Frequently Asked Questions
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While we may not all be together in the classrooms right now, we are still here to support your child just as we have always done. Please see the Frequently Asked Questions below for answers to helpful questions. If you have a question that is not on this list, please email hbe@homewood.k12.al.us.
eLearning
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How will my child access eLearning?
- Elementary: From April 6 to April 17, students will work through online grade-level tic-tac-toe eLearning assignment boards. Starting April 20, eLearning will be through individual classroom teachers as they will provide weekly lessons for students through Schoology or Google Classroom.
- Middle & High: eLearning will take place within each teacher’s Schoology course. Students should check each of their courses for daily assignments. Teachers may communicate with students each day through Schoology and/or email.
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How much student work is expected each day?
Although work will be posted for students each day, school will not be hosted in real time. Students will have the opportunity to work on eLearning assignments at the times that parents determine to be the best fit for their family - which could vary day-to-day. Teachers will be communicating with students consistently and in varying formats, relative to the age and development of the children.
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My child's teacher is hosting a Google Meet at 10 am, but I have an online work meeting at that time. Will my child be penalized if they miss the online meeting?
Teachers may occasionally utilize Google Meet or Schoology Conference for online discussions at a specific time. Students can "see" some of their classmates virtually and interact with them with support of the teacher, which is very positive. Teachers understand that all students may not be able to participate at set times. Teachers may offer secondary choices for a meeting time or may record and post their Google Meet. Students will not be penalized if they are unable to participate in a Google Meet session. *It is not a requirement for students to turn on video when participating in a videoconference with the teacher via Google Meet or Schoology Conference.
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How will final grades be determined?
- eLearning coursework will constitute the 4th nine weeks grade for HMS/HHS students. Teachers are prepared to be flexible and accommodating in their grading. HMS/HHS will not have final exams.
- Elementary students will continue to be evaluated according to mastery of their grade level learning targets and will receive a report card at the end of the school year.
- Seniors who are on track to graduate and have passed all of their classes during the 3rd nine weeks will be considered qualified for graduation. The grades that seniors earned at the end of the 3rd nine weeks can be posted again as their 4th nine weeks’ grades. Seniors who would like to improve their semester average should complete the eLearning course work. Each nine weeks’ grade will count as 50% of the semester average, and seniors will not be required to take semester exams. Seniors must email Mrs. Meeks, HHS Senior counselor, of their intentions for each class no later than Monday, April 13.
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How do I communicate with my child’s teacher?
Each teacher will be available through email to communicate with students and parents. If you have any questions about coursework or eLearning, please email your child’s teacher.
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What should I do if my family needs any other assistance during this time?
School counselors and other school support personnel are available through email as helpful resources if parents or students should wish to contact them.
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When is the last day of school for students/eLearning?
The last day of school/eLearning will be May 21, 2020.
- For seniors, the last day for new material will be May 7, 2020.
Technology
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What if my child needs a device?
School used Chromebooks were distributed prior to April 6. If your child did not receive a Chromebook and needs one, please contact your child’s principal.
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Are school issued Chromebooks filtered for student use to help prevent browsing inappropriate content?
Absolutely. These devices are in compliance with the Children’s Internet Protection Act (CIPA) for use at home. However, the best filtering practice is routine adult supervision.
- When students log in to their personally-owned Chromebook or a school-owned Chromebook using the email account issued by the school district, their Internet activity will be logged through the GoGuardian filtering services that we have just deployed for all student users in our G Suite for Education domain.This will occur through a Google Extension that we have added to our domain.
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What if I need technical assistance regarding an issue that I am having with a school issued Chromebook?
You are welcome to contact the HCS Tech Helpdesk that was formed specifically for this purpose. Provide a detailed message with a valid call-back number or email address and someone will follow up with you in a reasonable timeframe to assist you. Call 205-870-0884 and the team will respond between 9am and 2pm on weekdays.
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When will I have to return the Chromebook that I checked out?
Dates and times for returning Chromebooks to the schools will be announced in May.
Student Meals
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Where can I go if I need to pick up student meals?
Meal distribution is located at Homewood Middle School for children ages 18 and under on Mondays and Wednesdays each week between 11:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. Please drive-thru the carpool line in the front of the school. Homewood Middle School is located at 395 Mecca Ave. *This plan is subject to change in the event of new orders from the JCDH or the ADPH.
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What do I do if I need a refund from my child’s lunch account?
Email Rachel Fowler, Child Nutrition Director, and she will be able to assist you: efowler@homewood.k12.al.us.
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What should I do if my family needs any other assistance during this time?
Email your child’s school counselor.
School Facilities
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Are the schools or elementary school playgrounds open?
No. Homewood City Schools’ facilities are closed through June 5, 2020, by order of the Governor and State Department of Education.
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If my child still has medicine at school, how do I get it?
Email the nurse at your child’s school to schedule a time to drive up and pick up your child’s medication.
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When can I pick up my child's school supplies?
Students will not be allowed back into school buildings prior to June 5, 2020, by order of the Governor and State Department of Education. HCS will schedule a pickup date after June 5 and will communicate that with parents at a later time. If there are any items at the school that your child needs to participate in eLearning, please contact your child’s principal.
Registration
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How do I enroll my child for the 2020-2021 school year?
- Returning Students - All students currently enrolled in the HCS district: Online Data Verification opened March 17 and closes April 26. Parents should have received an email from PowerSchool Registration with more information regarding the online data verification process. If you have not received an email from PowerSchool Registration, please contact your school's registrar.
- New Students - Online Enrollment opens May 5 and closes May 26. New student enrollment forms will be posted on the HCS district website starting May 5. More details will be provided on May 1 explaining the logistics for this process.
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When is on-site registration?
On-site registration dates/times for returning and new students will be announced in May.
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What do I do if I have an upcoming Kindergartener?
Virtual Kindergarten Preview Day will be on May 5. Each elementary school will post a video on the HCS district website that includes information for kindergartners and their families, a virtual tour of the campus, and specific instructions on the enrollment process.