Bluewater District School Board Boosts Tutoring Support After Winter Disruptions

The Bluewater District School Board has increased its tutoring support for students in response to significant disruptions caused by winter weather. Frequent snow days led to numerous bus cancellations and school closures, prompting the board to enhance its educational resources.

Beginning March 6, 2024, the board’s Learning Lift: BWDSB Virtual After-Hours Tutoring program will be available to students in Grades 4 to 8. Sessions will run from Monday to Thursday between 17:30 and 20:30 until June. These free, virtual tutoring sessions are conducted through Microsoft Teams, allowing for personalized, one-on-one support in various subjects, with a particular emphasis on literacy and math.

The initiative aims to provide tailored assistance to students who may need extra help due to the interruptions in their learning. The board has reported a strong interest from families, resulting in a quick filling of available spots. To accommodate the overwhelming demand, additional funding has been allocated to hire another tutor, thereby increasing the number of spaces available for students.

Director of Education AJ Keene expressed the board’s commitment to enhancing learning opportunities. “Our investment in expanded student tutoring is a first step in our ongoing efforts to address the challenges due to inclement weather,” Keene stated. He emphasized the importance of continuous dialogue with parents, guardians, and staff to build a sustainable approach to learning support regardless of external challenges.

In addition to the after-hours program, the Bluewater District School Board is also directing funds to strengthen existing tutoring opportunities at its secondary schools. Families seeking to access these resources are encouraged to contact their respective schools for more information.

For students unable to attend school due to weather-related issues, the board has created additional resources. The snow day elementary resource page is available for Kindergarten to Grade 8 students, while TVO Learn’s Mathify offers support for students in Grades 4 to 12. Other resources from TVO Learn continue to be accessible, ensuring that all students have the ability to engage with their education despite any disruptions.

The Bluewater District School Board’s proactive measures reflect a commitment to educational resilience and student success, demonstrating the importance of adaptability in the face of challenging circumstances.