Frequently Asked Questions about 279Online

Is there a way to schedule the tech pickup? When will scholars receive their teacher assignment and schedule?
Our tech team is very busy deploying 20,000 devices across the district, so we are focused on our designated dates, Sept. 2 and Sept. 7.  If you have a specific need, please reach out to us.

Which grades are provided iPads vs. Chromebooks?
iPads are used in grades K-3, while Chromebooks are used in grades 4-12.

Can we get specifications and models of the devices?
Grades K-2: iPad Gen 8
Grade 3: iPad Gen 7
Grades 4, 5, 9, 10 & 11: Dell 3100 2 in 1
Grades 6, 7, 8 & 12: Acer 751T

Please note that the Chromebooks are education grade and the exact model may not be available on the consumer market.

When is the last day to enroll?
Return enrollment as soon as possible to ensure placement and to know courses.

What are class sizes?
They vary based on grade level; right now, 25-30 students at secondary and 20 students at elementary.  Class sizes are also based on statewide caps that are similar to other brick and mortar sites.

When is the last date to enroll? What happens if you receive an acceptance message by phone?  Do I need to sign an acceptance letter?
It depends on staffing. Please email us and we will give you the correct guidance.

Can we enroll now and, if a mask mandate goes into effect, go back to our home school?
Right now, we’ve been told that our enrollment is limited to trimesters and subject to space at schools.

How many students have chosen 279Online?
Approximately 1,000 K-12 students have chosen 279Online, although the specific number fluctuates. We currently have space but are uncertain of future resources.

Will there be the same teachers for the whole day for  elementary?
Yes, apart from specialists.

Is it difficult to manage 3 kids enrolled in elementary?
The first 30 days in elementary are set up to teach scholars how to login and learn routines. It is set up to develop scholar independence. We have staff support that can help structure and establish routines. 

How much homework is expected in K and 3rd grade?
We are hoping a lot of the independence will be built into the school day.

Will there be recess breaks between the six blocks and in addition to the 30 minute lunch?
We have very skilled teachers who integrate movement breaks into their day.

How many ninth graders are enrolled in 279Online? 
As of mid-August 2021, approximately 65 ninth grade scholars are enrolled in 279Online. 

Will there be additional materials available besides tech?
Yes. In elementary, the math manipulatives and workbooks will be handed out, as well as phonics materials and other resources your scholar needs to be engaged in class. In the secondary curriculum, it depends on the content area. Initial distribution is tech and materials at the same time. Beyond that, we will provide information about our distribution hubs.

Will you be looking for volunteers?
Yes, we are looking for this to truly be a community school with family and community engagement.

What should scholar desks look like?
Discuss with your scholar as workspaces and needs vary among students.

Will there be more opportunity for differential learning in each class? Specifically thinking of ways for teachers within a grade level to collaborate and create pods for like learners across classes.
We have a cap in 279Online of four classes per grade level at elementary, which allows the teachers to work together in their PLTs and provide differentiated opportunities, which allows them flexibility on how to collaborate.

Will parents and kids be able to communicate or meet in a safe in-person environment?
We will do what we can to facilitate this process while honoring privacy considerations. We also want to honor those families who do not want to have in-person contact and navigate both sides.

Will you be sending more communications to 279Online families soon?
Yes; continue to monitor our website and Facebook page. Lists are changing as COVID-19 considerations come in. We are also sending out robocalls. Add your name and number to the form if you are not receiving these.

Are classes accessed through Google Meet?
Yes, and our learning management systems are Seesaw (elementary) and Schoology (secondary). Google Suite is used throughout K-12.

Are the hours of the six blocks at the discretion of the teachers?
These are the scheduled blocks. Instruction within those times may look different, but these times will be scheduled for blocks.

When will scholars receive their teacher assignment and schedule?
Elementary scholars will have an opportunity to meet the grade level teams of teachers at Open House on Sept. 1. Secondary scholars will receive their schedules before Sept. 8.

Will students get phy ed and music every day?
K-5 will have phy ed and music every other day. Sixth graders will have one trimester of phy ed as part of their elective rotation. Grades 6-8 music classes will meet daily.

How will IEP services happen?
We have a Special Education coordinator who ensures students’ IEP needs are being met.

What will TAG look like for elementary? Breakouts weekly? Small groups?
Access to TAG will mirror brick-and-mortar schools. All students will receive push-in lessons.

Can my child join [their attendance boundary school] clubs and sports?
Yes, if scholars live in the attendance area they can join their designated physical school’s clubs and sports.

Will there be virtual clubs/activities?
We are trying to be very aware of families’ wants and needs. Some want access to virtual opportunities and others want in-person opportunities. We are trying to meet the need across the board and extend/explore on Wednesdays during the bonus block.

How do sports work with online high school if we are out of district?
In-district scholars can participate in sports and extra-curricular activities at the site they would be assigned if they were not in 279Online.

Students will login with their district email for their username and their password is either their lunch pin or their birthday.
If it is their birthday, it will be entered in this format: MMDDYYYY.

If this information does not work for you or you do not know this information, you will need to submit a ticket by emailing the helpdesk at help@district279.org.