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Chatham

Two local school boards launch back-to-school survey

Now that a plan is in place to return students to school in September, a pair of local school boards are looking to get some important input from parents and guardians.

The Lambton Kent District School Board (LKDSB) and St. Clair Catholic District School Board (SCCDSB) are some of the few boards that will return to full-time, in-class learning for both elementary and secondary students.

This comes after Premier Doug Ford outlined the province's reopening plan for schools on Thursday. The plan includes an option for parents to keep their children home for online instruction if they are not comfortable sending them back to class.

Following Ford's announcement, officials with both the LKDSB and SCCDSB said they were planning for the eventual reopening of schools and working in collaboration with the Lambton and Chatham-Kent Medical Officers of Health.

Both boards have developed a survey to get feedback from families about whether or not they intend to send their children back to school in September.

According to a news release sent by the boards on Thursday afternoon, after August 28 there will be limited opportunities for parents or guardians to switch their child's school experience from online to face-to-face.

“We understand there is a lot of uncertainty regarding what school will look like in September for students. Please be assured that as we develop plans, our top priorities are the health and safety of Lambton Kent District School Board students and staff," said Director of Education for the LKDSB John Howitt. "We appreciate the input of parents/guardians to guide our decisions for the 2020-2021 school year. We remain committed to supporting a safe and positive transition to school in September that promotes students’ success and well-being.”

The survey will be sent to families this week using the email address that the boards have on file.

LKDSB parents or guardians who do not have an email address on file are instructed to contact their school principal. Meanwhile, SCCDSB parents or guardians who do not have an email address on file should contact the board at backtoschool@sccdsb.net or call 1-866-336-6139.

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