Changes are coming to how area public high schools operate during inclement weather, the Lambton Kent District school board says.
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On bad weather days, secondary schools no longer will pivot to virtual learning, the board said in a release Thursday.
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All board schools and other facilities will remain open unless otherwise indicated, even if some buses or all routes in a complete bus zone are canceled, the release added.
The move away from virtual learning, a return to traditional practice, comes in response to feedback from students, staff and families, the release said. It also aligns with the board’s 2023-24 student attendance strategy, which identifies a strong correlation between student engagement, attendance and achievement.
“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,” education director John Howitt said 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.
“Expecting our staff, parents and families to make the necessary preparations for their students and children to attend online, with little to no notice. . . is unreasonable.
The board serves 21,000 pupils and students in 64 elementary and high schools in Lambton County, including Sarnia, and Chatham-Kent, its website says.
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