Nontraditional and Online Programs

Manassas Park City Schools has a number of online learning opportunities available to students of all ages. All of our programs are implemented using a blended approach. This provides students with online learning opportunities within a blended learning environment.

At Manassas Park High School, students in grades 9-12 have the opportunity to take online classes while in-person, and during the school day. Regardless of whether students are taking a class for the first time, repeating a class to receive credit, or taking advanced classes, all students are paired with a teacher-mentor, whose job is to monitor student progress, provide weekly check-in support, teach mini-lessons, and answer questions each week. This additional support helps to ensure that are successful.

MPCS HOMEBOUND INSTRUCTION GUIDELINES

Homebound services may be provided to students at Manassas Park City Schools (MPCS) who have a medical condition preventing them from participating in classroom instruction, due to confinement in the home or a healthcare facility.

The Supervisor for Nontraditional and Online Programs determines eligibility for homebound instruction based on the Virginia Department of Education guidelines. Approval of students for homebound instruction requires medical documentation submitted by a licensed physician or clinical psychologist, as well as information provided by school staff members. Approval is determined based on the documented need for service, taking into consideration the least restrictive educational option.

The goal of homebound services is to keep the student current with classroom instruction and facilitate the student’s return to the current classroom setting.

Homebound instruction is not intended to replace school services and is, by design, temporary. It is not a remediation program and is not designed to provide students with time to make up previously missed assignments. The goal of homebound instruction is to keep the student as current as possible with classroom instruction. It is expected that the family and school will minimize academic work missed due to absences prior to the initiation of homebound services.

In some circumstances, students may receive Homebound Instruction on an intermittent basis. Students with episodic conditions may receive Homebound Instruction when they are unable to attend school for more than two consecutive weeks. In these cases, the parents should notify the school as soon as they suspect that the student’s condition is such that they are entering a period of extended absence. For students who are intermittently unable to attend school for shorter periods of time, schools should follow typical practices for excused absences. In both of the above circumstances, schools may initiate processes to consider eligibility under IDEA or Section 504.

OUR VISION

The Vision of the Office of Nontraditional and Online Programs is to ensure that every student that qualifies for homebound services remains educationally engaged as a learner and socio-emotionally connected with Manassas Park City Schools as they prepare to return to their school community.

OUR MISSION

The Mission of the Office of Nontraditional and Online Programs is to provide a seamless transition for each student that qualifies for homebound services, while supporting their instructional program by providing high quality teachers, individualized curriculum and resources, and consistent and efficient practices that support student engagement and connectedness.

COURSES SUPPORTED AND TEACHERS

• Instructional support is provided for core academic classes: English, science, social studies, and mathematics. For secondary students, foreign language and career and technical education (CTE) classes may also be supported if required for the diploma being pursued.
• Homebound teachers do not provide instruction in physical education (P.E.), fine arts and practical arts, and elective courses.
• Homebound teachers must hold a current Virginia license and are assigned by Supervisor for Nontraditional and Online Programs. All homebound teachers are also staff members of Manassas Park City Schools.
• Assignments and materials provided by the classroom teacher must be used by the homebound teacher.

HOURS AND LOCATION OF HOMEBOUND SERVICES

• Based on a five-day school week, secondary students are generally provided with two and one-half (2.5) hours of instruction per week for each class. Elementary students are generally provided with five (5) hours of instructional services per five-day school week. Students who do not normally attend a full day of school have a proportionally fewer number of hours.
• Homebound instruction is delivered after school hours, in the late afternoon or early evening, and only on those days when school is in session. If school is closed for inclement weather, homebound instruction will also be cancelled.
• When scheduling sessions, homebound teachers take into consideration parent or guardian requests, but not all requests can be accommodated.
• The location of services is designated by the Office of Nontraditional and Online Programs, and may be the student’s home, a healthcare facility, the Manassas Park Community Center, or the public library. If services are to be provided in the home, a home visit must be completed prior to the initiation of services, an adult must be present at all times, and all pets must be confined prior to the arrival of the homebound teacher.

STUDENT CODE OF CONDUCT

• The Student Code of Conduct (JFC-R) applies to all students in MPCS at school or during school-sponsored activities. Homebound instruction is considered a school-sponsored activity regardless of the venue.

MISSED SESSIONS

• Make-up sessions are only allowed for sessions missed due to illness or family emergencies, and when cancellations are made 24 hours prior to scheduled sessions.
• Unless a session can be made up during the same week it was missed, it cannot be made up without permission from the Supervisor of Nontraditional and Online Programs.
• Sessions missed due to cancellation by the homebound teacher are made up.
• Sessions missed due to cancellation of MPCS school activities are not made up (such as cancellation due to inclement weather).

STUDENTS WITH A DISABILITY

• The IEP team can also determine homebound as a student’s least restrictive environment when a child is confined at home or in a healthcare facility.
• If a student is eligible as a student with a disability, have either an Individualized Education Program (IEP) or a Section 504 plan, the corresponding team must meet upon homebound approval by the Supervisor of Nontraditional and online programs.
• The IEP or 504 team will determine if any special education services, related services, accommodations, and/or modifications are required to access the homebound education.

TECHNOLOGY

• All MPCS students in grades K-12 are issued a laptop. These devices may be used for homebound instruction.

GRADING

• Frequent communication is required between the classroom and homebound teachers. All work completed by the student is turned into the classroom teacher.
• The classroom teacher is the teacher of record and is responsible for assigning the quarter, semester, and final grades to the student.
• Every effort will be made to ensure academic progress; however, course credit must still be earned according to class requirements.

STANDARDS OF LEARNING (SOL) TESTS AND OTHER REQUIRED TESTING

• The Supervisor for Nontraditional and Online Programs, the school testing coordinator, and homebound teachers will collaborate to arrange for the administration of required testing.

EXTENSION OR EARLY TERMINATION OF HOMEBOUND SERVICES

• To continue homebound instruction beyond the termination date, the parent must submit a new Certification of Need for Homebound Services form, with all required signatures, to the Supervisor of Nontraditional and Online Programs at least five school days prior to the termination of services.
• If the student is able to return to school before scheduled to do so, it is the responsibility of the parent to obtain a medical release statement.

HOMEBOUND TRANSITION PLAN

• As homebound instruction services are designed to keep student’s current with classroom instruction on a temporary basis, students must attend school to the greatest extent possible, if they are medically able to do so. School and homebound staff members work collaboratively with the student, parent, school counselor, and building administrators to coordinate the appropriate transition plan for the student following the homebound instruction period.

END-OF-YEAR TERMINATION OF HOMEBOUND SERVICES

• Homebound instruction for general education students ends on the last scheduled day of regular classes for MPCS students.

• Homebound instruction for special education students follows the schedule delineated by the student’s IEP.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Successful homebound instruction depends on the cooperation and collaboration of several individuals. The responsibilities of each of these individuals are summarized below:

• Supervisor of Nontraditional and Online Programs:
  • Approves referrals for homebound instruction.
  • Assigns teachers and provides oversight of instruction.
  • Approves site of homebound services.
  • Works with the school homebound coordinator to ensure there is appropriate collaboration between classroom teachers and homebound teachers.
  • Coordinates school efforts regarding homebound instruction.
  • Encourages active engagement between the school and the homebound student.
  • Works to ensure there is appropriate collaboration between classroom teachers and homebound teachers.
• School-based Administrator:
  • Sign the completed Homebound Transition Plan, created by the homebound teacher, parent, student, and Supervisor of Nontraditional and Online Programs.
    
• Special education department chair:
  • If the student receives special education services, ensures that the student receives appropriate services and accommodations while receiving homebound instruction.
  • Works with the Supervisor of Nontraditional and Online Programs to ensure appropriate collaboration between the classroom teachers and the homebound teachers.
    
• School counselor:
  • Works with the school homebound coordinator and the family to ensure academic and elective requirements are met.
  • Supports school staff members in working with the student and family.
    
• Classroom teacher:
  • Collaborates with the homebound teacher to exchange information, strategies, materials, assignments, assessment tools, etc., needed to provide instruction.
  • As the teacher of record determines the quarter, semester, and final grades.
    
• Homebound teacher:
  • Contacts the family to schedule homebound instruction on regular school days.
  • Works with the classroom teacher as described above.
  • Using materials and assignments provided by the classroom teacher, provides instruction to the student with the goal of keeping the student as current as possible with classroom instruction.
  • Returns all completed work to the classroom teacher.
  • Completes a homebound timesheet, with homebound activities included for each visit prior to authorization for payment. Parent and homebound teacher must sign off on each homebound session. Completed timesheets must be returned to the Supervisor for Nontraditional and Online Programs biweekly for payment.
    
• Parents or guardians:
  • Provide the medical documentation needed to support the homebound referral.
  • Obtain assignments from the classroom teachers until homebound teachers are assigned.
  • Work with school staff to obtain assignments for courses not supported by homebound instruction.
  • Once a homebound teacher is assigned, schedule instructional sessions (note that not all scheduling requests can be accommodated).
  • Make sure that the student is ready for instruction at the time agreed upon.
  • Provide an appropriate learning environment, if conducted in the home.
  • Confine all pets prior to the arrival of the homebound teachers.
  • Ensure that an adult is in the home at all times, or available to pick up or drop off a student at an alternate homebound location when needed.
  • Supervise daily homework.
  • Keep all appointments with the homebound teacher or notify the teacher at least 24 hours in advance if the student is unavailable.
  • Sign paperwork necessary to verify homebound instruction was provided.
  • Inform the Supervisor of Nontraditional and Online Programs if the student’s medical situation changes.
  • Work to return the student to school-based instruction as soon as possible.
  • Understand that the Student Code of Conduct (JFC-R) applies to all students during school-sponsored activities regardless of venue. Homebound instruction is considered a school-sponsored activity.
    
• Students:
  • Be ready to meet with the homebound teacher(s) at the scheduled times.
  • Participates actively in instruction.
  • Completes all assignments, including homework assigned.
  • Works to return to school-based instruction as soon as possible.
  • Maintains an organizational system for assignments, as necessary.
  • Understand that the Student Code of Conduct (JFC-R) applies to all students during school-sponsored activities regardless of venue. Homebound instruction is considered a school- sponsored activity.

FORMS (click on the title to open the document)

Certification of Need for Homebound Services

The Individual Student Alternative Education Plan (ISAEP) program is designed for those students who are at least 16 years of age and enrolled at Manassas Park High School, who are having difficulty finding success in a regular classroom environment. ISAEP programs are funded through a combination of state grants and local funds.

For additional information about the ISAEP Program at Manassas Park City Schools, please contact Chris Konig, Supervisor of Nontraditional and Online Programs at 571-428-2809 or chris.konig@mpark.net.