Please access this acticle for frequently asked questions about the Upper Arlington Schools response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Check back for additional updates!
Last updated April 30, 2020
How long will UA Schools remain closed?
Based upon Governor Mike DeWine’s instruction, our school buildings are closed through the end of the 2019-2020 school year.
In light of the extended school closure, we are making updates to the district school year calendar at both the elementary and the secondary levels. These adjustments are necessary to give students and teachers the time to provide closure to this very unusual school year.
- District school year calendar updates for the elementary level:
- Beginning Monday, April 27 through the end of the school year, elementary students will shift to a four-day school week. Mondays through Thursdays, teachers will provide distance-learning instruction to students and be available for any questions about assignments or lessons from families. On Fridays — May 1, 8, 15 and 22 — there will be no new distance learning for students. Families may use Friday as an opportunity to catch up on any assignments or lessons that haven’t yet been completed that week.
- Wednesday, April 29 will be a regular distance-learning day — originally, this had been scheduled as an early dismissal day for professional development.
- Thursday, May 21 will be the final day of the school year for the elementary students. Following the Memorial Day holiday on May 25, teachers will spend the remainder of the week closing out the 2019-2020 school year, preparing for the 2020-2021 school year and participating in professional learning.
- Please understand that the move to a four-day instructional week includes intervention specialists and related services providers as well. They will also be reducing their schedules to provide four days of services to students. This will allow all of our professionals at the elementary level to prepare for the upcoming construction-related moves in all of those buildings.
- District school year calendar updates for the secondary level (middle schools and high school):
- Instruction of any new content via distance learning will continue through Friday, May 15. This is the last day any assignments will be due for any new content in the fourth quarter.
- During the week of May 18-22, students will declare if they want letter grades or the pass / incomplete option. This will also be a catch-up week for students who have incompletes and any students who wish to refine / enhance their work to improve for the fourth quarter. Students who have incompletes will have until May 22 to make up any assignments and submit them. Teachers will be working closely with these students during this time — we will do everything we can to support students in completing their work.
- Following the Memorial Day holiday on May 25, teachers will spend the remainder of that week closing out the 2019-2020 school year, preparing for the 2020-2021 school year and participating in professional learning.
Can I retrieve my child’s device, medication or instrument from school?
We understand there are still many student items in the schools. At the elementary level our teachers are packing up student possessions as they pack their classrooms and prepare for the upcoming moves. We will hold on to these items at all of our schools until we receive guidance from health officials that it is appropriate to set up a pick-up process for non-essential items. We appreciate your patience!
Will elementary devices (K-3) be collected for the summer?
In light of the current situation, students in kindergarten through third grade who currently have school-issued devices will retain them until we return in the fall. At that time we will complete the collection and reassignment processes. All students currently in grades 4-11 are already on a 12-month loan agreement and typically retain them over the summer.
Will we have spring sports?
Following the announcement from the governor that schools will remain closed through the end of the 2019-2020 school year, the Ohio High School Athletics Association announced the cancellation of all spring sports. In regards to spring athletics fees, we are in the process of refunding the $100 pay-to-participate fee that families paid to the district. The amount will be refunded via the credit card families paid with online.
Will graduation and other upcoming events go on as scheduled?
As always, the safety and well-being of our students, staff and community are a top priority. We are working with the senior class to plan the safest way to celebrate the students and their accomplishments. Please look for more information to come!What is the best way to contact my school at this time?
All of our school buildings are currently closed to visitors and most staff members are working remotely. If you have a question, please email your building secretary or principal. The staff directory is available on the district website:
https://www.uaschools.org/StaffDirectory.aspx.
Who should I reach out to if my family has not been receiving district emails about the COVID-19 response?
We want to make sure all of our families are receiving these important updates! Please email
[email protected] if you are a parent/guardian in our district and are not receiving district emails. Additionally, you can read all family updates on our homepage under District News.
Will the district be providing meals for students during this time?
Yes, we are providing free lunches and breakfasts to any school-aged child through the end of May. On Mondays, families will get two lunches and two breakfasts. On Wednesday, families will get three lunches and three breakfasts. This allows us to feed our students in a more efficient way and reduces the number of trips our families have to make.
The boxed lunches and breakfasts will be available on Mondays and Wednesdays at the following locations and hours:
- Tremont Elementary School - 10:30 a.m. until 12:30 p.m.
- Barrington Elementary School - 10:30 a.m. until 11:15 a.m.
- Greensview Elementary School - 10:30 a.m. until 11:15 a.m.
- Windermere Elementary School - 11:45 until 12:30 p.m.
- Wickliffe Progressive Elementary School - 11:45 until 12:30 p.m.
Please note that students no longer need to be present to receive meals. If your family cannot come to the school, please email Nutritional Services Director Irene Hunt at [email protected] to make alternate arrangements.
When will distance teaching and learning begin for students?
Distance learning for students begins Monday, March 30.
What should I expect from distance teaching and learning?
Distance teaching and learning is intended to provide continuity of learning for our students and to help them stay connected to the teachers, counselors and other school staff members who can support them.
Distance teaching and learning does not mean that students and teachers will spend an entire school day online. Our goal is to move students forward academically while providing the flexibility needed for all families during these unprecedented times.
With this in mind, teachers will begin participating in online professional development and planning sessions on distance teaching and learning on Tuesday, March 24. Distance teaching and learning for students will begin on Monday, March 30.
What will my child’s day look like for distance teaching and learning?
We know each family, each child and each staff member is going through this differently, and we all face different challenges. With that in mind, flexibility is key. The following times of learning engagements per day are approximate and maximums. We will adjust based on student, parent and teacher feedback. If we learn it is too much in some situations, we will adjust.
- Kindergarten students: should have the opportunity to engage in learning experiences approximately 1 hour total per day.
- Grades 1-2 students: should have the opportunity to engage in learning experiences approximately 2 hours total per day.
- Grades 3-5 students: opportunity to engage in learning experiences approximately 2.5 hours total per day.
- Grades 6-12: opportunity to engage in learning experiences approximately 3.5 hours total per day.
Will video-conferencing be used for distance teaching and learning?
During distance teaching and learning, our teachers are using our approved video-conferencing platform, called Zoom. You can access this video conferencing tip sheet to learn more. Please note two very important things. First, students, parents and caregivers are not allowed to record audio or video of any portion of a distance learning video-conferencing session. Second, please remember that the Students’ Rights and Responsibilities handbook, which includes the Code of Conduct and Acceptable Use Policy, will be in effect at all times during distance learning.
Will students need their school-issued device?
We recommend that students use their school-issued device, but it is not necessary. All distance learning materials will be accessible on any internet-connected device using our single sign-on system, ClassLink.
How do we access UA Schools learning resources via ClassLink?
ClassLink is the district’s single sign-on system for the majority of our curricular resources. When students log in to the UA ClassLink portal, they gain access to grade-level resources without having to log into each one individually.
Students using a school-issued iPad can log in via the ClassLink app. Students who are using any home, internet-connected device may log in to ClassLink via any web browser by going to
my.uaschools.org. You can watch this
video tutorial that walks you through the steps to log in to ClassLink on your home device.
If you need assistance with ClassLink, or student log-in information, please contact your student’s teacher.
What options are there for families who do not have home WiFi?
We are working to identify families who do not have home WiFi during this time of distance teaching and learning so that we can support them through the school closure.
During this time, our partners at the Upper Arlington Public Library are pleased to offer our community free public WiFi available in areas near their buildings, such as the parking lots. There is no password for the WiFi at the Tremont or Lane Road libraries. The Miller Park Library WiFi does require a password to access — the network is UAPL_WiFI and the password is browserbear.
There are also private vendors that are offering free home internet services for students at this time.
What is the best way to clean/disinfect my iPad?
Computers and iPads are very susceptible to liquid damage, but you may clean your district-issued device with a disinfecting wipe, such as Clorox or Lysol brand wipes. Do NOT remove your iPad from its district-issued case.
- Begin by wringing out any excess liquid from the wipe.
- Lightly wipe down all of the frequently touched surfaces.
- Be sure to avoid using the wipe on any of the open ports on your device as this may allow liquid to damage your device. Liquid damage is not covered by the UA Schools device insurance plan.
How can we ensure that our iPad stays up-to-date?
It is important to make sure updates are current for both the operating system and the individual apps. When these are out of sync, we often see quirky behavior or limited functionality. You may access
this document to view the steps you should take to ensure that the operating system and individual app updates are current.
How will the school closure affect IEP, 504 and RTI services and meetings?
Families whose students on IEP, 504 and RTI plans may access
this document and view
this video update from Director of Student Services Kevin Gorman, Ed.D., to learn more about the continuation of services through distance teaching and learning.
How will the school closure affect mandatory state testing?
In response to the school closure, the State of Ohio has waived all remaining state testing for the remainder of the 2019-2020 school year. This is part of House Bill 197, which the Ohio Legislature approved overwhelmingly on March 25, 2020.
What about AP and IB exams this spring?
The College Board has announced that the May examinations for Advanced Placement tests have been cancelled this year due to the pandemic. Instead, tests will be offered in 45-minute online exams and students will have two date options to take each test later this spring. Those dates will be released on April 3. Students will be able to take the at-home exam on a computer, tablet, or smartphone. The test will not include any multiple-choice questions, only free-response questions adapted for secure testing.
The International Baccalaureate Organization has announced that the May examinations for the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme and Career-related Programme will not be held this year due to the pandemic. Depending on what they registered for, the student will be awarded a Diploma or a Course Certificate which reflects their standard of work. This is based on student's coursework and the established assessment expertise, rigor and quality control already built into the programmes.
Families with students enrolled in AP or IB coursework will be receiving more information from AP/IB Coordinator Cynthia Ballheim as it becomes available.
Can we still use the school playgrounds and athletic fields?
The extended closure also applies to all of our school facilities - playgrounds, playing fields, running tracks and tennis courts are included. In order to ensure the safety of our community, we’ve asked the Upper Arlington Police to patrol all of our outdoor facilities.
How does the school closure impact registration for the 2020-2021 school year?
What are some additional learning resources that families can use?
We’ve compiled this list of possible learning opportunities and resources that families and students can utilize at any time during the school closure.
What additional COVID-19 resources are available in our community?
Upper Arlington Community Foundation Good Neighbor Fund
https://uacommunityfoundation.com/news/good-neighbor-fund-update-due-to-covid-19/
The UACF Good Neighbor Fund helps Upper Arlington residents that have a unique, unforeseen event happen in their lives that threaten their stability. This fund is specifically for one-time, emergency assistance due to an event that seriously jeopardizes the recipient’s ability to meet basic needs.
City of Upper Arlington Community Resources Webpage
https://upperarlingtonoh.gov/covid-19-community-resources/
Visit the City of Upper Arlington’s COVID-19 Community Resources page for useful information and access to the help and resources our community needs as this situation continues.
City of Upper Arlington Service Adjustments
https://upperarlingtonoh.gov/coronavirus-awareness-preparedness/
The City is continuing to make adjustments to its operations as a result of the evolving COVID-19 situation. Full details can be found on the city’s website.
Franklin County Text Updates on COVID-19
Franklin County Emergency Management & Homeland Security has added a text message alert option for residents. Just text COVID19FC to 888-777 and you will receive health and safety updates directly to your cellphone.
What resources are available to help parents talk with children about the pandemic?
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/about/coping.html
https://www.nationwidechildrens.org/family-resources-education/700childrens/2020/03/covid-19
https://www.nasponline.org/resources-and-publications/resources-and-podcasts/school-climate-safety-and-crisis/health-crisis-resources/talking-to-children-about-covid-19-(coronavirus)-a-parent-resource