Remote Learning @Lancaster
April 2021
Lancaster Learning at Home
These aren't the circumstances that we were all hoping for, however, we will once again support one another and do our very best for the students and families we serve. We have always put wellness first, and we will continue to put our emphasis here.
Staff will be in touch with families/students on Monday April 19th with plans for asynchronous activities and moving into a combination of synchronous and asynchronous learning for students by Tuesday/Wednesday, as directed by the Ministry of Education. Lancaster staff began preparations for the pivot to remote learning before the break. School devices went home April 9th with those students who indicated they required a device. If your circumstances have changed and you require technology to access learning, please use the google form link below. If you have other inquiries please email us at lancd@limestone.on.ca and we will be happy to help you.
We understand that the pivot to remote learning is both challenging and difficult for students and families. We also know that virtual learning is not ideal for all learners. We are here to assist you and believe that together, we’ll work through this process. If you require any support throughout remote learning, please don’t hesitate to contact your child’s teacher. We truly appreciate everyone’s patience, support and perseverance as we once again make this transition.
Please lean on each other and your school community - we really are in this together. We look forward to seeing everyone online, and eventually in person.
Ms. Fox, Ms. O'Hearn and your Lancaster Team
Frequently Asked Questions
What should we expect on Monday, April 19th 2021?
- Lancaster staff will meet virtually on Monday morning to finalize details regarding our transition to our remote learning plan.
- Educators will contact all students/families to verify that LDSB student logins work from home and that students can access virtual platforms (Google Classroom or Microsoft Teams).
- Educators will post asynchronous learning tasks for students to access and will provide a schedule for the week that will incorporate asynchronous and synchronous learning periods.
- Planning time subject teachers will coordinate with homeroom teachers to develop the schedule for the week and to share access to learning links from the homeroom platform.
- If you have any additional questions or requests, please contact your child's teacher or the office.
- More information about the LDSB pivot to remote learning can be found HERE.
How do I borrow a device from the school?
- Devices went home on Friday, April 9th for those who responded using our Google Form.
- If you now require a device for a student in your home, please fill out the form as soon as possible and also notify your child’s classroom teacher of this request when they contact families on Monday.
- Connection instructions and IT support information is linked below for easy access. How to Connect with a Chromebook; How to Set Up an iPad; Fair Notice Agreement
What if I don't hear from my child's teacher?
What If My Child is Not Going to Be Participating in Remote Learning an a Given Day?
1. Toll-free telephone
- Call 1-855-257-9349 toll-free to report an absence using the automated phone system.
2. School Messenger App
- Use your mobile device to download and install the free SchoolMessenger blue app from the Apple App Store or the Google Play Store, the SchoolMessenger website portal, or from within the LDSB mobile app.
- The first time you use the app, you must select Sign Up to create your account. Please ensure you use the same email address your student’s school has on file. If you do not use that same email address, you will not be able to create an account, or may not be able to see the "Attendance" option. You may have already created an account when we introduced the Communicate broadcast system.
- Select Attendance, then select Report an Absence and follow the prompts.
- Visit the SchoolMessenger website portal.
- The first time you use the app, you must select Sign Up to create your account. Please ensure you use the same email address your student’s school has on file. If you do not use that same email address, you will not be able to create an account, or may not be able to see the "Attendance" option. You may have already created an account when we introduced the Communicate broadcast system.
- Select Attendance, then Report an Absence and follow the prompts.
How Can I Best Stay Informed?
I've Heard there is Asymptomatic Covid Testing for Students Available?
ALERTS ASYMPTOMATIC COVID TESTING AVAILABLE TO STUDENTS
Students are invited to participate in voluntary asymptomatic testing (no symptoms) for COVID-19 during designated times. Families must book appointments for students using the assessment centre’s existing booking process (online or by telephone). Walk-ins are not permitted. Parent/guardian consent is required for testing of students under the age of 18. This testing is only for students, staff and bus drivers who DO NOT have COVID-19 symptoms. Anyone with symptoms of COVID-19 must self-isolate and get tested for COVID-19 at a Community Assessment Centre.
Learn more at https://bit.ly/LDSBAsymptomaticTesting
Mental Health Supports
FOOD SHARE PROGRAM
We continue to get support from the Food Share program. If your family is struggling, please reach out to the school and we will connect you with support from our local Food Share Program for bi-weekly deliveries to your home.
ONLINE RESOURCES
Kids Help Phone – Children and youth can contact Kids Help Phone 24/7 from anywhere in Canada, via phone, text or online chat.
Wellness Together Canada: Mental Health and Substance Use Support – Provides free online resources, tools, apps and connections to trained volunteers and qualified mental health professionals when needed
Anxiety Canada - Free online, self-help, and evidence-based resources on anxiety, including resources specific to COVD-19.
Government Support for Learners
The new COVID-19 Child Benefit announced in the 2021 Ontario Budget will provide direct payments to families and students to help with additional costs during the COVID-19 pandemic.
If you received a payment through the Support for Learners program, you do not need to apply. Starting on April 26, 2021, we will begin issuing additional payments of:
- $400 for each child or youth up to Grade 12
- $500 for each child or youth up to age 21 with special needs
If you missed applying for the Support for Learners program, you will have the opportunity to apply for this new round of payment. Applications will open from May 3, 2021 to May 17, 2021.Learn more on the government’s Support for Learners webpage liked below.
This Week @ Lancaster
April 12th -Ramadan Begins and continues until May 11th
April 14th -International Day of Pink & Vaisakhi
April 15th -Yom-Ha 'Atzma'ut
April 19th - Return to Learning - staff will be reaching out to students/families
April 20th -First Day of Ridvan
April 22nd -Earth Day - Wear Green and Blue!
April 23rd - PJ Day!
April 28th -National Day of Mourning: A day to remember and honour those lives lost or injured due to a workplace tragedy.
April 30th- Good Friday Orthodox