Circle App Demo
In this video I give you a short demonstration of the Circle app, which we’ll be using for the Faith Formation Program this year. Below is an FAQ with some questions you’re likely to have.
You may not need to watch the video, but it’s there for those who may get stuck, or have less familiarity with apps like these. But the FAQ below includes some important information that will be helpful if you decide to bypass the video.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Here are the answers to some of the most likely questions you’ll have, all covered in the video.
1. What is the Circle app, and why are we using it?
Answer: Circle is the private online community we are using specifically for the Faith Formation program. It gives parents and students one place to find announcements, calendar information, grade-specific resources, supplemental lessons, discussions, and other materials connected to what students are learning. Think of it as the communication and enrichment layer of the Faith Formation program rather than the main curriculum.
Video: 4:12–5:17
2. Does Circle replace My Catholic Faith Delivered?
Answer: No. Students will continue completing their regular weekly chapter work through My Catholic Faith Delivered. Circle will be used for additional lessons, resources, discussions, occasional assignments, and major chapter or unit tests.
Video: 3:28–4:12 and 11:45–12:18
3. How do I log in, and which email address should I use?
Answer: Use the same email address you used when registering your child for Faith Formation—the address that received your Circle invitation. Circle will send a security code to your email when you log in. If you log out or use a different device, Circle may send you a new code.
Video: 0:41–1:26
4. Should my child have the Circle app too?
Answer: If your child has a smartphone or tablet, especially in Grades 6–8, we strongly encourage you to install Circle on their device as well as your own. Parent and child can use the same login information that was emailed to you. Circle can also be accessed from a computer through the Faith Formation Circle website.
Video: 9:09–10:00 and 17:26–18:19
5. Can my child see or interact with students from other grades?
Answer: No. Students only have access to the grade-level materials for the class in which they are registered. Posts, lessons, resources, and class discussions are restricted by grade.
Video: 1:26–2:10, 5:39–5:59, and 14:15–14:36
6. Can students privately message each other or their catechist?
Answer: No. Private messaging is disabled. Students cannot direct-message other students or their catechist, and catechists cannot privately message students through Circle. Class comments and discussions are visible to the appropriate class, including the catechist and parents. The goal is for communication to function much like an open classroom.
Video: 7:46–8:51 and 14:15–15:00
7. Is everything in Circle optional, or will students be graded on it?
Answer: It depends on the item. Some Circle content will be optional enrichment, while other lessons, quizzes, tests, or audio/video activities may be assigned and graded for participation. Students are expected to engage with Circle periodically, and their level of participation will be considered as part of their Faith Formation grade. When something is required, the catechist will tell you.
Video: 5:59–7:18 and 15:47–16:34
8. What kind of things will students find in Circle?
Answer: Content can include short podcasts, videos, pictures, discussion questions, quizzes, supplemental lessons, interesting facts, chapter resources, and other material designed to help students connect what they are learning with their everyday lives. Some major chapter or unit tests will also be completed through Circle.
Video: 7:18–7:46, 11:03–12:18, and 12:30–14:15
9. Do I need to RSVP to the events listed in Circle?
Answer: Usually, no. Circle automatically displays an RSVP option for calendar events, but parents do not need to RSVP for normal Faith Formation sessions. The calendar items are there for your reference and convenience. If there is a particular event for which we actually need an RSVP, we will specifically tell you by email or text.
Video: 2:10–3:28
10. Should I leave Circle notifications turned on?
Answer: We recommend leaving notifications on at first. We do not expect Circle notifications to be especially frequent, and they can help you avoid missing an assignment, announcement, or new resource. Try them for a few weeks and decide afterward whether you want to turn them off.
Video: 16:34–17:26