Flexible Instructional Day (FID) Guidelines for Parents/Guardians
During the 2024-2025 school year, Wyomissing Area School District will be utilizing Flexible Instructional Days (FIDs), which may be used in place of a school day that would be canceled because of inclement weather or another emergency situation. On a FID, students will complete learning activities and assignments provided by their teachers at home.
What is a Flexible Instructional Day (FID)?
The Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) approved the use of Flexible Instructional Days (FID) as an alternate form of instruction in place of a day otherwise canceled due to inclement weather or building emergency. The Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) will count this as a full day of school. The District has been approved to use up to a maximum of five (5) FIDs for this school year. On a FID, students will complete learning assignments provided by the teacher at home on the day that otherwise would have been canceled. Students will receive assignments for each subject that would have originally taken place during a regular school day.
What's the benefit of a FID?
Implementing a FID will not require additional make-up days when school is canceled. These make-up days could shorten the spring break or extend the school year. 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 the use of a FID, how will I know?
The Wyomissing Area School District will use its current communication media tools to notify students, parents/guardians, and employees that a flexible instructional day has been instituted. The District will send out information via the ParentSquare system which can send stakeholders a voice message, email, and/or text message explaining that a flexible instructional day will be implemented. The District will also post this information on its website (www.wyoarea.org) as well as on the District social media pages.
Will every school day that is canceled because of inclement weather be considered a FID?
FIDs will be used for the first five school days canceled due to inclement weather. Any remaining school closures due to inclement weather must be made-up following the approved academic calendar.
What will be expected of my child during a FID?
Students in grades K-12 will be expected to complete the lessons and assignments provided to them by their teachers to be marked present for the flexible instructional day. Students in grades 5-12 are expected to log into their Schoology accounts to access assignments. Students in grades K-4 are expected to log into their Google Classroom accounts to access the FID learning assignments. The lesson materials will be available by 8:30 am for JSHS and WREC students and by 9:00 am for WHEC students. If a child does not have internet access, the child will need to contact his or her teacher on the next school day. Students who are unable to access the Internet on the flexible instructional day will have three additional school days to complete their assignments once in-person instruction has resumed. Any student who fails to complete their FID assignment within three (3) school days will be marked with an “unexcused” absence from school. If the assignment is not completed, students may lose the point value or grade for the assignment. This loss of points could negatively impact a student’s marking period grade.
How does student attendance work?
Student attendance will be determined by verification and completion of the FID lesson and/or assignment. Students should not report to school on a FID.
How can I contact a teacher or staff member during a FID?
All teachers and professional staff members will be available through communication within the Learning Management System (Schoology or Google Classroom) or via email during a FID. This includes special area teachers, special education teachers, reading specialists, EL teachers, school counselors, nurses, speech therapists, and principals, unless the individual is ill that day. Professional staff members will post office hours (two hours in the AM and two hours in the PM) during the FID in which they can provide support to students and respond to questions posed by students. The technology help desk will also be available using the following addresses:
JSHS students - [email protected]
WREC students - [email protected]
WHEC students - [email protected]
How long will my child have to complete FID lessons and/or assignments?
Students will have three (3) school days, once school resumes, to complete and submit their learning activities. If the assignment is not completed, after the three-day period, students may lose the point value or grade for the assignment. This loss of points could negatively impact a student’s marking period grade.
My child has an IEP, will his/her lesson be modified appropriately?
The FID lesson will be designed for students with special needs utilizing their program modifications, specially designed instruction and supplementary aids 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, checking for completion and understanding. Any related services (Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Speech, etc.) scheduled during the FID will be rescheduled according to the frequency requirements of the students’ individualized education plan.
Will after school activities be canceled on a FID?
Yes, after school activities will be canceled during a FID.
Will elementary students have assignments and activities for their special classes such as music?
Students will be expected to complete lessons for classes that are typically scheduled for that day to include specials in physical education, health, art, music, library, STEAM and counseling.