What was common practice in high schools during the COVID-19 pandemic will no longer be utilized by the local public school board when school buses are cancelled.
The Lambton Kent District School Board said it is ending its use of virtual remote learning in its secondary schools during inclement weather days.
According to board officials, the return to the traditional practice was made in response to feedback provided by students, staff and families.
“Initially, we had hoped that by pivoting to virtual learning on inclement weather days, it would allow for classes to continue for students unable to make it to school,” said Director of Education John Howitt in a news release. “But rural internet limitations across our district, amongst other issues, provided great challenges and many students were unable to participate fully, if at all.”
The board said all elementary and secondary schools will remain open in the event of an inclement weather day even if busses are cancelled, unless otherwise indicated.
“Expecting our staff, parents and families to make the necessary preparations for their students and children to attend online, with little to no notice ahead of time is unreasonable,” said Howitt. “We are confident in this decision to return to our regular process.”
