Huntingdon Area School District

Q: What is the district’s remote learning or online option?

A: Our BILD (Bearcat Institute of Learning and Development) program is taught by certified teachers assigned to our online learning program.  We have seven full time teachers only responsible for online instruction: 2 Elementary Teachers, 4 Secondary Content Teachers, and 1 Secondary Special Education Teacher. In addition to all of the full time staff, we have an additional 20+ teachers who support our program as part time staff who help with offering electives and student services support. BILD aligns with PA Standards and in person curriculum at HASD so students get the same learning experience as those students in person. 

Q: Can I participate in the BILD program if I do not have a computer?

A: Yes, the District can supply you with an iPad (grades K-8) and a Chromebook (grades 9-12).  In addition to the technology, students also receive any other learning materials needed to be successful. Examples include: workbooks, Apple Pencils, notebooks, art supplies, stem kits, etc.) 

Q: Can families opt for in-person learning for one child and BILD (Bearcat Institute of Learning & Development) for another child?

A: Yes, different children from the same family can enroll in different choices.

Q: I am interested in learning more about the BILD program. Who do I contact?

A: Contact the Online Learning Director, Anita Young, at ayoung@huntsd.org or at (814) 643-4140 (ext 2118).

Q: Can HASD students switch learning options during the year?

A: Yes, students can move to in-person or online learning throughout the course of the year. Enrollment sessions are held at the start of every school year for current HASD students. The student and parent/guardian must attend an enrollment session in order to enroll in BILD.  If a change is requested during the middle of a marking period, families are expected to present a note from a medical professional indicating this is what is best for the student with any other additional accommodations. 

Q: Can a non-HASD student (cyber charter, in person charter, homeschool, or private school) switch learning options during the year?

A: Yes, non-HASD students can enroll at anytime simply by completing the HASD student enrollment paperwork followed by a meeting with the Online Learning Director, Mrs. Young. Records will then be obtained from a prior school to make the transition smooth to HASD and BILD. 

Q: Will BILD (online) students still be allowed to be involved in HASD sponsored extra-curriculars?

A: Yes, BILD students are still Huntingdon Bearcats and are encouraged to participate in any extra-curricular activities that are offered to our students.

Q: My student graduates this year. Will they still get to walk and graduate with their class and be included in all the events, such as prom and etc.?

A: Yes, BILD students are HASD students and have the same rights and privileges of the students who attend face-to-face. Not only will they walk at graduation, but they will receive a Huntingdon Area High School Diploma just like the students who attended class in-person.

Q: Will my student have set times to be online or will the work be posted and they can get on and do the work at our convenience?

A: Students will have assigned tasks due weekly. While class times are flexible for asynchronous work completion, the requirement is that students complete the assigned tasks within that week for attendance purposes. BILD teachers will have set times for whole group live sessions in Zoom where they offer important direct instruction and can answer questions. It is suggested that students attend these for their learning and attendance requirement. BILD teachers and Learning Coaches will also set up times to meet with students one on one for progress monitoring and additional personalized support. Learning Coach check-in’s are required weekly.

Q: What kind of students are in the BILD program?

A: BILD can create an individualized learning program for every type of student. We educate students who are athletes, want to get a part-time job during the day, have significant health issues, want more room in their schedule for dual enrollment courses, or are simply students who want to learn online.

Q: What learning management system does the BILD program use?

A: BILD students access all of their online course content in Canvas (grades K-12).

Q: Will taking BILD classes cost me money?

A: The BILD program is free to any student who resides in the Huntingdon Area School District.

Q: What is a HYBRID schedule?

A: A hybrid schedule looks different from student to student. Hybrid simply means that the student comes in at some point in person to the HASD or HCCTC buildings. Hybrid learning at the elementary level can mean getting direct instruction face to face in the BILD Classroom or attending in person for student services, recess, specials, lunch, etc.  Hybrid learning at the secondary level can mean a half day of in person classes then leaving early/coming late to do other courses online. Some students come in for 1 in person class or others come in for 5 in person classes. Students also have access to student hours at the Elementary BILD Class or at the Secondary BILD Classroom, some students come in as needed while others come in routinely each week so they may have quicker and easier access to their BILD teachers.

Q: If my student needs to come into school, what transportation is provided?

A: All BILD students have access to their morning and afternoon bus if needed. Mid-day transportation is also available to all BILD students so they can arrive or leave their in person buildings. This allows for more flexibility of hybrid scheduling and access to BILD teachers. Students and Families must request this service by reaching out directly to Mrs. Young, the Online Learning Director.

Q: Can I still attend the Huntingdon County Career and Technology Center if I’m a BILD student?

A: Yes, BILD students can attend the HCCTC.

Q: What is a BILD enrollment session?

A: Enrollment sessions will be held at the start of every school year as well as the start of each new marking period. If you wish to enroll a student in the BILD program, the student and parent must attend an enrollment session. Enrollment sessions are available in person and via Zoom. During this enrollment session, the Online Learning Director will provide more details about the program, the student expectations, the parent/guardian expectations, the attendance policy, etc. At that time the student and family will sign off on the BILD handbook and select their courses, if necessary.

Q: We just moved to the Huntingdon Area School District and would like to enroll our student in the BILD program from the beginning, how do we get started?

A: You will enroll the student through the Huntingdon Area School District at the Central Office. When you submit your district enrollment paperwork, you will share that with them and they will connect you to the Online learning Director to get started.