Students will need to wait for specific times to transfer between in-person, online learning: YRDSB

Families will receive information Sept. 14 on how to transfer

Yorkregion.com
Sept. 9, 2020
Dina Al-Shibeeb

In an online letter addressing students and their families, York Region District School Board on Sep. 8 explained how schools have confirmed spaces for students who want to go virtual and others who are staying home.

With many parents asking about details on transferring from one stream to another, especially from in-person to online amid fears of a COVID-19 second wave, YRDSB said, "at this time, no further transfers between the different models will occur.

"Students and families requesting a transition between the online learning option and face-to-face option may be required to wait for specific entry points."

YRDSB said secondary students will need to wait until the end of the first semester, which falls on Jan. 29.

Elementary students and their families will have to wait until the end of each reporting period, the first of which is the progress report card in late October or early November.

Families will receive information on Sep. 14 on how to request a transfer.

YRDSB cautioned that transfers will be dependent upon space and program availability.

"We appreciate this may be disappointing for some families, however, we’ve based our reopening strategy on a balance of health and safety, as well as teaching and learning benefits," it said. "We are confident that each learning model that YRDSB students will participate in this year will be both safe and engaging."

The board also said YRDSB staff members are in the process of confirming cohorts, calendars and timetables.

"To support learning this year, students will become familiar with and access a number of digital resources and tools."