Parents are being given a chance to voice their concerns and expectations about the September reopening of schools within the Thames Valley District school board (TVDSB).
The board has launched an online survey for families that will help shape its reopening plan.
"We know that school will look very different in the fall because of continued efforts to limit the spread of COVID-19,” TVDSB Director of Education Mark Fisher said in a statement. "We want to ensure that the concerns of families are front and centre as we develop plans for the next school year."
The provincial government has instructed school boards across Ontario to draft plans for three scenarios. Those include a normal school routine with enhanced safety protocols, a modified school routine with reduced class sizes and alternating weeks, and continued at-home learning with enhanced online instructions.
Survey participants will be asked whether they intend to send their child back for in-person classes in September and whether they will rely on school buses for transportation or drive their child themselves. In all, the anonymous survey will take between five to ten minutes to complete and is available until June 30 by clicking here.
The board will also be gathering feedback on its reopening strategy from teacher unions and other employee groups.
The Middlesex London Health Unit and Southwestern Public Health will review the school board's plans before they are submitted to the Ministry of Education.
The overall plan for the new school year could vary from region to region within the board depending on local COVID-19 numbers, added Fisher.
"We expect to begin the year with a consistent, board-wide model, but we may need to pivot in some areas of the district to a more distance learning model, while other areas move to regular in-school instruction,” said Fisher. “The most important consideration must be the health and safety of our students and staff."
The use of barriers and directional markings, isolation areas, and enhanced handwashing options are already being tested by the board at two summer pilot schools.
A second survey that will gather family and student experiences with online learning is expected in a couple of weeks.
