Online Learning Options

The Penn Hills School District offers a Synchronous Virtual Learning (SVL) option for students in grades K-5. This instructional model allows students to work remotely from home following the same learning schedule as their grade-level peers. SVL students are assigned a grade-level homeroom and a Penn Hills Elementary teacher. Using our advanced classroom technology resources, the classroom teacher is able to connect the remote students to real-time instruction via Microsoft TEAMS videoconferencing platform.

Virtual learners are expected to follow the daily schedule of their onsite peers, as provided by the SVL classroom teacher. For attendance purposes, virtual students are required to attend the virtual meetings as outlined in the classroom schedule. Grades will be comprised of completed assignments in the online learning platforms, along with participation in daily meetings. Virtual learners are expected to attend meeting with cameras on; thusly we recommend that families identify a home learning area that is free from distraction and other household activity.

Families choosing this option will be provided with additional information regarding successful management and support of virtual learners. It is expected that an adult at home will be deemed the student’s “Learning Coach” and be readily available throughout the school day to assist the child as needed.

Parents/guardians have the option to enroll their children in the SVL option each school year. If choosing this option, we ask that parents/guardian to commit to the SVL mode of instruction for at least one nine weeks. Student enrollment in/out of SVL can only occur at the end of a nineweek period.