Michigan City Area Schools

Students should log in to Schoology for the day's lesson. 
(Click here for instructions if you need help with logging in!) 

What is an eLearning Day?
eLearning days were developed by the Indiana Department of Education. They allow students to continue learning when school is closed due to weather, taking the place of snow make-up days. eLearning days also may be used to allow teachers and staff to participate in professional development.

What is the difference between eLearning on inclement weather days and on professional development days?
The State of Indiana now requires that eLearning days be “synchronous” – that teachers provide live instruction via Zoom or a similar tool. However, the State has granted MCAS a waiver for the 2022-23 school year, to allow for asynchronous (independent) learning on four days MCAS has set aside for the purpose of teacher & staff training. 

What is the schedule for inclement weather (synchronous) eLearning Days?

Elementary Students:
Live Zoom instruction 9:00am - 11:55am
(Break for lunch 11:55am-12:25pm)
Independent work, individual/small group instruction, and email support: 12:25-3:00pm

Middle School Students:
Live Zoom instruction: 8:30-11:50am
(Break for Lunch 11:55am-12:20pm)
Independent work, individual/small group instruction, and email support: 12:20-2:15pm

High School Students:
Live Zoom instruction: 8:30-11:45am
(Break for Lunch 11:45am-12:15pm)
Independent work, individual/small group instruction, and email support: 12:15-2:15pm

How will I know if the district has a synchronous eLearning day due to weather?
This information will be posted on the Michigan City Area Schools website and communicated through other means (e.g. social media, text messages, and local media) when the decision to close schools is announced. For more information, visit http://educateMC.net/closings.

When is my child expected to turn in eLearning assignments?
Students should turn in work at the time/date specified by the teacher. If there are extenuating circumstances caused by a closing (e.g. power outage or internet issues), students will have three days after schools reopen to complete assignments and turn them in to their teacher(s).

What if my child has technical problems with district-issued Chromebooks or passwords on an eLearning day?
The Technology help desk will be available to help at (219) 873-2141. (For questions about homework or classwork, please contact the classroom teacher.)

What if we don’t have internet access at home?
All MCAS students need reliable broadband internet access to benefit from online learning. Click here for some resources for families who may be seeking a low-cost solution for access.

Are there resources to help parents understand the various software used on eLearning days?
CLICK HERE for links to how-to videos, handouts, and other helpful resources for technology in use by Michigan City Area Schools.

When will MCAS use asynchronous eLearning days for professional development?
Michigan City Area Schools will have four scheduled, asynchronous e-Learning Days during the 2022-23 school year. Note: Teachers will be online for students from 11:00 am -12:00 noon on these dates. These days are in addition to any e-Learning Days we may need to schedule due to bad weather.
Monday, September 26, 2022
Tuesday, November 8, 2022
Monday, March 6, 2023
Tuesday, May 9, 2023

How will my child receive their assignments on professional development (asynchronous) eLearning days?
On professional development days, teachers will post assignments on Schoology by 5:00pm the day prior to the eLearning day. Lessons will take place through learning platforms that teachers and students already use regularly (Class Dojo, Google Classroom, Schoology, email, etc.) In some instances, paper packets may be used for younger students. Check the web page of your child’s teacher for links and instructions. (Click here for instructions if you need help with logging in to Schoology!) 

What if my child doesn’t understand how to complete some or all of the work?
On a weather-related (synchronous) eLearning day, teachers will be available via Zoom (during the morning session) and via email (during the afternoon session.) Students may also be participating in small-group or individual instruction via Zoom in the afternoon.

On a professional development (asynchronous) eLearning day, assignments will be designed to continue learning that has been ongoing in the classroom. They will not include new content. Teachers will be checking email periodically throughout the eLearning day and will be available when school reopens to answer any questions. Students will have three days to turn in completed work after the eLearning day takes place.

What if my child has an IEP, ILP, or has accommodations during the school day?
Students with an IEP or ILP will receive accommodations on eLearning days (if applicable). Students who receive related services for OT/PT/Speech will have their time made up during another regular school day if they missed their assigned time. If a child receives walk-in speech services, then you will need to reschedule with the provider on inclement weather eLearning days.

How is attendance taken on an eLearning Day?
Students must be present on Zoom to be counted as present on a weather-related (synchronous) eLearning Day. On a professional development (asynchronous) eLearning Day, student work turned in within three days of school reopening will be used to determine attendance for the eLearning day. If you have extenuating circumstances, please talk with your child’s teacher or building principal for guidance.

Is there eLearning on a day when school is delayed?
No. School will be in session on 2-hour delay days, as usual.

How does this pertain to students from other high schools who attend A.K. Smith Career Center?
When MCAS has an eLearning day, all A. K. Smith Career Center students will log in to complete their work as assigned by their A.K. Smith teachers. This includes both students who attend MCHS and also those from other high schools. In addition, students also will follow their own school district's procedures for the second portion of the day. For example, if their home high school is not having a snow day, they should report to school for those classes. If their home high school is also having a snow day and uses eLearning, they should participate in eLearning for the classes they would have attended there, as well.

Have a question about eLearning that isn’t answered here? Email communications@educateMC.net.

Updated 11/15/22