Distance Learning

Stephen Gerrells
DDL Coordinator and Alternative Ed. Graduation Coach
Warrior Academy
328 Old Blairsville Road
Cleveland, Ga. 30528


Contact Information
email: [email protected]
phone: 706-348-4485
ext. 7306

Digital Distance Learning
White County School System is excited to continue our Digital Distance Learning (DDL) program to students in grades 6-12 for the school year. Students who are successful in online learning must be motivated, organized, self-disciplined, and supported. This program is an extension of our middle and high schools, and acceptance into the program is required. After reviewing the criteria, time commitment, and expectations, interested families should download and complete the application.

DDL Application

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA:
Digital learning is not optimal for every student. Some students do not thrive academically, socially, or emotionally in the digital learning environment. Acceptance into the program will be based on the following:

Prior success, including course completion, grade, and credits earned during 2020-21 (if you participated in DDL)

For high school applicants, students must be on track to graduate with cohort

Attendance history

Grade history

PLATFORM AND TIME COMMITMENT
All students will complete coursework using a self-paced online software that is aligned with Georgia Standards of Excellence

Students should dedicate time to each course every school day. Students should expect to spend 4-5 hours each school day completing coursework and remain "On Target" with course progress goals.

Coursework will be available 24/7; however, it is not expected that students work on weekends or school holidays.

Parents and students will have access to a staff member designated to assist with platform questions.

EXPECTATIONS FOR DIGITAL DISTANCE LEARNING STUDENTS
Students are expected to commit to the DDL program for an entire semester. It is crucial that families are confident in their decision to enroll in online learning.

Students must secure their own reliable Internet access. Lack of Internet access will not excuse a student from completing coursework.

Families should commit to supporting the student by setting up a workspace, creating a daily schedule, and monitoring students' progress. Parents and guardians will receive weekly updates via email and may access report cards using the parent portal in Infinite Campus.

Attendance requirements will be defined in accordance with a virtual setting. Truancy laws cannot be waived by the system and parents who do not consistently ensure their students meet the attendance guidelines will be subject to the standard truancy consequences.

Students will be expected to abide by the WCSS Code of Conduct while participating in DDL.

Parents/guardians agree to have their student participate in required district assessments depending on student grade level. Such assessments will be outlined at the beginning of the program and may include both at-home test-taking options, as well as options to take at school (in a controlled environment) depending on the assessment.

Students in the DDL program may participate in after-school extracurricular activities and athletics. Some activities will not be accessible to DDL students depending on when they are held and the nature of the activity.