Student & Parent Resources
Welcome to our resource hub for elementary families! Here you’ll find helpful tools, forms, and information to support your child’s learning and experience at St. Clair Elementary. Whether you’re looking for supply lists, handbooks, or academic support links—you’re in the right place.
We’re here to partner with you in your child’s success. If you can’t find what you need, please don’t hesitate to contact the elementary school office at (507) 245-3533!
Flexible Learning Day FAQ
“Flexible Learning Day” Frequently Asked Questions
Our world is becoming pervasively digital and having the skills to learn well online is critical. Much of college curriculum and business training are today done this way, and this will only continue to grow. Our online, digital platform offers opportunities to continue learning in the event of an emergency school closing. In the past, our only option was to make up the day much later or not at all.
What is a “Flexible Learning Day”?
The term, “Flexible Learning Day,” refers to a day when regular school is canceled due to an emergency school closing, and students continue their lessons by doing assignments and activities at home. Below is an outline of what the Flexible Learning Day will look like for each grade level.
- K-4: The Flexible Learning Day assignment grids will have been previously distributed and discussed. Teachers will post learning goals, activities and assignments via email or another digital format by 10 AM on the canceled school day. Teachers will be available to answer questions or provide feedback and support to students between 10:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m..
- Grades 5-12: Google Classroom will be used by teachers to post assignments and activities for students to do during the “Flexible Learning Day.” Students will log-in to Google Classroom via their Google accounts. For each of their classes, the teacher will post the day’s tasks for the students. The tasks will be posted by 10:00 a.m., and staff will be available for questions between 10:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m.. Each teacher’s email address can be found in the “About” section on Google Classroom, on the district website, or individual teacher website.
Why is the St. Clair School District implementing the “Flexible Learning Day”?
Historically, winter weather in southern Minnesota can be persistent and disruptive. Now, with the resources available, and if prepared for carefully, we can eliminate the disruptiveness our winter weather can have on student learning. In providing students and teachers more opportunities for learning and the ability to provide learning without disruption during snow days, Flexible Learning is consistent with our district’s focus on student achievement. Additionally, a Flexible Learning day reinforces 21st-century job and post-secondary educational opportunities for working and learning remotely.
How will parents and students be notified that a “snow day” is a “Flexible Learning Day”?
When school is canceled, parents are notified via the JMC Instant alert, Twitter, television, radio, and the school website.
What about two hour late starts and when school closes early? Will those days also be a “Flexible Learning Day”?
No. In the event of two hour late starts or early dismissals, a flexible learning day will not be expected. Specifically, students and staff are typically either getting to school or going home during those school hours missed and assignments and activities are not expected for either students or staff.
What happens if a student does not complete the “Flexible Learning Day” assignments?
Students would be expected to turn in their completed work according to the Flexible Learning grid. Parents should contact their child’s teacher if there are extenuating circumstances that prohibit their child from completing the assignment satisfactorily.
What if a 5-12 student does not have access to a computer and/or internet to access the lesson or complete activities?
The student can obtain the assignment in a hard copy or electronic version during the next regular school day. Either way, students will have one day to complete the required learning activities and assignments.
What if a student is on a pre-arranged absence?
The student would be expected to make up the learning activities and assignments just as if it were any other absence from school.
How much time is my student expected to take to complete the assignments?
Teachers have designed learning activities and assignments that are equivalent in time to a regularly scheduled class period. Students working independently on an assignment will likely take less time to complete the assignment compared to a large group setting.
Will the school building be closed on a “Flexible Learning Day” to students as it is on a regular snow day?
Yes. The school district buildings will be closed to students and activities on a “Flexible Learning Day”.
Will staff be accessible during a “Flexible Learning Day”? And if so, how?
Yes. The school district staff are expected to be contacted through their school email or phone, which can be found on our school website or in the take-home folders. Google Classroom and Google Voice may be utilized by staff and students grades 5 -12. Staff will be available from 10:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. Staff may not respond immediately to questions but are expected to respond in a timely manner.
Will there still be make-up days built into the district calendar?
No. Flexible learning days will replace student make up days.
A Final Note:
The success of this program will require great flexibility on the part of teachers, students, and parents. For instance, accommodations may need to be made for students without Internet access at home. That being said, the expectation is that students will complete work within the time frame established by the Flexible Learning Grid. Parents are encouraged to contact teachers to share any challenges students have with completing assigned work.
Other questions?
If there are other questions, please don’t hesitate to ask.