Frequently Asked Questions

Parents/guardians are required to complete the returning student verification form. For Modified Elementary students (C.E. Broughton and Winchester Public Schools) the form will be available via the Parent Portal on Tuesday, July 28, 2026.

For Modified Secondary students (Brock HS, Henry Street HS, and Maxwell Heights SS) the form will be available via the Parent Portal on Monday, August 10, 2026.

For Regular Calendar Elementary and Secondary students the form will be available via the Parent Portal on Tuesday, August 25, 2026.

Parents/guardians are required to complete the Returning Student Verification Form each school year to confirm important student information, including contact details, emergency contacts, medical information, and other information schools need to support student safety and communication.

Completing the form also allows parents/guardians to view back-to-school information in the Parent Portal. Homeroom teacher information for elementary students and timetable information for secondary students will only display once the Returning Student Verification Form has been completed.

Please contact your child’s school office staff for assistance with the form and/or to request submission of the form information in an alternative format. If you have contacted them and they are unable to assist, please ask the school secretary or Principal to submit an IT help ticket so that the problem can be resolved via the school.

Modified elementary students’ (C.E. Broughton and Winchester Public Schools) homeroom teacher information* will be available via the Parent Portal on Friday, July 31, 2026.

Regular calendar elementary students’ homeroom teacher information will be available via the Parent Portal on Friday, September 4, 2026.

*Homeroom teacher information will only display if you have completed the returning student verification form.

Modified Secondary students; (Brock HS, Henry Street HS, and Maxwell Heights SS) timetables* will be available via the Parent Portal on Thursday, August 20, 2026.

Regular calendar secondary students; timetables* will be available via the Parent Portal on Thursday, September 3, 2026.

*Timetable information will only display if you have completed the returning student verification form.

Each spring DDSB staff work to carefully project school enrolment numbers by grade for the upcoming school year. Enrolments may fluctuate in August and early September as students enter and leave the District. In September, enrolment is confirmed through school attendance over the first two to three weeks of school with any required class reorganizations taking place in late September. This can result in existing classes having a new teacher assigned, or classes being split up in order to accommodate students in order to meet Ministry of Education mandated class size requirements.

The best place to start is by speaking with office staff at your children's current school. They can help you navigate the process of transferring schools and associated documents.

All students must be registered at their designated home school. To discuss the options available to you if you are wanting to transfer to an ‘out of area’ (not your designated home school) school, please begin your request with your child’s current school and review the Permission to Enrol Procedure.

To register your child in the DDSB, please visit the registration page for instructions.

For confirmation regarding your child's home school designation, contact our Property and Planning Department via email at: Planning.Department@ddsb.ca or by phone 905-666-6421 or 1-800-339-6913 ext. 6421.

Your child must meet the following age requirements to enter Kindergarten:

• To register for Junior Kindergarten, your child must be 4 years old by December 31 in the current year.
• To register for Senior Kindergarten, your child must be 5 years old by December 31 in the current year.

Typically, Kindergarten registration opens the first Tuesday in January after students return from the winter break. More information will be shared on our website and social media channels closer to this date.

To apply to school as an international student, visit the International Students webpage and complete the application.

Particularly in August and September, DSTS receives a high volume of calls and email inquiries. We encourage families to review the DSTS FAQ prior to contacting our office.

If your question is not addressed, please email concerns@dsts.on.ca.

Please note: DSTS does not accept walk-in appointments from families.

In the event that transportation services are cancelled due to inclement weather, families will be notified as soon as possible through a posting on the DDSB website, social media, and where possible, through local radio stations and media outlets.

You can review the inclement weather zone maps by visiting the DSTS website.

Registration and availability of programs is managed by our child care partners.  Please contact the partner directly to inquire about availability. Child Care programs for infants, toddlers, and preschoolers, as well as before and after school programs for elementary school children are available. If you require additional information, please reach out to the DDSB Early Years team at EarlyYears@ddsb.ca.

You can view your children’s grades by logging into the Parent Portal and navigating to the “Grades and Attendance” section in the left panel. Grades will display in the Parent Portal on the day report cards are scheduled to be sent home. Parents/guardians will receive electronic copies of their report cards throughout the school year if a valid email address is on file for your student. If you have trouble accessing this information, please contact your children’s school office for assistance.

Secondary students can register for summer school through the Durham Continuing Education website. Only secondary summer learning program information will be available on the DCE website. Elementary summer learning programs are limited and prioritized for students needing academic support. Information about these programs is shared with schools and individual families prior to the summer break.

Visit the Durham Continuing Education website for program opportunities that best suit your needs such as: Adult Day School, Night School, Credit Recovery, and more.

School staff can assist you with the Parent Portal, Google Classroom, Chromebooks, and provide information on various topics including passwords, login details, access codes, equipment (including how to obtain a Chromebook and power cords), contact information updates, name changes, absences, address changes, OENs, and report cards. Please contact your home school’s secretary for assistance with any of these matters. Parents/guardians are also encouraged to read our Parent Portal FAQ for support.

You can find a student’s OEN at the top of any current or old report card. The number remains the same throughout their education until graduation. If you cannot find the OEN at the top of an old report card or you are a parent/guardian of a JK student and do not yet have an OEN for your child, please reach out to the office staff at your school for assistance with this information.

Through the school year, transcript requests are processed through the student's most recently attended school or the secondary school they graduated from. Contact the Guidance Department of the school you last attended to request a transcript. All secondary schools keep student transcripts for 55 years. 

If the secondary school you last attended is now permanently closed, please visit our website to find out which current DDSB secondary school keeps those records.

Beginning the second week of July through to the third week of August, you may request a transcript online. Transcript requests will be fulfilled three to five business days following the receipt of your form.

All student absences including late arrivals and early dismissals are to be reported via SchoolMessenger. Download the SchoolMessenger app or visit the website for more information.

DDSB schools use SchoolMessenger to communicate with parents/guardians. This system allows schools to send messages via email, mobile app notification, and by telephone. Parents/guardians should ensure they have added current contact information to their SchoolMessenger profile and will have an opportunity to confirm contact information is accurate when reviewing/updating the annual verification form in late August. Educators may communicate with parents/guardians through different channels and they will inform you directly.

In order to receive direct updates about your child(ren)’s education, you must have a valid email registered with us. Please contact your child(ren)’s school to make this request. They will need to verify your identity for legal/privacy reasons.

The DDSB website can easily be translated into many different languages. You will find the Select Language feature in the top right corner of the page.

We encourage you to follow us on Facebook DurhamDistrictSchoolBoard, Instagram @DDSBSchools, and visit our website often for information and updates.

Engage DDSB is our dedicated space for community engagement. There you'll find opportunities to stay informed about initiatives and decisions across the District, and to share your perspectives when it matters most.

Please visit the Building New Schools page of our website for more information about enrollment growth at DDSB schools.

As communities grow and evolve, schools may experience an increase in student enrolment. Portable classrooms are added to help ease this pressure by providing learning spaces for students. The DDSB’s goal is to provide a conducive learning environment for all students while managing resources effectively as we carefully consider long-term solutions to address enrollment growth such as boundary reviews and/or until we receive Ministry of Education approval for new schools. When portables are no longer required, they are relocated elsewhere and/or locked on-site.

This can vary based upon the Ministry of Education review of all Capital Priorities across Ontario. It could take a year or up to six years, based upon DDSB past experiences. If there is space available for students in nearby schools, the new school could potentially not receive funding approval until it is fully utilized.

30 Credits My Way puts students and families in the driver's seat, empowering them to navigate their high school pathway with confidence.

Students in Ontario are required to undertake a minimum of 40 hours of community involvement prior to graduation. For more information, visit our Community Involvement Hours page.

Visit the Assessments page of the EQAO website for more information and updates.

The specific resources and materials your child should bring to school may vary depending on their grade level, the school's policies, and the subjects they are studying. However, common items that students often need include a school bag, notebooks, pens/pencils, erasers, highlighters, ruler, calculator, art supplies (coloured pencils, markers, scissors, glue), and a geometry set. Google Chromebooks are provided to students in Grades 7 to 12 through their school.

Student passwords can be changed or recovered through the self-serve password tool. Instructions can be found on the Digital Learning page. If the self-serve option is not working for you, please contact your teacher for password assistance.

The Student Chromebook Guide provides helpful information about connecting to your home network, service requests, what to do if the device is damaged, and more.

No. All DDSB devices are under warranty with our vendor. Any issues with the device should be reported to your teacher or school office so that DDSB staff can repair the device. Do not take DDSB devices for repair outside of the DDSB as this may void the warranty. Please review these helpful troubleshooting FAQs if you encounter any issues.

We ask that you first connect with the staff at your child’s school. They will be able to provide you with the appropriate steps and drop off location.

We ask that you first connect with the staff at your child’s school. They will be able to provide you with the appropriate steps and drop off location.

To maintain a focused and engaging learning environment, we are asking students in Kindergarten to Grade 8 to refrain from using their personal mobile devices, such as a cellphone or tablet, during the school day. During the school day, devices must be:  

• turned off or set to silent mode;  

• stored out of view  

Wearables such as smart watches must be put into the equivalent of 'airplane mode' during the school day.  

Students may use their personal mobile devices in school if:   

• a school administrator gives permission (for example, for health and medical purposes, to support special education needs, as part of an approved accommodation plan or health and safety plan, or for other Human Rights Code-related needs or circumstances); or, 

• a teacher gives permission to use them as part of learning during instructional time.

To maintain a focused and engaging learning environment, we are asking students in Grade 9 to 12 to refrain from using their personal mobile devices, such as a cellphone or tablet, during instructional time. During instructional time, devices must be: 

• turned off or set to silent mode 

• stored out of view 

Wearables such as smart watches must be put into the equivalent of 'airplane mode' during instructional time. 

Students may use their personal mobile devices during instructional time if:  

• a school administrator gives permission (for example, for health and medical purposes, to support special education needs, as part of an approved accommodation plan or health and safety plan, or for other Human Rights Code-related needs or circumstances); or, 

• a teacher gives permission to use them as part of learning. 

Students may use their personal mobile devices during non-instructional times such as lunch or spares.

tudents are responsible for their personal mobile device and how they use it.  

As part of this communication, you will see a draft code of conduct which outlines expectations and sets standards of behaviour for everyone within our schools and communities. For situations that arise where the use of personal mobile devices is used inappropriately, school staff may: 

• require a student to hand in their personal mobile device; 

• store the mobile device in a safe place for the rest of the day.

A mobile device is any personal electronic device that can be used to communicate or access the internet, such as a laptop, cellphone, tablet or smart watch. Wearables such as smart watches must be put into the equivalent of 'airplane mode' for the duration of the school day in elementary, and during instructional time in secondary.

• Students in grades K-8 must keep mobile devices silent and out of sight for the entirety of the school day. 

• Students in grades 9-12, can use their personal mobile devices during non-instructional times such as lunch or spares.

Students may face consequences if they use their personal mobile devices inappropriately. The inappropriate use of such devices may mean that school staff:

• require a student to hand in their personal mobile device; 

• store the mobile device in a safe place for the rest of the day. 

Any student who does not hand in their device when required, will be referred to school administration. A bias-aware progressive discipline approach will be used to address breaches of this section of the DDSB Code of Conduct.

The policy applies to all personal electronic devices, whether or not they have been set up for internet access.

Please refer to the Report an Absence page of our website for instructions and a list of student absence codes.

Vaccines required for school under the Immunization of School Pupils Act are administered by the Durham Region Health Department (DRHD). Every year, the DRHD reviews immunization records of students to ensure they are up to date on required vaccines. If you receive an immunization reminder letter, this indicates that the DRHD is missing vaccine information for your child. For more information, including a list of vaccines needed for school required by the Immunization of School Pupils Act, as well as information regarding immunization exemptions, please visit the Durham Region Health Department.

Should your child become ill or injured, staff will assist and parents/guardians will be contacted as quickly as possible. It is important that schools have the most up-to-date information to contact the parent/guardian in the event of an emergency.

DDSB schools are considered allergy aware. Where possible, all environments should be free from any trace of allergens. Please be aware of common allergen foods (nuts, etc.) and avoid sending these items in lunches/snacks. Contact your school Principal for more information on the school’s allergy guidelines and potential food restrictions.

DDSB does not exclude students from school for live lice or nits. Review the following resources to help prevent, manage, and treat lice:

• Caring for Kids

• Durham Region Health Department

School facilities are secured throughout the day, with exterior doors locked. Visitors must use the front door buzzer to enter the school during school hours.

From time to time schools may experience a situation that requires safety and security protocols to be implemented on the direction of the police or in consultation with emergency services. This happens with varying frequencies with situations such as a hold and secure or a shelter in place taking place more often than a lockdown or evacuation. Descriptions of emergency situations are included below.

Schools will endeavour to inform parents/guardians of these situations as soon as reasonably possible. It is important to know that the first priority of the school administration is to ensure the safety of students and those in the building before communicating with parents/guardians.

Hold and Secure: Used in response to a threat of danger outside the school. All students and staff remain inside and away from all exterior doors and windows. Classroom routine continues as normal.

Shelter in Place: Used in response to an environmental situation occurring (i.e., neighbouring fire or severe weather) outside the school. Directions are specific to the environmental hazard.

Lockdown: Used in response to a threat of danger inside the school. Students and staff gather in a secured area, with doors locked and barricaded, windows covered, and lights turned off. 

Evacuation: Used in response to a disaster situation (i.e., gas leak) inside the school. Students and staff are evacuated from the school until it is deemed safe by emergency response authorities.

Students are encouraged to reach out to someone at their school if they have concerns or questions about their well-being. A guidance counsellor or teacher can support you and direct you to someone who can help if needed. In addition, we offer resources on our website.

Your first point of contact when you have a concern with your child’s school, staff, well-being and/or education is the school administration. School level staff will be the best persons to assist and resolve any concerns you may have.

Tell Us! is a student-friendly, confidential reporting tool designed to help students, parents/guardians, and community members feel comfortable sharing a range of concerns, incidents, or positive feedback related to our schools.

DDSB recognizes that Indigenous rights are distinct. In the exercise of those rights, Indigenous staff and students shall not be subjected to actions with the aim or effect of depriving these distinct rights. For more information, visit the First Nation, Métis, and Inuit Education page and view the Indigenous Education Policy and Procedure on Classroom Practices.

DDSB is committed to providing services, employment, and learning and working environments that centre Indigenous rights, human rights, and equity and are welcoming, respectful, safe, inclusive, equitable, accessible, and free from all forms of discrimination, harassment, racism, oppression, and harm.

Please visit the Human Rights Policy page where you will find more information on how we will meet this commitment for all students, staff, and community members, including information about our Human Rights, Anti-Discrimination and Anti-Racism Policy and Procedure.

In addition, the DDSB’s Anti-Oppression webpage provides more information on initiatives to support equity and inclusive education, including addressing anti-Black racism.

We are committed to upholding our responsibilities under the Ontario Human Rights Code, the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 (AODA), the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) for digital accessibility, and the Integrated Accessibility Standards Regulation (IASR). This is also in keeping with our commitments related to inclusive design, the duty to accommodate, and preventing discrimination and ableism under the DDSB’s Human Rights, Anti-Discrimination, and Anti-Racism Policy and procedures.

For information about accommodations, alternative format requests, and DDSB accessibility practices please visit the Accessibility webpage.

Inclusive Student Services provides a range of services, supports, programs, and placements for students with special education needs. All programs promote integration and independence. Special education classes are also available and provide a greater intensity of support. For more information, please review the Inclusive Student Services page.

Students with special education needs are supported through individualized service and program plans. Educators provide accommodations, modified expectations, and alternative programming to students with special education needs, consulting with parents/guardians in the development of their child’s IEP.

The DDSB is committed to supporting and meeting the objectives and requirements of the Accessibility for Ontarians Disabilities Act (AODA). The DDSB aims to ensure its services are accessible and provide equitable and inclusive environments for all. Should your child require accommodation, including adaptive technology or additional learning support, your child’s teacher can help you to access the appropriate accommodations.

Community use of schools is available in many schools, subject to availability. For inquiries, please visit the Community Use of Schools webpage.

DDSB policy does not permit solicitation or advertising of products, businesses or corporations in our schools or on Board property. If you wish to distribute materials in our schools or on our property, you can make a request through our Materials to Schools application questionnaire. Requests must be made at least two (2) weeks before the event date.

The DDSB recognizes the importance of partnership with parents/guardians in creating positive learning environments and ensuring student achievement and well-being. A number of opportunities are available for parents/guardians to play a role in their school community, including the School Community Council (SCC). To join your school’s SCC, contact the school Principal. Additionally, parents can take part in the Parent Involvement Committee (PIC), with potential vacancies available each September.