Planning is well underway for the 2020-2021 Lambton Kent District School Board (LKDSB) school year. The health and safety of students and staff is the top priority and LKDSB is following the guidance provided by the Ministry of Education and provincial and local Medical Officers of Health as plans are developed.
The Government of Ontario's Ministerial Order to close publicly funded schools under the Education Act expired on June 30, 2020. As such, access to school buildings are now determined by school boards. All LKDSB schools and Education Centres are currently open by appointment only.
As per the Ministry of Education directions, the LKDSB continues to prepare for three possible scenarios:
- A return to regular, in-class learning with enhanced health and safety protocols;
- A modified school day routine with a maximum limit of 15 students in a typical classroom at one time and timetabling that would limit student contact with teachers and classmates as much as possible; and
- A continuation of remote, teacher-led at-home learning.
Depending on the provincial and local Public Health recommendations, the LKDSB may need to transition between these scenarios during the 2020-2021 school year as circumstances necessitate.
The LKDSB is in close contact with the Ministry of Education as we develop our plans for the possible reopening to students in September. School boards have been asked by the Ministry of Education to prepare plans for the upcoming school year by August 4, should it be needed. In early August, the LKDSB anticipates receiving confirmation from the Ministry of Education on its plans for September and we will continue to seek guidance from the local Medical Officers of Health.
The LKDSB will continue to keep staff, students and families informed as plans are finalized. Additional information, including preliminary plans for the modified school schedule (pending Ministry of Education approval) will be shared with parents/guardians for input.
In addition, the LKDSB is coordinating with the coterminous school boards, as well as working with CLASS regarding student transportation and child care providers who operate in school facilities.
As the LKDSB develops its plans, student and staff safety is the top priority and includes considerations of the following:
- School programming and planning, including cohorts for the modified school schedule or “adaptive" model;
- Transportation;
- Personal Protective Equipment;
- Health and safety protocols and signage; and
- Mental health and well-being.
The LKDSB will continue to keep staff, students and families informed as plans are finalized.
The results from the parent/guardian Thoughtexchange regarding items for consideration when developing plans for the possible reopening of schools in September are available here.
On Monday, July 27, the Sarnia Education Centre will reopen to the public with specific safety protocols in place. Visitors to the Sarnia Education Centre should refer to posted health and safety information. The Chatham Regional Education Centre will continue to be closed due to construction; the facility is open to the public by appointment only.
All LKDSB schools are open to the public by appointment only and parents/guardians will be notified should this change.
New student registrations for the 2020-2021 school year are welcome. Click here to learn about registration and complete the simple, safe and secure online registration form. For secondary school registration, please contact your local school.
We know that there is still a lot of uncertainty regarding what the format of schooling in the LKDSB will be in September and we remain committed to keeping you informed as more information becomes available. Please continue to visit the LKDSB website (www.lkdsb.net) regularly for updates.
The LKDSB remains committed to supporting student success and well-being and a positive start to the school year on Tuesday, September 8. We appreciate your support as we move forward and work together to support the health and safety of students and staff.
Sincerely,
John Howitt
Director of Education