Partnership Principles
At Sunrise Pine School, we believe students flourish when families and educators work in partnership. Learning is not limited to the classroom, it is shaped by the support students receive at home. Parents and guardians play a vital role in helping students stay motivated, organized, and accountable. While the school provides high-quality instruction, timely feedback, and regular communication, families are essential in creating a stable, encouraging environment that reinforces academic and personal growth.
Families are encouraged to be active participants in their child’s education. This includes fostering a positive attitude toward learning, ensuring consistent attendance, and maintaining open communication with teachers and staff. Together, we aim to guide students toward independence, confidence, and long-term success.
For related guidance, see: Attendance and Participation Policy, Code of Conduct, Academic Integrity Policy, and Health and Safety Policies.
Technology and Learning Environment at Home
A successful online learning experience depends in part on having the right tools and setting. Parents/guardians are responsible for ensuring that their child has access to the necessary equipment and a quiet, organized space for learning.
Equipment Requirements
To participate in online classes and complete coursework, students need:
- A computer or laptop capable of running the school’s learning platform and video conferencing software. While tablets can be used for viewing content, they may not support all course activities.
- A working microphone and camera. These are essential for live classes and collaborative work unless the student has an approved accommodation.
- A stable internet connection and updated browser and software to prevent disruptions during lessons.
If technical issues occur, such as a malfunctioning camera or microphone, families should follow the steps outlined in the Attendance and Participation Policy to reschedule the session or seek support.
System Requirements
With over 190 courses offered, our curriculum uses a wide range of technologies. While we are actively working to update all course content to meet the latest mobile and browser standards, there are still some limitations when using lightweight or mobile devices.
Device Compatibility
Devices such as Apple iPads, Google Chromebooks*, and tablets offer limited support for certain technologies like Java or Flash, which are still used in a small number of courses. As a result:
- *Some course content may not work properly on these devices.*
- Students may need to take extra steps, such as using alternate browsers or workarounds, to access specific activities.
*We strongly recommend that students have access to a Windows or Mac computer to ensure full course compatibility, especially if their chosen device encounters technical issues.*
Supported Operating Systems
- Windows 11
- macOS Ventura (13)
- macOS Sonoma (14)
- macOS Sequoia (15)
Supported Browsers
You may use recent versions of the following browsers on a technology capable device that supports Java, Flash, and improvements to HTML including HTML5.
- Microsoft Edge
- Mozilla Firefox
- Google Chrome
- Apple Safari
Supported Browser Plugins and Settings
The following plugins and settings may be required to use our courses.
JavaScript enabled
Cookies enabled
Java installed
Creating a Productive Workspace
Parents should help students set up a consistent learning environment that minimizes distractions and supports concentration. Ideally, the space should be:
- Quiet, well-lit, and separate from noisy or high-traffic areas.
- Equipped with necessary materials (notebooks, pencils, textbooks) before each session.
- Protected from interruptions, with background noise reduced through Zoom settings or muting when needed.
A well-prepared environment helps students stay engaged and reduces stress during school hours.
Attendance and Accountability
Regular attendance and active participation are critical to student success. Parents and guardians are expected to ensure their child attends classes punctually and meets the school’s participation expectations.
While occasional absences are understandable, families should:
- Avoid scheduling appointments during school hours when possible.
- Notify the teacher at least 24 hours in advance for planned absences (excluding emergencies).
- Partner with staff if the student shows signs of disengagement, such as missed assignments or lack of participation. A support plan may be created, including check-ins, pacing targets, or technical support.
Consistent attendance helps students stay on track and fully benefit from the school’s academic program. To learn more about attendance please refer to the attendance and participation policy.
Monitoring Progress
Families are encouraged to stay informed about their child’s academic progress and overall well-being. This is not only helpful for accountability but also shows the student that their efforts are being recognized and supported.
Parents should:
- Regularly review grades, pacing indicators, and teacher feedback via the Learning Management System (LMS).
- Use parent observer tools, when available, to follow assignment completion and course engagement.
- Check emails and platform notifications for important updates, deadlines, and teacher messages.
If a student is struggling with motivation, workload, or comprehension, early communication with the school is key to resolving the issue.
Communication with the School
Sunrise Pine values open, respectful, and timely communication between families and school staff. Parents are encouraged to reach out with questions or concerns, whether academic, technical, or personal in nature.
Meetings can be arranged with teachers, counselors, or administrators. To schedule:
- Email the relevant staff member or ask any staff member to forward your request to the appropriate person.
- Provide at least 24 hours’ notice when rescheduling meetings (except in emergencies).
- Respect school business hours for non-urgent matters.
In all communications, we ask families to maintain a tone focused on collaboration and student growth.
Observer Account (Optional)
Parents and guardians have the option to request a personal observer account, which allows them to monitor their child’s academic progress directly through the school’s learning platform. These accounts are distinct from student accounts in that they are not linked to specific courses, but instead to the student(s) they are responsible for.
This feature is especially valuable for families with more than one child enrolled at Sunrise Pine, as it provides a centralized, time-efficient way to stay informed. Through the observer account, parents can view key elements such as:
- The gradebook, showing current scores and feedback;
- The calendar, with due dates and upcoming assignments;
- The activity stream, displaying a chronological feed of recent submissions, grades, and updates;
- The student’s to-do list, helping families track outstanding tasks.
While optional, observer accounts are highly recommended for parents who wish to stay closely involved in their child’s academic journey. Instructions for requesting access will be provided upon enrollment and can also be requested at any time during the school year.
Appropriate Support at Home: Academic Integrity
Parents are encouraged to support their child’s learning, but it is essential to maintain the integrity of student work. Coaching is welcome, completing the work on the student’s behalf is not. To learn more please refer to the academic integrity policy.
Permitted forms of support may include:
- Helping organize assignments and materials.
- Reading instructions aloud (especially for younger students).
- Encouraging planning and brainstorming ideas.
- Printing assignments or locating additional resources.
However, it is not appropriate to:
- Write or edit graded work.
- Translate full assignments.
- Solve test questions, lab problems, or math equations.
- Use AI tools to generate or refine student answers.
These expectations align with our Academic Integrity Policy, which supports authentic learning and academic honesty.
Resolving Concerns
If concerns arise (academic, emotional, or technical), we encourage families to reach out early, as most problems can be resolved quickly through communication. The school has a clear pathway for addressing issues:
- Contact the teacher for classroom-related concerns, feedback, or grades.
- Reach out to the counselor for questions about pacing, motivation, or emotional well-being.
- Escalate to the department head if the issue remains unresolved.
- Contact the principal for formal concerns or policy matters.
This informal approach supports quick resolutions and reflects the school’s broader grievance and appeal process.
Privacy, Safety, and Boundaries
To protect the integrity of the classroom and the safety of all students, we ask families to respect certain boundaries:
- Parents should not appear on camera or participate in live classes unless specifically invited by the teacher for a defined purpose.
- Do not record classes, take screenshots, or share content featuring other students or teachers without written permission.
- For concerns related to student safety, including suspected abuse or neglect, contact the school immediately and follow the procedures outlined in our Child Protection and Mandatory Reporting section.
Respecting boundaries helps create a safe and inclusive learning environment for all. Health and safety policy.
Parent/Guardian Agreement and Handbook Acknowledgment
By enrolling at Sunrise Pine School, parents/guardians and students agree to uphold the values and responsibilities outlined in this handbook. This includes commitment to attendance, conduct, academic integrity, and technology use policies.
At the time of enrollment, and annually thereafter, families are required to sign the Handbook Acknowledgement Form, confirming that they have reviewed the content and understand their role in supporting their child’s success.
The signed form will be kept on file and may be referenced if any concerns arise regarding compliance with school policies.