Lakeside Elementary School

All About Non-Traditional Instruction Days

December 2025

INTRODUCTION TO NON-TRADITIONAL INSTRUCTION DAYS

What are Non-Traditional Instruction Days (NTIDs)?

NTID stands for Non-Traditional Instructional Day. NTIDs allow schools to continue instruction when students cannot physically attend school, such as during inclement weather or emergencies. This helps with the continuity of instruction.

• Purpose: NTIDs provide flexibility for local school districts to deliver instruction outside the classroom when schools are closed.

• Format: Students complete assignments at home through packets, online platforms, or other approved methods.

• Policy Basis: West Virginia Board of Education Policy 3234 permits local school districts to use NTIDs as part of their official school calendar. NTIDs count as part of the 180 required instructional days, meaning they prevent the need to extend the school year to make up for closures. Putnam County Schools has been approved by the West Virginia Department of Education for five (5) Non-Traditional Instruction Days.

Quick Tips for Families

• Create a quiet, distraction-free learning space for your child.

• Spend time first thing in the morning going over the expectations and schedule for the day with your child.

• Support the child throughout the day by following the schedule and seeking help from the teachers as needed.

• Encourage physical breaks and movement throughout the day.

• Check in with your child about their assignments and understanding.

• Celebrate your child’s efforts and progress throughout the day!

WHAT HAPPENS WHEN A NON-TRADITIONAL INSTRUCTION DAY (NTID) IS CALLED?

Schools have prepared grade-level NTID packets with assignments for students to complete at home. Online platforms may be used for questions, instructional support, and tutoring.

• School closures will be called by the county superintendent. The information in the call will specify if it is a regular inclement weather day or an NTID. If an NTID is called, the call will state which packet students are to complete.

• Staff reports two hours later than the regular workday.

• Staff will have Microsoft Teams links available for any student who chooses to join. The links will be posted on Schoology. It is not required for students to join, but it is available for students who need support. Staff will be checking email and Schoology messages frequently. School staff will also be answering phones. Please contact the teachers via email, phone, or Microsoft Teams if there are any questions concerning the assignment.

• The school iPads may be sent home when impending weather is predicted; weather may not be accurately predicted when it occurs. If iPads are sent home, the device and charger MUST be returned the day students return to school. All school rules apply to iPad usage at home, and the devices are Putnam County Schools' property. School administrators receive alerts when inappropriate iPad usage occurs.

• Students will have paper/pencil packets of work to complete. The packets are all review material. The school iPads are NOT needed to complete any of the packet assignments. Students will only receive one (1) copy of each day’s packet. The packets are available on Schoology if the packets are lost.

• Students have one day for each day of closure to complete and turn in the packet. Students may complete the packet at any time during the day; they do not have to follow the teacher’s schedule. The schedule is for students who may need support and guidance on their work. Packets will be graded for effort and completion, not necessarily accuracy.

• Students who receive Special Education services will receive additional information from their case manager.
  

SCHOOL SUPPORTS

Child Nutrition

On designated Non-Traditional Instruction Days (NTID), meals will be available for pick up to help supply nutritional support to parents. These meals will be free for all students.

• Advance Request Required: Parents must call the school office where their child attends to request meals/snacks in advance.

• Pickup: Meals must be picked up between 12:00 and 12:30 PM. Families can pick up the meals at the main front entrance of Lakeside Elementary School.

• Multiple Schools: Families with children in more than one school must request and pick up at each school. For example, if you have a student at an elementary school and a high school, you must request and pick up from each school.

• Menu: There will not be a predetermined menu. Items will be based on current availability.

NTID Technology Support Helpline

Putnam County offers a technology support helpline during Non-Traditional Instruction Days. The helpline will support families with Schoology access, Clever access, Office 365/Microsoft Teams troubleshooting, connecting school devices to home internet, and iPad issues. The technology support helpline cannot support students with teacher assignments, non-instructional issues, or parent access to Schoology. The PCS NTID Technology Helpline number is 304-586-4946.

The helpline will likely have a high volume of calls. If you are unable to reach a technology specialist, leave a message that includes the following information:

• Name of the person calling

• Student name

• The school the student attends

• Issues that are occurring

School Counseling and School Psychologists

The school counselor and psychologists will contact students who work with them regularly. Schoology activities will be available for all students.

NON-TRADITIONAL INSTRUCTION DAY FOR LAKESIDE ELEMENTARY

NOTE: Preschool students will do two learning activities at any time during the day. Preschool teachers will be available for support and questions. If an NTID is called on a Friday, the PK students will not be expected to do the NTID activities.