Peel board to re-start teacher-directed instruction on April 6, 2020

Dear Peel District School Board Families,

As you know from previous communication, we are busy developing new ways to deliver curriculum, as well as ways to provide equitable access to learning and support, in anticipation of a Ministry of Education announcement that will extend school closures. We expect the announcement to be made early this week, but do not know until when the closure will be extended.

To support the learning needs of all students, we are planning to re-start teacher-directed instruction on April 6, 2020. We appreciate that we may experience some turbulence upon take-off, but we hope to be able to reach and support every learner in the days ahead.

We are currently finalizing A Community of Care: Peel District School Board’s Learning and Support Plan, and look forward to sharing it with staff, students and families by the end of this week. Thank you for your ongoing patience as we work to create a comprehensive and equitable plan to ensure all learners’ needs are met.

The Our Community of Care Plan will include:

information on how we will deliver instruction in kindergarten to grade 12, as well as through Adult & Continuing Education programming

supports for students with Special Education needs and English Language Learners

ways to ensure equity of access to devices and Wi-Fi

mental health and community supports

online learning resources and more

We are working to ensure that our use of online learning environments will not widen the divide between privileged and underserved students, and that alternate learning strategies will be available. In addition, we’re working to ensure equity of access to technology. Your child/teen’s teacher will reach out to you in the next day or so—by email or phone—to determine your family’s technology needs. We appreciate your cooperation in providing this information to us.

Between now and April 6, students and families can continue to access online resources for independent, self-directed learning on our website . We hope you find these helpful. You can also continue to check our online FAQ​ and www.peelschools.org/coronavirus for the most up-to-date information.

Please take care of yourselves and each other, and stay healthy. I will be in touch again soon.

Peter Joshua

Director of Education