When schools close due to inclement weather or a community emergency, student learning is disrupted. In recent years, the schools in Pincher Creek and Lundbreck have found that even when schools remain open during bad weather days, attendance drops to between 25 and 30%.
In the spring of 2023, parents of students at Matthew Halton High School, Canyon School, and Livingstone School were surveyed about interest in addressing continued learning during school closures. Of the parent responses, the overwhelming majority were in favor of a plan that would mitigate some of the learning disruptions that happen due to inclement weather or school closures.
The Emergency School Closure Continued Learning Pilot Program has been developed across the three schools, in conjunction with Livingstone Range School Division senior administration. The goal is to increase student engagement and maintain educational momentum amid disruptions due to weather or community emergencies.
We anticipate piloting this program for the 2023-2024 and 2024-2025 school year. We will gather data and report back to our parents and school community at the end of the two years.
We understand that this pilot program may not work for all families, but hope that it will prove effective for overall student learning and engagement. Please speak with your school principal if you have specific questions or concerns about the program.
Where there is a Division-wide school closure, this Pilot Program will not apply.
Day 1 of Closure: Asynchronous Learning
Students complete provided learning or school activities atvtheir own time & schedule. Participation is required. If unable to participate or complete learning, email the teacher for excused absence.
- Early Learning: No assigned work
- Kindergarten-Grade 6: Paper work packets may be sent home in advance. Online learning options available. Focus on English Language Arts, Math, Social Studies, Science.
- Grade 7-12: By 10am teachers will post work on Google Classroom or Hapara for all classes. Students work independently.
Day 2 of Closure: Synchronous Learning
On consecutive days of closure, teachers should provide online opportunities to check in with students. Participation is required. If unable to participate or complete learning, email the teacher for excused absence.
- Early Learning: No assigned work
- Kindergarten-Grade 6: Scheduled virtual check-ins with teacher may be required. Activities and continued learning for enrichment and review. May include offline work time.
- Grade 7-12: Synchronous online learning options may be available. By 10am teachers will post work on Google Classroom or Hapara for all classes. Teachers should provide virtual office hours/ availability for students to receive additional support and instruction. Students work independently but can reach out for specific support.