FAQs

Q- How long have the SDPA teachers been teaching?
A- Our SDPA teachers have been educators anywhere from 3 to 20+ years!  We are incredibly grateful for the dedicated staff at SDPA.  They are highly qualified, foster a positive and supportive virtual learning environment, and committed to student success!
 
Q- What calendar does SDPA follow?
A- SDPA is one of the many schools in the Sahuarita Unified School District.  We follow the same school calendar as all the other sites.  It can be found on the SUSD homepage.
 
Q- Do I have to attend anything in person?
A- SDPA is a fully online, virtual school.  We do schedule in person days/events that include things like health screenings, elementary diagnostics, and school wide get togethers!  It is critical to remember that in person attendance for state testing is expected.
 
Q-  How do students communicate with their teachers?
A- The best way for a student to communicate with their SDPA teacher is to sign on to their live Google meeting links!  Based on grade levels, teachers are available to connect with students and provide support throughout the school day through scheduled instructional time, live break out rooms, Google Chats, or via SUSD email. 
 
Q- What if my school work is hard and I need help?
A- School work can sometimes be challenging.  The good thing is that this is a sign of learning something new!  If you find yourself struggling, do not wait to make contact with your teacher.  Sign on to the Google meeting link right away.  Your teachers are readily available to provide support.  This may include tutoring, help redoing an assignment or quiz, or even walking you through how to navigate Google Classrooms and the resources you find there!  Secondary Google Classrooms provide assignment resources that are often modified and/or clarified.  Do not skip checking them out. 
 
Q-What is the difference between homeroom meeting attendance versus submitting daily AOI  attendance minutes?
A- Homeroom meeting attendance is a mandatory, daily live meeting hosted by grade level homeroom teachers.  Daily AOI attendance submissions are attendance minutes logs that must be submitted to reflect  time spent working on all academic/school-related tasks for the day.
 
Q- What grade levels need to do iReady lessons?
A- K-8th students are expected to complete iReady Diagnostic testing in both math and reading.  They will then be provided with individualized, corresponding lessons.  These are an integral part of our curriculum as they provide targeted skill practice for students based on their individual, standards based needs, especially when interventions are needed.
 
Q- How does Edgenuity grading work?
A- Your Edgenuity dashboard shows three different grades.  Throughout the semester, you will see a notice on your dashboard that the grading posting has changed.  Here is a description of each in order to help you understand the difference:
  • Overall Grade– This percentage is equal to a letter grade based ONLY on the work you have submitted.
  • Actual Grade– This percentage is equal to a letter grade based on work submitted but also takes into consideration if you are behind schedule.  This is what is looked at if you are getting a grade check for athletics or a transfer/withdrawal.
  • Relative Grade– This percentage is equal to a letter grade if we were to put grades into PowerSchool right now, end all be all, including final exams.  This will always be lower since you haven’t taken exams yet- until the end of the semester, after exams, then all three scores should match.
Q- What does SDPA graduation look like?
A- SDPA is its own school!  For the past several years, our seniors have participated in high school graduation ceremonies with the SHS and WGHS sites. This is due to the fact that, as a fully online school, we do not have a brick and mortar campus.  We’re thrilled to share, starting with the graduating Class of 2026, we will begin having our own graduation ceremony at the district auditorium!  SDPA continues to grow as a school, and with it comes exciting changes!
 
Q- What can you tell me about high school requirements and final exams?
A- As one of the SUSD schools, SDPA students have the same graduation requirements.  This means some students are even able to meet them early!  When it comes time for final exams, they are administered virtually with cameras on.  Homeroom teachers provide dates, times, and expectations once the semester is underway.