The health, safety and well-being of LKDSB students and staff are the top priorities for the 2020-2021 school year.
The LKDSB's Reopening Our Schools plan is a multi-layered approach with various safety measures to mitigate opportunities for the transmission of COVID-19. The plan for a safe return to school is a shared responsibility between LKDSB staff, local Public Health, family households, students and Chatham-Kent Lambton Administrative School Services (CLASS). By collectively implementing the plan, our schools will be safe for our students and staff.
The LKDSB is prepared to respond to changes throughout the 2020-2021 school year, as necessary, based on directions from the Ministry and provincial and local Medical Officers of Health.
Supporting the Safe Operation of Schools
Masking: All students in Grades 1-12 are required to wear non-medical or cloth mask at school and on buses. Students are also required to wear a non-medical or cloth mask outdoors during a supervised outdoor break unless they are two metres apart or participating in a vigorous activity. Families are encouraged to provide extra masks for students. Students in Kindergarten are encouraged, but not required to wear mask.
Pre-Screening: Prior to attending school, all students, staff and visitors must complete and follow the directions of the daily COVID-19 School Screening assessment tool.
At the start of the school day, secondary students will be required to verify completion of the self-screening assessment. This may be recorded verbally or through an online confirmation, as per the individual secondary school process.
Click here to review the LKDSB's Reopening Our Schools Plan.
Parent/Guardian Thoughtexchange Results
The LKDSB appreciates the input of members of its school communities to help support planning and decision-making during the COVID-19 school closures. LKDSB uses Thoughtexchange online engagements to collect information from parents/guardians. Below are the results of a recent Thoughtexchange.
Q: In regard to the implementation of the Lambton Kent District School Board's Reopening Our Schools plan, what is working well and what can the LKDSB improve?
Click here for the Thoughtexchange results.
Below are additional resources and information for parents/guardians regarding the safe return to school.
Public Health Resources
Chatham-Kent Public Health
Lambton Public Health
Letter to Parents/Guardians of School-Aged Children
Watch Dr. Sudit Ranade’s message to parents of school-aged children
Government of Ontario Resources
Ministry of Education's Operational guidance: COVID-19 management in schools
COVID-19: Reopening Schools
Ministry of Education's TVO Learn and TFO's IDELLO's apprendre à la maison portals
Moving Between Face-to-Face Learning and Learn at Home
Families wishing to transfer between face-to-face learning to Learn at Home or transfer from Learn at Home to face-to-face instruction must contact their principal according to the following timelines:
- Fall date: Families notify school by October 22. Student begins new program type on November 16.
- Winter date: Families notify school by January 12. Student begins new program type on February 2.
- Spring date: Families notify school by March 22. Student begins new program type on April 19.
Students moving between program delivery choice (i.e. face-to-face learning or Learn at Home) should anticipate changes in teacher(s).
If space is available, the LKDSB will attempt to accommodate all requests sooner than the dates above; however, this will vary from school-to-school and grade-by-grade and may not be possible. Transportation delays may also occur.
Click here to view the Return to School Checklist.
Videos
Return to Learn COVID-19 Considerations - Wearing A Mask
Return to Learn COVID-19 Considerations - Routine Connections
Return to Learn COVID-19 Considerations - Physical Distancing
Return to Learn COVID-19 Considerations - My Morning Arrival
Return to Learn COVID-19 Considerations - Hand Hygiene
Additional Resources
LKDSB COVID-19 Updates
2020-2021 School Year Website
