Virtual Learning Program Information for Parents

Habersham County School System offers virtual learning opportunities to a limited number of students who may need an alternative educational program due to extenuating circumstances.

Please contact the principal of your child's school to ask about participation in virtual learning. If approved, a contract will be emailed to the enrolling parent/guardian.

Fall Semester Virtual Enrollment Closes on Friday, September 5, 2025.

Spring Semester Virtual Enrollment Closes on Friday, February 6, 2026.

VIRTUAL LEARNING CONTRACT

LOGIN INSTRUCTIONS

PARENT OBSERVER ACCOUNTS

A parent observer account is typically used by parents of students in grades 6-12 who are working independently.

Students in grades K-5 require substantial parent support and monitoring to successfully complete their online courses.

Parents who need a remote login and account for their student's Connexus Account may request those by emailing [email protected]

Parents can log in to this account to monitor student progress and grades in each course.

Pearson Connexus- All Schools Links

Pearson Connexus Technical Support- Contact Information

First Day of School- August 8, 2025

Students should log in to Pearson Connexus and begin class assignments according to the time of day that your family has set aside for virtual learning.

Students can typically expect to spend between 45-90 minutes per subject depending on the grade level, subject area and individual learning rates.

Teachers will provide information on the Connexus platform via announcements and Webmail.

2025-2026 Dates

First Day of Virtual Learning- August 8, 2025

Blackout Dates- All teacher workdays and holidays as indicated on the system calendar. Virtual courses do not close for inclement weather days.

Semester 1:

Grades K-8- Courses Close December 19th

Grades 9-12- Part A Courses Close October 10th, Part B Courses Close December 19th

Semester 2:

Grades K-8- Courses Open January 6th, Courses Close May 20th

Grades 9-12- Part A Courses Open January 7th, Part A Closes March 13th

Grades 9-12 Part B Courses Open March 16th, Part B Closes May 20th

Parent's Role with Virtual Learning

Parents play a vital role in their child's success as Learning Coaches. We need you!

Parents will have an account that allows you to log in from any location and oversee your child's daily work and progress. Observer accounts will be assigned after students have started their courses.

This is a great article about the parent's role as a learning coach- https://www.pearsononlineacademy.com/about-us/parents/parent-roles

Things you can do to set your child up for a successful virtual learning experience:

Create a designated workspace for learning with minimal distractions and good lighting
Establish a consistent schedule with regular stretch breaks
Assist your child with utilizing and understanding the tools in the Pearson Connexus platform (such as the Calendar & To Do List) to stay on track
Monitor progress daily
Communicate and collaborate with support teachers

Please help us communicate with your child that each online lesson and activity is timestamped. This counts for attendance and allows our teachers to see real-time analytics for each student.

FAQ's

If traditional schools close, what will happen to the virtual learning program?

Students in the virtual program will continue their coursework in Connexus and not experience a change in their learning program should traditional schools close.

How much time will my child be online?

The amount of learning time will vary for each student. A general guideline is approximately 90 minutes for English Language Arts & Mathematics and 30-60 minutes for Social Studies and Science. Again, this varies according to each child's individual learning pace and work habits. There are some activities at the K-8 level that will be completed offline.

Is my child counted absent if he/she does not log in for the day?

Yes. Attendance is tracked and recorded in PowerSchool. Virtual students who do not log in for multiple days are subject to the same attendance policies as students in the brick and mortar setting.

Will my child receive workbooks? What supplies are needed?

Most courses contain digital materials as of the 2025-2026 school year.

Supplies needed at home include:

A device and reliable Internet
A designated workspace
Basic supplies such as paper and pencils
A calendar or planner for students that need a visual time tracker

Younger students may need some basic art supplies such as markers, crayons, construction paper and glue sticks.

Please see the attached list below for Pearson's Recommendations for Parent Resources. Many of these items are common household items.

WiFi zones in school parking lots will be available. Contact your child's school for access times if you need to utilize WiFi parking lot zones.

Will a support teacher meet daily with my child?

No. Support teachers will provide a weekly Live Lesson and be available by other methods of communication to assist students and families.

What happens if my child cannot attend the Live Lesson?

Efforts will be made to make recordings available. However, it is recommended that students attend Live Lessons whenever possible for an opportunity to engage in discussions with their teacher and peers.

Can my child work ahead?

Please communicate with your support teacher if there is a special circumstance and your child needs to work ahead (for example, missing a day of instruction due to an appointment). However, best practice is pacing according to the calendar for each unit/lesson to clearly understand and retain information. The platform does not allow for "clicking-through" and includes multiple interactive components and assessments to proceed. Each lesson is timestamped.

If my child has an IEP or 504 plan, will accommodations be provided?

Support teachers will provide accommodations to the extent that an online virtual platform allows.

Will grades count in the virtual learning program?

Yes. Students will earn grades and receive course credit the same as if they were in a traditional school setting.

Will my child participate in assessments?

Yes, your child may be asked to complete benchmark assessments as well as assessments in the Pearson Connexus curriculum. End of Grade and End of Year assessments are required of both traditional and virtual students.

Can we return to the traditional school setting during the semester?

Your child must remain enrolled in the virtual learning setting until the end of the semester. Contact your child's principal if there is an extreme hardship during this time.

Who do I contact for issues?

If there is a technical issue with Pearson Connexus, contact Pearson support at 844-597-3224 or [email protected]. For course assignment or grading questions, contact the virtual teacher (WebMail). For all other questions, please email [email protected]

Can my student continue in the virtual learning program in the second semester?

Yes. Additional information will be shared with families prior to the start of the second semester.

Parent Provided Resources

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