- WCASD
- Inclement Weather
- Flexible Instruction Day (FID)
FID Overview
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The Pennsylvania Department of Education allows public schools to hold a maximum of five Flexible Instructional Days (FID) per year. These five FIDs count as school days, and are not required to be made up at a later date. During an FID, teachers will provide learning assignments for the students to complete at home on a day that otherwise would have to be made up.
For a brief overview of Flexible Instruction Days in the WCASD, check out our WCASD Flexible Instruction Day Quick Guide!
Student Expectations
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Elementary students will:
- continue the day rotation on an FID,
- not report to school,
- log into their learning platform, either Seesaw or Schoology, by 9:00 a.m.,
- complete assignments that teachers provide and submit the assignments within three school days of the FID,
- be provided the day's schedule for both synchronous (zoom meetings) and asynchronous work that will be posted on either Seesaw or Schoology (schedule examples).
- and complete lessons for classes that are typically scheduled for the day including specials such as physical education, health, art, music, library and counseling.
Secondary students will:
- continue the day rotation on an FID,
- respond to a Schoology prompt to verify attendance for each class period each day,
- be expected to be online during your class periods as defined by the closure bell schedule,
- and engage in class discussions, group projects and complete all work assigned to them.
Tech Support @Home
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Our Top Priority is Supporting the WCASD Families! Visit our Tech Support @Home webpage for all your technology needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
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How will I know if WCASD is implementing an FID?
- If there is a storm in the forecast, school principals will send advance notice of a potential FID to ensure students and staff have time to prepare to participate in school from home.
- Once the Superintendent announces an FID, all families will receive communication via telephone, text message and email as they currently do in the event of school closings and delays. The school day would then be conducted virtually for all students.
- All students will have access to a district device to participate in synchronous and asynchronous learning for an FID.
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What happens if a student does not complete the FID assignments?
- For elementary students, the district uses assignments as confirmation of attendance. If students do not complete their work or log in to the appropriate platform, this will result in an absence.
- Middle and high school students may lose the point value or grade for the assignment. This loss of points could negatively impact a student’s marking period grade. Each teacher weighs learning activities and assignments differently. It is in the best interest of the student to complete the assignments within the three day window.
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What if a family is experiencing a problem with internet connectivity?
Families experiencing problems with internet connectivity should submit a note to the school when the student returns for the absence to be excused.
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What happens if my child cannot get into their Zoom or other program needed during a flexible instructional day (FID)?
Please reach out to your child's teacher(s) to communicate any issues accessing their Zoom meeting or other classwork expectations. -
My child has an Individualized Education Program (IEP). Will his or her lesson be modified appropriately?
- The FID lesson will be designed to reflect any program modifications, specially designed instruction, and supplementary aids and services identified in the IEP. Upon return from a FID, teachers of students with IEPs will meet with students to review work submitted and check for completion and understanding.
- Any related services (physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech, etc.) that would have occurred during the day of closure will be provided during the FID. If necessary, the session can be rescheduled according to the frequency requirements in the students’ IEPs.
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How is a student expected to complete the activities if they go to daycare when school is canceled?
If the student cannot access the internet or take a paper-copy of the learning activities and assignments to the daycare to complete that day, the student would have three days to complete the activities.
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Will the WCASD always use a FID in the event of a snowstorm?
No. In the event of severe storms or power outages, the Superintendent may determine to fully close all schools. The WCASD plans to first use its three built in snow days and then utilize FIDs.
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Are make-up dates built into the district calendar?
Yes, the district builds make-up dates into the district calendar. However, please note that a benefit of calling a FID day means that the day does not have to be made up later in June.
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Will after school activities be canceled on an FID?
WCASD will provide additional communication regarding after-school activities on the day of a school closure.
