Virtual Learning Enrollment Form
>>> Virtual Learning Lottery CLOSED <<<
August 12, 2021
To the Families and Staff of Reynolds School District,
This is to keep you informed that the Reynolds School District Board of Directors did not approve the expenditure of budget for the virtual learning option for K-12 students for the 2021-2022 school year at the August 11, 2021 School Board Meeting. The reasons stated by Board directors included wanting to see funds for virtual learning invested in temporary staff and/or teacher assistance for in-person learning, as well as accessibility issues for students. Other reasons included concerns about the limited number of students who would be reached by the virtual learning plan, which capped at 265 based on limited funds available. The board took a vote on the authorization to spend for the virtual learning program and ended with a divided outcome, which concluded with the board directing the Superintendent not to spend funds for virtual learning. Therefore, the District is closing the lottery and removing the virtual learning option for the 2021-2022 school year at this time.
We understand this is a change for some of our families, and we are here to support you with any questions you might have in transitioning to in-person learning for the fall. Reynolds School District’s highest priority is the safety of our students, families, and staff, and we are committed to ensuring every student has access to quality education in a safe in-person learning environment.
We continue to follow the most recent guidance from the Oregon Department of Education and the Oregon Health Authority for in-person learning for 2021-2022 as found in the Ready Schools, Safe Learners Resiliency Framework. This guidance includes ensuring all students, staff, and visitors ages two and above wear appropriate face coverings while inside schools and while on bus transportation, three-foot physical distancing is maintained to the extent possible, and all current cleaning, disinfecting, and air quality measures are continued. You can learn more about safety measures for in-person learning for the 2021-2022 school year here.
If you have questions or concerns, please contact your school, the Reynolds School District Administration Offices, or your local school board here.
Thank you,
Reynolds School District
>>> Virtual Learning Lottery CLOSED <<<
For the 2021-22 school year, Reynolds will provide the option of at-home Virtual Learning for a limited number of students. Due to anticipated interest in Virtual Learning this fall and a limited number of space available, enrollment for Virtual Learning will occur via lottery.
Completing this form will enter your student(s) into the lottery for available Virtual Learning slots. It does not guarantee your student a place in Virtual Learning.
Please complete the form by August 18, 2021. Families participating in the lottery will be notified of results no later than August 31.
*Families are required to commit their student(s) to Virtual Learning through the first semester of the 2021-2022 school year, with the option to return to in-person learning mid-year.
Please complete and submit a separate form for each student you would like to enter the Virtual Learning lottery.
Click here for answers to frequently asked questions
Q: How did you determine the number of virtual learning seats available by grade?
A: We looked at the most recent enrollment data by grade (K-12 enrollment, spring 2021), determined what percentage of total spring enrollment each grade made up, and will apply that percentage to the total number of virtual learning seats available in the fall. For example, if 8% of all RSD students who were actively enrolled in March were first graders, then 8% of our available virtual learning seats will be reserved for incoming first graders. We will randomize assignment of seats by grade.
Q: How many total virtual learning seats will be available in the upcoming school year?
A: 265.
Q: If I submitted a lottery form for multiple children in my household and only one child is selected to participate in virtual learning, will all children in the household who entered the lottery be enrolled in virtual learning?
A: Yes.
Q: Will online students be on the same schedule as in-person students?
A: No. Virtual learning will be structured so that individual students can work at their own pace, with instructors available at pre-set office hours to work with individual students or small groups. Students can also schedule one-on-one meetings with instructors as needed.
Q: Will online instructors be the same instructors students would have if they were attending in person?
A: No. They will have licensed educators provided by Edgenuity.
Q: Will exceptions be made for students who are considered at high risk for COVID-19?
A: No. Virtual learning seats will be filled based on a random lottery system. The District does not have a list or database that identifies RSD students as high-risk specifically for COVID-19, and we are not qualified to make that medical determination. We know that all families may not have equal access to health care, so we are unable to use a doctor’s note for determining enrollment in virtual learning. The random lottery system was chosen as a fair and equitable way of assigning enrollment into the virtual learning program with the limited number of seats available due to budget constraints.
Q: My student has an IEP. How will a student’s IEP be handled with Edgenuity running the online program?
A: RSD Student & Family Services staff work in collaboration with Edgenuity teachers to assure accommodations and modifications are met. Students with IEPs will continue to have access to their RSD special education case manager.
Q: Can Charter School families participate?
A: No. Please contact your child’s charter school directly to determine if virtual learning programs will be offered by the charter school.
Q: Will virtual learning spots open during the school year that families can apply for?
A: No. We will have a wait list from the lottery process for each grade and draw from that to fill seats for the second half of the school year. Students will not be able to move between in-person and virtual learning mid-semester.
Q: Will my student still have access to the same services and extracurricular activities as in-person learning students?
A: Yes. All virtual learning students will enroll in their neighborhood school and will have access to athletics, school activities, extracurricular activities etc. as well as Reynold’s Student and Family Services department and school counselors.
If you have any questions not answered in the FAQ, please email academics@rsd7.net.
