Flexible Instruction Days

Slippery Rock Area School District

Flexible Instructional Day Guidelines/FAQ’s for Parents/Guardians

 

 

 

 

 

 

What is a Flexible Instructional Day?

The Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) approved the use of Flexible Instructional Days (FID) as an alternative form of instruction in place of a day otherwise canceled due to inclement weather or building emergency.  PDE will count this as a full day of school.  The Slippery Rock Area School District is approved to use up to a maximum of five (5) FID’s for a school year.

 

Flexible Instructional Day (FID) Guidelines for Parents/Guardians

During the current school year, the Slippery Rock Area School District may use a FID in place of a school day that would otherwise be canceled due to inclement weather or other emergency situation.  On a FID, students will complete learning activities and assignments at home that are provided by their teachers. 

 

The District recognizes the value and quality of instruction that is provided face to face is superior to this alternative form.  Because of this, the District will utilize Snow Make-up Days FIRST.  FID Days will be utilized ONLY after snow make-up days have been exhausted due to inclement weather or other emergencies.   The use of a FID for any additional canceled days due to weather will be at the discretion of the superintendent.

 

What is the benefit of a FID?

The use of a FID will not require additional make-up days when school is canceled.  These make-up days could shorten spring break or extend the school year.  The District can use up to five (5) FID per school year.  FID are considered a school day and count towards the number of instructional days/hours required under Article 15 of the Public School Code and Chapter 11 of the State Board of Education regulations.

 

If the District calls for a FID, how will I know?

Students and parents/guardians will be informed of a FID through the District’s notification system in the same way school closings and delays are currently announced.  Notifications will be distributed via the District's message system and will be posted on the District’s website.

 

In order to be approved by PDE for a FID, the District needs to ensure access to the learning activities for all students, even on inclement weather days when there may be disruptions to electricity and internet service.  With this in mind, teachers will distribute prepared, hard copy lessons of activities for students to use during these days.  These lessons will also be available on Google Classrooms.  Students are expected to complete the work assigned on the FID and return the completed work to the classroom teachers upon their return to in-person instruction.

 

How does student attendance work?

Student attendance will be determined by the verification and completion of the FID lessons and/or assignments.  Students do not report to school on a FID.  Students will complete their FID lessons for the identified FID day and return the completed work to their classroom teachers upon their return to in-person learning.  Incomplete work will be counted as an absence and a parent excuse will be required.

 

How can I contact a teacher or staff member during a FID?

All teachers and professional staff members will be available via email during a FID.  This includes special area teachers such as music, art, library, physical education, special education, Title I, school counselors, nurses, speech therapists, principals, and administrators unless the individual is ill that day.

 

What if my child needs help with a lesson/assignment on a FID, will teachers be available to answer questions?

Yes.  All school-based staff members will be available to answer questions on a FID via email during school hours.

 

What happens if my child fails to complete his/her assignments?

Teachers will check FID assignments which will count toward attendance requirements and may count as a graded assignment.  Any student who fails to complete their FID assignments will be marked as absent and a parent excuse will be required.

 

My child has an IEP, will his/her lesson be modified appropriately?

FID lessons will be designed for students with special needs utilizing their program modifications, specially designed instruction, and supplementary aides and services identified in their individualized education plans.  Upon return from a FID, teachers of students with special needs will meet with their students to review work submitted to check for completion and understanding.  Any related service (physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech, etc.) originally scheduled during the FID will be rescheduled according to the frequency requirements of the student’s individualized education plan.

 

Will nursing services be available during a FID?

As a requirement of FID approval, our nurses will be available via email during regular school hours to support our families and students.

 

Will afterschool activities be canceled on a FID?

Yes, all afterschool activities will be canceled on a FID.

 

 

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