FAQ: State PreACT for Sophomores + Distance Learning Day October 18th, 2023

FAQ’s

  • Why is BHS/9GC having a Practice Distance Learning School Day? 

    • This is two-fold:

      • 1. To give Sophomores the most similar PreACT testing environment to that of a national ACT test day, and to limit the disruption of the school day for all 9th-12th grade students to one day as opposed to six days of testing required to administer the PreACT during a regular school day. 

      • 2. For the district to practice distance learning for all other grade levels in preparation for any necessary distance learning throughout the school year. Should we experience a significant amount of inclement weather this winter, we intend to maintain our school calendar and ensure that the last day of school remains intact. See here for further details.

  • Why are sophomores taking the PreACT?

    • PreACT scores can be used for students wanting to apply to Tulsa Tech or Oklahoma State University Institute of Technology or Tulsa Community College for their Junior year. 

  • If I am a full time virtual Sophomore, can I still participate in the PreACT? 

    • Yes. Please report to school at 8:30, and we will direct you to a testing room. 

  • What will sophomores be doing for the rest of the school day after the PreACT is complete?

    • Sophomores will participate in an afternoon of career activities to expose students to careers and opportunities that are in high demand.  Students will also hear from School Counselors about higher education opportunities, internships, and job shadows they can participate in during the junior and senior year.

  • What is a Practice Distance Learning School Day? 

    • Bixby High School, 9th Grade Center, and Brassfield Learning Center are “closed” 9th, 11th, and 12th grade students complete work from home on Canvas and receive instruction from teachers via Google Meet.

  • Why does the Practice Distance Learning School Day not include 10th graders? 

    • All BPS Sophomores will be ON CAMPUS to take the PreACT.

  • Will a make up day be offered for students unable to attend? 

    • Yes, ONLY if the student makes a prior arrangement with the counseling office before the test date.  

  • For sophomores on campus, will breakfast and lunch be provided as usual? 

    • Yes. 

  • Where are Sophomores supposed to report on October 18th? 

    • Students will be notified in their English classes the day before testing where to report. There will also be a classroom roster posted outside the counseling office and attendance office the day before testing.  Teachers will be in the hallways the morning of Oct 18th helping direct students if they are unsure of their room assignment.  

  • What do 10th graders need to bring to school for the PreACT? 

    • The PreACT is a paper pencil exam. Bring two #2 sharpened pencils. Students are not allowed to use mechanical pencils on the exam. Students will need their chromebook and a calculator.

  • Will 10th graders taking the PreACT test have access to their phones? 

    • Per ACT regulations, students will NOT have access to their cell phones for the duration of the test, including breaks.  Parents should contact the BHS office in case of an emergency. Students are encouraged to leave their phones at home or in their vehicles. Student cell phones will not be allowed in the building. There are a VERY few (health related) exceptions to this rule and those families have been communicated with individually. 

  • What if I am a Junior or Senior and I attend Tech? 

    • Even though Juniors and Seniors are engaging in a Distance Learning Day, they will need to attend their Concurrent/Tulsa Tech classes. Tulsa Tech buses will continue to run as usual. 

  • How will attendance be counted? 

    • Attendance will be based on Google Meet participation or completion of assignments posted in Canvas.

  • Where do we find the assignments? 

    • Assignments will be located on Canvas. Students will have time to complete them following the Google Meet for each class. 

  • What will HS/9GC/BLC teachers do during Practice Distance Learning School Day?

    • 9GC/BLC: Teachers will work their regular contract day, following the regular bell schedule for google meets and instruction. 

    • HS: Teachers helping to administer/proctor the PreACT will communicate availability of office hours for students who may need assistance. 

  • Will 6th hour athletics classes be in session? 

    • Coaches will communicate with their teams.

  • What if we do not have the Internet at home? 

    • Some Canvas assignments can be set to be available offline. It is the student’s responsibility to communicate with teachers prior to if needed to ensure this option is in place or other arrangements have been made.

  • What will the school day and transportation schedule look like for Sophomores?

    • Sophomores will follow regular arrival and dismissal times and buses will run as usual.

  • Who should I contact with questions/concerns about the Virtual Day and/or State PreACT Test for Sophomores? 

    • School counselors at BHS can help with any questions or concerns.

Brooke Puckett

A - D

918-366-2238

bpuckett@bixbyps.org

Courtney Smith

E - K

918-366-2355

csmith@bixbyps.org

DeLyn McBride

L - R

918-366-1734

dmcbride@bixbyps.org

Casey Machado

S - Z

918-366-1761

cmachado@bixbyps.org