FAQs for Distance Learning & School Closure

Academic Procedures

List of 14 items.

How is MC managing tests and quizzes and other assessments?
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Assessment has multiple purposes. While the best assessments are simultaneously learning experiences and opportunities to show what you know, most people think of assessments as the thing from which your grade is derived. No matter how much we wish to centralize learning as our objective and not grades, grades have practical value and so we accept the valid questions.

Our teachers are currently working together to design the best and most appropriate methods of formative and summative assessment (formative...think “practice” like homework assignments and quizzes; and summative...think “big-game performance” like unit projects, formal compositions, and yes, tests). For the time being, we will not be administering any tests for security purposes, but teachers are developing alternative forms of assessment where a test might have been the preferred method that will accurately measure student learning. We will provide more information in this key area as it develops.
Now that UC has temporarily suspended the letter grade requirement for A-G courses completed in spring 2020 for all students is MC reconsidering its grading policy?
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We are not reconsidering our grading policy at this time. We believe that we are currently providing instruction and assessment at a level where we can accurately and fairly award students with grades that reflect their level of achievement relative to our standards. We believe staying the course with the grading policies that our students know and understand is wholly in their best interest.
Is the current class schedule fixed or is the school considering changing the schedule given the likelihood that we may be in this for a while?

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Yes. We are committed right now to the two-week plan we set up on March 16 when we launched our distance learning model. The primary goals of this mission-centered model are to keep students structured, connected, and engaged in their learning. The first days of these efforts have worked well; nevertheless, we are continuously gathering feedback and recognize that as the closure is prolonged and our situation evolves we will need to adapt and adjust. We are aware of the impact of prolonged time in front of a screen, bandwidth sharing issues in closed quarters, stress and anxiety, etc. and are taking these and many other factors into account as we review our schedule.
There seems to be an uptick in the homework load. Are the administration and faculty aware of this and its effects on students?
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Any increase or decrease in the homework load is the natural result of the transition to this new model. In their adaptation, teachers are still seeking and discovering what they can realistically expect from students while maintaining the pace needed to fulfill the academic standards and outcomes required for course credit. Given the evolving nature of our situation, finding a sweet spot will be a challenge. Teachers are aware of the challenges students are facing, personal and academic, and have been directed to err on the side of simplicity in instructional practice and integrity of the core course standards.
Will there be tests? If yes what does that look like?
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Teachers are in the process of modifying their lesson plans for the next two weeks. As such, assessments may take different forms than that of a traditional test. Each teacher will communicate with you directly regarding their plans and expectations for our distance learning experience.
Are due dates on MC Connect valid?
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Teachers are in the process of updating MC Connect. If you have an upcoming assignment or assessment already posted on MC Connect, it is a good idea to check in with your individual teacher.
Will there be penalties for not knowing what is going on?
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It is the responsibility of the student to check MC Connect and email frequently during this process, this means at least three times a day. We do ask students to do their part to make sure they are aware of what is going on and what is expected of them during this time.
How will homework be turned in?
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Each teacher will communicate with their students on how they want homework to be turned in. Some teachers may require it to be submitted via MC Connect. Others have asked their students to create a Google Drive folder for each class and will have students submit their work in this way. It is best to check with the individual teacher.
How will grading work for this period?
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Teachers will be grading assignments and assessments during this period. Modifications may be made from the regular grading practices and procedures. Each teacher will communicate their expectations for this time.
Is it possible for anything in this period to negatively impact grades?
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Students will be expected to keep up with their work and submit it on time. If you have any concerns about this, please check in with your individual teacher.
Is the school going to send out a comprehensive list telling people what is happening with grades and work and MC Connect?
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No, each teacher will be communicating with their classes directly. All information for those classes will be available on the individual class pages on MC Connect starting on Monday. We do ask for your patience during this time as we make preparations for this transition.
What should we do from MC Connect and what should we not do? Many MC Connect listings are not up to date or just not correct.
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Teachers are in the process of making modifications and updates. We ask for your patience during this time. If you have specific questions, please reach out to your teacher.
I was scheduling my upcoming meetings on Zoom and found that with the "Basic Plan" I could only be present for at most 40 minutes. Does this mean I would have to upgrade the account? Or is that fixed by the hosting teachers?
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Students do not need to upgrade their account. All teachers will set the class meetings. Students can find the link to their class on their MC Connect class page and in an email sent to them by their teacher.
Under the circumstances, many colleges and universities are changing to a pass/no pass grading system. Is MC considering a change like this?
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Our goal is normalcy and if we are able to maintain our existing grading policies even with our real challenges, we intend to do so. All plans right now, however, are contingent and therefore we will remain appropriately nimble in our approach. For better or worse, grades are the primary mode of communicating student achievement and academic potential to colleges and universities. It is in our students’ best interest then that we communicate as precisely as possible. If we cannot maintain precision as we hope, we will consider alternatives.

Distance Learning and Zoom

List of 4 items.

I was scheduling my upcoming meetings on Zoom and found that with the "Basic Plan" I could only be present for at most 40 minutes. Does this mean I would have to upgrade the account? Or is that fixed by the hosting teachers?
Read More
Students do not need to upgrade their account. All teachers will set the class meetings. Students can find the link to their class on their MC Connect class page and in an email sent to them by their teacher.
What should I do if my teacher has not signed into the Zoom class?
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Please wait a minute or two and try again. Wifi/internet issues can happen to anyone.
Will my Zoom class be recorded?
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Yes, teachers are recording their classes on Zoom in the event that a student is sick and unable to attend the class.
What happens if I am having trouble with wifi?
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Students and families should do their best to address the issue as quickly as possible. Please contact your teacher to let them know the situation and make sure to get caught up on any missed work. Please know that wifi is free at local libraries and many other institutions.

Student Life

List of 14 items.

Do we have plans to cancel or reschedule major events like senior ball and junior prom or graduation?
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We are committed to our two-week plan but of course are planning and preparing far beyond. At this time, we have made no decision to cancel any events but this will likely change on a daily basis. We will keep our community informed of these decisions through our daily emails.
Please emphasize social distancing and the importance of obeying the shelter-in-place order. Some families are starting to feel real pressure from their cooped up kids.
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It is dangerous and irresponsible to get together with friends outside of the social distancing and shelter-in-place order. We are completely willing to hold your kids accountable here at MC, but we obviously defer to parents as the primary educators in all decision-making at home. The more parents allow their kids to socialize with other kids against the state order, the harder it is on the parents who are trying to comply and keep the peace at home. If the first question is “how can I help?”, the first answer should be to stay at home until the order is lifted.
What should I do about the upcoming deadlines for Christian Service hours?
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Due to these extraordinary circumstances in which we must shelter in place, we are suspending the requirements for now and will make appropriate adjustments when we return to a normal schedule (TBD). Now, more than ever, we need men and women who are devoted to Christian service. Please find ways to check in on those who may be in need, simply out of love. The elderly or chronically ill would especially love phone calls or letters during this time, or perhaps someone to get essentials for them in the grocery store. Be creative and loving!
Are school counselors available during school closures? How do I connect with my counselor or a therapeutic counselor?
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Counselors will be available via Zoom appointments Monday-Friday from 7:45am-3:15pm. If you need to connect with your counselor, please send them an email and they will set up a Zoom meeting with you. Your counselors are here to support and will be ready to respond. They will also be sending communication to you starting Monday morning regarding best practices.
Do I have to wear a polo for classes on Zoom?
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No, but clothing must be appropriate for school. Any student who is not dressed appropriately for school will be referred to the deans, who will call home.
What should I do if I cannot attend my Zoom classes?
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It is critically important to attend your classes during this time of distance learning. We will be taking attendance as usual. If you absolutely cannot attend a class, due to an unavoidable appointment or due to illness, please have a parent call Mrs. Collins before 10am at 415-464-3890. You will need to bring a signed note to Mrs. Collins upon our return to campus. In addition, please let your teacher know so that you can address the missed learning opportunities and you get any of the assignments that you have missed.
I was a few minutes late to my Zoom class because of technical difficulties. What will be the consequence?
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Prior planning will help minimize technical difficulties. Make sure that your device is fully charged and that you have downloaded Zoom prior to Monday, March 16th. We strongly recommend choosing a work area and doing a trial run on Zoom in that designated work area prior to Monday, March 16th so that you will know if your wifi works well there. If you are tardy or late, your parent will receive a call from the deans. There will be the occasional exceptional circumstance (similar to when we excuse tardies because of a bad accident on 101) and if that occurs, please call Mrs. Collins as soon as possible, but in general, we expect all students to be on time to class.
My friend and I are in the same class and we are in the same location at that time. Can we log into Zoom together for the class?
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No. Every student must log into Zoom from his/her own account on his/her own device for each class. If two students are together, they will each need to log into Zoom, even if they are in the same class, for our attendance records. Please keep in mind any wifi bandwidth limitations at home and plan accordingly.
I have an independent study/internship. Do I need to log in to a class at that time?
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No. Please use the time to work on any assignments you may have.
What are the behavior expectations for Zoom classes?
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This is an excellent opportunity to learn how to video conference in a professional & academic setting. Be fully present by closing all other browsers, turning off the TV, and putting away your phone. Only use the Zoom platform as directed by your teacher (mute your microphone, keep your video on, etc.). All classes will be recorded and chats will be saved, which is very helpful for anyone wishing to review course material, but please note that this also heightens the importance of engaging in a respectful and professional manner.
May I eat during class?
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No. Please eat during the designated break and lunch times.
Can students meet in study groups?
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This is a personal decision by the student and families. It is not recommended that large groups of people meet (due to the possibility of contracting and spreading COVID-19). You do have access to Zoom as a way to connect with other students in order to create study groups.
Who do I contact regarding a volunteer idea I’ve come up with?
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Please reach out to Ms. Funk at afunk@marincatholic.org.
Can clubs meet?
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Yes, clubs may meet via Zoom, if you can. Students are asked to coordinate with their moderator.

Communication & School Operations

List of 3 items.

Please do not cancel graduation! Please. Our seniors need it!
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Ok, that is not a question but I get it and I appreciate you saying please. Not only are we not canceling graduation but we are fully committed to making this the best graduation MC has ever seen. It will happen where and when we can shake hands and hug, give speeches and sing songs. For a little more insight on how we are looking at this, please take a look at my latest letter to the Class of 2020.
Are there any changes to our communication procedures during the two week school closure?
Read More
While there are no students on campus, our offices are open for the most part and the entire leadership team will be on campus as much as possible.

All communication procedures remain the same. Any academic issues should first be directed to the teacher from the student or parent. In the event that an issue continues, the next step would be to contact the students’ counselor. And finally, if an issue persists, the Assistant Principal for Curriculum and Instruction should be contacted.

For your reference here is a partial Annotated Org Chart.
Since students are now distance learning, will there be a tuition reduction?
Read More
As we hope our families are experiencing, we are still running all aspects of the school as normal with hopes of being back on campus in May. Therefore, we are not offering any tuition reduction. We are also committed to keeping teachers and staff whole through this year as they are attending to their regular work in new and different ways to serve our students. Consistent with colleges and universities, our cafeteria provider (Epicurean Catering) will refund any unused money left in a student's account at the end of the year.

675 Sir Francis Drake Boulevard, Kentfield CA 94904 Phone: 415-464-3800 | Email: admissions@marincatholic.org

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FAQs for Distance Learning & School Closure

Academic Procedures

List of 14 items.

How is MC managing tests and quizzes and other assessments?

Now that UC has temporarily suspended the letter grade requirement for A-G courses completed in spring 2020 for all students is MC reconsidering its grading policy?

Is the current class schedule fixed or is the school considering changing the schedule given the likelihood that we may be in this for a while?

There seems to be an uptick in the homework load. Are the administration and faculty aware of this and its effects on students?

Will there be tests? If yes what does that look like?

Are due dates on MC Connect valid?

Will there be penalties for not knowing what is going on?

How will homework be turned in?

How will grading work for this period?

Is it possible for anything in this period to negatively impact grades?

Is the school going to send out a comprehensive list telling people what is happening with grades and work and MC Connect?

What should we do from MC Connect and what should we not do? Many MC Connect listings are not up to date or just not correct.

I was scheduling my upcoming meetings on Zoom and found that with the "Basic Plan" I could only be present for at most 40 minutes. Does this mean I would have to upgrade the account? Or is that fixed by the hosting teachers?

Under the circumstances, many colleges and universities are changing to a pass/no pass grading system. Is MC considering a change like this?

Distance Learning and Zoom

List of 4 items.

I was scheduling my upcoming meetings on Zoom and found that with the "Basic Plan" I could only be present for at most 40 minutes. Does this mean I would have to upgrade the account? Or is that fixed by the hosting teachers?

What should I do if my teacher has not signed into the Zoom class?

Will my Zoom class be recorded?

What happens if I am having trouble with wifi?

Student Life

List of 14 items.

Do we have plans to cancel or reschedule major events like senior ball and junior prom or graduation?

Please emphasize social distancing and the importance of obeying the shelter-in-place order. Some families are starting to feel real pressure from their cooped up kids.

What should I do about the upcoming deadlines for Christian Service hours?

Are school counselors available during school closures? How do I connect with my counselor or a therapeutic counselor?

Do I have to wear a polo for classes on Zoom?

What should I do if I cannot attend my Zoom classes?

I was a few minutes late to my Zoom class because of technical difficulties. What will be the consequence?

My friend and I are in the same class and we are in the same location at that time. Can we log into Zoom together for the class?

I have an independent study/internship. Do I need to log in to a class at that time?

What are the behavior expectations for Zoom classes?

May I eat during class?

Can students meet in study groups?

Who do I contact regarding a volunteer idea I’ve come up with?

Can clubs meet?

Communication & School Operations

List of 3 items.

Please do not cancel graduation! Please. Our seniors need it!

Are there any changes to our communication procedures during the two week school closure?

Since students are now distance learning, will there be a tuition reduction?