Full DP Parent Update

FHS is so excited to welcome back our students after the "longest spring break ever". :)

Thank you so much to all parents and students for your patience during this back-to-school time as we solve issues we have never faced.

I will try my hardest to communicate all information as it is ready to help us all have a smooth transition back-to-school.

For students who opted into hybrid learning, you will meet with your teacher for 90 minutes per class (schedule below). You can expect to do independent learning for each class for about 90 minutes per week on your distance learning days. You are free to set your own schedule on your distance learning days.

Some of our DP teachers will be working remotely this semester. Students will join these classes in what we are calling a "high flex" model. This means that the teacher will teach live during a set class period from their home. Students in school AND students from home will log in for this class together. Students in school during a high flex class will be supervised by an additional teacher in the classroom.

High Flex Courses

• 12th History HL
• 12th Music SL (2nd semester)

Individual High Flex schedules will be ready soon, so students know when they are expected to be online with their class.

DP Courses will be supported for distance learners only if they are Full DP. Students will be enrolled in a Google Classroom along with hybrid students. There will be one set meeting time per week to meet live with the DP teacher, usually during our school's advisory block (8:10-8:45). These meeting schedules will be available before Sept 14.

Outside of the once-per-week online meeting, students may engage in their DP work at any time they choose.

Students may be invited to join live classes remotely to view a teacher demonstration or introduction to a new project. I encourage students to join in on these opportunities whenever possible.

All Fridley Online Academy students will have one mentor teacher who will act as their main connection to the school, similar to the role of an advisory teacher last spring. Full DP Students will either have me or Mr. Dressler as their assigned mentor.

Because distance learners will be meeting with DP teachers during the school's typical advisory block, we will meet online for advisory at a different time. This time is TBD but will be the same time each week.

All staff work remotely on Wednesdays to allow deep cleaning of the buildings between student groups. All teachers (remote and hybrid) will set aside Wednesday afternoons to check in with students. This may include:

• individual phone calls or Google Meets with students who have been absent or need additional help
• small group tutoring
• open office hours for students to ask questions live
• live-proctored re-assessment opportunities

If you need individual assistance from your teacher on a Wednesday, speak with them earlier in the week to set up a time.

Full DP Students MUST have the following classes on their schedule:

• Lang/Lit HL
• History HL
• Biology HL
• Language course (usually Level 6)
• DP Math course
• DP Elective (Business, Env. Systems, etc. - you may have taken this last year and don't need it this year)
• Theory of Knowledge B (1st semester)

As individual student schedules are finalized, mentor teachers are assigned, and details become concrete, I will update this newsletter. Keep checking back for more information.

I will be available during the open house times next week if you would like to speak in person about any questions you have.

I am also planning to host optional online meetings via Google Meets next week for parents to ask questions.

Please contact me any time with questions.

I usually respond to e-mails more quickly than phone calls, but I strive to return all calls and e-mails within 24 hours.

Email: jessica.baker@fridley.k12.mn.us
Website: https://www.fridleyschools.org/academics/international-baccalaureate
Location: Office 109A
Phone: 763-502-5062