Baldwin County Virtual Elementary School FAQ's
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Applications: How do I apply for Baldwin County Virtual Elementary School?
- Visit www.baldwinvirtual.com
- Select the link for BCVES
- Click the Apply Now image
- Complete the Intent box at the top of the page, read the information, check that you understand, then click "Application" and complete the information.
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Applications: How do I enroll or get started in the Baldwin County Virtual Elementary School?
Applications for the 2021-22 school year will open in mid-March. The application is a three step process before enrollment is granted in BCVES. Once enrolled, students will be issued school books and a district chromebook in late July or early August to be ready for school to start August 11. WE will hold a virtual "Meet the Teacher" day on August 9.
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Applications: Do I need to take proof of residency, blue card, birth certificate to the traditional elementary school?
Yes. Documentation is still required to validate residency within Baldwin County as well as the needed birth certificate, immunication record, social security card, and any withdrawal paperwork from the former school. Please speak to the school registrar at 251-607-5628 with additional questions.
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Applications: What is the deadline to apply for the Baldwin County Virtual Elementary School 2021-22 school year?
Applications for the 2021-22 school year enrollment will open on March 15 and continue through April 30. Applications will close at midnight on April 30.
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Applications: I've heard that there are multiple steps to the application process. When can I expect to receive information for each step?
Once you complete the first step, you will receive a link for step 2 within one school day. This second step must be completed by Sunday, May 9 at midnight. You will receive the third and final step the week of May 10, regardless of the date you complete the first two steps. Step 3 must be completed by Monday, May 31 at midnight.
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Applications: If my child is currently enrolled at BCVES, do I still have to apply for next year?
Yes, BCVES is a school of choice and you must apply annually if you wish to be considered for admission.
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Applications: When will I know if my child has been accepted into the Baldwin County Virtual Elementary School ?
The application process is in three steps. The first step asks for student demographic information and assurances that families understand the requirements of virtual learning. The second step asks for the families' plans for a successful virtual experience. The third step contains forms for families to sign that they agree to VES's policies and procedures. Once the signed papers are received, students are then enrolled at the conclusion of the 2020-21 school year.
Over the summer, students will need to complete INFOSNAP registration so that their district accounts are reactivated for the 2021-22 school year. INFOSNAP codes will be sent home with the students' end of the year report cards.
Please contact the school with questions about INFOSNAP.
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Classroom: Are there teachers?
Yes. Elementary teachers host daily live meetings for direct instruction for whole groups or small groups. In the online classroom, students can also find recorded lessons to view. Both digital one-on-one and in person tutoring are also available by appointment.
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Classroom: If we go out of town and we can still log into the classroom, can the work be done from anywhere?
Yes, you can login and complete assignments anywhere you have internet access.
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Classroom: Can a day be traded out for Saturday?
You can see by the schedule that we would like all assignments in by Friday. You can work with your teacher assigned to your student.
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Classroom: Does my child attend a "class" at Baldwin County Virtual Elementary School?
Yes. Students are expected to login to all scheduled live meets and complete weekly assignments at the pace that assignments are given. In-person tutoring, special services and other events are available and scheduled either by appointment with the teacher or as a schoolwide event. In the spring, state-mandated testing requires that students attend in-person.
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Classroom: How does my child get help in a challenging situation?
Teachers provide whole group instruction, small group meetings, instructional videos and can schedule individual tutoring times through the virtual classroom. Additionally, in-person tutoring is available and can be scheduled as needed.
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Classroom: How does this compare to in-classroom learning?
Students will have assigned live meet times with teachers throughout the day. These live meet times will be direct teaching for a whole group or a small group of students. In the lesson, students will learn the skill or concept needed to complete the independent work on their own. Teachers do offer additional times for students to "drop in" if they need additional help.
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Classroom: How long will a Kindergarten student be online daily?
Students will need to login each morning by 8:00. Teachers will schedule small group meetings throughout the day, with the total amount of screentime for Kindergarten students being approximately 3 hours (not concecutively).
The teacher will welcome the entire class to the day with the pledge and a Leader in Me activity.
Please see the attached sample schedule. It may not be the exact schedule the kindergarten teacher uses but it's close. Typically, students follow this sample schedule Monday through Thursday, with Friday dedicated to enrichment activities and time to get any unfinished work completed.
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Classroom: How many hours a week are required?
We have provided a suggested schedule for virtual elementary students at this link.
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Classroom: How many minutes a day will my child be online?
This varies per grade level.
Again, the attached schedule is a sample of what the week would look like.
Monday is the BIG instructional day. Live group class meetings involving a Leader in Me lesson for the week and then, in most cases, pre-recorded teacher lead instruction on the standards for the week will follow.
The pre-recorded instructional lessons may be stopped and replayed, as needed, throughout the week. After that, the student has the remainder of the week to complete assignments. We strongly recommend parents have a printer/scanner, printer paper and pencils, especially for K, 1st and 2nd. This is our preference, for all grades, so they are not sitting in front of their laptop for hours on end.
Students/parents will submit weekly assignments online on Friday. Fridays will also be pre-recorded art, music and later on, virtual field-trip day (later on in the nine weeks).
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Classroom: How will virtual schooling for kids their age work if they can’t read yet?
This is really when parental involvement comes in. The teacher will give instruction and directions through videos and then it's up to the parent to follow those directions and practice with their child.
You will be directed to practice sites as well as sites to find a reader that matches your child's ability level. The teacher will actually conduct small group sessions through Google Meet.
Should your child need face to face tutoring, you will see there are times built into the schedule. This is arranged by appointment with the teacher and parents.
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Classroom: Is learning self-directed or is this educator-based learning?
Students will be monitored by teachers and taught some live lessons; however, parents and students will have to be self-motivated to make sure they implement a daily schedule. Students are expected to be at all scheduled live meets and stay on pace with the classroom assignments, which keeps students working daily.
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Classroom: Is my child learning at the same pace as traditional school?
Yes. All Baldwin County Public Schools follow the district-adopted pacing guides, so BCVES follows the same pacing as traditional schools.
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Classroom: Is there a report card?
Yes, virtual school teachers will follow the Baldwin County Public Schools grading policy and report card delivery dates.
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Classroom: What curriculum does virtual school use?
Elementary students will follow the same curriculum as students in a face-to-face classroom.
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Contact Us: Where will the Baldwin County Virtual Elementary School be located?
The Baldwin County Virtual Elementary School offices are located on the second floor of Trojan Hall at 9160 Champions Way. BCVES also has five locations where teachers report daily and students can come for in person tutoring, state-mandated testing, and other school events. These five locations are in Bay Minette, Robetsdale, Foley, Daphne High, and the virtual school on Highway 98 in Daphne. Please call the school at 251-607-5628 for specific location information.
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General Information: What is Virtual School?
Virtual schooling is a flexible, personal education path that allows students to receive all curriculum and instruction via computer while giving families the ability to pursue interests beyond the school structure. Teachers deliver live and recorded lessons each week for students to work through at thier own pace. While there are some in-person attendance requirements for state-mandated testing and other school events, students do not come to the school building unless previously arranged with the teacher or other school staff. BCVES is a school of choice for families who choose to apply and meet the enrollment criteria.
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General Information: How much does Virtual School cost?
There is no cost to attend Virtual School, but fees apply as in any other school in our system.
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General Information: Is this similar to home schooling?
This is different from homeschool because you will be following all policies and procedures put in place by the Baldwin County Board of Education including pacing and curriculum. Students will be required to take state-mandated assessments. Students will have teachers available to assist with academic needs. However, the family committment needed will make it function similar to a homeschool situation.
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General Information: Is this a good choice for my child?
Virtual school is an individual family decision. Parents know their child and how they learn best. Please check the "What to Expect" page to see responsibilities and expectations for parents, students, and learning coaches.
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General Information: When is the first day of school for 2021-22?
The 2021-22 school year begins on August 11. Students will be expected to login that day at 8:00 for the first morning meeting of the year. Information with web addresses, computer login credentials and daily schedules will be communicated at school registration the week of August 2, 2021.
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General Information: What accountability is there to keep my child on track?
Teachers monitor assignments daily.
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Grading: What is adequate progress and how does it affect my child?
We monitor student grades every three weeks. If a student is scoring below the minimum standard, they will be put on academic alert. If they have not improved by the second check, the student will be unenrolled from BCVES and must be enrolled at thier brick-and-mortar school or another educational setting.
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General Information: How do I find out more information about Baldwin County Virtual Elementary School ?
Please visit our What to Expect page here. Or send an email to our team at bcves@bcbe.org . Or call us at 251-607-5628.
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General Information: Is there planned social interaction?
For the 2021-22 school year, faculty and staff are planning schoolwide events such as Halloween drive-throughs, field trips, honor club inductions, performances, and club meetings to give students chances for social interaction.
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General Information: What if I want my child to return to brick-and-mortar next year during the school year?
If you plan to have your child return to brick-and-mortar or another educational setting for the 2021-22 school year, please fill out the intent box at the top of the application so that we can ensure you receive the correct registration information.
If you enroll with us for the 2021-22 school year and then change your mind, your child can only be transferred back to the brick-and-mortar school at the end of the semester in December.
If your student fails to keep up with adequate course pace by completing less than 25% of assigned classwork on time, they are in danger of being returned to brick-and-mortar at the end of each quarter.
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General Information: Can my child participate in band, art, athletics, music and PE?
Elementary students do not have an opportunity to participate in on campus activities such as art, music, PE or sports. These and other enrichment activities will be provided virtually for elementary students.
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General Information: Does this impact athletic eligibility?
Elementary students are not subject to athletic eligibility.
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General Information: Is there childcare provided for elementary kids?
Parents are expected to sign students in and out for tutoring or testing sessions. Parents should consult with teachers in charge to determine time needed for either activity.
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General Information: My child is gifted will they receive services in virtual school?
Virtual School gifted services will be provided for those students who have enrolled in the elementary virtual program. These services will be provided using the same schedule as the traditional model.
Parents and students who choose the virtual school (instead of attending the traditional school setting) will be informed of the day/time for gifted “pull-out” services and students will log into Google Meet for instruction at their scheduled time each week.
Students will have resources and activities in Google Classroom to complete and submit to the gifted specialist.
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General Information: Can my child participate with an IEP or 504?
Yes, elementary students with an IEP or 504 can participate. For middle and high school, they, along with all students, must follow the guidelines to be accepted. The attached schedule shows built in times to service students with IEPs along with RtI and ESL. One or both days will be determined by the mins. required by the IEP. Upon registration, an IEP committee meeting or 504 meeting may be held to discuss any changes needed in the child’s IEP or 504 plan based on enrollment in the Virtual School. For specific questions please reach out to Barbara English, Special Services bmenglish@bcbe.org.
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General Information: What is a learning partner?
- A learning partner is a parent, family member, family friend, day care, or another trusted adult who can be with your child throughout the school day to help with technical issues, organization, motivation, and see to the child’s health and wellness during the school day.
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Technology: Is internet access required?
Yes.
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Technology: Do I need a home computer for my child to use?
No. A Chromebook will be provided for every child enrolled in the program.
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Technology: I have a Chromebook from last school year, do I need to return it?
Students do not have to return the Chromebook. All materials needed will be placed in the students Google classroom. This is all done online. No additional software needs to be added to these Chromebook.
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Technology: What supplies or equipment are needed for Baldwin County Virtual Elementary School ?
General supplies, similar to regular site-based classrooms, will be required. A list will be provided upon registration.
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Technology: Will tech support be provided if needed?
Yes, Helpdesk Support will be provided during the school day to assist with technical issues. email techsupport@bcbe.org
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Testing: Are tests taken online or in person?
Both, depending on the assessment.
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Testing: How often will my child have to come to a site and where will the site be?
Students have the option to come to sites (per attached schedule) for tutoring but it’s optional.
The only time students are REQUIRED to come to their site is for State Assessment. K-3 will have one when school starts. We will practice social distancing and students will need to wear a mask.There is no schedule from the State yet.
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Testing: Will they be required to go anywhere for testing?
The only time a student would be required to come into one of our Virtual Program sites would be for State Assessments. K-3 has one at the beginning of the year. Other than that, we will have teachers available at sites for tutoring as needed and by appointments. The tutoring groups would be very small, with social distancing practiced and more than likely mask being required.
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Transportation: Is bus transportation provided by the system?
No. Upon enrolling in VES for the 2021-22 school year, families sign a transportation agreement which puts the responsibility of transportation on the families.