Flexible Instructional Days (FID)

During the 2024-2025 school year, Upper St. Clair School District will be utilizing Flexible Instructional Days (FIDs), which may be used in place of in-person instruction for any of the following reasons (as identified by the Pennsylvania Department of Education): a disease epidemic, a hazardous weather condition, a law enforcement emergency, the inoperability of school buses or other equipment necessary to the public-school entity’s operation, damage to school buildings or another temporary circumstance rendering any portion of a school building unfit or unsafe for use.

On a FID, students will participate in synchronous instruction provided by teachers following a 2-hour delay schedule.

2-Hour Delay/FID Schedules

Elementary:

Elementary students (grades 1-4) should log onto their homeroom teacher's Canvas page at 10:35 a.m. At that time, the teacher will provide the day's schedule for both synchronous and asynchronous work. Students will attend the special(s) (art, music, physical education, library, or Spanish) that they would normally follow if school were in session on that day. All links will be posted on the homeroom teacher's Canvas page.

For our kindergarten students:

AM students should log onto the teacher's Google Meet link on their Canvas page at 10:35 a.m.
PM students should log onto the teacher's Google Meet link on their Canvas page at 1:25 p.m.

Attendance will be taken by teachers at 10:35 a.m. and noted throughout the day. For our PM K students, attendance will be taken at 1:25 p.m. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to email your child's teacher(s).

What's the benefit of a FID?

In the event of a cancellation of in-person instruction, implementing FIDs will eliminate the need for make-up days. The District can use up to five (5) FIDs per school year. FIDs are considered a school day and count toward 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?

Families will be informed of a FID through the District's notification systems in the same way that school closings/delays are currently announced. Notifications will be distributed via automated calls/emails and will be posted on the District's website, www.uscsd.k12.pa.us.

Can the District use a FID for a single building?

A FID can be utilized for a single building if it is used for an acceptable reason identified by the Pennsylvania Department of Education. If a FID is used for one building, this would count as one of the five days permitted each year for the entire public school entity.

Will every school day that is canceled because of inclement weather be considered a FID?

A FID will occur after the District uses any scheduled make-up days in the school calendar. For the 2023-2024 school year, make-up days are not scheduled. The district has up to five days to utilize as a FID.

What will be expected of my child during a FID?

Students will not report to school.
Students are required to participate in virtual synchronous instruction:
- Follow the 2-hour delay schedule (see schedule).
- Find the Google Meet Link on the teacher Canvas page.
- Utilize Canvas to access all instructional materials and assignments for the day.
- Attendance will be taken by the classroom teacher (as attendance is taken when instruction is in-person)

How does student attendance work?

Attendance will be taken by teachers on a FID. Students must attend school virtually (synchronously). If a student is absent, the parent/guardian must provide an excuse or the absence will be considered unexcused. If a student cannot access instruction on a FID, the student will be marked absent and documentation must be provided by the parent/guardian to verify the absence with building administration.

What can I do to prepare for a FID at home?

In advance of the implementation of a FID, please familiarize yourself with CANVAS and locate the Google Meet Link.

At school, teachers will also work to familiarize students with the CANVAS page and Google Meet Link. However, elementary students may still need support in accessing this on a FID.

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

Teachers/staff will be providing instruction and live support during a FID. If you have questions, you may contact a teacher or staff member via email, and they will respond to you when available. If you are having difficulties accessing a Google Meet link or Canvas, please email the teacher. You may also contact the building secretary for additional guidance on the best way to receive support on a FID.

How can I prepare for a FID?

Make sure that you know how to access Canvas and a GoogleMeet for remote instruction.
- Where to find the Google Meet for the day?
  - Elementary - Your Google Meet link is on your FID page
  - Middle School - Your Google Meet links will be embedded within your schedule/team page and/or course page
  - High School - Your Google Meet will be prominently displayed on each of the course pages, including your homeroom course page
Make sure that you know how to locate your child(ren)’s schedule for the day.
All students have 1:1 technology to utilize during a FID. Canvas and Google Meet can both be accessed on this device.

How long will my child have to complete FID lessons and/or assignments?

Students are expected to have assignments completed based on teacher-provided deadlines.
If students experience difficulty while accessing instruction at home, the parent/student must communicate with the teacher. The main office may be contacted or a teacher’s email and/or voicemail. All materials will be accessible on Canvas, and students can complete assignments asynchronously, but this will not count toward attendance.
Your child may be marked absent and an excuse may be required depending upon the circumstances contributing to an inability to access FID instruction.

What happens if my child fails to complete his/her assignment(s)?

Teachers will check FID assignment completion and grade the work accordingly - similar to all other class assignments.

My child has an IEP. Will his/her lesson be modified appropriately?

The FID lesson will be designed utilizing program modifications, specially designed instruction, and supplementary aids and services identified in the students’ individualized education plans. Upon return from a FID, teachers of students with IEPs will meet with their students to review work submitted, checking for completion and understanding.

Any related services (physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech, etc.) that would have occurred during the day of closure will be provided during the FID. If necessary, the session can be rescheduled according to the frequency requirements in the students’ individualized education plans.

Will after-school activities be canceled on a FID?

Additional communication regarding after-school activities will be provided by the District on the day of a FID.

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