Flexible Instructional Days

The Pennsylvania Department of Education allows for the use of Flexible Instruction Days on days where it is deemed safer for students to access instruction virtually due to inclement weather or other unforeseen emergencies. Flexible Instruction Days (FID) allow for the continuity of education and would ensure that the school meets state requirements for instructional days and hours without adding additional days to the school year. Approved schools are allowed up to 5 Flexible Instruction Days per year. More information about Flexible Instruction Days from the Pennsylvania Department of Education can be found here.

All students at Franklin Towne Charter High School have a school-issued Chromebook that allows them to access necessary online learning platforms. If a student does not have access to the internet at home, they or a parent should notify the student’s guidance counselor so that physical copies of FID assignments can be provided.  Click here for guidance counselor contact information.

FAQ Accordion

Frequently Asked Questions

How will students and families know that a Flexible Instruction Day has been called?

Students and families will be notified of FID via phone call and email.

How will students be marked present on a Flexible Instruction Day?
  • Students are required to fill out a MS Form reporting their attendance for the day prior to 10:00 AM. Students will receive this via email.
  • Families without internet access may report attendance by calling the school office by 10:00 AM and leaving a voicemail with the student’s full name and grade.
  • Students whose attendance is not reported by 10:00 AM will be marked absent.
  • Any issues with attendance should be reported to [email protected].
What if a student is sick on a Flexible Instruction Day?

Normal attendance procedures should be followed in the event that a student cannot attend school on a Flexible Instruction Day. See the attendance policy here or click here to submit an absence note.

What are the expectations for students on a Flexible Instruction Day?

All students will follow the hybrid schedule shown below:

Start Time End Time Expectation for Students
Prep & Student Attendance 7:30 AM 8:30 AM Students check-in online via MS Forms and receive work via email from teachers.
Live Office Hours 8:30 AM 12:30 PM Students work on assignments. Teachers, guidance counselors, and other staff members are available for live office hours via MS Teams or phone calls. Students/families should use email to set up any meetings during this time.
Lunch Break 12:30 PM 1:30 PM Off-screen lunch break
Independent Work Time 1:30 PM 3:30 PM Students work on asynchronous assignments. Staff members available for support via email.
  • All students must fill out the MS form (sent via email) for daily attendance by 10:00 AM.
  • Students will receive asynchronous work for their classes through email.
  • Teachers will be available for synchronous academic support during the Live Office Hours block. If a student requires additional support during Live Office Hours, they should email their teacher, who will provide a MS Teams link.
  • During Live Office Hours, appointments can be scheduled with guidance counselors, administrators, and other school staff members via email.
  • All assignments will be due at the start of class on the next in-person school day. Assignments will be graded according to typical Franklin Towne grading policies regarding completeness, correctness, and timelines.
What if a student has no internet/no power on a FID?

Students with no internet or power on a Flexible Instruction Day should contact their school counselor as soon as they are able to report this issue. The guidance counselor and student’s teachers will work with the student to determine an appropriate alternate plan for that student’s circumstances. Click here for guidance counselor contact information.

What if a student is having a technology issue on a FID?

Tech help is available on our school website. For general technology information and support, click here. If you are having additional issues, contact our IT Department using the Parent IT Support Form or Student IT Support Form. The Franklin Towne IT Department will be available for support on Flexible Instruction Days.