MS Plans

Middle School Distance Learning 

At Taipei American School, we are proud to deliver our high-quality education and fulfill our mission. We are also proud that we will be able to do so under exceptional circumstances that may require partial or full campus closure. In such circumstances, our commitment is to provide an alternative means of education in the form of the Distance Learning Plan. Distance Learning designates the experience students will have when school remains in session but when students are unable to physically attend school because of campus closure. While Distance Learning does not replicate onsite learning, our teachers can deliver powerful instruction that allows students to meet expected standards in an online environment.  

Schedule

With the announcement that Middle School will need to be online for April 20 through April 29, here is information you will need for distance learning.  Tomorrow we will have an orientation schedule designed to help students understand what they need to do to be prepared for classes.  On Thursday we will begin with Day 1 of the distance schedule.  The links for all Zoom meetings will be in each student’s Canvas Calendar.

We will be using a 4-day schedule during the closure with four periods each day.  The current daily schedule is the framework for the digital schedule, meaning periods in the digital schedule below correspond to periods in the regular schedule. Days 1 and 2 will be for A/C/E semester classes and Days 3 and 4 will be for B/D/F semester classes. 

There will be no X Periods during distance learning.  Student Support classes can be scheduled by the Learning Support teachers during Skills for Success (Grade 6) and during PE and PA periods (Grade 7-8).

For a closure that lasts longer than one week, we will have a Homeroom meeting every Monday.

The first day of distance learning will be a special schedule that we will use only for the first day as a means for preparing the students for the regular schedule.

Time 

Day 1A/C/E

Day 2A/C/E

Day 3B/D/F

Day 4B/D/F

8:00 - 8:20

Homeroom every Monday regardless of the cycle day

      

8:30 - 9:40

1st Period 

2nd Period 

1st Period 

2nd Period 

10:00 – 11:10 

3rd Period 

4th Period 

3rd Period 

4th Period 

11:10 – 12:30 

Break / Lunch 

Break / Lunch 

Break / Lunch 

Break / Lunch 

12:30 – 1:40 

5th Period 

6th Period 

5th Period 

6th Period 

2:00 – 3:10 

7th Period 

8th Period 

7th Period 

8th Period 

 

Attendance 

Students are expected to join a Zoom meeting at the beginning and end of each class period and to participate in classes as directed by their teachers. Zoom links will be in the students’ Canvas Calendars every day. Teachers will be using video conferencing to run live classes so being online during these class times is important for students to continue their learning. 

Assignments 

Assignments and class plans will be posted before the start of each class each day. The expectation is that there will be a combination of classwork and homework. Homework should not exceed 20 minutes per core class on any given day. Students are advised to view their Canvas calendars in Agenda view as this will make it easiest to see everything that is happening each day. 

Your child’s counselor is still available to support you and your child whenever you need them and they are only an email away. 

Preparations and Expectations 

Your child will benefit from having a dedicated, quiet space in order to “attend” class and do work. As video and audio will be used routinely, having a space with no other noises and distractions will help. A headset with a microphone may be useful. That should be balanced by appropriate parental oversight to help ensure your child is engaging in their classes. There is no substitute for being present in the classes during the entire time they are being taught as directed by their teacher. 

We have intentionally designed the day to be sure kids have time to move around and not be sitting in front of a screen all day. 

Zoom Etiquette

We will be sharing these expectations with the students during the first two days.  We ask that parents reinforce these at home.

  • TAS values of kindness, respect, responsibility, honesty and courage are expected as always.
  • Remember your background is visible. If you choose to use a virtual background, it must be appropriate and may not show images of other people even with their permission.
  • Both written and spoken language must be appropriate and focused on the lesson at all times.
  • Cameras must be turned on.
  • Everyone should be in a place and position to be able to do necessary work, not lying down.
  • Microphones should be muted unless engaging in class discussion.
  • No food during classes.
  • If you need extra help, ASK for it. Message your teacher via the chat box or send a separate email if you prefer. Do not hesitate to reach out for help. The chat function is not for personal conversations.
  • Any tech issues must be reported to your teacher and resolved to the best of your ability.

General Reminders

Please remember that attendance is mandatory during distance learning and students are expected to be in class on time as always - a few minutes early is best!

If for some reason students are unable to attend class, parents should complete an absence form on PowerSchool as always.

Important Contacts

If you have any questions about any of the information above, please contact any one of the people below.