ELEMENTARY LEARNING PROGRAMS
at Homelinks

At Homelinks you can plan and organize your child’s course of study in a self-directed program.  If you prefer, you can follow an established curriculum, or you can combine both.  Whatever you choose, you and your family will have a truly personalized learning path.

Students who choose to complete kindergarten through grade seven at Homelinks will meet the learning outcomes of the Ministry of Education curriculum or the criteria outlined in a current Individual Education Plan. Learning outcomes for each subject are posted on the Ministry of Education Web site at: http://www.bced.gov.bc.ca/irp/curric/lo.html and are available in print at the Homelinks Center.

Homelinks Centres...

Homelinks is a community-based program.  We have centers in Nelson, Kaslo and Creston where group activities are scheduled and home learners come to learn, to play, to relax and to share ideas and plans.  There is a resource library at each center and liaison teachers are available for consultation and tutoring.  In Nelson and Creston students (and parents) are welcome to come and use the library, computer lab and study areas any time during the week.

Tutorials and Classes...

Some Homelinks liaison teachers offer small group classes and individual tutoring as needed.  Classes have included: story hour, poetry writing, essay writing, computer skills, and math workshops. 
 

Computers & the Internet...

The Homelinks program will loan students a computer if it is needed to meet the learning outcomes of the students plan. We will reimburse each family up to $250.00/year for internet access.
 

Student Learning Plans... A student’s learning plan is the “road map” for the year. Each family will collaborate with their Homelinks Liaison teacher to develop a learning plan that meets the student’s needs and reflects the family’s priorities for learning. Assessment of progress and reporting are based on the goals selected for the student. The plan lists the subject areas to be covered during the year and the major curriculum resources the family plans to use. Student Learning Plans are reviewed annually or as required.  Working with parents, Homelinks teachers supervise the program, assess the learning and then report on the progress of each Homelinks student.

In consultation with the student and family, the liaison teacher will select and provide learning materials appropriate to each student's needs. The Homelinks teachers will work with the family in planning, assessing and reporting the student’s educational progress to ensure that the student meets the learning outcomes outlined in the learning plan. Together we will:

• Develop a student learning plan and update it annually

• Review learning materials to ensure the content meets the BC learning outcomes

• Ensure that the learning outcomes are understood and that the student's learning plan meets these requirements

• Provide approved texts and learning materials

• Tutor students in special circumstances

• Provide support to the parents in finding appropriate resources

• evaluate and assess student work and provide the family with a progress report in November, March and June

• Inform the student and parents promptly if the work does not meet the learning outcomes of the course and make suggestions as to what is required to ensure that the student has every opportunity for success

The family may select alternative learning resources and activities not provided by the Homelinks program if the resources are part of the student's learning plan and meet the criteria of Learning Resources Selection as outlined in School District 8 Policy #400. http://www.sd8.bc.ca/pol400.htm . Materials will be ordered by the Homelinks staff and delivered to parents.  Charges for lessons and other services that are part of the student’s learning plan must be pre-approved by the principal and invoices sent directly to the Homelinks office.  Most school supplies are available from your liaison teachers.

 Note: Learning Plans for re-enrolling students should be completed by June 15^th each year.

Student Portfolios: Assessment and Reporting on Learning... At Homelinks we believe that all students can learn and succeed. Assessment should be formative and authentic. It should shape a student’s learning, not limit it. Homelinks teachers believe that assessment is part of learning, and they work with parents to review students’ work. By looking at things together we will be able to help students build their strengths and follow new paths. Together we will keep track of progress toward meeting the learning outcomes and selected goals. All learning outcomes are posted on the Ministry Website at http://www.bced.gov.bc.ca/irp/curric/lo.html

Kindergarten to Grade 7 students must submit a portfolio of work three times a year: November, March and June. The content of the portfolio is determined by the student, family and teacher based on the goals in the student learning plan. The parents (and student if appropriate) and teacher will review the portfolio and decide if the content of the work is meeting the selected learning outcomes and if the quality of the work is above, at or below the standard expected for the student’s age and grade. Learning summaries are completed in December, March and June.

Homelinks Elementary Programs...

There are Homelinks Elementary Programs in four communities in the Kootenay Lake School District.  Please telephone or email the teacher in your community at the address below:

Expectations of Staff, Students and Families in the Homelinks Program... At Homelinks we are community of families, students, teachers committed to developing and delivering individualized programs that will build success for each student and respect the values and priorities of each family.  We work as partners in developing a balanced program that builds success for each student.  Students, families and teachers each have important roles to play.  Listed below are some of the vital elements that build success at Homelinks.

Homelinks Elementary Staff....

• Work with parents and students to develop a student learning plan (SLP) that reflects the individual student’s learning style and interests
• Work with family and student to select learning outcomes and portfolio requirements
• Work with the family to assess progress toward learning outcomes
• Stay in regular contact with students and their families by email, phone, electronic conference or tutorials at the Center
• Provide three learning summaries per year to parents
• Work with families to organize group activities, special events and field trips
• Provide access to learning resources and consult with parents on selection of learning resources

Parents and Elementary Students....

• Participate in student learning plan (SLP) meetings
• Review the SLP with the teacher annually, and at any time during the year if changes are needed
• Establish and supervise a regular schedule of studies at home
• Be familiar with learning outcomes and materials
• Monitor progress toward learning goals outlined in the
• Contact Homelinks staff at least once a month to review progress and discuss any questions or concerns
• Hand in a complete portfolio on schedule, three times per year
• Provide Homelinks staff with an email contact and check email regularly for news and notices

School District Staff....

• Homelinks students and their families have access to support from school district specialists. Your liaison teacher and the principal will discuss the referral process with you

Enrolment Procedures...

You should enroll in Homelinks by June 15th for next September. That way we can be sure we will have time to build a learning plan that meets your needs and have all your books and supplies ready for September.  Late registrations are taken until September 30th and in special circumstances students can start any time during the school year. Access to books, course materials, computers and teacher time may be limited for students who enroll after June 15th. Enrollment at each center is limited so we can offer you the best possible service. Registrations are taken on a first-come, first-served basis with priority given to currently enrolled students until April 30th each year. Creston enrollment limits:  Elementary 55 students, Secondary 80 students Nelson enrollment limit: 40 students Kaslo/Argenta enrollment limit: 35 students

Currently enrolled students re-enroll before the end of February and complete learning plans by  June 15th.

New students enroll after May 1^st and complete learning plans by June 15^th

Waiting List A waiting list is kept year-round at each center and parents will be contacted when a space is available. 

Late registrations will be taken until Sept 30^th. Distribution of learning materials for students who enroll after June 15^th may be delayed and access to funds for supplies, Internet and computer support may be limited.

Registration forms are available by clicking on the FORMS button, at the Homelinks office or from ggadacz@sd8.bc.ca 

If you would need more information about Homelinks or would like to enroll, please telephone your local Homelinks Learning Center, or contact Dan Dalgaard, Principal at (250) 354-4311 (ddalgaard@sd8.bc.ca) or Gloria Gadacz, Vice-Principal at (250) 428-2217 (email: ggadacz@sd8.bc.ca).