- Westonka Public Schools
- Distance Only Option
Distance Only Option
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We understand that fully in-person or hybrid learning may not be what’s best for every student and family. A Distance Only Option is available to enrolled students who may be medically vulnerable or who are otherwise unwilling to return to in-person learning. In this model, students participate in distance learning five days a week with instruction delivered by licensed Westonka teachers. Meals will be available to students participating in distance learning via curbside pick-up.
Families choosing 100% distance learning through Westonka Public Schools will be asked to register for this model on a quarterly basis. If family circumstances have changed and you need to switch to the Distance Only educational model mid-quarter, please contact your school office. Distance Only registration for quarter 3 opens Dec. 17 (see details below).
Students who cannot be physically present in the classroom due to illness or exposure to COVID-19 will also participate in distance learning.
Quarter 3 Distance Only Registration
Distance Only registration for quarter 3 will be open Dec. 17, 2020-January 6, 2021. Families choosing 100% distance learning through Westonka Public Schools for quarter 3 are committing to this model for the entire quarter, January 20, 2021 through March 25, 2021. All families who are choosing the Distance Only Option for quarter 3 must fill out the registration form in Skyward Family Access (available starting Thursday, Dec. 17). This includes students who chose the Distance Only Option for quarter 2. [Distance Only Registration Instructions (PDF)]
Support for Distance Learners
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1:1 Technology: All K-12 students will have access to a district-issued device (iPad or Chromebook) to support their in-person or distance learning. Technology support will continue; internet access will be provided to families in need.
NEW Distance Learning Coordinators: The position’s responsibilities will be determined by each building’s needs and will include some or all of the following job duties:
- Serve as a distance learning teacher for students in a distance learning model.
- Work with students that are disengaged or struggling with their learning in the distance learning or hybrid model.
- Provide teacher support with the execution of effective distance learning lessons.
- Serve as a contact for parents and guardians who have children learning in the distance learning or hybrid learning model.
- Serve as contact to building principals on the status of instruction and student learning in the distance learning or hybrid learning model.
Technology Support: Are you experiencing difficulty with any of the online tools, logging into a specific app or connecting to your wireless internet? Please fill out a Parent/Student Tech Support Ticket and a Westonka support person will contact you between the hours of 8 a.m. and 4 p.m.

Important Considerations for Distance Only Option
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Depending on registration numbers, students at the primary school level may be placed in a distance learning cohort with instruction delivered by a distance learning teacher from one of Westonka’s primary schools. Grade-level distance learning will align with in-person learning in terms of curriculum and pacing.
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Middle and high school students choosing distance learning will experience teacher-facilitated remote learning 5 days a week. While we will work with students to complete a schedule that is as close to their registration requests as possible, certain elective courses may be significantly modified in the Distance Only Option.