Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):

UPDATED - July 15, 2020. New questions and responses will be posted at the top of this list.
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Q - Are transitional kindergarten students eligible for the RCS Virtual Campus?
A - At this time, the RCS Virtual Campus is only designed for K-12 students, however, we are evaluating need for our TK families. If you are interested in having your TK student considered for the virtual option, please contact the curriculum department at 248-726-3180 or email RCSVirtual@rochester.k12.mi.us. 


Q- How do I enroll my student into in-person learning (traditional classroom setting?)
A - As long as a student is enrolled in Rochester Community Schools they are automatically enrolled into the traditional setting. 

Q- How do students register for an RCS endorsed external virtual course (i.e. MiCourses.org)
A- Secondary students will be receiving a new course selection card to make their choices. These cards will be available in the upcoming weeks. If courses are chosen from an external virtual program, the RCS staff will enroll students in the appropriate courses and arrange for the tuition fee to be paid. Do not register for courses on your own. 

Q- If my child enrolls in the RCS Virtual campus how long before they can transition back to in-person learning in the traditional setting?
A- Students who enroll in the RCS Virtual Campus will have an opportunity switch back into in-person instruction at the end of each trimester (elementary) or the end of each semester (secondary). These transitions are possible as the curriculum and pacing with the RCS Virtual program and the in-person instruction will be aligned. 

Q - What is the role of the parent or guardian for students in the RCS Virtual Campus?
A - At the elementary level, parents will support their student as an instructional coach. Depending on their age and independence level, an elementary student may need assistance logging in or navigating the online interface. You may check in with your student to ensure successful completion of their assignments. In general, the virtual experience will be supported by the parent/guardian in partnership with the virtual teacher. Students may have questions and need assistance throughout their instructional day. While their virtual teacher is available through email and virtual meetings, they may need to direct some questions to their home instructional coach as well.

Offline activities may also require support and coaching similar to how a parent/guardian may have typically supported home projects and assignments in the traditional school setting.

At the secondary level, parents can make sure that their child is on task and meeting the goals each week.

Q - What if I change my mind about in-person instruction or the RCS Virtual Campus after classes start?
A - In the first two weeks of any course, students can make a switch if they decide it's not going to work. Please note that it's much simpler to move from in-person to virtual, since seating and spacing aren't factors. We want students to be satisfied and will do our very best to accommodate needs while ensuring proper staffing.

Q – How does RCS Virtual Campus online learning operate?
A – The goal of the RCS Virtual Campus is to mirror the instructional practices of the traditional classroom in a virtual setting. Students will be instructed by a certified RCS teacher in all subjects. A combination of online and offline activities will be planned for students.
 
Q – Why would a student choose online learning?
A – Students would choose online learning as an alternative way to access the traditional classroom experience. This scheduling provides flexibility for the student and the family. Students may select online learning due to a variety of personal and situational reasons.
 
Q – As a parent/guardian, how can I support my student?
A - At the elementary level, parents will support their student as an instructional coach. Depending on their age and independence level, an elementary student may need assistance with logging in, navigating the online interface or simply checking in with your student to ensure successful completion of their assignments. In general, the virtual experience will be supported by the parent/guardian in partnership with the virtual teacher. Students may have questions and need assistance throughout their instructional day. While their virtual teacher is available through email and virtual meetings, they may need to direct some questions to their home instructional coach as well. Offline activities may also require support and coaching similar to how a parent/guardian may have typically supported home projects and assignments in the traditional school setting.
At the secondary level, parents can make sure that their child is on task and meeting the goals each week.
 
Q – Who can enroll in the RCS Virtual Campus?
A – All students Kindergarten through grade 12 registered with Rochester Community Schools are eligible to enroll.
 
Q – How do I enroll my student(s) in the RCS Virtual Campus?
A – Go to the RCS Virtual Campus webpage and select the ‘Enroll my Student’ button. 
 
Q – When is the deadline to register?
A – Deadline to register your RCS student(s) is Saturday, August 1, 2020.  Elementary students will be enrolled based upon grade level for the 2020-21 school year. Secondary Students will be registered in the courses they requested on their survey cards and availability of virtual classes.

Q – What are the dates for the RCS Virtual Campus sessions?
A – The RCS Virtual Campus follows the regular posted school RCS school calendar. 
Fall Semester: August 31, 2020 – December 18, 2020/Spring Semester: January 4 – June 9, 2021.

Q – Can students with an IEP enroll in the Rochester Community Schools Virtual Campus?
A – The IEP process is an individualized process and no two IEPs or students are alike.  Virtual learning would be considered a change in placement and discussions regarding changes in each child’s IEP would take place as part of the IEP Team process. Please remember that the IEP process is an individual process and decisions regarding whether the RCS virtual learning option is appropriate or what, if any, accommodations and supports would be necessary for your child would be determined in the IEP process after parents submit an application for the virtual learning option.
 
Q – What if I decided that the RCS Virtual Campus is not for me?
A – Student(s) may return to the traditional classroom schedule in the first two weeks of the course.
 
Q – Will I still receive credit for any work completed in the RCS Virtual Campus if I return to the traditional classroom?
A – Yes.
 
Q – How do I receive credit for courses completed through the RCS Virtual Campus?
A – Elementary Students will receive the traditional progress report and Secondary Students will receive letter grades per the traditional transcript process.  Courses will include formative and summative assessments and course work will align with Michigan’s state standards.
 
Q – Who will be my teacher and will I ever get to meet them in person?
A – RCS Virtual Campus courses will be taught by highly qualified Rochester Community Schools teachers.  Where possible there may be opportunities for an in-person meeting(s).
 
Q – Will there be any orientation sessions made available?
A – Yes, there will be a student and parent orientation presented via Zoom.  Please watch for these scheduled dates.
 
Q – Describe a typical day’s workload?
A – At the elementary level, please review the sample schedules and recommended time frames document.
At the secondary level, students should plan to spend approximately 5 hours each week on each of 6 courses, for a total of 30 hours per week.  Each course will have synchronous learning at least once each week. 

​Q – Do students need to login everyday?
A – While students can set their own schedules, it is highly recommended that students login every school day to resemble a typical school day and in order to complete the course load on a timely basis.  Teachers will be providing daily, live lessons. The lessons will be recorded in the event a student is unable to attend at the specific time. Attendance will be recorded in Synergy.
 
Q – How does my student get help?
A – RCS Virtual Campus teachers will be available during normal school hours to address any of your student’s questions or provide help. 
 
Q – Are RCS Virtual Campus students eligible to participate in school sports programs?
A – Yes, students will have the opportunity to participate at their home school.