FAQ

1. Does every student who applies get into E-Laker Online?

As E-Laker Online is new and interest is currently unknown, requests will be monitored closely in case staffing or acceptance rates need to be adjusted. Our initial student cap will be 20 full time students for the 2021-2022 school year. First come, first serve.  Student placements for Federal Setting III would need to go through the Special Education Department--families should work with their case worker to look into whether their student is able to attend E-Laker Online.  

2. If a student wants to enroll in “distance learning” to begin the year, should the student enroll in E-Laker Online?

Yes. There is no other distance learning option at this time; however, as the new school year approaches, we will assess infection rates accordingly and reassess distance learning options as needed. 

3. Do students who receive free-and-reduced-price lunch (FRL) receive meals in E-Laker Online?

Yes, meals are available for students who qualify for FRL. Students will be notified of pick-up times and locations.

4. Will there be a principal for E-Laker Online?

Yes, E-Laker Online has a licensed school principal.

5. Can students take some classes through E-Laker Online but also attend their assigned school in person?

Yes. Students in grades 9-12 can supplement their course options by also taking courses through E-Laker Online. Students need to work with their high school counselor to make these arrangements. 

6. Can a student enroll in E-Laker Online for a few weeks if they are going to be absent from school due to being out of town? What if the student is going overseas for an extended period of time?

No. If a student needs to be absent from their assigned school, families should contact the school about the upcoming absence to determine the best way for the student to keep up with their lessons while they are away.

For students traveling overseas for an extended period, E-Laker Online may be a good fit to meet their educational needs as long as the student will be moving back to Minnesota before the end of the school year. However, the student will need to be enrolled in E-Laker Online full time and not be attending another school overseas at the same time.

8. Can a student enroll in E-Laker Online if they have been suspended, have an administrative transfer, or are homebound?

Students who are absent from their school for disciplinary reasons will be provided learning alternatives through their school rather than E-Laker Online. If students want to permanently un-enroll from their school, they may then go through the enrollment and registration process to attend E-Laker Online permanently.

9. Can a student from outside Detroit Lakes enroll in E-Laker Online?

No. E-Laker Online High School is offering an online learning option to Detroit Lakes Public Schools residents and previously-enrolled students.

10. Which school will students graduate from? If a student participates in athletics at the high school in their attendance zone, will they have the option to graduate and walk in the ceremony from that school rather than E-Laker Online? 

Students will graduate from Detroit Lakes Public Schools and participate in its graduation ceremony.  Graduation requires 48 credits.  Outside of Academy courses, there are no differences in coursework required for graduation.  The same benchmarks for learning at DLPS are used in E-Laker Online High School (ELOHS).  Part-time enrollment is allowed.

 

11. Will E-Laker Online follow the same District calendar?

Yes.

12. What time will school start for students?

The school day is from 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Students will be expected to be online at specified times per their communicated daily progress schedule from their teacher.

13. What will a high school student’s schedule look like? Will there be real time (synchronous) time with staff?

High school students will learn in a self-directed (asynchronous) learning environment that will be paced throughout the quarter for students so teachers can monitor their progress. Teachers will host daily office hours and support student learning through labs, small group lessons, and individual student meetings. Most E-Laker Online courses are designed to be primarily self-paced, however the instructors will provide a recommended calendar and timeline to stay on track.  Typically, we suggest spending about the same amount of time each week that the student would be in class, 5-7 hours, to stay on track with course work. Students can choose a time that works best for them during the day, allowing flexibility in their schedule.  There is daily attendance, however the most important component is progress. Teachers will notify students that are not making regular progress to help them stay on track for course completion.

 

14. Will E-Laker Online offer all the same courses as Detroit Lakes high schools?

E-Laker Online will offer core content courses needed for graduation. A complete course catalog can be on the E-Laker Online website.

15. What types of supports will be available if my student is finding a class challenging?

E-Laker Online staff provide individualized and small group student support. Lessons will be recorded for students to review content at their own pace. Teachers will work with students and caregivers to create a support plan to ensure student success.  You will be expected to stay on pace with the course and will complete the course on schedule and receive the grade you have earned.

16. Will mental health services be available?

Yes, mental health services will be provided by a Stellher Human Services. This service, along with a site-based mental health team, will be available to provide mental health support to students, as well as consultation to staff and families. There will be a School Counselor supporting students in E-Laker Online. The school counselor, along with a site-based mental health team, will be available to provide mental health support to students, as well as consultation to staff and families. This mental health team (school, school counselor and a district mental health support specialist) will support students in the online learning program.

17. Will devices and hotspots be provided to students who have the need?

Yes, if a student does not have their own device they will receive a Chromebook while they are in E-Laker Online. Families should plan to get internet access; hotspots through DLPS will be available for those students who are unable to get their own internet access.

18. Will there be technology support?

 E-Laker Online has dedicated staff who will be on call as a tech support line during the school day.  

19. Will there be parent-teacher conferences?

Yes, just like any other school, there will be parent-teacher conferences.

20. What will be the family’s responsibility with their online learner?

Families play an important role in supporting students in an online environment. Families are expected to be present and support their students during the learning day.

Family support shows that the students' learning is a top priority and helps students succeed. Families can support their student by providing a space that is free from distractions. Family and student orientation will be provided at the beginning of the year. Orientation topics and year-long support include:

• Student schedule and establishing a routine for success.
• Setting up a workspace and organization strategies.
• Getting to know the online platforms.
• Ways to communicate with teachers.

21. Can E-Laker Online students participate in athletics?

E-Laker Online students are eligible to play sports in Detroit Lakes if the student meets the academic requirements. A student living within the boundary of any district can participate in activities in that district.  All students are required to provide their own transportation to and from practice. However, DLPS will provide transportation to students to and from schools for away games and competitions.

22. What afterschool programs are available to E-Laker Online students?

E-Laker Online students may participate in afterschool programs. The student must be registered through afterschool programming through the DLALC.

23. How can families decide if E-Laker Online is the right choice for their student?

As stated in the Introduction, E-Laker Online will be an excellent option for students and families if flexibility intertwined with accountability are features you are looking for in an educational experience.

To decide if E-Laker Online is a good fit for their student, families should review the following Profile of an Online Learner.

Students learn in a variety of ways. DLPS students have had an opportunity to learn and develop skills with technology devices, software, and virtual learning skills through district-wide distance learning. E-Laker Online is a great opportunity for certain students to continue their  9-12 academic progress through a learning model that best suits their learning styles.

 Before making a decision on the best learning model for them, students and parents should review the descriptions of an online learner below and think about whether an online learning model would be best for them:

Grades 9-12

• I am choosing an online learning model because my learning style better matches a virtual learning environment.
• I know my online classes may have different challenges than in-person classes because of the virtual environment.
• I am self-motivated and can give solid attention to complete tasks and projects.
• I am able to work independently with little direction.  
• I have good time-management skills that allow me to schedule specific times throughout the week to work on my online course(s).
• I can adequately prepare and study for assessments.
• I can effectively communicate any questions or concerns to my instructor.
• I am comfortable expressing myself in writing.  I like to get things done today and not tomorrow.
• I will not miss interaction with my teacher and have other opportunities for socialization.
• I do not give up easily, even when confronted with obstacles.
• I am comfortable spending at least 6 hours per day dedicated to my online coursework that includes daily participation with course instructor(s), time to review course lectures/videos, time to complete course assignments, time to participate in chats and threaded discussions, etc.  
• I agree that online courses can be more challenging than in-person classes. I have or am willing to learn reading strategies that can help me get through difficult texts and/or am willing to reach out to staff to support my reading comprehension.
• I have basic computer skills and can use word processing software, download software, install software, use a web browser, etc.
• I have access to a computer that is connected to the Internet and have a backup plan if something happens to my computer.
• I am comfortable in a "virtual environment," email, sending attachments, threaded discussions, chat rooms, etc.

Communication Expectations

• Frequently check your email; daily is ideal.
• Contact your principal if you have connection or device problems.
• Use your school's Counselor for emotional support.

Online Classroom Expectations

• Mute your microphones until prompted by the teacher to share.
• Do your best to stay engaged when meeting online.
• Use the chat to ask school appropriate questions or share ideas.
• Use headphones if you have them available.
• Contact your teacher with technology or connection issues.
• When online, wear school appropriate clothing.

Teacher Communication

• Teachers will have office hours (Monday - Thursday) to support students.
• Teachers will provide feedback through designated learning platforms.
• Teachers may record Google Meets and make recordings available for students.
• Teachers will respond to student questions within 24-48 (Monday - Thursday)hours.