Virtual Instructional Days

​In 2017, the Governor signed a bill into law that allows districts to submit detailed plans for their schools to conduct instruction through virtual education when schools have been closed due to inclement weather or other emergency.  Stakeholder survey results showed an overwhelming interest in pursuing this option. NS has developed a Virtual Instruction Day committee that has been creating a clear system and structure as well as employee guidance documents and a FAQ document. The application will be submitted to the Rhode Island Department of Education this month.
If  Virtual Instructional Days becomes approved, students would not report to school due to inclement weather or other emergency, but will engage in learning activities using digital resources. Students will engage with all classes scheduled on that day. There is no set “seat time” - students complete work according to family schedule and individual ability.Virtual Instructional Days will be used  to maintain the momentum of learning, minimizing  the interruptions caused by snow days. Providing opportunities for virtual instruction not only supports the district’s goal of integrating technology into instruction but also provides more effective instruction than days that are added to the end of the school year.Inclement weather cancellations and announcement of a Virtual Instructional Day will be relayed through the school’s notification phone & email system, district website, Facebook , and local TV/radio stations.Students will be able to access instruction via the School Website. Google Classroom/Google Suite will be the platform used in grades K-12 to post student assignments, facilitate discussions, and submit work. Students regularly access Google Classroom on typical school days.  All teachers will post assignments on Google Classroom by 8:00 a.m. and will be available for online communication 8:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m Teachers will be available via their northsmithfieldschools.com email directly from Google Classroom or any other email product. Google Classroom will be the platform used in grades K-12 to post student assignments, facilitate discussions, and submit work. If students need technical assistance or have general technical questions and/or concerns, they may call the school Virtual Instruction Information Line: 401-597-6100 x4220 or email snowday@northsmithfieldschools.com. If needed, the message will be relayed to the teacher.
Check back to receive up to date news and developments concerning the virtual instructional days application submission.