Hamilton public school board releases details about classes in September

Hamilton-Wentworth District School Board (HWDSB) has released its plans for remote learning and schoolingthis September.

The province asked that high schools have a quadmester (a school year with four quarters) and elementary schools offerremote learning,

The changescome after a shaky school year that has forced school boards, staff, students and families to jump between in-person learning and remote learning.

Elementary students have live teaching and solo work

HWDSB elementary school students will have a mix of live teaching and independent work time. Students will also be attached to a physical school. The teachers and principal for students learning remotely would be from the physical school they're connected to.

The board said students will cover all subjects like they would inside a school and will receive the same report card. Remote learners will use Microsoft (MS) Teams and the HUB as their platforms, and families can receive a device if needed.

HWDSB said it will still providespecialized services support and English as a second language support.

French Immersion, Mandarinand Mohawk language programming may be offered based on enrolment and staffing, the board said.

Families can choose remote learning from 9 a.m. Thursday to June 1, at 11:59 p.m., via the Parent Portal.

"We appreciate that making this decision may be difficult for families given the current health situation in Ontario," read a message to families from HWDSB director MannyFigueiredoabout elementary schools on Tuesday.

"We are asking families to commit to remote learning for the entire 2021-22 school year, but there will be an opportunity to transition to in-person learning early in early October. Depending on Ministry of Education directions, there might be another opportunity later in the school year."

Those who can't use the Parent Portal, which was previously marred with issues, can call or email their school.

The board said families will receive registration information for the next school year by June 30.

High school students will have a quadmester

HWDSB high school students will have their school year decided into four sections, with each quarter havingtwo in-person classes.

"This allows for more in-person learning with two classes at 150 minutes of instructional time for a total of 300 minutes of in-person learning every day," read a message to families on Wednesday.

"This means students will take 2 courses at a time, rather than 4 courses."

School bell times and transportation services are unchanged. There will also be a lunch break between the two periods.

HWDSB said timetabling will be used to support cohorts and limit student contact if needed.

Remote learning will be offered through eLEarning courses.

The board said it is waiting for details about public health measures and if they have to start the year with students attending every other day in two cohorts.

"We know this change in learning model is an adjustment for our staff and students. We will share more information with families as we learn more and once plans are finalized," read the message to families.

The board said it is "encouraged" that people aged to 17 will be able to get vaccinated soon.

"Vaccines for secondary students is another enhanced public health measure to combat the spread of COVID-19 in our schools," read the notice.

There have been six school-related COVID-19 cases at HWDSB since May according to the school board website.

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