Panther Virtual FAQ

WHAT IS THE DEADLINE FOR ENROLLING MY CHILD INTO PANTHER VIRTUAL?

Students will be able to enroll in Panther Virtual from August 17 - August 28. There will be an Open Enrollment period in which parents have the option to switch to Face-to-Face instruction if the Virtual option is not working for your student as intended. This Open Enrollment period will run from September 8 - September 25. Students who started Face-to-Face will also have the option to switch to Virtual if preferred as well.

These options to switch will only be allowed during the Open Enrollment period or at Semester Break. Students may only switch platforms once during Open Enrollment or at the semester.

WILL THERE BE A PARENT/STUDENT ORIENTATION FOR PANTHER VIRTUAL?

FEAS will provide a virtual orientation to parents to build familiarity with the software as well as to provide an opportunity for parent/student questions and concerns. The following schedule will be used.

Panther Virtual for K-6: September 9, 4:00-5:30 p.m.

Panther Virtual for 7-12: September 9, 6:00-7:30 p.m.

For Google Meet join info, please email mtiesworth@frankfort.k12.mi.us.

WILL MY CHILD BE ISSUED A STUDENT DEVICE?

Students in Grades K-1 will be issued an Apple iPad and charger while students in grades 2-12 will be issued a Dell Chromebook and charger. The Device Handbook must be reviewed, signed and returned before these devices are issued. In addition, a $25 insurance fee will be charged per device with a cap of $50 being charged to a family. Insurance covers accidental damage to the device's screen, ports or keyboard. Insurance does not cover lost, stolen or student vandalized devices.

If you would like to purchase the Device Insurance with a credit card or PayPal, visit our payment page.

HOW & WHEN WILL MY CHILD GET THEIR STUDENT DEVICE?

September 3: 3:00 - 6:00 p.m.

All Panther Virtual students/parents K-12 are instructed to pull up to the High School main entrance and pick up their student device, case and charger during this time slot. Please do not leave your vehicle. A person will be there to greet you curbside. The Student Device Handbook must be returned and signed by both the parent and student at or before this device pickup.

WHAT KIND OF SUPPORTS WILL THE SCHOOL PROVIDE FOR MY CHILD?

Students will be assigned to an FEAS staff member who will be in regular contact with the student and parents to assist in pacing and completion of content. Staff will also assist with technical issues in addition to keeping students connected to our FEAS community. In addition to a FEAS staff mentor, Special Education students will be connected to a Special Education instructor to meet their specific needs.

WILL MY CHILD STILL BE TAKING SCHOOL PICTURES?

Panther Virtual students will take their school pictures either in the Elementary cafeteria or the FHS Middle School Gym depending on their grade level. The times that these are scheduled will take place before the face-to-face student pictures to avoid exposure.

-Grades K-6: October 2

-Grades 7-12: September 18

If you are not comfortable with coming in for this, it is optional at this time.

WILL MY CHILD RECEIVE A GRADE IF THEY ARE IN PANTHER VIRTUAL?

Students will earn grades based on the amount of work completed in combination with student scores on assessments given after each lesson. In grades 7-12 these grades will be finalized for each quarter and then averaged for a semester grade.

IS THERE A WAY FOR PARENTS TO KEEP TRACK OF HOW THEIR CHILDREN ARE DOING?

Both K-6 PathBlazer and 7-12 Courseware have parent portals that allow for parents to login to see their child's progress as well as set up automated emails.

CAN MY CHILD STILL RECEIVE STUDENT MEALS?

Student meals will be available for pick up at predetermined times. More info will become available in regards to specific times. Students who qualify for free/reduced meals will continue to receive benefits in regards to meal prices. You can apply for Free/Reduced meals at https://lunchapp.com

CAN MY CHILD PARTICIPATE IN EXTRA CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES?

Yes! Virtual students can partake in any activities that are offered to students that are outside of the normal school day. Some examples of activities would be athletics, tutoring, drama, and student council.

HOW LONG SHOULD I EXPECT MY CHILD TO BE ONLINE PER DAY?

Screen time will vary according the age and development of your child. A general expectation of the amount of time spent per day would follow these general guidelines:

Grades K-2: One to two hours per day

Grades 3-6: Two to three hours per day

Grades 7-8: Three to four hours per day

Grades 9-12: Four to five hours per day

WILL I BE RESPONSIBLE FOR SUPPLEMENTAL MATERIALS FOR MY CHILD?

Parents will be the main source of any extra supplemental material that they feel their child may need. However, the Virtual Instructor will be glad to assist you in finding resources in general or for specific content. The main source for supplemental materials are located at https://wideopenschool.org/daily-plan/

This site is a high quality, parent and school friendly site that provides numerous activities on a daily basis. To look this over and see examples, click the link above and choose your child's grade level. There are different activities for every day!