Returning to school after the holiday break definitely looks different this year for Hastings Prince Edward District School Board (HPEDSB). With COVID numbers climbing higher each day HPEDSB has postponed in-person teaching and learning for elementary students during the week of Jan. 4, 2021 and secondary schools during the weeks of Jan. 4, 11 and 18, 2021.

Students who attend virtual schools will have no change as their learning will be the same as before the holidays however students that were attending classes in person were placed into a virtual classroom with their fellow classmates and their teacher.

After two days of preparation, remote learning was expected to start for most students in earnest on Wednesday.

HPEDSB elementary schools have planned to re-open as usual on Jan. 11 and secondary schools re-opening as usual on Jan. 25. HPEDSB are aware this information may change if the Ministry of Education provides new details this week and Board spokesperson Kerry Donnell confirmed to the Gazette that HPEDSB are prepared to continue with online learning if the province deems it necessary to keep the schools closed as a measure to combat escalating COVID-19 case volume.

“There are many questions about remote learning,” said Director of Education for HPEDSB Sean Monteith in a letter to students and parents. “Significant planning is underway to provide technology for our families who require it, as well as to navigate challenges around broadband and Wi-Fi access for all students and staff to be able to learn and teach from home. I also acknowledge another aspect which is supporting students with special needs across this large district. Members of my administration and I are working to ensure these questions, and with them, the uncertainty of parents, students and staff, are addressed. Given the timing of this being a holiday break and the direction provided by the Ministry of Education, I feel it is important to acknowledge upfront that the first day or two of school will not look conventional or traditional, as it normally would.”

The plan for elementary students and families with HPEDSB include the following:

• Students will learn remotely, meaning online from home for one week, taught by their normal teacher/early childhood educator, through a combination of synchronous and asynchronous approaches.
• This learning will take place in a variety of ways, such as through previously assigned work or new work, using the classroom teacher’s regular communication platforms (e.g., Google or D2L), based on students’ age and grade.
• The transition to remote learning will take place over two days, Monday, January 4 and Tuesday, January 5, 2021, with online classes scheduled to begin Wednesday, January 6, 2021.
• All homeroom teachers will contact families to make a personal connection, explain what to expect and how to access learning throughout the week.
• Educators will use their professional judgement in providing flexibility to students on an individual basis when students are unable to participate in synchronous learning.
• The school day will follow the regular daily schedule and subjects by block.
• Teachers will support students and families who are unable to access virtual learning synchronously and asynchronously.
• Daily attendance and a welcome discussion will occur synchronously to start each day.
• A reasonable timeframe for synchronous learning in Kindergarten is 100 minutes each day and in Grade 1-8 is 150 minutes each day during the three days of remote learning.
• Literacy and math will be be part of daily synchronous instruction.

Synchronous learning is learning that happens in real time, online. Synchronous online learning involves using text, video or voice communication in a way that enables educators to instruct and connect with students in real time. Synchronous learning is interactive and engaging, It helps teachers provide immediate feedback to students and enables students to interact with one another.

Asynchronous learning is learning that is not delivered in real time. Asynchronous learning ma involve students watching pre-recorded video lessons, completing assigned tasks or contributing to online discussion boards.

The Plan for secondary students and families include the following:

• Students will learn remotely, meaning online from home for three weeks, taught by their normal teachers, through a combination of synchronous and asynchronous approaches.
• This learning will take place in a variety of ways, such as through previously assigned work or new work, using the classroom teacher’s regular communication platforms (e.g., Google or D2L), based on students’ age and grade.
• Educators will use their professional judgement in providing flexibility to students on an individual basis when students are unable to participate in synchronous learning.
• Teachers will contact students to explain what to expect and provide direction for continued learning in Octomester/Block D.
• Students may receive up to 75 minutes of asynchronous learning, with teacher support available during that time.
• The regular school day schedule will be followed, with breaks and lunch the same as before the holiday break.

For students with special need, HPEDSB remain committed to their focus on ensuring equity of access to learning opportunities for students in self-contained classrooms . What this means for students and families includes:

• School teams will ensure plans are in place to support students with special education needs
• Education workers and school board professionals will be available to support remote learning
• Students with special education needs who cannot be accommodated through remote learning based on student needs will be supported on a case-by-case basis
• Beginning Monday, January 4, 2021, secondary school administrators and learning support teachers will contact parents/guardians of students in regional programs to discuss options for students who may not be able to participate in remote learning due to the student’s individual learning profile

For mental health supports and services students will continue to have remote access through school based child and youth workers (elementary) and social workers (secondary), and community partners.

• Child and youth workers, and social workers are available to support students/families, and participate in school team meetings as required
• Mental health resources:
  • Kids Help Phone offers 24/7 FREE counselling and referral services across the province, children can call 1-800-668-6868, or text CONNECT to 686868
  • School Mental Health Ontario has numerous resources for students, parents/guardians online

“Families and students can be assured their teachers and schools will be reaching out to them on the first days of school to establish virtual contact, as we assess our ability to meet everyone’s needs,” expressed Director Monteith. “All of us at the HPEDSB are committed to serving and supporting our students in doing the very best we can during these times. It is perhaps appropriate to acknowledge as well, that there is nothing convenient or predictable about this situation; however, we have been through these challenges during this past year and are better positioned now to respond than we ever have been before. In closing, I strongly encourage families, staff and students to continue to monitor developments and direction as it becomes available through media, social media and school communication channels. And perhaps most importantly I want to wish all of you a happy new year, one full of hope, promise and better days ahead.”

To find out if any devices such as chromebooks and/or WI-FI devices are available for use at home please contact your child’s school.

To find your child’s school please visit www.hpedsb.on.ca/community-families/find-a-school/hpe-schools

To visit the School Mental Health Ontario website please visit www.smho-smso.ca

For more information please visit HPEDSB’s website www.hpedsb.on.ca