The Innovative Campus for Charles City Community School Disrtict consists of 2 main tenants:

  • Carrie Lane, the district's alternative high school
  • FLEX, the district's online virtual program available to students in high school

The purpose of the Innovative Campus is to provide students with multiple learning opportunities, potentially expand learning opportunities, and flexible learning times.

For more information on any of these programs, contact:

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Ph: 641-257-9064

Email: innovativecampus@charlescityschools.org

Address: 502 Jackson Street, Charles City Iowa

The Innovative Campus is Committed to:

• Fostering a learning environment conducive to high levels of learning within a technology-based environment and growing students to be good neighbors.

• Partnering with students and parents to keep them informed of progress and serving as a resource.

• Providing a safe and caring learning environment aligned with high expectations and our district’s mission.

• Achievement through high standards and relevant learning opportunities.

Parent responsibilities:

• Maintain contact with Innovative Campus to ensure student success • Maintain current and accurate contact information • Provide transportation as needed • Help create an acceptable environment and workspace at home • Assist students as needed

Student responsibilities:

• Say “hello” upon arrival each morning and “goodbye” upon departure when the day is complete • 100% of work completed with 70% or greater accuracy • Be the best version of yourself daily

Attendance

• Punctuality is an integral part of the Innovative Campus learning experience.

• Student attendance will be tracked daily. The Innovative Campus will follow the same guidelines and expectations as the building the student would have attended.

• If a student will be absent from attendance or Zoom meetings, the parent or guardian must communicate with the Innovative Campus staff.

• All Zooms must be attended or excused. If not, it will be noted as unexcused.

• 9-12 FLEX learners at home are expected to work 5-6 hours per day (30 hours/week).

What is the difference between synchronous or asynchronous learning?

Synchronous Learning: This type of learning is when students and teachers interact in “real time” and face to face, using Zoom. Students will be encouraged to be fully present and engaged, with their cameras on. Attendance is required.

Asynchronous Learning: Students receive instruction through the use of pre-recorded video lessons or other types of online tasks they complete on their own. It is not delivered in person or in real time. The Odysseyware platform will be used for asynchronous learning.

9-12 FLEX Program:

Students can expect to be exposed to a blend of synchronous and asynchronous experiences.

Similar to the on-campus learning environment, students can expect to become more independent as they move through the grade levels.

Innovative Campus Online Platform used:

Odysseyware will be the platform used within our 9-12 program. Lessons, reading, and experiments are all part of the current standards taught and align with in-person practices. Students will be engaged with the learning opportunities through Odysseyware approximately 5-6 hours a day. Time management will be a critical component and a vital skill for the success of our 9-12 FLEX learners. There is a full array of both core and elective classes available.

Why would virtual learning be a good fit for me as a secondary student?

Virtual learning allows parents and scholars to work together to create a personalized learning schedule. A student with several commitments or preferences may need to schedule learning time early in the morning or later in the evening instead of during the traditional school hours.

What are the qualities needed to be a successful virtual learner?

• Self-motivation • Routines • Study habits/preparedness • Promptness • Effective communication • Zeal for learning • Pride in your effort

Graduation:

At the time of a student’s registration, school counselors and the Innovative Campus team will establish the current credits achieved by the student and a timeframe for remaining classes required for graduation.

If a student chooses to graduate early from Innovative Campus, they may participate in the May graduation ceremony with their graduating class.

Special Ed Services:

We work in conjunction with students, teachers, building administrators, and our AEA supports to ensure that an appropriate education is provided for all students.

ELL Services:

The innovative campus follows the current handbooks published and approved in each district building.

FAQs

    WHAT IS ONLINE/VIRTUAL LEARNING?

    Online learning is education that takes place over the Internet. It is often referred to as “e-learning,” among other terms. However, online learning/virtual learning is just one type of “distance learning,” which is the umbrella term for any learning that takes place across a distance and not in a traditional classroom.

    WHAT WILL THE VIRTUAL LEARNING EXPERIENCE LOOK LIKE FOR MY CHILD?

    For students in grades 9-12, the courses offered will be based on the same standards as current core classes taught on campus. Some electives are required and others will be available based on interests or requests

    Students in the lower elementary grade levels will work in a combination of synchronous (live) and asynchronous (virtual) environments. They will work through both core class standards and electives.

    WHAT IS OFFERED AT THE INNOVATIVE CAMPUS?

    The Innovative Campus has a full range of core classes, along with numerous elective classes available within the Odysseyware platform. Classes in the CTE and Arts departments are also available on campus through our FLEX program

    WHAT IS THE FLEX?

    The FLEX is a pillar within the Innovative Campus system. It allows middle and high school students to experience both virtual learning and on-campus learning. FLEX students can take both electives and core classes in either environment.

    HOW MANY CLASSES CAN MY STUDENT TAKE AT THE INNOVATIVE CAMPUS?

    Full-time high school students may take four core classes, physical education, and two electives each semester at the Innovative Campus. Full-time students remain eligible for a number of services and experiences while staying on track for graduation.

    Students who may be behind in credits will be asked to work on previous failed core classes, in addition to current core classes. This may limit their opportunities for elective classes.

    Students who are FLEX (students attending both Innovative Campus and the district campus) may be enrolled in up to eight classes, attending and taking classes in both settings.

    Middle and elementary school students will follow the same schedules of core and elective classes as students on campus.

    DOES MY STUDENT STILL GET HOLIDAY BREAKS?

    Yes. Innovative Campus will follow the same school calendar that the rest of the district follows.

    WHERE CAN I SEE MY STUDENT’S PROGRESS?

    Final grades will be posted at the end of each grading period in POWERSCHOOL. Your student’s current progress can be viewed on Odysseyware. If weekly progress has not been sufficient, Innovative Campus personnel will contact the students.

    WILL MY STUDENT BE ABLE TO ATTEND A COLLEGE OR UNIVERSITY AFTER GRADUATING FROM THE INNOVATIVE CAMPUS?

    Yes. Your student will receive a Charles City High school diploma when they have reached the required 48 credits.

    WHEN I ENROLL IN THE INNOVATIVE CAMPUS, HOW LONG IS THE COMMITMENT?

    Just like traveling to a new school district, the Innovative Campus team, in conjunction with school counselors and administrators, will review transcripts and make adjustments at the end of each semester. This is done to avoid disruptions to the student’s academic progress and to remain aligned with the Innovative Campus plan established at the time of enrollment.

    WILL MY STUDENT STILL TAKE STATE AND DISTRICT ASSESSMENTS?

    Yes, all students are required to take part in these assessments. The Innovative Campus will have space available to take these assessments. Students will need their Chromebook fully charged with their charger on these days.

    WILL STUDENTS BE ABLE TO PARTICIPATE IN EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES AND ELECTIVES LIKE BAND, CHOIR FOREIGN LANGUAGE, FCS ETC.?

    Yes, students enrolled in the Innovative Campus through the FLEX can take classes on campus, as well as virtual classes.

    WILL STUDENT SERVICES BE AVAILABLE FOR MY STUDENT AT THE INNOVATIVE CAMPUS?

    Students attending the Innovative Campus will be required to have a formal IEP meeting to review accommodations and ensure the campus is able to meet their individual needs. This is part of the interview process.

    WHAT IF MY STUDENT NEEDS EXTRA HELP?

    A Zoom schedule will be set up for all students and it is expected that they attend. Teachers will have office hours for students to set aside further time for assistance. Students may attend in person at any time for more assistance. Counselors, nurses, and other specialists are also available.

    WHAT TECHNOLOGY SUPPORTS WILL BE PROVIDED TO MY STUDENT?

    Students will receive a laptop, a charger, and a bag for their Chromebook. If the student has their own device, they may choose to use it, but no district tech support will be available if they have issues. In general, we encourage the use of district technology.

    HOW DO I BEGIN THE PROCESS OF INTERVIEWING AND ENROLLING IN THE INNOVATIVE CAMPUS?

    Just call 641-257-9064 or email.

    IF I HAVE MORE QUESTIONS OR NEED MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE CHARLES CITY SCHOOL DISTRICT INNOVATIVE CAMPUS I SHOULD

    Just call 641-257-9064 or email innovativecampus@charlescityschools.org