April 10, 2020
GOAL
Our primary focus is compassion for students and families. Our overall academic goal is to ensure that students have achieved mastery through their third quarter courses for the 2019-2020 academic school year. Together as a community, we are experiencing new challenges and our mission is to ensure we maintain positive relationships with our students while engaging in instruction.
“The goal is not to replicate the whole school day at home but to provide students with a sense that they are still connected to the school community.”
-Edutopia
How will educational content be delivered?
We will be providing the bulk of our educational content through the Google Classroom platform. Students will access their own Google Classroom using their Google login information. When a student opens their Google Classroom from home, they will see a “tile” for every teacher. This method of communication will be convenient for students and parents and is also a confidential way to give feedback to students regarding school work or questions.
What should Google Classroom look like?
This is an example of what a STUDENT VIEW of Google Classroom looks like:
How does a student get their codes for Google Classroom?
Every teacher has an individual code for their class(es). Every student will be contacted by their teachers through their school email (6-12) or their parents’ email (K-5) to receive their Google Classroom codes. For a parent friendly guide to Google Classroom, please click here:
Parent Guide to Google Classroom - Please click here
Will I be graded for my work?
Student feedback will be provided. This is important for continued educational understanding and growth. Students will not be given a letter grade in PowerSchool. While completing coursework will not decrease a student's current grade, it does serve as a wonderful opportunity to improve it. The work assigned will also help prepare our students for advancement in the upcoming school year.
Are assignments actually due on the due date?
Dates of completion for activities and assignments will serve as a guideline to maintain structure and a schedule for our academic plan. However, if your child completes an assignment after a suggested due date, they may still submit the assignment for feedback.
How can I contact my child’s teacher?
Every teacher will host 2 hours of weekly drop in times for tutoring and/or open communication with students. Teachers will make students aware of their drop in time slots through their Google Classroom sites. Teachers may also be contacted outside of the drop in hours via their school email using the following pattern: FirstName.LastName@myeagles.org You may look up their email address through the Columbia website.
What grade will I be in next year?
Students in grades K-11 who are in good academic standing will move up to the next grade level.
What if our family does not have technology?
Students who do not have technology will receive a packet in the mail. One mailing will take place April 16th. Another mailing will be sent during the 2nd week of May. Students DO NOT return the packets but can take a picture to send to teachers for feedback on assignments.
What if our family has technology but would like a printed resource packet?
Families will have the option to receive an emailed copy of resource packets that they can view or print from home.
Will Columbia be distributing chromebooks to students for use at their home?
We will not be distributing chromebooks to students. This decision was made with careful consideration of our employees and our families health & safety. Future plans to provide chromebooks are being considered and implementation will be discussed should unique circumstances require learning to take place at home.
When can my student come into the school to pick up their belongings?
We will offer an opportunity for students to come into the school buildings as soon as it is deemed safe to do so. These dates will be communicated on our Columbia Facebook pages, Twitter, and the Columbia School District Website. Teachers are aware some students may not have textbooks with them at home and will make modifications for this.
What do I do if my student has an IEP or 504 plan?
Your child’s special education teacher will be working directly with those students that have Individualized Education Plans to provide accommodations as necessary. Each building’s school counselor and general education teacher will be working directly with those students that have 504 plans. Parents will receive invitations to hold annual videoconference or phone IEP meetings when applicable.
How can I contact staff members at Columbia?
Please click here-Columbia Elementary Staff
Please click here-Columbia Upper Elementary Staff
Please click here-Columbia Central Junior High School Staff
Please click here-Columbia Central Senior High School Staff
Please click here -Columbia Central Options High School Staff
Who can I contact if we need counseling support?
Wendy.Diefenthaler@myeagles.org - High School Counselor
Storm.Caryl@myeagles.org - Jr. High School Counselor
Krista.Schatzle@myeagles.org - Columbia Upper Elementary School Counselor
Ashley.Phelps@myeagles.org - Columbia Elementary School Counselor
Who can I contact for general information?
You may also call the building secretaries who can connect you with information you may need.
Carol Ladd - Columbia Elementary School Secretary 517-592-6632 (Carol.Ladd@myeagles.org)
Lori Hunter - Columbia Upper Elementary School Secretary 517-592-2181 (Lori.Hunter@myeagles.org)
Robyn Hall - Columbia Junior High School Secretary 517-769-8652 (Robyn.Hall@myeagles.org)
Nianne Prendel - Columbia High School Secretary 517-592-6634 (Nianne.Prendel@myeagles.org)
Kristy Hannewald- Columbia Options High School Secretary 517-529-9400 (Kristy.Hannewald@myeagles.org)
How do I contact an administrator?
For Students in Grades PreK-2
Trudy Wright, Columbia Elementary Principal-Trudy.Wright@myeagles.org
For Students in Grades 3-6
Jennifer VanWagnen, Columbia Upper Elementary Principal-Jennifer.VanWagnen@myeagles.org
For Students in Grades 7-8 & Athletics
Josh Kubiak, Columbia Central Jr./Sr. High School Athletic Director and Assistant Principal-Josh.Kubiak@myeagles.org
For Students in Grades 9-12
Travis Cushman, Columbia Central Jr./Sr. High School Assistant Principal-Travis.Cushman@myeagles.org
For Students in Grades 7-12
Christi O’Neil, Columbia Central Jr./Sr. High School Principal-Christi.ONeil@myeagles.org
For Students at Options and in the Columbia Virtual Academy
Lisa Klink, Columbia Options High School Principal-Lisa.Klink@myeagles.org
Additional Building Specific Information Below |
ADDITIONAL COLUMBIA ELEMENTARY (PK-2) INFORMATION
How can I register for Preschool?
Please call 517-592-9753 or email Terri.McLaury@myeagles.org to reserve your spot in Columbia Preschool.
If you are interested in GSRP which is free to qualifying families, please click here:
Click here for Great Start Readiness Preschool Application
How can I register for Kindergarten?
Please call 517-592-6632 if you have questions about Kindergarten registration
Click here for Kindergarten Registration
When is the Kindergarten Open House?
Wednesday, August 19, 2020 from 5-7 p.m.
Will we receive another report card for the end of the year?
New standards will not be assessed or marked in PowerSchool for this year, so families will not receive another report card.
Will we receive refunds for field trips we paid for but didn’t get to go on?
The next grade level up will receive the funds, so the money will follow your child. It will be used for the first field trip in the next grade level.
Will Kindergarten Graduation take place?
Kindergarten graduation is cancelled. However, if it is safe to plan a celebration this summer, we will make sure our Kindergarten families receive information.
ADDITIONAL COLUMBIA UPPER (3-6) INFORMATION
Has the 3rd Grade Mackinac Field Trip been rescheduled? What about the 6th Grade Kimball Camp Field Trip?
The 3rd Grade Mackinac trip has been rescheduled for May of 2021. Our 4th grade teachers look forward to chaperoning this trip along with our 3rd grade team! Plans to reschedule the 6th grade trip to Kimball Camp are being considered for September. Information will be shared as updates are provided.
If I already paid for track, how do I go about getting a refund?
Refunds will be issued once the Governor’s Stay At Home order is lifted. Information will be communicated on our Columbia Facebook pages, Twitter and the Columbia School District Website. Donations may also be made to the Columbia School District athletic fund.
Will we receive another report card for the end of the year?
New standards will not be assessed or marked in PowerSchool for this year, so families will not receive another report card.
ADDITIONAL COLUMBIA CENTRAL Jr./Sr. HIGH SCHOOL INFORMATION
What is my second semester grade for the 2019-2020 academic school year?
The grade students earned at the end of the third marking period will become their second semester grade.
What if I want to improve my grade?
If a student in 7th through 12th grade had a 58% (passing grade) or better on March 13, 2020, they will not receive a lower grade and they will pass the class. They may improve their grade up to one letter grade by contacting the teacher and completing assigned coursework and learning activities.
If a student in 7th through 12th grade had a 31% to 57% (not currently passing) for their third quarter grade (as of March 13, 2020), they will be provided an opportunity to improve up to one letter grade. If a student is interested in improving their grade, he or she must contact their teacher. The teacher will provide coursework and learning activities that are required to improve the grade. If the student does not improve their grade to 58% or better, they must make up the class to earn credit by completing one of the following:
Summer school
Taking 8th hour next school year
Repeating the class next school year
Seniors will also be given the option to complete a capstone project.
If a student in grade 7th through 12th grade had a 30% or lower (not currently passing) in the course (on March 13, 2020), they must make up the class to earn credit by completing one of the following:
Summer school
Taking 8th hour next school year
Repeating the class next school year
Seniors will also be given the option to complete a capstone project.
Advanced Placement Courses and Testing
Teachers of AP classes will continue to cover content to prepare students for the AP assessments. The College Board will provide online AP assessments this school year. The link for the schedule is below:
https://apcoronavirusupdates.collegeboard.org/educators/taking-the-exams/ap-exam-schedule
Use this link below to find out more information about this year’s assessment:
https://apcoronavirusupdates.collegeboard.org/educators/taking-the-exams
Mrs. Diefenthaler will be in contact with these students to ensure they are set up for the appropriate AP assessment.
How do I sign up for classes next school year?
Mrs. Diefenthaler will be in contact within the next two weeks with directions for choosing classes.
Will prom be rescheduled?
We are hopeful to hold prom on a later date this summer if it is safe to do. .
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION FOR CCHS SENIORS
How do I know if I am in good academic standing to graduate?
If you have achieved all of the credits necessary and passed your classes through March 13, 2020, you will graduate. If you are in the process of completing a credit recovery class, you must pass this by May 28, 2020 to be eligible for graduation.
All assignments used for credit must be completed and handed in by May 28, 2020.
What if I failed a third quarter class this school year?
Students who failed a third quarter class will need to contact their teacher to identify ways to improve their quarter grade and have the ability to graduate on time. If a student is working on a course they failed previous to the second semester they need to complete the course.
Do I have to participate in classes during the fourth quarter if I am a Senior in good academic standing?
Yes, we recommend you participate in your courses through May 15, 2020. Teachers are providing review of important content and enrichment activities that will help prepare you for your future transitions.
Graduation
We are optimistic that graduation will be held on a later date this summer if it is safe to do.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION FOR
COLUMBIA OPTIONS HIGH SCHOOL
What is my 5th term grade for the 2019-2020 academic school year?
Whatever grade the student had as of March 13, 2020, is the grade that the student will receive for the 5th term.
What if I want to improve my 5th term grade?
If a student had a 31% or better in a 5th term course, they will be provided an opportunity to improve their grade. If a student is interested in improving their grade, he or she must contact their teacher. The teacher will provide coursework and learning activities that are required to improve the grade. If a student has a 31% or lower in the course, they must make up the 5th term class to earn credit by completing one of the following:
Completing an Odysseyware course to recover the lost credit
Retake the course next school year
Seniors will be able to complete a capstone project
How can I keep earning additional credits for this year?
Depending on your interests, all students will have the opportunity to work on a variety of credit recovery activities until the end of the school year. Activities could include: student selected capstone projects, learning packets or Odysseyware courses.
What if I don’t have a computer and/or Internet?
No worries. You can still keep working. The COHS staff realizes that not everyone has access to technology. Teachers will work with all students to provide a variety of interesting learning and credit recovery options regardless of a student’s technology status.
INFORMATION FOR COHS SENIORS
If I am a senior, does it mean I automatically graduate?
No. In order to graduate, you must be a senior in good academic standing. Please see below for specific criteria.
COHS Seniors are considered to be in good academic standing to graduate if:
They had at least 22 credits prior to the start of 5th term.
They were passing all of their 5th term classes as of March 13, 2020.
They have earned credits for each required core subject area course.
If I am a senior and not in good academic standing, what can I do?
Contact your principal and teachers immediately to develop an individualized plan of action which may include a capstone project.
You can recover lost credits either through Odysseyware credit recovery courses, learning packets or via alternative capstone projects arranged with your teachers.
If you are already enrolled in credit recovery classes, you must pass them by May 28, 2020 to be eligible for graduation.
All assignments used for credit must be completed and submitted by May 28, 2020.
Graduation
The May 28th date for graduation has been cancelled. However, we hope to possibly hold graduation later this summer if it is deemed safe to do so. We will provide more information as it becomes available.
Caps and Gowns
Caps and gowns are being ordered and will arrive in mid-May. The $50 fee can be paid either by mailing a check to the school or paid at the time of pickup.
What name will appear on my diploma?
When ordering diplomas, we use the name that appears on your birth certificate unless otherwise specified.
CONTINUITY PLAN FOR
COLUMBIA VIRTUAL ACADEMY
Do I have to keep working on my classes?
Yes. It is expected that CVA students continue working as usual.
Can I still get more classes if I finish what I have?
Yes. If you finish all of the classes that are currently assigned to you, we are happy to assign more. We encourage students to work as much as possible.
INFORMATION FOR CVA SENIORS
If I am a senior, does it mean I automatically graduate?
No. In order to graduate, you must be a senior in good academic standing. Please see below for specific criteria.
CVA Seniors are considered to be in good academic standing to graduate if:
They have at least 23.5 credits
They have earned credits for each required core subject area course.
If I am a senior and not in good academic standing, what can I do?
Contact your principal and teachers ASAP to develop an individualized plan of action.
You can recover lost credits either through additional Odysseyware credit recovery courses
All courses must be completed by May 28, 2020.
Graduation
The May 28th date for graduation has been cancelled. However, we hope to possibly hold graduation later this summer if it is deemed safe to do so. We will provide more information as it becomes available.
Caps and Gowns
Caps and gowns are being ordered and will arrive in mid-May. The $50 fee can be paid either by mailing a check to the school or paid at the time of pickup.
What name will appear on my diploma?
When ordering diplomas, we use the name that appears on your birth certificate unless otherwise specified.