Bucks County Technical High School issued the following announcement on April 9.
Dear BCTHS Students, Parents and Guardians, Staff, and Community:
As you probably already know, the Governor announced today that Pennsylvania schools will remain closed for the remainder of the school year. I know that many thought this may happen, but when it finally was announced today it became real for all us. I know that all of us at Tech are sad for all of the students, but especially for the seniors.
I realize this adds another level of complexity for everyone, but we will get through this! I have been so proud of our students, teachers, staff, parents, and community for their support, resiliency, and patience as we navigate these unchartered waters. We have received great support from so many people over these past few weeks -- and that really shows our “Tech Pride.” Our students, staff, families, alumni, businesses and industries, school board members, and many others have really stepped up and helped each other. Thank you!
Obviously, we will continue to deliver our virtual/online learning that we started on April 1 and we will continue to make it the best that we can! Of course this cannot substitute for the face-to-face learning that we all had before the school closure, but for this year, our online learning must do! We will get through this! Remember, you have Tech Pride!
Seniors/Parents of Seniors. We have already started thinking of some sort of alternative graduation ceremony for you. I am not sure what that will look like right now, but we will figure out something that will honor your milestone. Please realize that whatever we do it must adhere to health and safety directives. Unfortunately, the school will have to cancel this year’s Senior Prom. For everyone’s health and safety, this is just not possible. I am sorry.
Please remember to visit our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) page on our website for answers to commonly asked questions.
Stay positive. Thank you for your continued perseverance, patience, and understanding.
Sincerely,
Leon Poeske, Ed.D.
Administrative Director
On-Line Virtual Learning
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How long will BCTHS do online/virtual classes? For the remainder of the school year.
What if I do not have a computer? Students can use a smart phone to access the BCTHS Google Classroom. Students/Families can also go to the school’s website under “Students” tab and fill out a help desk form. In some circumstances, the school will offer paper/pencil alternatives.
What if my BCTHS Chromebook doesn’t work? Students should fill out a help desk ticket located on the school’s website under “Students” tab. The IT staff will be able to swap out an unusable Chromebook as long as a help desk ticket was submitted. Similar to the Chromebook pickup process, a swap will be handled in the same safe manner.
What if I do not have the internet? On the BCTHS website, there is a list of internet providers offering free service during this shutdown. Also, students can use the school’s WIFI from outside the building if needed. All they need to do is use their BCTHS-issued Chromebook and the signal is strong enough from outside the building. Security staff will be on hand during normal school hours to monitor any issues that may arise. Note that students/parents are NOT allowed to enter the building during the shutdown.
Will there be a Graduation Ceremony? Since the Governor’s announcement that schools will be closed for the remainder of the year, BCTHs is now examining alternative graduation ceremony formats. Please understand that whatever takes place must be within health and safety guidelines. A specific date has not been determined as of April 9, 2020.
What about the Senior Prom/Senior Class Trip? Unfortunately, both events must be cancelled. Students/parents will be able to receive a 100% refund for whatever they may have paid for either event.
What is the last day of school? Before we make a final determination for an end date for all students, we must work out a few more details before making it official. The school year for seniors will NOT be extended. Underclassmen (non-seniors) may go longer, but this has not been finalized. The tentative calendar is posted on our website. Keep in mind, the last day of school for underclassmen is yet to be determined.
Has the calendar changed, despite not having a firm end date? Yes. Once the Governor closed schools for the remainder of the year, BCTHS will hold online classes on:
- Monday, April 13 - Student classes
- Tuesday, April 28 - Student classes
- NOTE: Friday, April 10 - NO CLASSES - this is NOT a change from the former calendar
How will the school take student attendance? Attendance will be taken every day by submitting a Google Form to the school by 10 am. This will be sent to the students every day via their BCTHS email. Students can also access it under the “Students” tab on our website. If a student cannot log in or get to the website, they may call in their attendance. Just follow the prompts for attendance if calling.
What if my child is sick? If a student is sick/ill and cannot complete the online work for the day(s), please call the school’s attendance line, just like previously (before the shutdown). The student will then be marked as absent.
Can my child’s co-op continue during the shutdown? Not as a school-sanctioned learning experience. BCTHS will not allow students to remain on co-op during this time. If a student wishes to continue to work, that arrangement is solely based up on the family and employer. BCTHS has no authority or jurisdiction over this decision.
Do I have to do the assignments (does this count)? Yes. The online classes do count as do any assignment the teachers assign, just like classes were before the shutdown. Assignments should be completed on a daily basis and/or when due. These assignments will be graded and added into the school’s grading system, Skyward. Parents will be able to check their child’s grades in Skyward just as they have always done. These assignments will count towards a student’s overall grade and GPA.
My child has an IEP/GIEP and/or a 504 plan. How will you make accommodations? Since BCTHS is closed for all students in accordance with Governor Wolf’s school closure order, the special education department is working diligently to provide your child’s GIEP or 504 Plan or IEP to the maximum extent necessary and possible given the limitations of a virtual platform. Parents/Students are encouraged to reach out to the child’s case manager or the Special Education Director to discuss the specifics of implementation and any questions or concerns you may have. Please know that our school staff and school will try its best. Simply put, put, BCTHS personnel will give their best faith effort to provide a continuity of education for all of its students.
Will my child graduate if they do not take the NOCTI? Yes. Pennsylvania has waived the NOCTI requirement for seniors. Assuming the student has enough credits to graduate (just like any year), seniors will earn their diploma and receive their program of study competency list. Students will not be issued a Pennsylvania Skills Certificate because this is tied to the NOCTI, which will not be given this year. BCTHS encourages all students to earn as many industry certifications as possible.
Will the cancellation of NOCTI tests affect my child’s ability to get a job or enter into college/post-secondary? BCTHS has always put a big emphasis on NOCTIs, long before they became a state requirement. With a hands-on and a written component, the NOCTIs are one way to demonstrate a student’s knowledge in their specific technical field – but it is not the only way. The reality is that this is just not possible to do this year, especially given the hands-on portion of the exam. Students would not be properly prepared and the school does not know if/when it will re-open. Although disappointing, not having the NOCTI will not hurt students going directly into the workforce or heading to college since so many of our students earn other industry certifications (e.g., ServSafe, ASE, Microsoft, OSHA, etc.). In addition to students attaining industry certifications, all seniors will receive a list of the competencies they have earned during their time at BCTHS. This competency (task) list is aligned with business and industry standards AND sanctioned by the PA Dept. of Education. To summarize, although it is disappointing that the school/state cannot have seniors take the NOCTI, students will be ready to enter their respective careers and colleges after graduation.
What is the best way to reach my teacher? During online classes, the best way is through Google Classroom or email.
How do I know if an event is cancelled or postponed? BCTHS updates the website page as soon as an event is cancelled or postponed. Please check the website often.
What about …..? Contact the teacher for class-specific questions and issues. BCTHS encourages you to communicate with the teacher regarding assignments, extra help, make-up work, etc. For other questions, please contact the school’s Administrative Director, Leon Poeske (pay-ski), at lpoeske@bcths.com.
Original source can be found here.
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