New Westminster families who started the year with remote learning have until Oct. 6 to return to the classroom this term if they so choose.
This year, the school district expanded its remote learning options for families in light of the COVID-19 pandemic – including a new online learning program for kindergarten to Grade 8 students.
Maryam Naser, the school district’s associate superintendent, noted at the Sept. 29 school board meeting that the number of students choosing that option has been fluid, as families have moved both in and out of the program since classes began.
As of Sept. 15, when Naser made a presentation at the school board’s education committee meeting, there were 491 students registered in the online K-8 program.
The district has sent all registered families in the elementary-aged online learning a transfer form that will allow their child to opt back in to in-class learning at their home school, if they want to make that choice.
To make an immediate return to class for this term, families need to return that form by Oct. 6. To have their child back in class in the new term starting in January, families must return the form by Dec. 11.
Whether a family chooses to return to in-class instruction or not, Naser noted the district is keeping all students connected to their home schools as registered off-site students.
Students who have worked with support staff – such as counsellors and resource teachers – at their home schools are continuing to receive support from those same staff members while learning remotely.
