High school students with the local public board will no longer have to log-on virtually on snow days.
The Lambton Kent District School Board (LKDSB) says, in the event of inclement weather in which school buses are cancelled, all elementary and secondary schools will remain open, as well as LKDSB facilities.
The change means secondary school students will no longer move to a virtual learning platform on these days.
In a news release, the school board said the decision to return to the traditional practice was made in response to feedback gathered from students, families and staff.
“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 the 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 school board said the change also aligns with its Student Attendance Strategy for 2023-2024, which identifies the strong correlation between student engagement, student attendance, and student achievement.
“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,” explains Howitt. “We are confident in this decision to return to our regular process.”
