Catholic board saw 130 elementary students switch to virtual school, 40 switch to in-school
Switches in learning models are underway in both the Upper Grand District School Board and the Wellington Catholic District School Board.
Families with students in the UGDSB who want to change their mode of learning must complete an Intent to Change Survey next week between Oct. 14 and Oct. 21. The survey will be available on Oct. 14.
For elementary school students in the UGDSB, the first day of classes in their new mode of learning will take place on Nov. 30. for which they can choose to switch to synchronous remote learning, asynchronous remote learning or in-person school learning.
For secondary school students in the UGDSB, the first day of classes in their new mode of learning will take place at the start of quadmester 2 on Nov. 16 for which they can either switch to remote learning or in-person learning.
Elementary students in the WCDSB are currently undergoing the transition between learning models after a crossover survey was conducted two weeks ago.
“We had approximately 130 students select virtual school and just over 40 students switch to in-person learning,” said Mike Glazier, director of education at the WCDSB.
A crossover survey for secondary schools in the WCDSB was published on Friday and will close on Thursday at noon.
“We are requesting this information now as any changes to enrollment in our schools, either in-person or virtual, can impact course offerings, scheduling and staffing,” said Glazier.
He said once the data is collected, they can begin to make changes for the start of quadmester 2 on Nov. 16.
Glazier said the surveys did not collect information on why students are switching between learning models.
“We know each family and student has their own set of circumstances which will impact their decisions. Regardless of the model, our staff are committed to supporting student learning under these new and unique conditions,” said Glazier.
“The next cross over survey is tentatively scheduled for the end of January which coincides with the end of the second quadmester in our secondary schools. It also is the end of the first term in elementary school.”
