Dear Northstar Families,
Beginning Monday, March 23, 2020, Northstar Academy and Northstar Career Academy will begin utilizing distance learning during the COVID-19 pandemic. Families, please see the previous emails as well as the guidance set below.
Expectations for Distance Learning:
- Students should establish a daily routine for school work in partnership with a family member when appropriate for the needs of the individual student. Find a comfortable, distraction-free place in the home or outside for learning/practice.
- Students should abide by our school values in all that they do and comply with our Acceptable Use Policy regarding online conduct. Please remember that our expectations for how we treat each other in school are the same online. The rules, as outlined in our student handbook, still apply.
- Students and families should seek opportunities to move outside.
- A more casual dress code will be in effect while you are at home. Please remember, however, that if you will be meeting your teacher and classmates in a real-time video conference, that you should wear appropriate attire.
- Students and parents should communicate with your classroom teachers or case manager with questions or comments.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: When will Northstar re-open?
- Northstar is following the Center for Disease Control (CDC) and the Virginia Department of Health guidelines very closely. We also remain in communication with other private and public schools across the State. At this time, our campus is closed through Friday, April 10. We will provide an update prior to April 10 regarding school plans moving forward.
Q: Who should I contact if I have technology questions about distance learning?
- Please contact Kasey Massengale ([email protected]). Keep in mind that we can only troubleshoot questions related to Northstar provided materials. For example, we cannot provide assistance in removing a virus or malware from your family’s device.
Q: What should we do if our family has travel plans?
- We encourage all families who have upcoming professional or personal travel scheduled to follow CDC travel guidance. If you or any of your family members travel outside of the Richmond area, please report this to our school to Nurse Rachel Johnson ([email protected]).
Q: What should we do if a family member has been asked to self-quarantine based on known exposure to COVID-19?
- We ask that you report any diagnosed viral illness of you or a family member to Nurse Rachel Johnson ([email protected])
Distance Learning Resources for Parents:
Google Classroom – Parents Guide
Co-writer – Quick Card – Google Chrome Extension
Co-Writer – Quick Card (itouch, ipad, iphone)
Helpful Resources: Here is a list of resources that may be helpful to you and your family as we navigate all of this together.
How to Talk to Your Student about COVID-19
Center for Disease Control and Prevention
When and How to Wash Your Hands
Comcast Xfinity Free Hotspot Map