North Hills School District
Pride • Tradition • Excellence
Dear North Hills School District students and families,

Virtual instruction will begin for all students on Wednesday, April 1 and continue through at least April 30 following President Trump’s updated social distancing guidelines released Sunday night.

To help everyone make the adjustment to virtual learning, we have built a section on our website that includes complete information and instructions, resources, video tutorials and FAQs for students and families. 

Please bookmark these links and check back often as the sections will be updated with additional tools and resources as we transition to virtual learning.
Virtual Instruction Overview
All lessons and assignments will originate in Google Classroom. Students will have a classroom for each teacher. This includes special area teachers, GATE, and reading, math and special education teachers.

Google Classroom should be accessed directly from the Google Classroom app ( iOS or Android) or a Google Chrome web browser.

Students will log into Google Classroom using their NHSD Google account. Every student has an NHSD Google account. A student's Google account is their NHSD network username followed by @students.nhsd.net. Their Google account password is their NHSD network password.
Hint: The NHSD network username and password is used by the student to log into computers at school. This information is also now available under the student's name in the parent/guardian's PowerSchool account. Unsure how to access PowerSchool? Fill out the form here.

Please note: Many teachers are still building their Google Classroom. Please do not enter a teacher’s classroom until you have been invited to do so.

Students will be invited to join a teacher’s Google Classroom in one of two ways:
  1. Students will see the class listed in their Google Classroom dashboard and can click "Join."
  2. Students will be sent a class code via email and can enter that code by clicking the “+” from their Google Classroom dashboard.  

Students in grades 5-12 have already been using Google Classroom and are familiar with the procedures above.

The following videos can help students and parents unfamiliar with Google Classroom:
For computer/laptop users
Part I: Welcome to Google Classroom
Part II: Navigating Google Classroom
For iPad users
Part I: Welcome to Google Classroom
Part II: Navigating Google Classroom
In addition to Google Classroom, teachers will utilize the following:

  • Zoom. Zoom is a cloud-based service that offers meetings and webinars, and provides content sharing and video conferencing capability. Zoom works on an iPad, laptop or desktop. Teachers are not required to use Zoom but many will use the resource to hold live instruction, webinars and meet-ups, or post pre-recorded lessons. Students will be invited into Zoom by their teacher. No login is required although mobile users will need to download the app for iOS or Android. Watch the video tutorial below.
How to use Zoom for NHSD students
  • Freckle (Elementary only). Freckle is an online tool for elementary-aged students that offers differentiated learning in reading, math, science and social studies. Students take a brief assessment on Freckle that allows them to participate in a learning path designed specifically for the learning level. All K-4 teachers will assign practice for students in Freckle to replace small group guided instruction that typically occurs in the classroom. Please do not log into Freckle until your teacher invites you to do so and provides additional information. There is also an iOS app for Freckle.

  • ClassLink. ClassLink is a single sign-on portal giving students access to resources and programs they have already been using in school including ABCya!, First in Math and Keyboarding Without Tears. Students sign in to ClassLink using their NHSD network username and password. Google Chrome is the recommended browser if using ClassLink on a computer. ClassLink apps are also available for iOS and Android. If using a mobile device, please download the ClassLink app as well as any other apps used by the student's teacher. On district iPads, these apps are available to download without an Apple ID from the Self Service app. Watch this video for instructions.
Attendance and Grading
Students will be required to sign in for attendance on each virtual instruction day. This will work similar to how we collected attendance on Flexible Instructional Days. However, you must be logged in to the student’s NHSD Google account to submit the attendance form. A new attendance form will be linked online each day. Please be sure to submit the correct form for the correct day, and fill out one form per student.

During our COVID-19 closure, we are focused on the learning, not on grading. While our curriculum remains our roadmap, teachers have been encouraged to focus on the most essential elements of the curriculum and select content and assignments that are conducive to an online learning environment.

We understand that some students, particularly at the elementary level, may not be able to complete tasks independently. We are also aware that many parents are now trying to balance their new normal of working from home and caring for their children. We are sympathetic to the challenges faced by all, and encourage you to reach out to your child’s teacher if you need additional assistance. They’ll know how to support you and your student best.

We also recognize that students may not have taken all necessary textbooks or materials home with them. These items will not be necessary for virtual learning. All materials needed will be available digitally.

As a reminder, please visit our website for complete information about virtual instruction, video tutorials and frequently asked questions.

As always, we thank you for continued support and cooperation. Please stay home if you’re able to, and stay safe!

Respectfully,
The North Hills School District Administration
Our Fields & Facilities are also CLOSED
Please remember that during the district’s closure amid the COVID-19 pandemic, all school district properties remain closed to the public. This includes Martorelli Stadium and all of our tracks, fields and playgrounds.

We know it is challenging to stay home, and that on days when the weather is nice, the temptation might be to go play soccer or lacrosse on our fields with friends. Please do not do this. We are all in this together and we need to follow the recommendations of the CDC and the governor and practice social distancing in order to keep our community safe.
Do you need a device? Borrow a NHSD iPad
NHSD has iPads to loan to students who need them in grades K-4 and 12 as these students do not have a district-issued iPad. Click here for more information and to request a device.

Please note: You do not need a district-issued device to participate in virtual learning. Students can and are encouraged to use home computers and tablets available to them.
Free internet to those who qualify

Comcast is offering free internet for 60 days to families who cannot afford it.  Complete details can be found here.
NHSD Breakfast and Lunch Program continues during closure

Our Breakfast and Lunch program will continue for our free and reduced students during the closure. Pickup is from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. at West View Elementary School. Please enter from Bellevue Avenue and drive behind the school. Additional provisions will be distributed on April 9 to provide enough food for the long Easter weekend as there will be no distribution on April 10 and April 13.  

In addition, Allegheny County has created an interactive map of free food distribution sites. Check it out here.
April 2 Kindergarten Registration Cancelled
Kindergarten registration scheduled in all of our elementary buildings for April 2 has been cancelled. Please look for future communication about when your appointment will be rescheduled. Thank you for your cooperation.
Resources & More Information for Families
There are now at least five confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Ross Township, according to the Allegheny County Health Department.

Please do your part, North Hills, and stay home if you're able to and stay safe!
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