Parent FAQ

Below is a list of commonly asked questions by the parents of DVHS students. If you have other questions that are not addressed here or on other areas of our website, please reach out to the DVHS webmaster.

Is there a textbook for this online course?

Some courses require online textbooks, while other courses provide content solely online.  It is best to refer to the syllabus or Course Policies for the course to determine how the content will be provided to the student.

Can students work from home?

Students can work from anywhere internet access is provided.  Students can even access Schoology on any computer, tablet, or smartphone.  Many teachers suggest finishing any work that cannot be completed during the class period during the school day at home as “homework.”

Where is the teacher of this course?

Teachers are located in one of three hubs:  Quantico, Virginia; Sembach, Germany; or Okinawa, Japan.  The location of the teacher can be found on the Teacher Introduction & Contact Information page in each course in Schoology.

How do students get assistance with misunderstanding or misconceptions about the content?

After students have read the required material, watched any required videos, and taken notes on the material, students should reach out to their teacher with specific questions.  It is best for students to be very clear and specific in their questions, so teachers can determine the best way to help the student.

We're going on vacation. Can my student have early access to his materials and tests? 

Teachers will open work as needed through the school year.  If the course content is already open, it can be accessed anywhere the student has internet access.  The student should ensure that they know the teacher’s testing policy because most teachers require tests to be taken at school, so early access won’t be available.

How can I, as a parent, help my child?

Parents can ask to see the Assignment Schedule for the course and help ensure all the work is completed by the deadline.  Parents can encourage your children to reach out to the teacher when help is needed. Parents can encourage students to make best use of their class time while at school but finish any work at home that could not be completed at school.  Parents can also remind students to read the Announcements in Schoology, chat messages in Google Chat, email messages, and directions in Schoology and the Assignment Schedule.  Parents should also check grades in Aspen regularly to stay informed of up-to-date progress and grades. 

Should I get a tutor for my child?

Before choosing to get a tutor for your child, please reach out to the teacher for the course. The teacher may want to meet with your child.  Or they may have some suggestions and strategies that can help your child. Ultimately, whether you choose to get a tutor is up to you.  However, keep in mind the teacher is the best resource for the course and knows what material is covered.

How can parents access the course (Schoology)?

Due to contractual issues, only DVHS staff and students enrolled in courses have access to DVHS courses. Parents can view their child’s course by having the student show it to them. 

How does communication (student <-> teacher) occur?

Students and teachers communicate primarily through Google Chat and Gmail. Through Google Chat, students can reach out to teachers and receive quick responses and “real-time” help with assignments. If further instruction is needed, one-on-one Google Meets can be initiated in Chat, as well.

What and when are teacher "office hours"?

Office hours are posted on the Teacher Introduction & Contact Information page in each course in Schoology.  These hours are typically when teachers are available and actively working.  If you contact your teacher during these office hours, you are likely to receive a quick response.  However, keep in mind that teachers may be helping other students, attending meetings, or collaborating with other teachers or staff and so this may delay a response.  Sometimes teachers may adjust their hours to meet the needs of students in different time zones.

When can my child talk to his/her teacher?

Students can reach out to teachers through Google Chat or email at any time.  They may receive an immediate response or delayed response depending on the time.  When reaching out to a teacher, students should be very specific in their question including specific assignment names or the content in order to receive a clear and complete response when the teacher does respond.  If students want to talk with the teacher in a live video call, students can schedule a meeting with the teacher.  Some teachers may have drop-in meetings where the student can log into an online meeting to talk with the teacher at a specific time each week.  Teachers will post their drop-in meeting times in Schoology.

How can my child reach out to the teacher if they are not located in the same time zone?

Teachers at DVHS work at varied times to allow students who are in different time zones to reach out to the teacher synchronously.  These times may be while students are in class or after school hours. Teachers will post their “office hours” in the Teacher Introduction & Contact Information page in their course in Schoology.

Do you expect students to work over breaks?

Students are not expected to work over holidays or breaks.  If a student falls behind, it may be recommended that the student use any break to catch up, if possible.

Do you offer extra credit?

Extra credit is up to teacher discretion.  Before students seek out extra credit, it is highly recommended that the student ensure that all required work is completed and turned in.

If there are technical issues, what should I do or what should the student do? 

In every course, there is a link to the DVHS Tech Help Desk. Students may use this link to submit a help desk ticket and will be contacted by one of the DVHS Education Technologists (ET). While we do have ETs in the Americas, Europe, and the Pacific, we are not able to provide "round the clock" coverage. It is in the student's best interest to first ask for help from their  teacher and/or local facilitator before  submitting in the help desk.  Often they can help resolve questions more quickly.  But if they cannot, our help desk is here to assist you!

Before submitting a ticket, we ask students to complete the following: 

1. Try another browser. Chrome is our first choice, but it is sometimes helpful to try Edge. If the student is using Safari, have them switch to Chrome. Some of our courses do not work well in Safari.
2. Clear the browser cache/history. (Google directions for your browser.)
3. Restart the computer. 

If these steps do not resolve the issue, we ask students to then submit a DVHS help desk ticket. 

Are there software requirements for the course?

Most of our courses do not require specific software beyond what is provided by DoDEA.  A few of our courses may require students to download a software application. Please see the Technical Requirement page on this website for more information. Once enrolled, it is best to contact the teacher for more information on what software applications may be needed for your course.

Are the courses self-paced?

DVHS courses are not self-paced.  Each course will provide an Assignment Schedule for students to follow. This Assignment Schedule will provide students with the work to complete, the order to complete it, and deadlines for the work.  Students may be able choose what to work on while in class at school and at home for homework.  However, students should adhere to the deadlines.