Important Information

What makes Sweetwater#1 Virtual School different from other virtual programs?

• The Sweetwater#1 Virtual School offers K-12 personalized learning experiences, it is Wyoming grown and tuition free.

What technology/resources will be provided to my students?

• Our selected resources go through a vigorous adoption process to ensure they are the best research-based programs for student learning.   Students will be provided with the technology so they can participate in virtual learning.  A variety of materials are vital to a successful learning experience; therefore, subscriptions Opens in a new browser tab to learning programs, books and additional learning materials will be provided to students.  Learning coaches will coordinate with the virtual teacher to gather additional materials as needed.  

How do I get technology support?  

• The district will offer support via student Help Desk tickets.  Students will log onto HelpDesk Opens in a new browser tab and request assistance.  IT staff will work with students and learning coaches to resolve technology concerns.

Who teaches the courses?

• Sweetwater #1 advertised and interviewed candidates for virtual positions.  The classes will be taught by the best certified candidates trained specifically to teach online and provide innovative choice-based learning strategies.

Can we enroll part-time with the school district and part time with another online program or school?

• Yes.  Sweetwater#1 Virtual School will work with families to ensure the best learning opportunities and options for our students.  Since the Virtual School is part of Sweetwater County School District #1, students can enroll in online classes as well as attend traditional classrooms.  

What training do the instructors have for online teaching?

• Our instructors are trained in choice-based learning strategies to meet your students' learning needs,  Team based learning sessions throughout the year includes areas of instructor needs such as Canvas, additional virtual teaching strategies, relationship building strategies, engagement strategies, providing social-emotional support to online learners, data analysis etc..

What is a learning coach?

• A learning coach is an adult (usually parent/guardian) that is responsible to create and manage the school day routine.  

What support will learning coaches receive?

• Learning coaches will have access to training in regard to needed technical skill sets and will have access to prioritized communications opportunities with the instructor.  Instructors will prepare weekly checklists to help learning coaches to stay organized.

What are district responsibilities related to virtual education?

• To ensure a quality education, any district providing virtual education courses, must submit an application to the WDE for program approval. Districts providing virtual education must adhere to all statutory and Chapter 41 Virtual Education Rules Opens in a new browser tab requirements including ensuring the courses are aligned to Wyoming Content and Performance Standards Opens in a new browser tab and taught by Wyoming certified teachers. Districts must also track participation in virtual education for the purposes of recording and reporting an attendance equivalent measure for average daily membership.

What are the attendance expectations for Sweetwater#1 Virtual?

• Students are expected to log in to each class and complete an assignment.  This will count for attendance for the whole week.  At the end of the week (Sunday night at 11:59 pm), if the student hasn't completed an assignment (designated by the teacher using a cat icon), the student will be marked absent for the prior week.  When the student hits 5 absences, a letter will be sent to the parents to notify them of the absences.  At the 10 day mark, the student will be dropped, receive a letter announcing that they need to contact the virtual school and schedule an attendance meeting (mom, visionary, principal and student) to be re-enrolled.  The student has one additional chance to attend virtual school and complete their classrwork and then they will be asked to return to a better learning option such as an in-person learning environment. 
  

The Sweetwater #1 Virtual School is approved to provide educational services to students throughout Wyoming.  Live lessons will be provided to the students Monday through Thursday. The typical elementary school day will start with a morning class meeting and short instructional sessions including reading, math, science and social studies scheduled throughout the day.     After the direct instruction, students will have choices of activities to complete throughout the day. These choices will include optional small group activities with the teacher online, independent computer based or project-based activities and/or away from the computer activities with opportunities to work hands-on or visit community resources. Students have opportunities to meet with the teacher in individual WIN (What I Need) sessions which can be used to teach, to check on progress, or to provide learning support. Our teachers work together to flex group our virtual students for remediation and acceleration (something new this year).   Instructors will provide weekly-based checklists in order to help with organization.  Students will be offered opportunities to participate in virtual specials (PE, Health, Art, Library etc..) with certified teachers. 

We emphasize development of independent learning skills that are important beyond high school. As a result, courses at this level will rely more on asynchronous learning strategies while still providing for student to student interactions and choice-based learning. Instructors will provide weekly-based checklists in order to help with organization.  Students in grades 7 -12 will be participating in a blend of asynchronous and synchronous learning opportunities.