DC Virtual School FAQ
What is the purpose of DC Virtual School?
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DC Virtual School is a unique opportunity for Davie County students to get rigorous, personalized instruction remotely.
Who will teach students in DC Virtual School?
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The teachers at DC Virtual School are certified Davie County Schools’ teachers who will develop and implement lessons aligned with North Carolina Public School standards and will deliver them virtually. Teachers will be readily available to instruct students and will assess and evaluate student progress providing meaningful feedback. It is an expectation that satisfactory attendance, behavior and academics will be shown by all students once participating DC Virtual School.
Who is eligible to attend DC Virtual School?
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The application for DC Virtual School is open for all fourth through eighth grade students who live in the Davie County School district. (Students in grades 9-12 who wish to take virtual courses must also apply, but will be served through Davie County High School.) We invite home school and private school students who live in the DCS district to consider this option as well. An application review process will allow staff and parents to explore whether DC Virtual School is the best choice for the student.
How do I know if this is the right option for my child?
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Successful students of online learning programs are motivated, independent, self-disciplined, adaptable, and flexible. If your child did not perform well during remote instruction, DC Virtual School may not be the best fit for your child.
What is the length of the application window?
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The initial application window will open on March 8, 2021 and will close on March 28, 2021. An application does not mean your student has been accepted. An application review process will determine whether the virtual option may be a good fit for your child. You will be notified as soon as possible after a decision has been made.
If a student is accepted into DC Virtual School for the 2021-2022 school year, do they have to remain in it for the entire school year?
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This online option is a unique opportunity that requires commitment both from families and DCS in planning, staffing, and sustaining. Students who are accepted into DC Virtual School will be asked to make a commitment to stay enrolled in the online program for one school year. It is an expectation that satisfactory attendance, behavior and academics will be shown by all students once participating in DC Virtual School.
What is required of parents with DC Virtual School?
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Parents and students will be provided with expectations at the start of the school year. All learning is maximized when parental involvement is present. It will be important for parents to maintain communication with the teacher regarding the progress of their child. It is also recommended that parents help students designate a specific location for their workspace as well as assist them with staying on the schedule that works best for them to ensure all live instruction is attended and all assignments are completed. This online option is a unique opportunity that requires commitment both from families and DCS in planning and sustaining.
Will students be provided with the technology needed to attend DC Virtual School?
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Students will be provided with an electronic device if needed. Students need to have access to a reliable internet connection.
What will a typical day look like for students?
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Certified Davie County Schools’ teachers will be developing lessons based on the NC Public Schools standards. There will be structure and accountability, with live instruction, regularly scheduled sessions with a teacher or group, plus some flexible instruction with pre-recorded sessions, assignments and tasks that will be completed within a certain time frame.
If my child has special learning needs, will they receive support in the DC Virtual School?
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Students who have an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) may receive specially designed instruction and/or related services as determined by the IEP team from a certified DCS special education teacher. Accommodations and modifications on an IEP or 504 plan may be provided. Once a student with an IEP, 504 plan, or EL plan is accepted into the DC Virtual School, the team will meet to determine appropriate services for the online setting. Differentiated learning opportunities may also be provided for students who receive AIG services.
Will students in DC Virtual School be required to take state and district assessments?
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Yes, students in DC Virtual School will be required to take state and district assessments. State assessments will be scheduled in advance and students will be required to take the assessment in a face-to-face environment. District assessments may also be scheduled in advance and students will be required to take the assessment in a face-to-face environment.
What if I want to know how "traditional school" will look in the fall before I make a decision?
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The Governor's Office will release a decision on how schools must reopen in the fall. We will likely need to finalize enrollment in DC Virtual School prior to knowing the specifics on what the 2021-22 traditional schedule will look like.