​Dear Parents/Guardians,

As you may be aware, Wallaceburg District Secondary School (WDSS) parents, guardians and community members were invited to join a discussion on May 13 regarding potential changes to the Grade 7/8 bell times. Based on the feedback from the discussion, as well as input from students, staff and Lambton Kent District School Board's Senior Administration, WDSS will be transitioning to a single bell time for Grades 7-12 students for the 2019-2020 school year.

Effective September 3, 2019, WDSS Grades 7-12 students will start school at 8 a.m. and dismissal will be at 2:10 p.m.

Currently the bell times for Grades 7/8 students and Grades 9-12 students are different. However, WDSS Administration invited feedback from the school community regarding the possibility of changing the Grade 7/8 bell times to be consistent with the bell times for Grades 9-12 beginning in the 2019-2020 school year.

In order to involve student voice in the decision-making process, school administration surveyed WDSS students regarding the proposed bell time amendments. The majority of students surveyed noted the consistent bell times would allow all students to have increased program opportunities and access to a variety of school activities and events; support transitions from elementary to secondary school; and further integrate Grade 7/8 students within the overall school identity.

CLASS Transportation has also confirmed the change in bell time for Grades 7/8 students can be accommodated without any significant changes to transportation services.

Further information about individual school bus pick-up/drop-off times will be communicated as per the typical means of CLASS Student Transportation communications.

We appreciate your support as we implement this transition to consistent bell times.

Should you have any further questions, please contact the school.

Sincerely,

Melissa Mallette
Principal