Supporting a Smooth Transition to Remote Learning:
To ensure an smooth transition to remote learning, we ask families to consider the following:
- Families that need the use of board-provided technology to access remote learning are asked to complete the Technology Request Survey to communicate technology needs. Families that have devices for their students are not required to complete the survey.
- Inform the school if there have been changes to your e-mail, phone number or other contact information. This information is critical to support ongoing school/parent communication during times of remote learning. Reach out to your child's school if communication is not being received.
- Visit the Near North Passport to Learning webpage to access a variety of resources and helpful links to support remote learning including technical support, information about virtual learning platforms, and instructional resources.
- Review the Tips for Remote Learning document to learn about best practices for remote learning.
- Contact the family help desk number if you are unable to login to you NNDSB parent or student account: (705) 472-5169 (North Bay), (705) 773-7975 (Parry Sound)
Minimum Requirements for Engaging Students during Remote Learning:
The information below (related to Policy/Program Memorandum No. 164) provides an overview of the requirements related to synchronous learning and the appropriate use of the synchronous learning exemption form.
During remote learning period, students and parents will be provided with a daily schedule or timetable that includes 300 minutes of learning opportunities, with a combination of synchronous and asynchronous learning activities. Programming will be based on the full Ontario curriculum and include opportunities for guided instruction, large and small-group learning, synchronous check-ins, and asynchronous independent work.
Division | Grade Level of Students | Daily Minimum Synchronous Learning Time Requirement |
---|---|---|
Elementary | Kindergarten | 180 minutes |
Grades 1 to 3 | 225 minutes | |
Grades 4 to 8 | 225 minutes | |
Secondary | Grades 9 to 12 | The higher of 60 minutes for each 75-minute class period** or 225 minutes per day for a full course schedule |
Teachers will be available to students at all times during the teachers' assigned teaching timetables, as they would be if they were face-to-face in a classroom setting. Educators have been directed to use their professional judgement to provide some flexibility to students on an individual basis when students are unable to participate in synchronous learning.
Process for Exemption from Synchronous Learning:
To ensure equitable access to learning, Policy/Program Memorandum (PPM) No. 164, requires school boards to allow students to be exempted from the minimum requirements for synchronous learning - for example, this may be because of poor internet connectivity or family scheduling, etc.
In accordance with PPM 164, the Near North District School Board has created an online Exemption Form to facilitate synchronous learning exemption requests.
Please note, students who have completed a synchronous learning exemption form will be provided with technology-enabled 'asynchronous' learning opportunities in accordance with the 300-minute instructional day. Furthermore, daily attendance is still required.
Assessment, evaluation and reporting continues to apply to all students who have been approved for an exemption from the minimum requirements of synchronous (live, interactive) learning. Students will complete and submit the assignments and assessments and continue to receive feedback from educators.
Remote Learning Resources:


To support meaningful access to education, alternative learning approaches must be put in place for all exempted students– for example, asynchronous online, correspondence, print, or broadcast media (i.e. TVO Learn) instruction that is based on the individual student's needs and circumstances.
The Near North Passport to Learning website also contains many resources to support families accessing both synchronous and asynchronous learning resources.