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.

Is eLearning synchronous or asynchronous on bad weather days? 
The State of Indiana now requires that eLearning days be “synchronous” – that teachers provide live instruction via an online tool.  For the 2023-24 School Year, MCAS will use Google Meet as the platform for synchronous instruction.

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

Elementary Students:
Live instruction on Google Meet - 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 instruction on Google Meet: 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 instruction on Google Meet: 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.

How can my student access Google Meet for eLearning?
The link for each Google Meet class will be provided by your child’s teacher, in Schoology. Students can join from any device, but if using a device other than a MCAS Chromebook, they will need to log in using their MCAS username and password (the same username/password used to log on to their Chromebook). Note: There is also a Google Meet app available for free download in the App Store or Google Play.

Is there eLearning on Early Release days?
Students will receive assignments to complete at home during the afternoon. Some of those assignments may require students to access information online, however, there will not be live instruction on Google Meet. CLICK HERE for more information about Early Release Days.

How will my child receive their assignments on Early Release days?
On Early Release days, teachers will post assignments on Schoology by 5:00pm the day prior to the Early Release 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 Google Meet (during the morning session) and via email (during the afternoon session.) Students may also be participating in small-group or individual instruction via Google Meet in the afternoon.

On an Early Release day, assignments will be designed to continue learning that has been ongoing in the classroom. They will not include new content. Teachers will be available the next day to answer any questions. Students will have three days to turn in completed work after the Early Release 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 Google Meet to be counted as present on a weather-related (synchronous) eLearning Day. 

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 10/30/23