Lewis County Schools is offering Virtual Learning for the 2023-2024 school year. Below are some FAQ's to help you make an informed decision as to whether or not this will be a good fit for you and your student.
Who is the provider of the virtual school?
Lewis County Schools, through a partnership with the Southern Educational Services Cooperative, is using Proximity Learning as our virtual school provider.
Is there a cost to LC families?
No, there is no cost to the family. Tuition is paid by Lewis County Schools
Is internet a requirement?
Yes. Access to high-speed internet, with a consistent connection, is required for students to take part in virtual learning.
Which grade levels will be able to use the virtual school?
Students in Grades K-12 are able to participate.
Who will deliver instruction to my student?
Instruction will be provided by teachers who are licensed to teach in the state of West Virginia.
How will my student receive instruction?
Each grade will have a set schedule of classes that they can attend live 4 days a week, where they will be able to interact with their teacher.
How much support will I need to provide my child with instruction and assignment completion?
Parents will be a major component in virtual education for all grades, but especially for grades K-5. The younger the student, the more essential it is that parents and guardians actively work with them during their class times and with their assignments.
How will attendance be taken?
Attendance will be taken a variety of ways, depending upon the class and the teacher. These can be done through logging in daily, participating in the live class, turning in assignments, and potentially other options.
Will my child still be enrolled in Lewis County Schools?
Yes! Though they’ll receive their education through different means they’ll still be LC students, which will also allow them to take part in extracurricular activities (if they meet the other requirements).
Will a device be provided for my student to use to participate in virtual school?
Students will be able to use the county-provided Chromebooks to participate in virtual school.
What if we have problems with our county-provided Chromebook?
Support will be provided through the Lewis County Schools Technology Department.
What if my student has difficulties with Canvas, classes, or coursework?
Students and parents will need to contact their Proximity Learning teacher or Proximity Learning support.
If my student uses virtual school, how long are they required to participate?
Once a student has been signed up for virtual learning they are locked in until the end of that 9 week grading period.
My student receives special education services. Can they still participate in virtual school?
Eligibility to attend Lewis County Virtual School is an IEP team decision. The team will meet to determine the most appropriate, least restrictive environment and the most reasonable accommodations for your student. Please note, not all IEP modifications can be met in a Virtual Learning setting.
Is participation in Lewis County Schools Virtual School a good alternative to homeschooling my child?
Yes! Participating in virtual school provided by Lewis County Schools provides students the opportunities that come with public education. These benefits include instruction by licensed teachers, a variety of course offerings, participation in co-curricular and extracurricular activities, and the ability to earn a diploma from Lewis County Schools.
When can my student start virtual school?
Your student cannot begin virtual school until you have received their login information. It sometimes takes a while to process these requests, and until you receive the login your child needs to continue receiving their education as they are currently.
What do we do if we’ve tried virtual learning and it’s not a good option for us?
You have the option, at the end of the 9 weeks, to have your student return to in-person instruction.
How can I check my student’s grades?
Proximity Learning uses a platform called Canvas, which is similar to Schoology. Just like Schoology, you’ll be granted a parent/guardian account. You can use that platform to send messages to teachers and check grades.
How do I sign my student up for virtual school?
If you wish to have your student take part in Lewis County Virtual School through Proximity Learning, please CLICK HERE to fill out a brief form. The form will be accessible beginning on December 19, 2023 and will close on January 3, 2024.
What if I have further questions?
Feel free to contact Aaron Radcliff at aradcliff@k12.wv.us