COVID-19 Updates

March 23, 2020

Dear Parents/Guardians and Students,

The FVL faculty met this morning to begin their official training in preparation for our virtual learning launch this Wednesday, March 25.  They will meet again tomorrow morning to continue preparations in anticipation of sending out initial directions to students over the next few days as we bring our student body up to speed on the virtual learning environment.

There is no doubt that the events surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic are having a profound impact on all our families, and so FVL is fully committed to working with you to gradually build capacity for virtual learning in the days to come.  We pray that God uses this unique opportunity to have us grow closer to him.

As an introduction to the information in this email, please take a moment to watch the following video message from our president, Mr. Jeff Loberger

Permit me to highlight a number of important items regarding our virtual learning rollout through the FAQ below:

• Will FVL still be open for families to pick-up materials tomorrow, Tuesday, March 24, from 8:30am to Noon, with the impending “stay at home” order from the Governor?
  Based on current information, YES, the FVL will be open to pick up materials tomorrow morning.  The order from the Governor’s office will likely not take effect until at least Wednesday.  This may be the last opportunity for a week or two to pick up materials, so please make sure to do so.
  
  Students need only to pick up materials needed for classes.  They may take home all their belongings, but we are not requiring they do so.  Any remaining items in lockers will remain secure until the school building re-opens.
   
• How will students access information about their courses?
  Students will need to be able to access the internet with a computer (FVL laptop or home computer) to check instructions, communicate with teachers, and complete assignments on a daily basis; however, it will not be the expectation that students are constantly connected throughout the day.
  
  Initially, teachers will likely reach out to students through general email to give instructions on how to sign up for their virtual classrooms.  Once students have connected, additional information will most often be shared through the virtual classrooms.
   
• What if our family does not have an internet connection at home?
  Families that have little or no access to the internet from home will need to contact me directly at anolte@fvlhs.org, to explore limited options that are available.  FVL is working with US Cellular to acquire mobile hotspots that may be available to families, but equipment is currently on back order and there is no clear timetable.  Even intermittent internet access will be better than none.
  
  If you live in an area supported by Charter Spectrum, please consider the following:
  Spectrum broadband and wireless for families of students in higher-ed and K-12, free for 60 days (installation fee waived): Please call 1-844-488-8395.
   
• Will students need to video conference with their teachers on a daily basis?
  In short, NO, students will not be expected to meet with their teachers as scheduled times through the day or week.  FVL is initially adopting an “asynchronous” model which simply means students will NOT need to be connected at the same time to complete their learning tasks.
  
  As we build capacity with teachers and students, there may be opportunity for virtual conferencing and other "real-time" activities. We recognize that internet access and bandwidth will vary from family to family, and will take this under consideration when introducing more complex virtual learning tools.
   
• Will attendance be taken on a daily basis?
  Daily attendance will not be taken for classes. Instead, students will provide evidence of their participation by completing the learning tasks assigned.
   
• What time will learning tasks be posted on a daily basis?
  Teachers will have information posted by 8:30 AM each day through their virtual classrooms.  In some cases, teachers may assign work to be done over multiple days, so it will be unnecessary to post new instructions every day.
   
• How will I know what assignments have been given to my student?
  Virtual learning tasks will be assigned to students through the teacher’s chosen virtual classroom such as Google Classroom, Moodle, etc.  Please ask your student to share their task list.  If you have concerns you may contact the teacher directly by email.
   
• How much work will students have on a daily basis?
  Students can expect up to 30 minutes of work per day for regular classes and up to 45 minutes per day for college level classes.  This includes both lesson material and assignment work.  Generally, students should expect up to 3.5-4.5 hours of virtual learning tasks per day.
   
• Will virtual learning tasks be graded?
  YES, teachers will grade tasks assigned to students. However, not all tasks completed will be graded.  Grades will be posted to Skyward as evidence of tasks completed and progress made.
  
  Students who do not complete the virtual learning tasks assigned may risk losing credit for those classes.  Please do not hesitate to contact a teacher if there are concerns.
   
• How can students get in contact with teachers if they have questions?
  Teachers will be available to respond to student questions through email or their virtual learning environment between 9:00-11:00 AM, and 12:00-2:00 PM, during scheduled virtual learning days.  Questions submitted after 2:00 PM, may not be answered until the next scheduled virtual learning day.
   
• What tech support is available if my student is having trouble with course work or their laptop?
  Classroom teachers will serve as the first level of assistance for issues, especially those related to their learning activities.  Students are encouraged to email their teachers with their concerns as soon as possible.
  
  Questions regarding major technical issues, especially related to school laptops, should be submitted through the student’s FVL email account by sending a detailed description to  techhelp@fvlhs.org.  Our Tech Support Staff will respond to issues in the order they are received, as quickly as they are able.
   
• What if my student had received additional support services through Guided Studies or for their individual service plan?
  Mrs. Sara Zuberbier (szuberbier@fvlhs.org) will be in contact with each of these families directly to coordinate what services will be provided in the virtual learning environment.  Please also feel free to reach out directly to teachers with questions and concerns.  Thank you for your patience as we work to find creative ways to support your student in these uncertain times.
   
• Will FVL continue to offer chapel services online during the school closure?
  Yes!  On Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, FVL will run a live chapel service at 11:00 AM, for students, families and anyone else who wishes to watch.  Those live services will also be archived on our FVL YouTube channel and will be accessible at any time of the day.
  
  On Wednesdays each week we will highlight a video chapel from one of our sister institutions including MLC, Time of Grace, etc.  Additional spiritual growth resources will be posted on our website in the days to come to provide additional material for personal and family worship and study.
   
• Will FVL be able to provide counseling services during the school closure?
  The FVL Pastors are available for counseling students online or by phone.  Students are encouraged to reach out through their classroom teacher or directly to one of the pastors on staff, a counselor, or other trusted individual on staff.
  
  Christian Family Solutions will also continue to be available for faculty, students and families online through the Member Assistance Program.  If you have any questions or desire a referral, please contact Mr. Uhlenbrauck (juhlenbrauck@fvlhs.org).
   
• What steps can I take to make sure my student remains safe while working in an online environment?
  It is important to be aware of safe practices when working online.  The internet can be a valuable tool in a crisis such as the one we face.  Unfortunately, there are those that will seek to take advantage of people who are already anxious about ongoing events.
  
  Here are some suggestions for safe online habits:
  • Avoid sharing personal information publicly
  • Keep privacy settings high, especially for social media accounts
  • Practice safe browsing by avoiding advertisement links or other “enticing” offers.
  • Be careful about what is downloaded.
  • Avoid opening suspicious emails, attachments, or links in emails
  • Choose strong passwords for accounts
  • Avoid chat rooms and other interactive social media services where users can remain anonymous or where you cannot verify their identity
     
  • Do you have a suggested daily schedule that we can follow?
    Yes, we have a sample schedule below that you may consider.  As a family, you have the flexibility to decide how best to support your student in their work.  You are encouraged to have a conversation with your student to lay out clear expectations during the day so they are in the best position to succeed with their virtual learning tasks. 
    
    (table with the schedule is at the bottom of this post)
     
• Will FVL have virtual learning days on Good Friday and the Monday after Easter?
  No, FVL will not have virtual school on Friday, April 10, or Monday, April 13, virtual or otherwise.
   
• What about Prom, Graduation, spring co-curriculars, etc.?
  In short, there are no clear answers at this point.  We continue to monitor developments statewide and nationally.  Our desire is to provide every opportunity we are able, but in the moment we must follow the health directives that have been given for the safety of all.
  
  As we have more information about these regularly scheduled events, we will be sure to pass along updates to all of our FVL stakeholders.
   

God’s richest blessings as we partner together in this unique opportunity to serve the students of FVL, spiritually and academically!

________________________________________________________________

Mr. Alan Nolte, Principal
Fox Valley Lutheran High School
Appleton, Wisconsin
Email: anolte@fvlhs.org
Office: 920-739-4441 x5108
Mobile: 920-427-9706

Sample Daily Schedule for Virtual Learning Days
Before 9 AM	Wake up, morning movement activity, breakfast, personal Bible study
9-11 AM	Academic time (limit mobile device usage for non-school tasks) Log into classes to review instructions for the day Follow-up on email communications with teachers Ask specific questions regarding learning targets Complete lessons as assigned by teachers
11 AM	Spiritual growth opportunity FVL Chapel streaming on YouTube (on scheduled days) Bible reading or Bible study (content posted online)
11:15 AM - NOON	Lunch / Family obligation time / self-care / relaxation / spiritual growth Family resources including devotional materials posted online as available
NOON - 2 PM	Academic time (limit mobile device usage for non-school tasks) Log into classes to review instructions for the day Follow-up on email communications with teachers Ask specific questions regarding learning targets Complete lessons as assigned by teachers
After 2 PM	Movement / physical activity time / family and personal obligation time
Evening	Preparation for next day (virtual or traditional) Charge laptop and other digital tools Reflect on goals for the day Spend time with family Personal and family devotion, prayer, and Bible study Get adequate sleep

March 19, 2020

Dear Parents/Guardians and Students,

Much has changed in the last six days since FVL headed into Spring Break and Governor Evers announced that school would be suspended through April 5.  Currently, K-12 schools have been closed indefinitely to help curb the spread of COVID-19.  Federal and state directives have also now limited most face-to-face meetings to groups of less than ten.  Families are being directed to avoid any unnecessary interaction for the time being and to be vigilant with hand washing, cleaning, etc.  The FVL faculty and staff will also seek to follow these directives, even as they work to coordinate plans moving forward.

Behind the scenes, we continue to prepare for a transition next week to virtual learning.  While all the details have not yet been ironed out, we'd like to give you an update on what to expect and when.  Plans continue to evolve, but certain key things are falling into place.  Here is what we can share at this time:

• The FVL faculty will spend next Monday AND Tuesday prepping for a launch of virtual learning beginning on Wednesday, March 25.
• As of now, the plan will be to allow families who were unable to bring things home last week to pick up materials from lockers on Monday and Tuesday, March 23-24, between 8:30 AM and Noon.  Come through the Tower entrance and proceed directly to the locker.  If possible, send one person per family into the building.  Please also keep your distance from others while on site.  Make sure to verify the locker number and combination in advance.
• Students will need to be able to access the internet with a computer (FVL laptop or home computer) to check instructions, communicate with teachers, and complete assignments on a daily basis; however, it will not be the expectation that students are constantly connected throughout the day.
• For those without internet access, here is a free option being made available during the health crisis: Spectrum broadband and wireless for families of students in higher-ed and K-12, free for 60 days (installation fee waived):  Please call 1-844-488-8395.
• Watch for information soon about where to direct general technical questions regarding laptop issues. Students can expect up to 30 minutes of work per day for regular classes and up to 45 minutes per day for college level classes.  This includes both lesson material and assignment work.  Generally, students should expect up to 3.5-4.5 hours of virtual learning tasks per day.
• Directions and assignments will be posted for students daily by 8:30am.  There will not necessarily be new assignments each day for each class since some learning tasks may span multiple days.  More information will come regarding what platform teachers will use to share this information, however the majority will likely utilize Google Classroom.
• FVL will initially follow an "asynchronous" model for virtual learning which simply means that students will NOT need to be connected at the same time to complete their learning tasks.  This will provide families with flexibility to set schedules that meet their needs.  FVL will provide a "sample" schedule for families to follow if they so choose.
• As we build capacity with teachers and students, there may be opportunity for virtual conferencing and other "real-time" activities.  We recognize that internet access and bandwidth will vary from family to family, and will take this under consideration when introducing more complex virtual learning tools.
• Daily attendance will not be taken for classes.  Instead, students will provide evidence of their participation by completing the learning tasks assigned.
• Finally, we are happy to report that counseling through the Christian Family Solutions will continue online during the school closure.  Students and families who have interest or questions should contact Mr. Jeff Uhlenbrauck.

A key component of our virtual learning strategy will be to provide resources including chapel messages, Bible reading and studies, and other spiritual growth opportunities for your students and families.  The most effective tool FVL has to serve its families is the one that our loving Savior has given us in his word.  We pray, above all else, that God uses the challenges in front of us to make us stronger in him.
 
Please be patient as information continues to roll out.  We continue to explore how we might maintain other student services during this crisis including support for Guided Studies students, college and career planning, and others.  Please look for additional messaging in the coming days to further clarify plans for our roll out next week.  We will continue to update the FVL website with information about our response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

May God bless and keep each of you in the days ahead!

________________________________________________________________
Mr. Alan Nolte, Principal
Fox Valley Lutheran High School
Appleton, Wisconsin
Email: anolte@fvlhs.org
Office: 920-739-4441 x5108
Mobile: 920-427-9706

No face-to-face instruction until at least 4/6

March 13, 2020

Dear Parents/Guardians and Students,

This afternoon Gov. Tony Evers ordered the state Department of Health Services to close all K-12 schools, public and private, as part of the state's efforts to contain the spread of COVID-19 in Wisconsin. The shutdown will officially begin this coming Wednesday and run through April 5, though it could be extended, Evers' office said in a statement.

As a result, FVL will be closed for face-to-face instruction until at least Monday, April 6. All co-curricular activities will also be canceled through at least April 6.

The FVL faculty will report for virtual instruction training on Monday, March 23, at 8:30 AM. An email update with further information regarding virtual instruction plans will be sent out to families no later than the afternoon of Monday, March 23.

The school office will be open on Monday, March 23, from 8:30 AM to Noon for students who need to pick up school materials.

Sincerely,
Mr. Alan Nolte
Principal

Spring Break Travel Information

March 12, 2020

Dear Parents/Guardians and Students,

As FVL's spring break approaches and the COVID-19 (Coronavirus) situation continues to evolve, we are providing new guidance related to travel.

Health officials advise review of non-essential personal or business travel, especially to large population areas, other states and internationally. With the number of COVID-19 cases rising rapidly both in the United States and internationally, you may face a higher risk of infection, significant delays in returning and/or the expectation to self-isolate upon your return.

Should you decide to travel to a level 3 area (currently China, Iran, South Korea, Italy as indicated on the CDC Coronavirus Disease 2019 Information for Travel web page), health officials have indicated you will be expected to self-isolate for 14 days, even if you do not exhibit symptoms. All people returning from spring break outside of our communities should self-monitor (for fever, cough and difficulty breathing) for 14 days and communicate with medical personnel if there are any concerns.

We ask that you review information posted on this page and visit the CDC travel advisory site for updated information. It is important that you consider your health and the health of others during this time.

Changing conditions may require adjustments to normal activities, such as events, travel and instruction. Updates will continue to be communicated by email and the FVL website.

While the likelihood of full recovery even if you contract COVID-19 is high, there are groups that health officials have identified as being particularly at risk: older adults or people with chronic conditions such as lung disease, heart disease and diabetes. Additional information for at-risk groups is available on the CDC site.

If you develop symptoms:

• Stay home; do not go to work, class or public areas
• Separate yourself from people and animals in your home
• Avoid sharing personal household items
• Wash your hands often
• Clean “high-touch” surfaces everyday
• Avoid using public transportation, ride-shares, taxis

The best ways to avoid contracting COVID-19:

• Wash hands often with soap and water
• Avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick
• Cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing, and cough/sneeze into your elbow.

 

We will continue to monitor the situation statewide as well as work with our local health department and the city of Appleton to keep our students and families as safe as possible.

Finally, take comfort in the providence of our Savior God as we are diligent in our daily lives: Romans 8:28 reminds us, “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”

Sincerely,
Mr. Alan Nolte
Principal

No School March 23

March 12, 2020

Dear Parents/Guardians and Students,

FVL will be extending our spring break by one day for students to allow for the faculty to meet to pro-actively prepare for the possibility of an extended shutdown of face-to-face instruction.  As a result, there will be no school for students on Monday, March 23.  All after-school activities that day including practices and rehearsals will be held as scheduled.

The decision to cancel school on Monday, March 23, is solely to provide opportunity for our faculty to prepare for the possibility of a loss of face-to-face instruction.  At this point, it is not due to a local concern of an outbreak of the Coronavirus.  We will continue to monitor developments closely and adjust accordingly.  Please take the time to discuss these things with your family, encourage each other to be safe and responsible, and take everything to the Lord in prayer.

As students head off on break, we will direct them to take laptops, textbooks and other class materials home in the event that there is a change to school status before returning from break.  The school office will plan to be open on Monday, March 23, from 8:30 AM to Noon, to allow students to pick up materials if they were not already able to do so. 

Please continue to monitor email and review information posted on this page.

Thank you for your patience as we react to unfolding events locally and globally.  While there are many questions regarding “what-ifs”, there are few concrete answers.  Despite the uncertainty, we take comfort in the love and mercy of our unchanging God who has already taken care of our greatest need, assuring we are “More than Conquerors” through our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ!

Sincerely,
Mr. Alan Nolte
Principal

March 10, 2020

Dear Parents/Guardians and Students, 

As you are aware, the Coronavirus, now known as COVID-19, is receiving extended coverage in the national news and most recently, local news outlets. Recent conversations with City of Appleton Health officials regarding the current state of COVID-19 in Wisconsin have taken place, and, although a rapidly changing environment, the risk level in Wisconsin is low at this time. City of Appleton Health Officer, Kurt Eggebrecht, is being updated by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Wisconsin Department of Health Services, and continues to provide FVL and all school districts in Appleton with recommendations and up-to-date information to promote a safe environment for all school stakeholders.

As we continue to monitor the developments regarding this virus, we will continue to look to national, state, and local health agencies for guidance as we navigate and learn more about COVID-19 and its possible impact on our school and community. Given the uniqueness of each community and their needs, the response may look different from each community in order to meet those needs.

Families of students, both domestic and international, who have travel plans over break are encouraged to monitor the latest information from the CDC regarding any advisories.

Again, as reported by the CDC, the “risk to the general public is low” at this time, and there are no actions specific to COVID-19 beyond normal prevention recommendations that include:

• Covering your cough or sneeze
• Washing your hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or using an alcohol-based hand rub if soap is not available
• Staying at home if you are sick
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe
• Getting your flu shot. Influenza also remains highly active in our area and there is still time to receive a flu shot by contacting your doctor or local pharmacy

We will continue to monitor the situation, and we will certainly provide any necessary updates as we learn of them. The safety and well-being of our students and staff remain our utmost priority.

Sincerely,
Mr. Alan Nolte
Principal