Virtual Instructional Days

Beginning the 2025-2026 School year, Forest Hills School District will utilize virtual learning days. These days may be used in place of a school day that would be cancelled due to inclement weather or another emergency situation. On a Virtual Learning Day, students will complete learning activities and assignments provided by their teachers at home.

Virtual Instructional Days Expectations

Virtual Instructional Day Expectations for Students

What is a Virtual Instructional Day?

How will I know if the District announces a Virtual Instructional Day?

If the District announces a Virtual Instructional Day, families will be notified through multiple communication channels to ensure the message is received promptly. The District will send an automated call, email, and text through the SchoolMessenger® system. Information will also be posted prominently on the District website at www.fhrangers.org, shared across all District social media pages, push notifications will be sent to those who use the Forest Hills School District APP. These combined methods ensure that families receive clear and timely notification of any change to the regular school schedule.

What are the benefits of a Virtual Instructional Day?

Virtual Instructional Days offer several important benefits for students, families, and the District. First, they eliminate the need to add make-up days to the school calendar, helping preserve planned breaks and the end-of-year schedule. VIDs also allow learning to continue uninterrupted from home, ensuring that students maintain academic momentum even when weather conditions or emergencies prevent in-person instruction. Additionally, each Virtual Instructional Day counts as a full instructional day toward Pennsylvania’s attendance and hour requirements, allowing the District to meet state mandates while prioritizing student safety. Collectively, these advantages make VIDs a practical, student-centered solution for maintaining continuity of learning.

Will a Virtual Instructional Day be implemented every time there needs to be a school closure for inclement weather?

A Virtual Instructional Day will not automatically be used every time weather forces a school closure. The District will continue to rely on traditional “snow days” when appropriate. Decisions will be made based on the specific conditions surrounding the closure—such as power outages or unexpected disruptions that would prevent students and staff from participating in learning at home. Because Virtual Instructional Days require advance planning and preparation, they cannot be called randomly. Students must have their devices and materials with them, and teachers must have lessons ready for virtual delivery to ensure continuity of instruction. For these reasons, the use of a Virtual Instructional Day will be determined thoughtfully and only when the conditions allow for a successful day of learning from home.

How does student attendance work during a Virtual Instructional Day?

Student attendance during a Virtual Instructional Day is based on the completion of assigned work. All Pre-K–12 students are expected to complete lessons from home. Students in Pre-K through grade 4 will follow the directions provided by their classroom teachers, using either a packet sent home and/or Google Classroom instruction. Students in grades 5–12 will access all assignments through Canvas. All VID assignments must be submitted within three school days after returning to in-person instruction. Once students complete their work, they are marked present for the Virtual Instructional Day. This approach ensures that attendance is tied directly to meaningful participation in learning.

Will my student receive Special Education and other related services during Virtual Instructional Days?

Yes, under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), students who qualify for special education services will continue to receive the support and services outlined in their Individualized Education Programs (IEPs); however, in a virtual environment, these services may be delivered differently. This means that support and/or services may be provided through resources and/or tools, reading material, guided practice and checklists, educational games, worksheets, or similar activities. These tools can help students practice skills and work toward their IEP goals independently. Upon return to school, case managers will conduct progress monitoring of students’ goals and offer targeted small group or individual re-teaching, practice, and additional support as needed. Related service providers allocate a set number of sessions per IEP year, allowing them to offer any necessary make-up sessions for those missed during remote learning days.

What if I do not have internet access?

What if I have other technology issues?

If you experience any technology issues during a Virtual Instructional Day, help is readily available. Families may first contact their child’s teacher or the building’s main office for assistance. The District’s Technology Department is also prepared to support you—simply email [email protected] or call (814) 487-7613 ext. 3334 for guidance. Our team will work with you to resolve issues as quickly as possible to ensure students can continue learning without interruption.

Will after-school activities be canceled on a Virtual Instructional Day?

After-school activities are not automatically canceled on a Virtual Instructional Day. The District will monitor weather conditions throughout the day, and if conditions improve, practices or other activities may still be held. These decisions depend on a variety of factors, including road conditions, visibility, temperature, and overall safety. Any updates regarding extracurricular activities will be shared through the District’s social media platforms to ensure families receive timely and accurate information.