HWDSB is once again offering Elementary Remote Learning (Kindergarten to Grade 8) for the 2024-25 school year.
Families will have the opportunity to commit to Elementary Remote Learning for 2024-25 by completing the ‘Elementary Remote Learning Intent to Register‘ form. Please only complete this form if:
- You want your child to be registered in a remote learning class for the entire 2024-25 school year.
- Your child will be in Kindergarten to Grade 8 next school year.
The form will be available in in Parent Portal on Tuesday, January 30 at noon. The deadline to submit the form is Tuesday, February 6 at 11:59 p.m.
NOTE: By default, students will be considered in-person learners unless the remote learning option is selected on this form. There will be no opportunities to switch between elementary learning models during the school year.
For elementary students currently enrolled in remote learning for 2023-24, families still must complete this form if they wish to remain in remote learning for the 2024-25 school year.
Remote learning in 2024-25 will only be provided in English; French Immersion is only available in person. All families are also asked to indicate if their child needs an HWDSB-provided device (e.g., iPad) to participate in remote learning.
Secondary students, as well as current Grade 8 students, interested in a remote learning option should select eLearning course options. Please see your classroom teacher (elementary) or student services staff (secondary) for information about course selection.
Remote students will be registered at the school hosting the remote learning class, which may differ from their in-catchment home school. For students requesting a move from remote learning (2023-24) to in-person learning (2024-25), the student will return to their home English track school, which may differ from the current remote school placement.
Like in previous years, Elementary Remote Learning will be connected to physical schools as part of a dual-track model. This model allows students to learn remotely while being connected to a physical school. The remote teachers will be members of the school staff and the school principal will also be the remote principal. The start and end times for the remote classroom will be based on the school’s bell times.
There will be a mix of live teaching time and independent work time each day. Students will learn all subjects and curriculum as they would in a physical school. Students will receive the same report cards as in-person school. The remote learning classroom will use MS Teams and the HUB as the platforms to deliver instruction.
Remote learning in 2024-25 will only be provided in English; French Immersion is only available in person. Families will be provided with a device if a student needs a device. Specialized Services support and English as Second Language support will be provided, as needed.
Parent Portal is the first and preferred method to register. Some families, however, may need assistance if they are unable to access Parent Portal.
- Call your school or email using the Elementary School Emails listing if you are unable to access Parent Portal.
- School office staff will input your choice into HWDSB’s student information system if accessing Parent Portal is a barrier.
- Families from the remote learning school can contact the main office for support.
Families are asked to commit to their preferred learning model for the whole 2024-25 school year. There will be no opportunities to switch between elementary learning models during the school year.
If you have difficulty with Parent Portal, it is necessary that you make contact with your child’s school before the end of the school day on Tuesday, February 6.
Parent Portal Instructions
When families enter Parent Portal, they should see a login. Once logged in, select ‘Forms’ on the left.
Once the ‘Forms’ page is loaded, find the ‘Elementary Remote Learning’ form. Families can view and submit the form here.
How is the board providing Elementary Remote Learning in 2024-25?
HWDSB will place remote classrooms in physical schools as it did for previous years. For example, a school may have 15 in-person classes and 5 remote classes. This is called a dual-track model.
What is the “dual-track model”?
The dual-track model means that schools will have some classes that are remote and some classes that are in person. Both remote and in-person students will be part of the school. Elementary Remote Learning classes are part of schools, these are dedicated remote learning classes and distinct from in-person classes.
What grades are being offered in the dual-track model?
All elementary grades from Kindergarten through Grade 8 will be offered through this model. Remote learning in 2024-25 will only be provided in English; French Immersion is only available in person.
Will all schools offer the dual-track model?
All elementary students can commit to the Elementary Remote Learning program. The location of the specific classes will depend on factors such as total enrolment, staffing, and physical space in the school. We cannot guarantee the location of a particular class at this point in time.
When is the deadline to submit the form?
The form will be available in in Parent Portal on Tuesday, January 30 at noon. The deadline to submit the form is Tuesday, February 6 at 11:59 p.m.
Why does HWDSB want a year’s commitment to remote learning?
Creating stable classes is important for student learning and well-being. We are asking for a commitment to limit disruptions to student learning caused by the movement of students between remote and in-person.
Why is the HWDSB asking for a commitment to remote learning now?
Having staff in place to start the school year is an important part of ensuring stability for student learning and well-being. It takes considerable time to work through the various steps required to have appropriate staffing in place before the school year starts.
Will there be any transition opportunities to move back and forth?
By default, all students will be considered in-person learners unless the remote learning option is selected on this form. Families are asked to commit to their preferred learning model for the whole 2024-25 school year. There will be no opportunities to switch between elementary learning models during the school year.
What subjects are being taught in remote learning?
All subjects in the Ontario Curriculum will be taught over the course of the school year. Remote learning in 2024-25 will only be provided in English; French Immersion is only available in person.
Will students in remote learning receive a report card?
Students in a remote learning classroom will receive the same progress and report cards as other in-person students.
My child has an Individual Education Plan (IEP), how will that be monitored?
The school, through the principal and learning resource teacher, will follow IEP processes the same as if the student was in-person.
Is there a French Immersion option for remote learning?
Elementary Remote Learning will only be offered in English. French Immersion programming is offered in person.
What technology platforms will be used?
Remote learning classes will use the HUB and MS Teams, the same platforms in use this year.
Do I need an HWDSB device to access remote learning?
No. You are welcome to use any personal digital device that can access MS Teams and the HUB learning platform.
What if a student does not have a device at home that they can use?
HWDSB will provide students with a device if it is required to access remote learning. The request for this device is part of the Parent Portal form.
What happens if a choice for the Elementary Remote Learning option is not indicated?
Families who are interested in sending their child to the elementary learning program must complete the registration in the Parent Portal. All families are defaulted to in-person learning unless a choice is indicated.
If you did not find the answer you were looking for, please email [email protected] with “Elementary Remote Learning” in the subject line.
Updated on Monday, January 29, 2024.