Sweetwater#1 Virtual School

What makes Sweetwater#1 Virtual School different from other virtual programs?

• The Sweetwater#1 Virtual School offers K-12 personalized learning experiences, it is Wyoming grown and tuition free.

What technology/resources will be provided to my students?

• Our selected resources go through a vigorous adoption process to ensure they are the best research-based programs for student learning.   Students will be provided with the technology so they can participate in virtual learning.  A variety of materials are vital to a successful learning experience; therefore, subscriptions to learning programs, books and additional learning materials will be provided to students.  Learning coaches will coordinate with the virtual teacher to gather additional materials as needed.  

How do I get technology support?  

• The district will offer support via student Help Desk tickets.  Students will log onto HelpDesk and request assistance.  IT staff will work with students and learning coaches to resolve technology concerns.

Who teaches the courses?

• Sweetwater #1 advertised and interviewed candidates for virtual positions.  The classes will be taught by the best certified candidates trained specifically to teach online and provide innovative choice-based learning strategies.

Can we enroll part-time with the school district and part time with another online program or school?

• Yes.  Sweetwater#1 Virtual School will work with families to ensure the best learning opportunities and options for our students.  Since the Virtual School is part of Sweetwater County School District #1, students can enroll in online classes as well as attend traditional classrooms.  

What training do the instructors have for online teaching?

• Our instructors are trained in choice-based learning strategies to meet your students' learning needs,  Team based learning sessions throughout the year includes areas of instructor needs such as Canvas, additional virtual teaching strategies, relationship building strategies, engagement strategies, providing social-emotional support to online learners, data analysis etc..

What is a learning coach?

• A learning coach is an adult (usually parent/guardian) that is responsible to create and manage the school day routine.  

What support will learning coaches receive?

• Learning coaches will have access to training in regard to needed technical skill sets and will have access to prioritized communications opportunities with the instructor.  Instructors will prepare weekly checklists to help learning coaches to stay organized.

What are district responsibilities related to virtual education?

• To ensure a quality education, any district providing virtual education courses, must submit an application to the WDE for program approval. Districts providing virtual education must adhere to all statutory and Chapter 41 Virtual Education Rules requirements including ensuring the courses are aligned to Wyoming Content and Performance Standards and taught by Wyoming certified teachers. Districts must also track participation in virtual education for the purposes of recording and reporting an attendance equivalent measure for average daily membership.

What are the attendance expectations for Sweetwater#1 Virtual?

• Students are expected to log in to each class and complete an assignment.  This will count for attendance for the whole week.  At the end of the week (Sunday night at 11:59 pm, if the student hasn't contacted the teacher or completed an assignment, the student will be marked absent.