SCCSD Virtual School: Opening Fall 2021
Dear Parents/Guardians,
This year, the COVID-19 pandemic opened the door for a unique learning opportunity in the Sioux City Community School District. For the first time, students in our District were offered an opportunity to participate in Virtual Learning. We have seen many students flourish in the Virtual Learning environment, and we are committed to making online learning an ongoing option for students.
Introducing a New Virtual School
To continue offering a virtual learning experience, the State of Iowa requires a school district to get approval from the Iowa Department of Education to offer a Virtual School. Today, we are excited to announce that the Sioux City Community School District has received official approval from the state.
In the fall of 2021, the Sioux City Community School District will officially offer a Virtual School – an independent enrollment center that offers virtual learning for students in grades kindergarten through twelfth grade. The Virtual School will have a permanent presence in the District, so families can rest assured that students enrolled in Virtual School can continue a seamless online school experience.
How to Enroll
Students currently enrolled in the Sioux City Community School District can declare their interest in enrolling in the Virtual School by completing an online form. Parents/guardians are asked to complete this interest form and commit to enrollment by March 1, 2021. This deadline ensures that appropriate staffing can be planned to support the expected student enrollment.
Complete the Enrollment Interest Form for Virtual School
Students entering kindergarten or students from outside the Sioux City Community School District will need to complete additional forms to enroll in the Virtual School. Learn more about enrollment for prospective students.
Action Requested from Current Virtual Learning Students
If you are a Virtual Learner and you DO NOT plan to enroll in the Virtual School, we ask that you complete the interest form to verify your plan to return to your on-site boundary school. Your response will help us plan appropriate staffing for all schools.
Interest Form for Current Virtual Learners
If you need assistance completing this form or if you have questions, please call the District office. If your child is in elementary school, please call 712-279-6677. If your child is in middle school or high school, please call 712-279-6676.
How a Virtual School Differs from Virtual Learning
Students currently enrolled in Virtual Learning participate in online learning while enrolled in a local boundary area school. Because of this, students in Virtual Learning have been approved to continue participating in extra-curricular activities and athletics. The Virtual School will be an independent enrollment center. While there won’t be a physical building to attend, it is a new school in the District. Therefore, students in the Virtual School will not dual enroll in a boundary school. The Virtual School will not offer athletics or extra-curricular activities.
Understanding the Virtual School Learning Experience
Students enrolled in the Virtual School will participate in a dedicated online learning environment, similar to what students have experienced during Virtual Learning. Students will continue to engage in the same high-quality common core classes and curriculum taught by certified Sioux City Community School District teachers. Each student enrolled in Virtual Learning will be given a laptop or learning device to engage in online learning. Students will be required to log into the virtual classroom daily with attendance taken by teachers, grades issued, and credit awarded. Learn more about the Virtual School Experience.
Your Role in Supporting the Development of the Virtual School
As a new school in the Sioux City Community School District, we’re working to build a sense of community for our online students. You can help develop the future of our Virtual School by participating in the school naming process. Click here to access the SCCSD Virtual School Naming Thought Exchange, where you can submit naming ideas and rank current names under consideration. Later this spring, we’ll announce the name of our new school.
Your child is our priority. We’re always working to support the unique learning needs of each student. The new Virtual School is one more way to enhance the learning experience for students in our District. Thank you for choosing the Sioux City Community School District for your child’s needs.
Sincerely,
Dr. Paul Gausman
Superintendent
Sioux City Community School District