Distance Learning Academy 9-12

Back to school 2023!

Welcome To the Distance Learning Academy!

Welcome to the 2023-24 school year at North Branch Area Public Schools Distance Learning Academy! As always, the start of a school year is a time full of excitement and anticipation. The staff cannot be more excited to partner with you.

We are looking forward to the opportunity to welcome students back to our online school and to work with you to ensure they have the best experience possible. During the 2022-23 school year, we received helpful feedback from parents, families, and students. We appreciate your perspective and continue to make adjustments to support students and families in DLA. As you enjoy the rest of the summer, please know how much we appreciate your help in preparing students for the start of the school year. WELCOME DAYS is an important change we made to support your transition back to school. More information is provided below and it is important that you sign up to attend.

Please communicate early (and often!) any special needs or changes with your contact information to help ensure we are united in our common goal – the success of your child(ren) at school. NBAPS is truly a great place to be, and we are committed to providing quality programs with engaging experiences to support the learning and growth of every student, every day.

The following information should ensure you have everything you need to get off to a great start. On behalf of all of us at the Distance Learning Academy, we look forward to seeing you at WELCOME DAYS and to making 2023-2024 the best school year yet!

Warm Regards,

Coleman McDonough

Principal

New DLA experiences in 2023-24

DLA Seminar

This year all DLA students will take a DLA Seminar course. The purpose of this course is to provide students with an array of topics that will support both their academic and life skills learning. This course will have small group scheduled times to connect with their teacher. An advantage of choosing to be in the DLA program is the scheduling flexibility it provides. Many people are choosing remote work professions, and establishing successful habits sets students up for success now and into the future. Creating and maintaining a successful schedule, time management, organizational and study skills, and maintaining balance are critical life skills that will be strengthened. Mr. David Pirrie will be the instructor for this course and he will be working with all of you to support your successful learning experience this school year!

Intro to Career Exploration

In addition, all students will take Intro to Career Exploration, which will also include some synchronous learning. Career exploration can be mysterious and sometimes feel like an isolating process. We will walk you through self-assessments (how to identify your skills, interests, and values); discuss the full range of career paths, and help you reflect on what you are learning about your unique gifts and talents. We will support you in navigating a personalized plan to explore work-based learning experiences as part of your coursework selection process. As NBAPS continues to find ways to connect students to real-life experiences, this course could lead you to a job in the community, an internship at a local business, help you realize your true passion, and guide your direction to your post-secondary opportunities.

Work-based Learning Class

Another new feature of our DLA program is the emphasis on work-based learning for students to experience learning in a work setting to explore potential career interests in the career environment. This experience provides students the opportunity to apply soft skills, technical, and practical skills that are highly sought after by employers AND get high school credit. Many work-based learning opportunities are paid internships. Students can find an employer or we will help students find one. The ultimate goal is for each DLA student to experience this opportunity before they graduate.

Meet the DLA Staff

Christopher Thompson - Math

David Pirrie - Social Studies/DLA Seminar/Intro to Career Exploration

Nita Worthley - Science

Mindy Lattimore - English

Leah Palmer - Work Based Learning

Amy Bergman-Valla - Special Education

Coleman McDonough - Principal

DLA Welcome Days

On August 30th and September 5th, we will be holding in-person Welcome Days connection meetings from 9 AM - 6 PM at the Brooker Building, located at 38423 Lincoln Trail, right behind the middle school. Please click here to schedule a time to meet with DLA staff to learn more about how learning is going to look for you and how you can receive focused support.

These meetings are a critical component of ensuring a successful DLA experience. The meeting will focus on:

Meet the staff
Sign up for small group DLA Seminar and Intro to Career Exploration small groups
Pick up your Chromebook
Edmentum 101

Student login
Course overview
Parent Portal

Ensure accuracy of contact information
Attendance procedures

Student and School Schedule

North Branch Area Distance Learning Academy follows the district calendar. Student start and end times will vary for each student in the Distance Learning Academy.

Student Schedules are now available on ParentVue and StudentVue. Students utilize Edmentum as the digital platform to navigate their course work. In addition, if you are a student who would like to consider taking in person electives at the high school, that is an option. If you are interested please contact Principal McDonough.

DLA Teacher Schedule

Below are the times each teacher will be available to support DLA students during the school day. Teachers can also schedule time with students outside of the school day. Students are encouraged to communicate with their teachers via email or phone if they have questions or are in need of additional support.

Chris Thompson - Math - Daily 12:50 - 1:35

Nita Worthley - Science - 1:01 - 2:23 on White Days (every other day) R/W Day calendar

Mindy Lattimore - English - Daily 1:40 - 2:30

Leah Palmer - Work Based Learning - Daily 9:50 - 10:40

David Pirrie - Social Studies/DLA Seminar/Intro to Career Exploration - Students will be signing up for small group meetings.

Chromebook Information

At Distance Learning Academy students are issued a district-owned Chromebook. Students are expected to use these devices to support classroom activities, educational research or professional enrichment. *Guardians: If you do not wish for your student to have a device to take home during the course of the school year or if your student will be bringing in their own device, please contact the school to indicate this request.

For more information about the NBAPS Chromebook 1:1 program please use the following link to review the Chromebook Handbook: Chromebook Handbook

Chromebook Pick-up

9-12 Student Chromebooks will be distributed at the Brooker Building (38423 Lincoln Trail) on August 30th and September 5th from 9am - 6pm

Edmentum 101 - For students and parents!

There will be an ‘Edmentum station’ at Welcome Days to walk you through the basics of navigating our online platform. In addition, for those of you new to DLA, and or new to our online platform Edmentum, you may want to review this material so that we can address any questions you may have before classes begin. Click this link and it will take you to a tutorial presentation that will guide you to successfully navigation the program. In addition, parents, the following information will support you in your efforts to support your student in their learning.

Ensuring Accuracy - ParentVue

Our partnership is heavily dependent on communication between family and school. It is critical that our system has the most current information. Please log in to ParentVue to verify all of your information and update as necessary. Instructions on how to login and verify and modify your information can be found HERE.

Please make time prior to the start of the school year to share any information required for us to ensure your child is safe and supported in school – legal documents, medical needs or medication administration. If information changes during the school year, please remember to let us know!

Mark Your Calendars for Conferences

Fall Conference Dates

Monday, November 20th 3:30-7pm

Tuesday, November 21st 3:30 -7pm

Spring Conference Dates

Tuesday, March 26th 3:00-7:00

Thursday, March 28th 3:30-7:00

Additional Information

Picture Day: Student pictures will be taken on Monday, Nov. 6 at the NBAPS Education Center. More information will be shared with students and families prior to that day.

zoom_out_map

Everything Vikings in Your Pocket!

North Branch Area Public Schools is thrilled to announce our new app for mobile phones! Stay up-to-date with access to district and Distance Learning Academy events, documents, news from administrators, student stories, and even emergency notifications. You can download the app for free on Google Play or Apple App Store.

Download for Android https://bit.ly/3phcIA7

Download for iPhone https://apple.co/3p6NNPA