Province Wide Shutdown - OCDSB Schools Pivot to Remote Learning January 4th

Province Wide Shutdown - OCDSB Schools Pivot to Remote Learning January 4th
Posted on 01/04/2021
Province Wide Shutdown - OCDSB Schools Pivot to Remote Learning January 4th

infoUpdate: On Monday, February 1st in-person learning will resume for OCDSB elementary and secondary school students. Learn more.


TThe Government of Ontario announced a province-wide shutdown to stop the spread of COVID-19. This affects schools and students will not return to school in person on January 4th as planned.

The OCDSB has been  planning for this possibility and all OCDSB elementary and secondary in person schools will shift to teacher-led remote learning after the winter break. Students attending OCV will continue with their usual schedule beginning January 4th.

The following is an overview of what to expect in January:

Elementary Schools: 

  • Remote learning will occur from Monday, January 4th to Friday January 22nd, 2021. Learn more.
  • During the remote learning period, the school timetable will be followed (start and end time, as well as school established nutrition breaks and recesses).
  • Each day, learning for students will be scheduled based on the daily Ministry requirements for learning using both synchronous  and asynchronous teaching and learning: 
  • Kindergarten students  - 180 mins of synchronous learning opportunities (120 mins asynchronous) a day during the regularly scheduled class time
  • Grade 1-8 students-  225 minutes synchronous learning opportunities (75 minutes asynchronous) a day during the regularly scheduled class time.
  • Daily attendance will be taken by teachers.
  • Monday, January 4th is a transition day,  and the regular school day schedule will not be followed. The focus of Monday, January 4th will be supporting the transition to remote learning; teachers will share Instructions to access the Google Classroom or Virtual Learning Environment (VLE), verify email addresses, ensure the homeroom/class timetable for students is posted in the Google Classroom/VLE, provide reminders about COVID-19 safety practices, and reach out to families who may need access to a device. Much of the focus of January 4th will be on asynchronous instruction, and teachers will provide additional information about scheduled synchronized learning opportunities for that day.
  • Parents can expect an email from their child’s teacher on or before January 4th, 2021.
  • In-person learning is scheduled to resume on January 25, 2021, subject to provincial direction and health guidelines.

Secondary:

  • Remote learning will occur from Monday, January 4th to Friday, January, 29th, 2021. This will include Adult High School, Safe Schools classrooms and Alternate programs.
  • The daily schedule will be modified for the period of the closure to allow:
  • both cohorts (A and B) to learn together 
  • both courses to be taught each day, and
  • students will have two 112.5 minute blocks of instruction daily.
  • Daily attendance will be taken.
  • Students, parents and guardians can expect an email from the school on or before January 4th with more detailed information about the schedule and transition, including information for those who require access to a device.
  • This will include Adult High School, Safe Schools classrooms and Alternate programs. On Monday, January 4th students should check the Google Classroom or Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) for updates from the teacher and prepare for remote learning.
  • In-person classes are scheduled at this time to resume the week of February 1, 2021, subject to provincial direction and health guidelines.  

Preparing for Remote Learning & Using Remote Learning Technology

Students can prepare for remote learning by practicing signing in to the Google Classroom, and learning more about how to access the Google Classroom. To support students and families, our website has an extensive list of remote learning technology resources with videos and step-by-step instructions.

Transportation

There will be no school bus transportation during the remote learning period except for students enrolled in specialized program classes who use small vehicle transportation. Every effort will be made to ensure that small vehicle transportation will be available for in-person learners in fully self-contained specialized programs K-12 classes beginning January 7, 2021. OSTA has posted information on their website.


Students Enrolled in Special Education Program Classes

  • Students with special education needs will continue to be supported by their classroom teacher during this period.
  • Students enrolled in specialized program classes have been learning on a blended model and this will continue. On January 4th, 5th and 6th, students in these classes will do remote learning.  
  • The OCDSB remains committed to ensuring that the students with special education will be engaged in remote learning with appropriate support(s). In person learning will be available to students enrolled in specialized program classes beginning on January 7th. Teachers will contact families to discuss needs. Families may choose in person or remote learning based on needs as determined through discussion between the teacher and the family.
  • This does not include secondary students on credit pathways (e.g., gifted, learning disability, ASD secondary credit support, physical support, behaviour intervention program) who will pivot to remote learning as per their timetable, effective January 4, 2021.
  • Parents and guardians of students enrolled in specialized program classes can expect additional information from the classroom teacher on or before January 4, 2021.

Students Enrolled in English Literacy Development (ELD) and ESL

  • Elementary and Secondary students enrolled in English Literacy Development classes will be learning remotely for the closure period. 
  • Students accessing English as a Second Language programs and supports will continue to be supported by their classroom teachers remotely.

Child care and extended day programs

  • OCDSB Extended Day Programs will not be operating between January 4-22. In addition, full day care for the PD Day scheduled for January 22nd will not be offered and families who have already registered for this optional full day of care will not be charged fees for this day.
  • Infant, toddler and preschool programs operated by third-party providers will be open during the week of January 4-8th and beyond.
  • OCDSB Infant Toddler Preschool programs will be open during the week of January 4-8th and beyond.
  • Early ON and Family Centres will transition to providing virtual activities  for the duration of the province wide shutdown.
  • For essential workers: To support the parents of school-aged children who may not be able to support their child’s learning/care at home during the weeks when elementary schools are operating virtually, the Ministry of Education is implementing a targeted emergency child care (ECC) program for school-aged children, at no cost to eligible parents. ECC is available at:
  • Carleton Heights Public School (Andrew Fleck Children's Services)
  • Charles H. Hulse Public School (Andrew Fleck Children's Services)
  • Lady Evelyn Alternative (Rainbow Kid/Carleton Preschool)
  • Pleasant Park Public School (Aladin Childcare Services)
  • Queen Mary Public School (Andrew Fleck Children's Services)
  • Stittsville Public School (Andrew Fleck Children's Services)

Parents can contact the provider directly to inquire about eligibility.

Continuing Education

  • The Continuing Education office will be closed to the public and have limited access for designated staff.
  • ESL, LINC, and Literacy & Basic Skills: In-person ESL, LINC and Literacy and Basic Skills classes will shift to online classes after the winter break. Students attending online only classes will continue with their usual schedule beginning January 4th.
  • International & Indigenous Languages: Virtual International and Indigenous Language Classes will continue online as planned during the shutdown.
School Buildings and Administrative Offices
  • Access to schools and administration buildings is restricted.
  • OCDSB Administration Buildings remain closed to the public and have limited access for designated staff.
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