AHS Distance Learning Help Desk

What does online (distance learning) look like?

Instead of attending in a physical classroom, students will use the internet to connect to the CANVAS learning system, log in to their account page, click on the current class period, and they’re “in the classroom”. They will leave that class period when instruction or assignments are completed, and wait until the scheduled time for each period to log in throughout the day.  Students will also be able to receive help from their teachers during the Academic Support period each afternoon – similar to after school tutoring.  They may initiate contact with the teacher by emailing them. Click on the Canvas image below to go the Canvas sign in page. 

What is my student’s school email address?

It is their six-digit school ID number, followed by @kernhigh.org. For example, it will look like [email protected].

All student passwords will be changed to their birth date in the format of !YYYYMMDD and will be asked to change it. (note the exclamation point at the beginning of the password). Students will go to office.com or sign into a Kern High Chromebook with their Kern High School District account to set the password. 

How does my student log into CANVAS for the first time?

After they have their six-digit ID, follow these instructions. They can also watch a very helpful and informative video below. 

How do I check out a Chromebook?

A desktop or laptop computer with a camera and microphone is needed by each student throughout the day; Chromebooks have these features built in. If you need to check out a Chromebook, students can check one out Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Arvin High School and Nueva Continuation High School in Lamont. 

I don’t have Internet access.  How will I log on?

There are a limited number of portable “hot spot” internet devices available for families in need to check out from the school.  Once we receive them, we will update information on who is eligible for them and the actual (reduced) price for service.

When do we check out textbooks for the classes?

Textbooks may not be required for at least the first three days or week of classes while students are learning to use the CANVAS learning system and connecting with their teachers through guided activities. An updated schedule will come soon.

Not every teacher gave online assignments last spring.  How will it be different this time?

Last spring, teachers were originally asked to develop two weeks of review or extra-practice lessons for their students during the gap before spring break.  When the closure was extended through the end of the year, only a few teachers had previous experience with video conferencing software in order to teach students new content.  Furthermore, the pass/fail grading system turned off many students from continuing their work once they found out they received a passing grade for the whole semester if they had a passing grade at the time school closed.

Among other things, we now have a daily schedule, teachers have been trained in CANVAS and video conferencing to be able to teach lessons, the teachers are assigned to work each day from their classrooms, resources and assignments have been developed throughout the summer in each subject area, Chromebooks are available to every student, and students will be graded once again on the A-F scale.  While it will never be as good as in-person instruction, our teachers are ready for distance learning!

What is the grading system this semester?

We are returning to the A, B, C, D, F grading system. Students and parents can review current grades and attendance (participation each period) by logging into StudentVue or ParentVue.

How do I get a ParentVue account?

Instructions for logging onto the ParentVue app with your cell phone are available here.

How do I contact a staff member?

You can email them by accessing the staff directory on our website or by using the teacher email link found after each course listed on StudentVue or ParentVue.  Counselors may also be contacted directly by using this link.  Use the additional links in the menu column for specific counselors.

TOPIC 2:  ATTENDANCE

What if my student cannot attend a class due to illness, doctor’s appointments, or other circumstance?

The parent will call our Attendance Line at 854-3241 to excuse absences the same way they would if students were on campus.

How is attendance taken? 

Teachers can run reports through CANVAS showing student logins to their class, submissions of assignments or responses, and can see them during video conferences, unless their camera is turned off.

TOPIC 3:  SPECIAL EDUCATION AND 504 SUPPORTS

What supports are available for students with a 504 or Individualized Education Plan (IEP)?

If you or your student has questions or concerns regarding a 504 plan, please contact our Dean of Instruction Harpreet Muhar at [email protected]. For all questions or concerns regarding Special Education services including Individualized Education Plans (IEPs), please contact our Program Specialist Miguel Rivera at [email protected].

TOPIC 5:  SCHOOL ATHLETICS AND ACTIVITIES

Will there be athletic teams and events this year?

Yes, but all seasons have been pushed back to at least January 2021, and some sports have been moved to a different season.  Find the most current information here, but more to follow.

TOPIC 6:  SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONAL PROGRAMS (BAND, AG, AVID, ETC.)

Will we have marching band, color guard, choir, drama and other fine arts performances?

Students are still enrolled in these classes throughout the day for credit, however, the performances associated with these cannot occur until safety protocols can be put in place which will allow it to be done safely and meet both District and local/state requirements. At this point, all regional and state-level competitions have been canceled or postponed.  

TOPIC 7:  FOOD SERVICE 

TOPIC 8:  NATIONAL STANDARDIZED TESTING – AP AND SAT EXAMS

Will the SAT or ACT exams be offered at Arvin High School?

At this time, AHS is not scheduled to host any SAT or ACT exams. You do not have to test at your school site. Any changes to the testing schedule can be found at www.collegeboard.org.

Are the AP exams still scheduled to take place?

Yes, the College Board (company that operates the annual May testing) has stated they currently plan to offer the tests.  If they must be cancelled, the College Board will refund the test fees.