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Important Update re. Elementary and Secondary Student Learning in January 2021

December 22, 2020

Dear Students, Parent(s)/Guardian(s): 

As you are likely aware, the Ontario Minister of Education has ordered that all Ontario elementary and secondary schools move to remote teacher-led learning January 4-8, 2021. No face-to-face, in-person learning in school settings will occur during this week. LKDSB Virtual Learn at Home schools will continue to operate on their regular schedule.

On January 11, 2021, elementary students will return to in-person learning and secondary students will continue remote learning until Friday, January 22, 2021. On Monday, January 25, 2021, secondary students will return to in-person learning. 

This decision is a proactive measure by the Government of Ontario to support the health and well-being of Ontarians. The health and safety of our students and staff is a top priority for the LKDSB. 

The LKDSB continues to gather information and will follow directions from the Ministry of Education, local and provincial public health officials.  The LKDSB will provide updates as soon as new information becomes available.  You are encouraged to visit the LKDSB website for full details. 

Based on the information to date, please be aware of the following information: 

General information: 

  • All publicly funded schools are closed from December 19, 2020 to January 3, 2021.  School offices will reopen Monday, January 4, 2021.  Messages left during the holiday break will not be returned before Monday, January 4, 2021. 
  • The intent of the period of remote learning is to reduce gatherings and mitigate the transmission of COVID-19 while maintaining academic programming. 
  • Attendance will be taken daily for all students during this time of remote learning.  
  • The LKDSB will continue to take direction from the Ministry of Education and local and provincial Medical Officers of Health. 
  • All safety protocols in place from September to December will continue when face to face learning in school settings resumes for elementary students (Kindergarten to Grade 8) on January 11th and for secondary students (Grades 9-12) on January 25th.  
  • Transportation will resume on the date students return to face to face in school learning. 
  • The LKDSB will continue to follow its regular practice of exercising high standards of cleanliness in its facilities. 

Information regarding student programming  

  • All teachers have been asked to develop an online presence to facilitate student learning. Students will participate in synchronous and asynchronous learning during the remote learning period with their classroom teacher. Further information will be provided by your child's teacher on Monday, January 4, 2021 through the classroom's typical means of digital communication.   
  • Kindergarten to Grade 12 students should join their class remotely beginning at their regular morning bell time for approximately 30 minutes on Monday, January 4th. During this time teachers and education workers will reconnect with their class, provide instructions/activities for the day and gather information about student technology needs.  Teachers will spend the remainder of the day addressing technology needs and connecting with students absent from the morning class.    
  • For the duration of the remote learning period (January 5-8 for elementary students and January 5-22 for secondary students), students should anticipate spending 75-80% of their 300-minute school day participating in live (synchronous) learning time with their teacher(s) and education worker(s).  (Parents/Guardians whose children may not be able to meet this expectation should discuss this with their child's teacher/Principal.)  
  • Assessment and evaluation toward secondary credits will occur during the January 4-22 period of remote learning. 
  • The Virtual Learn at Home elementary and secondary schools will continue their programming following their regular schedule beginning January 4th.  
  • Supplementary academic resources have been recently announced by the Ministry of Education recently announced the launch of two new portals, TVO Learn and TFO IDÉLLO, apprendre à la maison

Information regarding children's mental health 

Student mental health continues to be a top priority.  When school offices reopen on Monday, January 4th, students and/or parents/guardians should contact the school if supports are required.  During the holiday break, evenings and weekends visit the LKDSB Mental Health & Well-Being website or access: 

  • Kids Help Phone, which offers 24/7 counselling and referral services across the province. To use this free resource, children can call 1-800-668-6868, or text CONNECT to 686868. 
  • School Mental Health Ontario also has a number of great resources for students, parents and families on their website at www.smho-smso.ca

Information regarding daycares 

  • School-based daycares will remain open.  Further communication will be provided by individual childcare operators. 
  • Before and after school care is closed for the week of January 4, 2021. 

The LKDSB will continue to post information from the Ontario Chief Medical Officer of Health and Chatham-Kent and Lambton Public Health regarding the coronavirus (COVID-19) on the Board and school websites to inform school communities as it becomes available. 

For further information and the most up-to-date announcements regarding the coronavirus (COVID-19), please visit: 

We appreciate your ongoing support in promoting the overall health and well-being of students and staff. 

Please visit the LKDSB website (www.lkdsb.net) regularly for up-to-date information. 

Sincerely,
John Howitt
Director of Education