New deadlines for opting in/out of learning models

Limestone Learning Foundation
New deadlines for opting in/out of learning models
Posted on 10/16/2020
Image of signs pointing in opposite direction indicating opting in or opting out

This school year, students and families in the Limestone District School Board have the option of choosing to opt in or opt out of in-person or virtual school to accommodate their individual needs and circumstances.

Families were required to express their interest in changing from one model of learning to another as early as possible to ensure the board could adhere to staff collective agreements and class sizes set by the Ministry of Education.

As shared previously, the board will accommodate moves between models of learning if there is available space in the class/school. It should be noted that that we are prepared to transition students to online learning (not Virtual School) should a class or school be required to close or self-isolate for a period of time due to COVID-19.

At the elementary level, the board conducted a reorganization in late September to adequately staff our in-school and virtual classrooms. Since then, we have had additional families express an interest to move their students from in-person school to the LDSB Virtual School. Currently, some students remain on a wait list for the virtual school. In other cases, families have opted to return to the classroom.

Elementary students: Elementary families who wish to move students from in-person to remote learning or remote learning to in-person learning, must provide notice by October 29, 2020 at 3 p.m. To do this, families must contact their student’s home school. Once numbers are known, staffing will be arranged with class start up scheduled for the week of November 9, 2020.

While efforts will be made to accommodate requests for a change, families should expect that they might need to be wait-listed if they change their minds due to capacity challenges at their current school. Families who are currently on the wait list will be accommodated first. While we will endeavour to make another formal opportunity to move between learning models, it is important that families understand we cannot guarantee another opportunity to switch between modes of learning later this school year. If we can do so, it would occur mid-winter.

Secondary students: Secondary students will begin Block 3 classes on November 12, 2020. Students wishing to move from remote learning to in-class learning, or vice versa, for Block 3 should notify their home school’s Student Services Department anytime between October 26 and November 5, 2020 at 3 p.m. Students cannot move mid-block.

The board appreciates everyone’s patience and understanding as we work through these changes because of COVID-19. As indicated, we also want to assure families and students that we are prepared to transition students to online learning (not Virtual School) should a class or school be required to close or self-isolate for a period of time due to COVID-19.


 

 

The Limestone District School Board is situated on traditional territories of the Anishinaabe & Haudenosaunee.