Non-Traditional Instruction (NTI)

What It Is:

✅ A Day of Learning – Students participate in structured instruction through their school-assigned Chromebook.

✅ Planned & Organized – Teachers post assignments in Google Classroom, where students access learning materials and submit work.

✅ Supported by Teachers – Teachers will be available for virtual meetings, email support, and scheduled check-ins throughout the day.

✅ Interactive & Engaging – A mix of live virtual lessons (synchronous) and independent work (asynchronous) ensures students stay on track.

✅ A Full School Day – Attendance is taken through Infinite Campus based on participation and assignment completion.

What It Is Not:

❌ A Day Off – Students are expected to attend virtual sessions and complete assignments.

❌Fully Independent, Unstructured Learning – Teachers provide clear instructions, schedules, and online lessons to support student learning.

❌ Optional Work – NTI assignments are part of the regular curriculum and count toward grades and attendance.

❌ Just Homework – NTI days include a variety of learning experiences such as live discussions, project-based activities, and interactive lessons.

How It Works

  1. Communication:  Families will be notified through ParentSquare, email, social media, and local news when an NTI day is announced.

  2. Assignments:  Students will complete work provided by their teachers through Google Classroom.

  3. Technology & Support:

    • 1:1 Chromebook Access – Every student has a school-issued device for NTI learning.

    • Internet Access Help – Families needing internet assistance can contact their school for support options.

    • Google Classroom for All Students – Teachers use Google Classroom daily, making NTI transitions seamless.

    • Virtual Meetings & Teacher Check-ins – Teachers host scheduled class meetings using Zoom or Google Meet.

  4. Specialized Student Support:

    • Exceptional Child Education (ECE) – Students with IEPs receive full support from their ECE teachers, just as they do on in-person days.

    • English Learners (EL) – The EL support team provides dedicated virtual meetings and resources for students.

    • Gifted & Talented Services – Students in Gifted and Talented programs continue enrichment activities and lessons online. 

Family & Student Expectations

📌 Students should:

✔ Log in to Google Classroom and follow their school’s NTI schedule.
✔ Participate in virtual lessons and complete all assignments on time.
✔ Ask for help when needed—teachers are available for support!

📌 Parents can help by:

✔ Checking ParentSquare for NTI day announcements and schedules.
✔ Encouraging students to follow their school's NTI schedule.
✔ Contacting teachers or schools if additional support is needed.

Our Commitment to Learning on NTI Days

Allen County Schools ensure that learning continues anytime, anywhere—whether in classrooms or digital spaces. We encourage our teachers to use innovative strategies like choice boards, project-based learning, and interactive discussions to keep students engaged.

We believe that learning is more than just schooling—it’s about meaningful experiences that prepare students for success.

Why Can’t We Just Have Traditional Snow Days Like We Remember?

It’s a question we hear often—and we understand! Many of us have fond memories of snow days spent playing outside or relaxing at home.

However, things have changed for schools today. Here’s why:

  • Kentucky law requires schools to provide 170 instructional days each year. In Allen County, we have exactly 170 days on our calendar. Unlike some districts, we do not build in extra “make-up days.”

  • Every day missed must be made up. Without NTI, snow days and other closures would extend the school year into late spring or even summer to meet the state requirement.

  • NTI Days help us protect your family’s summer break. By continuing learning at home during closures, NTI days count as instructional days, so we don’t have to add make-up days later.

  • Today’s technology makes learning from home possible. Our students have school-issued Chromebooks, and teachers are trained to provide meaningful learning online, even when school buildings are closed.

While NTI days may feel different from the snow days of the past, they help us:

  • Keep students learning

  • Meet state requirements

  • Avoid extending the school year

We’re committed to ensuring every instructional day counts—whether in the classroom or online.