High School Online Academy Handbook

If you have questions or concerns, please contact:

Full-Time Online:

100% Online Student, not enrolled in any face-to-face instruction Manheim Central classes. This option offers a full-time online learning option. Students may complete their coursework from home or in the media center at MCHS. There is no cost to the parent or learner. Fully online learners are required to check in virtually on a video conference with a designated staff member.

Part-Time Online:

This option offers a blended option of online and face-to-face instruction. Students have the option to complete work in the Media Center at MCHS or from home. Students who wish to complete coursework from home must meet the requirements outlined below and have a parent complete the Parent Permission to Leave form.

Online Learning Criteria for All Learners:

• What is in the best interest of the student?
  • Would a change in setting/format impact student academic success?
• How does an online class/learning environment align with the student’s goals and plans?
• The following items will be considered by the Administrator of Online Learning and the team as they relate to the items listed below:
  • Attendance
  • Behavior
  • Academic Success
  • Health Concerns
  • Overall Needs

Full-time Learner Enrollment & Course Changes

Parents and students who wish to enroll in a full-time online learning environment should communicate with the K-12 Online Administrator, the Secondary Coordinator of Online Learning, the School Counselor, and other team members as needed to ensure student success. Permission will not be granted for mid-course changes unless extenuating circumstances occur. A meeting will be scheduled with the student, parent, and school team should a mid-course transition need to occur. Any students who receive special education services shall have an IEP/504 meeting before enrollment to review student supports and services.

Part-time Learner Enrollment & Course Changes

Students who wish to enroll in online classes part-time may do so during the established periods set forth by the MCHS Building Administration and Student Services team. Permission will not be granted for mid-course changes unless extenuating circumstances occur. A meeting will be scheduled with the student, parent, and school team should a mid-course transition need to occur. Any student who receives special education services shall have an IEP/504 meeting before enrollment to review student supports and services.

Non-Resident Students, Student Withdraw/Transfer

• Option 1: Parents will need to withdraw the learner from the Manheim Central Online Academy/Manheim Central School District and enroll in the new local school district.
• Option 2: Parents may elect to pay tuition to continue their child’s education at MCSD. Parents must contact both the current school and the future school to make arrangements for the student to continue with online courses.

To withdraw from Manheim Central Online Academy, a student must be enrolled in another educational entity. Upon notification of the withdrawal, the district will contact the parent to ensure all appropriate equipment is returned to the school district.

Students who are enrolled in Manheim Central Online Academy on a part-time basis may elect to complete online coursework off campus during their regularly scheduled block.

In order to complete work off campus, the following criteria must be met: 

1. Students may leave campus for online courses that are connected to the beginning or end of each school day. For attendance purposes, students may not come and go from campus on a block-by-block basis.
   1. Example:
      1. Student may not report to the school building for an in-person class in block 1, return home for a block 2 & 3 online course, then return in person for block 4.
      2. Student may stay home to complete online coursework for blocks 1 and 2, then report to the school building for in-person classes in blocks 3 and 4.
2. Students must have completed an MCOA Orientation at least once per school year.
3. Students must have completed their College & Career Readiness Benchmarks before receiving permission to leave.
4. Students are required to report to school per the calendar below and other dates as communicated through student newsletters/email communication. If this is an issue, please contact the Online Monitor or the K-12 Online Administrator.
5. Students must have their own transportation to and from school for needs outside the regular district transportation.
6. Students must be on pace, in good academic standing, and regularly attending school. Building administrators and the K-12 Online Learning Administrator reserve the right to remove a student’s privilege to complete online coursework off-campus at any point during the marking period for academics, attendance, or behavioral reasons.
7. Parents must provide permission for part-time online learners to complete online courses off campus using the following form: MCOA Off-Campus Learning Permission Form. The permission form must be completed using the parent’s email. Students are required to work in the media center until their parents' consent has been submitted, reviewed, and approved by the Online Monitor. Once approval is granted, students are expected to sign in and out of campus using the QR codes located in the Main Office of the high school.
8. If a student failed an online course the previous marking period, permission to leave campus will not be granted until at least the midpoint of the marking period. Students must meet the criteria outlined above to earn permission to leave campus. 

Students who are not in compliance with the criteria above corresponding with the dates below will not be permitted to leave campus or will have their permission to leave revoked. Student eligibility to leave campus will be reviewed on the dates below.

Students who violate the above criteria or leave campus without approval will be subject to school disciplinary action.

If a student has their permission to leave revoked or they did not earn the permission to leave at the start of the marking period, they may meet with their building principals to review their permission to leave campus. Review meetings will occur only during the dates outlined below. Students must have parent permission to leave campus in conjunction with principal approval.

Where do I go to access my classes?

1. Most of our MCOA courses are in our district's LMS, Schoology. Once your schedule is changed in PowerSchool, your courses should appear within 2-24 hours. If you DON’T see your courses, reach out to your school counselor immediately. Third-party courses may take as long as 5 days to complete enrollment through Genius.
2. For third-party courses, we use Genius courseware.
3. Using Chrome as your Internet browser, go to our MCOA Genius Page.
4. This takes you to the front page called “Genius,” where you will find your classes. To log into your classes, click on them while on this page. At this point, you will be directed to the provider’s page. Click on the course, and the lesson will launch.

Learners pursuing an online education have expectations and policies to gain the best online learning experience possible. Please be mindful of the following expectations:

1. Follow attendance procedures and expectations.
2. Communicate with the online teacher regularly. If you have a problem or question that your online teacher cannot answer, reach out to your School Counselor or Building Administrator immediately.
3. Be responsible for having a clear understanding of pacing/number of lessons completed.
4. Log in and complete the daily lessons based on the outlined pacing schedule.
5. Maintain contact via email, phone calls, etc. with your learning facilitators.
6. Plan to attend state-mandated testing in person. Please contact your Building Administrator or School Counselor to arrange. (Keystone Exams)
7. Use appropriate language, common sense, and proper grammar and spelling when sending electronic communication.
8. Follow the school’s email and Acceptable Use Policy. No use of any other student’s login or password is permitted.

Parents of online learners have a unique opportunity and responsibility to participate in the education of their children. Parents are expected to:

1. Obtain the information needed to log in to monitor learners’ progress.
2. Log in on a weekly basis to monitor learners’ progress and grades.
3. Directly supervise the child’s education at home to ensure pacing and progress.
4. Maintain regular contact with the school by telephone and email.
5. Review the Handbook each year and become familiar with any procedure changes, etc. Sign and return all paperwork.
6. Provide a physical environment conducive to a child's educational needs.
7. Work with their online facilitator, school counselor, and/or Coordinator of Online Learning to ensure successful completion of the curriculum within the allowable time frame.
8. Attend mandatory orientation to meet with their school counselor and Coordinator of Online Learning to sign paperwork.
9. Attend any information sessions offered by the district.
10. Assist their child in complying with all rules, policies, and procedures of the school.
11. Assist their child in submitting all forms, applications, & documents to the school in a timely manner.
12. Instruct their child on the correct procedure for logging in to record daily attendance.
13. Monitor learners’ computer use to ensure that computer equipment and software are used for educational purposes and in accordance with school policy.
14. Assure that all work submitted by their child was completed solely by that learner.
15. Notify the school immediately of any change in the learner’s contact information or academic status.
16. Provide their child with transportation (as needed) to participate in standardized testing or other school activities.
17. Return all instructional materials and equipment to the school as requested.

Refer to MCSD Board Policy #212 and 213 available via the District’s Policy Manual on the District’s website.

1. Each online course's content and assignments are aligned with Pennsylvania’s content standards and/or other nationally accepted content standards. They are written by highly qualified teachers and have been through a rigorous multi-step review process.
2. Each lesson of each online course may contain multiple methods for learners to learn the material. Online courses may have an online textbook that was written specifically to accomplish the lesson objectives. Furthermore, lessons have an assessment to gauge the learner’s understanding of the lesson objectives. Note: Third-party courses may not have all of these features.
3. Learners enrolling as online learners will work with their School Counselor and parent to determine proper placement in courses. The school will place the learner at the appropriate level, taking into consideration previous grades, courses taken, earned credit,  academic performance, assessment tests, and other factors as needed.
4. Each learner will have an online facilitator who will monitor the learner’s progress and provide tutoring opportunities to help the learner master the lesson objectives.
5. Learners and parents have continual access to learner grades online and the online transcript. Grades will be synced into PowerSchool by 3:10 PM each Wednesday.

The number of lessons that a learner must complete per day will depend on many factors. Middle School Online Learners should follow the daily pacing schedule as determined by each course and learning facilitator.  Each course is expected to have clearly communicated due dates. Learners who do not meet due dates will have a “zero” placed in the gradebook. NOTE: Courses may vary in length, and therefore a learner may need to adjust their pacing.

Academic Monitoring:

The number of lessons that a student must complete per day will depend on many factors. High School Online Learners should follow the daily pacing schedule as determined by each course and learning facilitator.  Each course is expected to have clearly communicated due dates. Students who do not meet due dates will have a “zero” placed in the gradebook. NOTE: Courses may vary in length, and therefore a student may need to adjust their pacing.

Academic Monitoring:

To ensure that students continue to move forward in their academic progress, the district has established the following procedures for students who fall behind in pacing/lesson completion.

• Grades will be maintained in PowerSchool. Teachers will update grades on a weekly basis in PowerSchool by 3:05 PM each Wednesday.
• Online Facilitators are expected to communicate with students and families consistently. Students and their families are expected to check their school-affiliated email and Schoology messaging accounts. If necessary, parent conferences will be scheduled with the building principal and/or K-12 Online Administrator.
• Students and their families are expected to communicate concerns/questions with the online facilitator in a timely manner. The MCHS Student Handbook applies in terms of making up missed coursework and assessments.
• Student Progress will be monitored per the MCOA Important Dates Calendar. The purpose of the review dates will be to monitor student progress and determine next steps. The school administration team, K-12 Online Administrator, and Secondary Online Learning Coordinator can revoke student permission to leave campus at any time deemed necessary. The high school Media Center offers a self-paced, structured environment to support student learning. Students with learning support needs may also report to the Resource Room for additional support.
• Third-Party Course Progress Monitoring: Most third-party courses have two different parts per marking period. It is essential that students follow the pacing guide and complete parts by due dates communicated by the course facilitator.
• As needed, a parent conference will be scheduled for students who continue to fail in the online learning setting. The purpose of this meeting will be to review student progress and determine next steps.

NOTE: These steps may vary by student based on individual need.

Learners are assessed on a multitude of criteria, such as assessments, quizzes, essays, tests, and forum discussions. Learners and parents have immediate and continuous access to grades by logging into the system. Grades for assessments and tests will be posted within Genius each Wednesday by 3:05 PM. When the learning facilitator provides feedback, learners should follow their feedback and resubmit assignments when necessary.

1. Communicate with the course teacher and develop a plan of action.
2. Reach out to your School Counselor/Building Administrator for support.

If both options have been completed and there continue to be academic needs, a team meeting consisting of the counselor, administration, learner, parent, and any other pertinent staff will need to be held to reassess the value of continuing with MCOA.

Refer to MCSD Board Policy #113 available via the District’s Policy Manual on the District’s website.

The Manheim Central Online Academy is required under the Individuals with Disabilities Act (IDEA) to ensure educational services to learners with disabilities. Learners with Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) or 504 plans will be accommodated within the courseware. The Manheim Central Online Academy will work with the parent and learner to ensure proper procedures are followed and achieve the desired outcomes. Communication between the learner’s School Counselor and online learning facilitators will ensure the learner receives the proper modifications outlined in the IEP or 504 plans. If a learner requiring special education services enrolls in Manheim Central Online Academy, a team meeting should be held to determine potential revisions to accommodations.

Technical Support

1. Online learners will report all issues that they are having with the computer or courseware to the Technology Specialist in their building. Reported issues must include the student’s name, school district, courses that are affected, and any other details that will assist the technicians in resolving the problem.
   1. Email the Manheim Central Tech Team at helpdesk@manheimcentral.org or call the tech help desk at 717-664-1865. 
2. Technical Support will be provided to online learners, but is limited in scope to the computer system and software provided under the full-time online program. Technical Support cannot and will not be provided on local area networks in the home, on computers not given to the student by the online program, or to any learners/families not enrolled in the online program.
3. The online program will provide a student with a laptop, virus protection software, Internet filtering software, and the appropriate software needed to support the student’s curriculum. This equipment remains the property of Manheim Central School District and must be returned upon termination of the student’s online learning.
4. All use of the Internet and computer technology must be related to or in support of the educational goals of the student. Use of the Internet and computer technology for any illegal or non-educational activity, including but not limited to profit purposes, lobbying, gambling, advertising, transmitting offensive materials, hate mail, discriminatory remarks, or obtaining or housing obscene or pornographic material, is strictly forbidden.
5. Use of the online program technology or the Internet for fraudulent or illegal copying, communication, taking, or modification of material in violation of all applicable laws is prohibited. Such action or the unlawful use of copyrighted software is not permitted and will be referred to law enforcement.
6. Learners, parents, or any third parties not participating in the full-time and part-time online program are strictly forbidden from installing any software or additional hardware on the provided computers, nor shall anyone remove installed software or hardware from that computer.
7. The school reserves the right to deny a student’s access to equipment and/or internet reimbursement to prevent further unauthorized activity. Students denied such access must return any issued equipment.
8. If Internet access is a concern, please communicate with a counselor who can assist in resources for obtaining internet access. 

Computer Set-Up

1. Technical support staff will be available to assist the student/parent with activation of the computer system. 
2. The student/parent should report any malfunction of computer hardware as soon as possible. Staff will discuss the specifics with the student/parent to determine whether the problem is hardware-specific or software-related and will choose a plan of action.
3. DSL or Cable Internet connection is the recommended Internet connection speed, while a 56Kbps modem connection is the minimum recommended. Slower dial-up connections, while feasible, are not recommended.

Lost/Damaged Property

1. The student/parent must notify the school within three days of the occurrence or discovery of any theft, damage, destruction, or other loss of any school-owned computer equipment. The student/parent may be responsible for any costs associated with repairing or replacing lost, stolen, or damaged equipment while in the student’s possession.
2. Families/learners are generally financially responsible for their equipment. In most circumstances, where there has been loss or damage, parents will file a claim with their homeowner’s insurance carrier. The school will assist with this process by submitting all information related to the cost and value of the equipment. The family/student must immediately forward copies of the police report, fire report, insurance claim, and any other applicable reports to the student’s Advisor/School Counselor, who will then forward the information to the appropriate personnel.
3. If the equipment is damaged by the student, all payments made by the family will be used to replace the damaged equipment. All equipment that is damaged or replaced is the property of MCSD and will not be issued to the family.
4. Replacement Equipment: MCSD will arrange for replacement equipment only after: o Copies of all applicable reports and claims have been received;
   1. Appropriate arrangements have been made by the family/student to compensate the school for the loss.
   2. The family/student signs a revised agreement that reflects the issuance of new equipment.
      1. The damaged equipment is returned, if applicable.

Refer to MCSD Board Policy #216 available via the District’s Policy Manual on the District’s website.

A cumulative file will be maintained for the learner while enrolled in the Manheim Central Online Academy. This record shall contain only verified information of educational importance and may be used only for the benefit, promotion, or welfare of the learner. All material in each learner’s file shall be confidential and access thereto strictly limited to personnel at the local school, LLVS, and parents.

Full-time online learners are encouraged to participate in school-sponsored activities. Learners must comply with all Manheim Central policies and not be on disciplinary action. Learners wishing to attend field trips or social activities must first notify their building principal and make proper arrangements with the Manheim Central School District. Once arrangements and permission are granted, learners/parents will then notify their online learning facilitator of their excused absence. Learners are responsible for completing missed work during the field trip or social activity.

Full-time online learners should remember that they are members of the Manheim Central School District and therefore should dress appropriately. Manheim Central dress code policy will be enforced, and any learner found in violation of the dress code policy will not be allowed to participate in the field trip or social activity. Learners should also be aware that when they attend a Manheim Central-related function, they are representing their local school and community. They should conduct themselves in an appropriate manner at all times, as their conduct is a direct reflection on themselves, their families, and their school.