Reminder – Voluntary Online Learning During Inclement Weather Days

Dear Parents/Guardians,

Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, we learned a great deal about the use of technology to engage students in meaningful learning at home.  Although it is no substitute for classroom learning, online instruction can be useful in circumstances when students cannot be at school, including inclement weather days.

At the St. Clair Catholic District School Board, on days when buses are cancelled for the day due to inclement weather, teachers will be available to support learning and supervise students who arrive at school.  For those students who are unable to attend class on these days, teachers will provide asynchronous learning through their Learning Management System (e.g. Google Classroom).  New curriculum will not be taught; however, learning will reinforce objectives previously taught in class.  Teachers will also provide feedback to any student whose work has been submitted over the course of the inclement weather day.  This online learning is voluntary and available to students and families who wish to participate.

If the school is closed for the day due to inclement weather, staff will work remotely from home and will provide asynchronous learning through the Learning Management System.  New curriculum will not be taught; however, teachers will be available to provide feedback to any student who has submitted work throughout the day during school hours.  Again, this is voluntary learning, available to students and families who wish to participate.

These new measures will help to combat learning loss that can occur, especially during times when frequent snow and ice storms disrupt student transportation.   We believe these new strategies will make it possible for all students to continue in their studies from the comfort and safety of their homes, when wintry weather makes travel dangerous.

Sincerely,

Scott Johnson
Director of Education