Parent Portal

It is important to remember that while you are not physically in school, school is still in session and you are expected to engage in your coursework. Remote Learning means that you are attending class online, completing and submitting assignments, and interacting with your teachers using the online tools designated by your teachers and supported by the District. 

Having these tools will help your students be able to complete their assignments: 

• Essential: computer or mobile device, internet access*, paper to take notes and work through problems/assignments.  If you do not have the essentials, please fill out the Technology Request Form: bit.ly/fuhsdtechrequest or contact your school by phone to borrow a Chromebook and/or Internet Hot-Spot.

• Ideal (would help if your student had access to these, but not essential): Headphones or headset, microphone, webcam for online meetings, printer or scanner.

*If you don’t have internet access at home, Comcast is offering 2 months for free in addition to their $10/month program: https://www.internetessentials.com/   The district is also providing Chromebooks and wireless hotspots so please fill out the form: bit.ly/fuhsdtechrequest 

What will my classes look like? What can I expect from my teachers? What will be expected of me?

Schoology (our district’s learning management system) will be the homebase for your classes. Your teachers will communicate to you in their Remote Learning Green Sheet (syllabus) which system they will use. It is possible that you may be using one system for some classes and the other system for other classes. Teachers will post assignments, resources, and grades through this system. 

Remote Learning Green Sheet (Syllabus): Your teachers will be providing you a new green sheet (syllabus) to explain how they will conduct their classes, assignments, and communications with you in this new learning environment. This document will also include information about how you should communicate with your teacher if you have questions or need help with assignments. 

Class Period Schedule: All classes will meet online once a week during their designated time period for Class Check-ins. These are dedicated times for you to meet with your teacher to review content and assignments, have small group discussions, and interact with your classmates. Your teachers will conduct Class Check-ins through an online meeting using Zoom, Schoology Conferences, or Google Meet, an online discussion board or Google doc, an email exchange, or some other method the teacher has specified to demonstrate that students are engaged in the class. (Refer to your Green Sheet to see how the class will be conducted.) This class period time is when your teachers will assign work and when you will submit your work. Your teacher will determine what is required to mark students as attending school. You may be required to either Interact either through Class Check-in, online submission of assignments, or both.  Please refer to the Syllabus for each class to understand what is required to be marked “Present” for that class.”

What are some tips for being successful in a remote learning environment?

• Become familiar with the Remote Learning Schedule so that you know when to check in online for each of your classes. Then set a routine for yourself that is your dedicated “school time.” Remember, this is not time off - you are still attending school, but in a different learning environment. Be sure to schedule time to take a mental break, get a snack or some fresh air: we suggest a 15 minute break for every 1.5 to 2 hours of work. Having a routine will help you focus and use your time effectively.  

• Create a work space for yourself so you can use an electronic device such as a computer, open a textbook, and complete assignments. As much as possible, minimize potential distractions such as a TV. While your bed might look like a comfortable place to work, it might not be the best place for you to focus on coursework. 

• Practice good online etiquette. Treat your online classroom as you would your regular, in-person classroom with appropriate attire, backgrounds, and behavior during your Class Check-ins and online meetings. Use appropriate and considerate language and keep topics professional and relevant to the course material. FUHSD’s Technology Use Agreement outlines further expectations for students. 

• Stay connected to your classmates and teachers. Outside of your scheduled period time, visit your teachers during Virtual Office Hours or email them to check in and ask questions. While you are encouraged to stay at home and practice social distancing, reach out to your friends and classmates so you stay connected.

What do I do if I need help?

• Reach out to your teacher. All teachers will be available during Virtual Office Hours (see schedule above) so you can ask questions and get help quickly. You can also email your teacher at any time.

• Reach out to your Guidance Counselor. Guidance Counselors will also be available during Virtual Office Hours, or you can email them at any time. 

• For technology assistance: 

  • If you need help with Schoology: contact your school’s Library Media Teacher julia_hedstrom@fuhsd.org

  • If you need help getting online using a district-issued device and/or wi-fi hot spot: contact your school’s Network Support Specialist patrick_hanson@fuhsd.org or kyle_le@fuhsd.org 

How can I support my student in Remote Learning?

• Set a routine to distinguish “school time” from being at home time. This may include a quiet work space where the student can use a textbook and complete writing assignments or use an electronic device such as a computer. As much as possible, minimize potential distractions such as a TV. Be sure to schedule time for your student to take a mental break, get a snack or some fresh air: we suggest a 15 minute break for every 1.5 to 2 hours of work. Creating structure for your student will help them focus and use their time effectively.  
• If there are other household members at home, establish expectations for protecting “school time” for your students and minimizing distractions or interruptions. 
• Recognize that students are not used to learning in a completely online environment. Check in with your student about what they are finding challenging or confusing about their online work. Encourage them to reach out to teachers and counselors if they are struggling. 
• The experience of remote learning is different from in-person learning in a physical classroom. Support your student by setting up a routine together and allowing for variation on how and when your student works.  Monitor their stress level, participation in class check-ins, and ability to complete assignments. This is not the time to add supplemental learning opportunities.
• Remember that school is about social interactions as well as academics. Encourage your student to reach out to friends by phone or online so they have opportunities to stay connected. 

What do I do if I need help in supporting my student?

• Accessing your online accounts: If you do not have a parent user account, click on the appropriate link for instructions on setting up your account in Schoology. If you already have an account but forgot your username or password, use the self-service “Forgot username or password?” link on the login page. If you need further assistance, contact your school’s Library Media Teacher using the contact information below.
• Student illness/absence: Please contact your school’s Attendance Office if your child is sick so we can take appropriate actions to support their learning.
• Monitoring your student’s progress: Teachers will post assignments and grades in Schoology. You can log in to view these or you can talk with your student about their classes and assignments. If your student does not participate during the Class Check-in for a scheduled class period, you will receive a notification via the District’s auto-dialer, just as you would during the regular school year. 
• Student wellness/mental health support: Contact your student’s Guidance Counselor or Administrator to share your concerns. They will work with you to determine next steps for supporting your student. 

What does this school closure mean for my student’s grades? 

It is important to remember that school is continuing, though in a different environment, and teachers will be assigning work, providing feedback, and issuing grades. As long as you are engaging in your coursework, attending Class Check-ins, and submitting assignments, you will earn grades and credits.

Using two different systems to check on my student’s classes is a pain. Why doesn’t the District just pick one? 

We understand that it can be frustrating to juggle two systems in order to check your student’s progress in all their classes. We are in the process of transitioning to one platform for the 2020-2021 school year, but we are not ready to do so at this time, given the short notice for school closure. For now, our priority is ensuring teachers can focus on teaching our students remotely, not on learning new systems.  (See the next question and response for more information about this.) We appreciate your understanding and flexibility during this time. 

I heard the District is moving to Schoology. Why aren’t we using that system for all teachers and students for Remote Learning?

FUHSD has adopted Schoology, a learning management system, and has a plan for implementing that system district-wide for the 2020-2021 school year. While there are a handful of early adopter teachers who are currently using the system, the majority of our staff, students, and parents have not yet had the opportunity to learn about Schoology. Rather than cause more frustration and anxiety that would come with being asked to use a new system with no support or training, FUHSD decided to limit Schoology use for Remote Learning to only those early adopter teachers who have been trained. FUHSD will continue its plans for full implementation next school year. 

I am a senior. What does this school closure mean for my progress toward graduation, senior transcript, and college prospects? 

It is important to remember that school is continuing, though in a different environment, and teachers will be assigning work and issuing grades. As long as you are engaging in your coursework, attending Class Check-ins, and submitting assignments, you will earn grades and credits toward graduation. If you have concerns about your progress toward graduation or college eligibility, please reach out to your Guidance Counselor. As for college, remember that many colleges and universities have also closed, so they are aware of the circumstances. If you have been admitted or waitlisted at a college or university, you may want to contact them and let them know your situation. FUHSD will include with your final transcript to colleges and universities information about the school closure and its impact on instruction. 

What if the power/internet service goes out and I am unable to attend the Class Check-in or complete an assignment? 

Email or call your teacher and inform them of the situation as soon as possible, before class if you can. Your teacher will work with you to make arrangements for making up the Class Check-in and submitting the assignment during Virtual Office Hours. 

What about AP exams? 

College Board is aware that many schools across the country have closed, and they are putting plans into place to allow for rescheduling exams. FUHSD will be working with the College Board to determine what this will look like once we are able to assess the impact of the school closure and public health orders on our District’s exam administration plans. In the meantime, you should continue to engage in your coursework and prepare for AP exams at the direction of your teachers. For more information about AP exams and school closure impact, visit the College Board AP website. Once we know more, we will share that information with students registered for AP exams. 

What about SAT and ACT? I was scheduled to take the test this spring and it was cancelled.

College Board has cancelled the March and May SAT administrations and is issuing refunds to registered students. They have not yet made a determination about the June 4 test. For the latest information about SAT test dates and rescheduling, visit the College Board SAT website. 

For students registered to take the ACT on April 4, the test has been rescheduled to June 13. If you are registered for this test date, you should be receiving an email from ACT this week with information about how to reschedule to the June date for free. For the latest information about ACT test dates and rescheduling, visit the ACT website. 

Course Selection

If you have not yet submitted your course selection materials for next year, email your Guidance Counselor.  Our administrators and counseling staff are currently focused on supporting students and teachers in this transition to Remote Learning. They will resume planning and master schedule building for next year later this spring. Rest assured that if you have turned your course selection materials in, your school will be in touch about your schedule for next year at a later date.

Incoming 9th Graders: Course Selection and Diagnostic Testing

If you were scheduled for diagnostic testing for math or World Language this spring, those tests are temporarily suspended during this time of school closure. You should have indicated on your course selection materials your intended math or World Language course, so the high school will know what course you want to take next year. Right now, our administrators and counseling staff are focused on supporting students and teachers in this transition to Remote Learning. They will resume planning and master schedule building for next year later this spring, and will communicate an update for you at a later date. 

Office Depot and Office Max operate the year-round Give Back to Schools program to give a 5% credit to schools. Anyone can participate, including friends, family, neighbors, co-workers and businesses.
 
If you buy at Office Depot or Office Max, ask your cashier to credit your purchase to Cupertino High School under the Give Back to Schools Program. The Cupertino High school ID, 70007265, can be looked up at the register.

Even if you have already made a purchase, you can still credit Cupertino High with your past online, phone or in-store purchase. Simply visit the Give Back to Schools website and follow the steps below:

• Find your school, add a purchase OR enter your school ID;
• Enter the Cupertino High school ID: 70007265;
• Choose the correct tab for an online/phone order or in-store purchase; and
• Enter either your online order number or enter in the store transaction information.

If you have any questions, please email Sandy Yamaguchi.