THE START OF SCHOOL.  FRESHMEN SHOULD PLAN TO START THE YEAR WITH THEIR 8TH GRADE CHROMEBOOK.**

Hotspots:  Students who do not have a reliable internet connection will be offered a loaner Hotspot.  Please work with your administrator to secure this device. Parents are responsible for devices during the online process and fees will be assessed for damage to the device.

School Handbook:  BRIDGE students will be able to access school handbooks via the school website.  Students are responsible for returning the permission slip form and the Technology Agreement included in the handbook.

Technology Help

Extracurricular Involvement

Elementary

Involvement in Extracurricular Activities:  All students enrolled in online pathways for BCSC are eligible to participate in all extracurricular activities offered by their school.  All students must adhere to the safety guidelines in place for the activity requested.

Field Trips:  Students enrolled in BCSC online pathways need principal approval to participate in school field trips to balance any physical distancing requirements and/or other current concerns.

i-CARE:  Any student enrolled in the online pathways may attend before and after school i-CARE at their home school.  Temperatures of all students will be taken when they enter i-CARE and safety procedures will be followed. 

Breakfast/Lunches:  Students who qualify for free or reduced lunch will be able to receive sack breakfast and lunch items daily at a designated location.  

Attendance in classrooms:  Since all classes and curriculum are offered online with a BCSC educator posting online lessons, elementary students will not be permitted to attend any in person class.  

Libraries: BRIDGE students may work with their BRIDGE teacher and school librarian to check out and return library books from the school library.

School Pictures:  Online students will be included in the opportunity for individual school pictures on the assigned date.  Parents may choose not to participate in this activity.

Secondary

Involvement in Extracurricular Activities:  All students enrolled in online pathways for BCSC are eligible to participate in all extracurricular activities offered by their school.  Students and families may choose to go into the building for band or choir and take their other courses through BRIDGE.  All students must adhere to the safety guidelines in place for the activity requested.  Students wishing to participate in high school athletics must be passing six classes in order to participate.

Field Trips:  Students enrolled in BCSC online pathways need principal approval to participate in school field trips to balance any social distancing requirements and/or other current concerns.

Breakfast/Lunches:  Students who qualify for free or reduced lunch will be able to receive sack breakfast and lunch items daily at a designated location.  

Libraries: BRIDGE students may work with their BRIDGE teacher and school librarian to check out and return library books from the school library.

School Pictures:  Online students will be included in the opportunity for individual school pictures on the assigned date.  Parents may choose not to participate in this activity.

How long does the BRIDGE last?   The BRIDGE is intended to be a short term program, but expandable as needed.  The pathway was created for parents who may be uncomfortable with their child returning to school during the COVID-19 crisis, or in the event that a student must quarantine during the school year due to COVID-19.  In consideration of a consistent learning environment and reporting term, a family may choose to return to the traditional school setting at a natural school break (ex: end of the nine weeks), provided they meet BCSC safety standards.  The transition and timing of a return to the classroom should be discussed with the building principal.

Who determines when the BRIDGE is no longer effective or needed for your child?  Your teacher and school principal will carefully monitor the effectiveness of the program for your child.  If it is determined that the BRIDGE is not effective for your child, you, the principal, and the teaching team will convene to determine future steps.

What materials are provided with the BRIDGE?  Your child will be provided with their BCSC issued device as well as any classroom textbooks or learning resources. BRIDGE online lessons and digital tools will be accessible via the district’s online learning management system, itslearning. All BRIDGE students will have itslearning accounts. You are responsible for maintaining your device and all materials in good condition during your time in BRIDGE.  Damage to devices or textbooks will result in monetary fines.  

How often will my student interact with the teacher?  Scheduled online meetings will be determined by the BRIDGE teacher.  In addition, the teacher will promptly respond to requests and provide feedback related to learning.

How do I reach my teacher with questions/comments/concerns?  The best way to reach your teacher or administrator is via email (which you will be provided). Teachers can also be reached via the messaging feature in the online learning management system, itslearning. You may contact the school via phone, but speaking with the teacher will be based on their availability during the school day.

How will my child be graded on assignments?  Students will continue to work toward mastery of standards.  Assignments will be graded based on the work assigned and assessed.  Assessment options and opportunities will be provided to students by the BRIDGE teacher.

What is the length of time my child will spend online each day? The instructional traditional school day is 5 ½ hours.  Students in BRIDGE can expect to follow a similar schedule to the schedule in the traditional classroom setting.  The student will not be on technology for the entire 5 ½ hours of instructional time.  Students may be given activities to complete offline (ex: read to self, read to others, math facts, problem solving, project based learning, writing).

What if I don’t have a reliable internet connection?  BCSC Technology will loan you a Hotspot for the duration of your time in BRIDGE.  The technology department also has information about internet resources to help families. Please contact your school principal for additional information.

When are assignments due? Assigned work is expected to be completed similar to the traditional classroom setting.  Teachers will set due dates for each assignment.

What if my child has been identified as High Ability?  Can he/she return to a High Ability classroom when we go back to school? If a student is identified as High Ability and enrolled in an AC program, the student may return to the AC classroom when transferring to traditional instruction. 

What if my child is in a CSA program?  Can he/she return to CSA when we go back to school?  If a student is enrolled in a CSA program, the student may return to the CSA program when transferring to traditional instruction.

Can my child still participate in school activities while in the BRIDGE?  Students enrolled in BRIDGE are considered BCSC students and are eligible to participate in extracurricular activities.  Students must meet the safety requirements, and eligibility, of the school or activity.

What if I want my child to leave the BRIDGE early?  Provided that your child meets the safety requirements to enter the school building, your child may return to a traditional class setting at a natural school break (ex: end of the nine weeks).  However, once leaving BRIDGE, you will not be permitted to re-enroll until the next nine week period.

While in the BRIDGE, will my child be counted absent?  When your child is in the BRIDGE, they will not be counted absent if they log on and spend time working on school curriculum daily.  It is important that if your child is unable to access the curriculum and/or content for that day,  you contact your teacher or school principal immediately to avoid absences.  

What if my child receives special services (ex: IEP, 504 plan, wrap around support)? Any child receiving services through an IEP or other support plan is eligible to receive services.  Please contact your school principal for additional information.

What is the difference between BRIDGE and the Columbus Virtual Pathway?  The BRIDGE is short-term (at least 4 weeks) and will use itslearning to follow a regular BCSC curriculum.  CVP is long-term (at least one semester) and the curriculum is provided by Edgenuity with a BCSC teacher providing support, and that teacher can modify the course curriculum as necessary.  CVP is more of an independent, go-at-your-own-pace option.  

 

How long does the BRIDGE last?  The BRIDGE is intended to be a short term program, but expandable as needed.  The pathway was created for parents who may be uncomfortable with their child returning to school during the COVID-19 crisis, or in the event that a student must quarantine during the school year due to COVID.  A student may return to the traditional learning environment provided they meet BCSC safety standards.  Every 4 weeks families can re-evaluate their needs.

How will teachers for BRIDGE be determined?  Schools will ascertain enrollment for in-person and online courses, then

balance teacher loads so that the number of students  are reasonably balanced between online and in-person courses.  For example, if only ⅔ of students actually choose a traditional classroom setting for classes, teacher loads will be reduced, enabling teachers to facilitate a BRIDGE course.  Teachers who cannot be in the building due to health reasons will be assigned to the BRIDGE option as needed.

Who determines when the BRIDGE is no longer effective or needed for your student?  Your teacher, guidance counselor and/or school principal will carefully monitor the effectiveness of the program for your child.  If it is determined that the BRIDGE is not effective for your student, you, the guidance counselor,  and the teaching team will convene to determine future steps.

What materials are provided with the BRIDGE?  Your student will be provided with their BCSC issued device as well as any classroom textbooks or learning resources. You are responsible for maintaining your device and all materials in good condition during your time in BRIDGE.  Damage to devices or textbooks will result in monetary fines.  

How often will my student interact with the teacher?  Scheduled online meetings will be determined by the BRIDGE teacher.  In addition, the teacher will promptly respond to requests and provide feedback related to learning.

How do I reach my teacher with questions/comments/concerns?  The best way to reach your teacher, guidance counselor or administrator is via email (which you will be provided).  You may contact the school via phone, but speaking with the teacher will be based on their availability during the school day.

How will my student be graded on assignments?  Students will continue to work toward mastery of standards.  Assignments will be graded based on the work assigned and assessed.  Assessment options and opportunities will be provided to students by the BRIDGE teacher.

What if I don’t have a reliable internet connection?  BCSC Technology will loan you a hotspot for the duration of your time in BRIDGE.  The technology department also has information about internet resources to help families. Please contact your school principal for additional information.

When are assignments due? Assigned work is expected to be completed similar to the traditional classroom setting.  Teachers will set due dates for each assignment.

What if my child has been identified as Middle School High Ability?  Can he/she return to a High Ability classroom when we go back to school? If a student is identified as High Ability and enrolled in a high school courses, the student may return to those classes when transferring to traditional instruction.

What if my student is in a CSA program?  Can he/she return to CSA when we go back to school?  We cannot guarantee that a student’s online courses through the BRIDGE will be PBL courses taught by a CSA facilitator, nor is there a guarantee that students will be able to take an integrated course.  Students can, however, attend those courses in the traditional setting, and complete the rest of their courses online. If a student is enrolled in a CSA program, the student may return to the CSA program when transferring to traditional instruction.  It would be best if that transfer occurred at a nine week break.

Can my student still participate in school activities while in the BRIDGE?  Students enrolled in BRIDGE are considered BCSC students and are eligible to participate in extracurricular activities.  Students must meet the safety requirements, and eligibility, of the school or activity.   Students wishing to participate in high school athletics must be passing six classes in order to participate.

What if I want my student to leave the BRIDGE early? Our preference is students be enrolled in 4 week increments, however, we realize that there may be circumstances that require case-by-case examination.  We will make every effort to ensure that a family is not in a situation in which it feels uncomfortable. Should a family extend the BRIDGE enrollment beyond the initial 4-week increment, the natural quarter breaks (9-week grading periods) provide the optimal time for a child to return to the traditional classroom setting, provided the child meets the safety requirements to enter the school building.  Once leaving BRIDGE, you will not be permitted to re-enroll until the next nine week period.

While in the BRIDGE, will my student be counted absent?  When your child is in the BRIDGE, they will not be counted absent if they log on and spend time working on school curriculum daily.  It is important that if your child is unable to access the curriculum and/or content for that day, you contact your teacher or school principal immediately to avoid absences.  

What if my student receives special services (i.e. IEP, 504 plan, or wrap around support)? Any student receiving services through an IEP or other support plan is eligible to receive services.  Please contact your school principal or guidance counselor for additional information.0

Are senior projects required for BRIDGE?  We anticipate that some type of senior project will still be required, but it may not look like it has in the past, depending on the ever-changing pandemic environment. Many of these decisions are changing daily as the situation evolves, so what senior project looks like with the fall requirements may not be what senior projects look like in spring.

Will GPAs or Class Ranks be affected by enrolling in BRIDGE?  Class rank and GPA will not be impacted by choice of online or in-person.  Courses will look the same on transcripts for BRIDGE courses as they do for  in-person courses.

Why can’t classes be held via Zoom?  The biggest challenge with holding class via Zoom is the technology bandwidth that would be required on the student’s end. Not all of our students, whether AP or not, have that bandwidth available to them, especially if there are multiple users in the home at that time. We received many concerns last spring about this very issue with some of the on-line activities that our teachers were using.