Bluewater School Board Boosts Tutoring Services After Snow Days

The Bluewater District School Board has enhanced its tutoring services in response to a challenging winter that resulted in numerous school closures and bus cancellations. The board’s initiative, named Learning Lift: BWDSB Virtual After-Hours Tutoring, now provides support for students in Grades 4 to 8 from Monday to Thursday, between 5:30 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. until June 2024.

These free sessions connect students with a Bluewater board educator in a virtual format via Microsoft Teams. The tutoring is available for any subject area where personalized assistance is needed, with a particular emphasis on literacy and mathematics. According to a recent news release from the board, parents can register their children for these sessions, which have already seen a strong response from families, leading to quick registration fill-ups.

To accommodate the high demand, the board allocated additional funding to hire another tutor, thereby increasing the number of available spots for students. New openings are set to be available starting March 6, 2024, at 4 p.m., and families are encouraged to register promptly, as spaces will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis.

“Our investment in expanded student tutoring is a first step in our ongoing efforts to address the challenges due to inclement weather,” said AJ Keene, Director of Education. He emphasized the board’s commitment to improving student access to learning supports and engaging in further dialogue with partners, parents, and educators to create sustainable solutions regardless of weather conditions.

In addition to the new tutoring program, the board is also dedicating resources to strengthen existing tutoring opportunities at secondary schools, where similar programs are already in place. For those seeking additional support, parents and students are encouraged to contact their respective schools.

Furthermore, the Bluewater District School Board continues to offer various resources for students unable to attend school due to adverse weather conditions. Among these resources is the snow day elementary resource page designed for Kindergarten to Grade 8 students, as well as TVO Learn’s Mathify, which provides support for students in Grades 4 to 12. Additional resources can also be accessed through TVO Learn, ensuring that all students have the opportunity to continue their education despite disruptions.

This proactive approach by the Bluewater District School Board highlights a commitment to maintaining educational standards and providing necessary support during challenging weather conditions, ensuring that students remain engaged and equipped for success.