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We aim to ensure continuity of instruction and active engagement of all students and staff during the instructional day. If the occasion arises, the Pennsylvania Department of Education allows school districts to implement Flexible Instructional Days. The Pennsylvania Department of Education has approved the below Flexible Instruction Day Plan for the Allentown School District. As approved by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, the District can use up to five Flexible Instruction Days (FID) per School Year.  

Flexible Instruction Day Plan

On Flexible Instruction Days teachers will use Zoom for instruction, following their daily schedule. Deviations require principal approval. Teachers will hold Zoom virtual class meetings at the start of the day (elementary) and each period (secondary) to outline expectations and communication methods. Daily expectations will be posted in Google Classroom for absent students and as a reference for all.

Flexible Instructional Days Guidelines

On Flexible Instructional Days, teachers will deliver instruction via Zoom, following their regular daily schedules. Students will participate in lessons for both core content areas and related arts classes or electives. Instruction will include whole-class lessons, small-group sessions, and independent learning tasks.

Schedules:
Teachers will share the specific schedule with students ahead of time, detailing when to join Zoom sessions and when to complete independent work.

Attendance:

  • Students must log into Zoom and attend their scheduled classes to be marked present.
  • At the middle school and high school levels, attendance will be taken for each class period.
  • Teachers will provide clear instructions on attendance procedures and expectations.

Technical Difficulties:

In the event of technical difficulties or issues accessing online resources, teachers will provide students with paper-based assignments to ensure continued learning PRIOR to the Flexible Instructional Day.


Elementary Grades Flexible Instruction Day

  • Students will log into Zoom for attendance between 9:00 a.m. and 9:10 a.m.
  • Teachers will provide a schedule for direct instruction, small group instruction, independent learning activities, and learning application opportunities via Zoom.
  • Students can utilize online resources when not working with a teacher in small group instruction.
  • Teachers will provide 30-minute end-of-day Office Hours to support students and verify morning attendance.

Middle Grades Flexible Instruction Day

  • Students will log into Zoom for attendance between 7:55 a.m.- 8:05 a.m.
  • Students will follow their daily schedule and attendance will be taken at the start of each period.
  • Teachers will provide a schedule for direct instruction, small group instruction, independent learning activities, and learning application opportunities via Zoom.
  • Students can utilize online resources when not working with a teacher in small group instruction.
  • Teachers will provide 30-minute end-of-day Office Hours to support students and verify morning attendance.

High School Grades’ Flexible Instruction Day 

  • Students who attend William Allen High School or Dieruff High School will log in to Zoom for attendance during their first class at 7:20 a.m.- 7:30 a.m. for Period 1 OR 8:10 a.m.-8:20 a.m. for Period 2.
  • Building 21 High School Students will log in to Zoom between 8:30 a.m. -9:00 a.m. during Advisory. Building 21 students will also be able to access additional resources using SLATE.
  • Students will follow their daily schedule and attendance will be taken at the start of each period. 
  • Teachers will provide a schedule for direct instruction, small group instruction, independent learning activities, and learning application opportunities via Zoom. 
  • Students can utilize online resources when not working with a teacher in small group instruction.
  • Teachers will provide 30-minute end-of-day Office Hours to support students and verify morning attendance.

Support

Staff will be checking emails.  Please email your child’s teacher or a School Administrator if you need support. You can also call the school office.  

How to Join a Secure Zoom Virtual Class

When appropriate, the Allentown School District provides information to trusted news outlets such as The Morning Call and WFMZ about delays, closings, or other emergency information. Closures or delays will also be posted on all District and school websites, District/school social media channels, or teacher-based apps. 

In the event of an early dismissal, the Allentown School District will do its best to ensure that all students receive lunch before school is closed. In the event of a delayed opening, no breakfast will be served, and lunchtimes are adjusted accordingly. 

The most immediate method of communication in the event of a delay or closure is a voicemail and email notification via School Messenger to parents, guardians, and staff who provide the District with an accurate and accessible phone number and email address. To ensure that you receive all communication in a timely manner, please contact your building principal and request that your emergency contact information is updated in all District computer systems, including the School Messenger Notification System.

Based on an assessment of the above factors, a decision to delay the start of school or to close school is made as close to 5:00 a.m. as possible, allowing adequate time to notify the community.