A Sturgeon Falls family is struggling with online education for its two autistic sons.
Natasha Lundrigan, says her sons who are in grades 5 and 7 respectively, are taking the Nipissing-Parry Sound Catholic District School Board virtual online learning and have had no class sessions yet going into the final week of September.
Lundrigan says according to her original letter from the board, they were supposed to start school by mid-September.
"We have done everything requested of us as parents," she told BayToday.
"We filled out the survey and our minds never changed regarding how we wanted our children to learn. I have been available for conversations and have been checking for emails constantly.
"I have never experienced anything like this before. I prayed that things would be much different than during the lockdown (March to June ) in school. I feel like because we as parents chose to keep our kids learning at home; we and our kids have been let fall through the cracks or even been forgotten by the educational system."
The Nipissing Parry-Sound Catholic District School Board admitted they have been having challenges getting their online programs going.
"We can confirm there has been a delayed start to our school year for our elementary virtual learners," stated Kate Bondett, communications officer with the Board.
"All of our families have been personally contacted by the virtual school principal and have been connecting with their classroom teachers today. Classes are beginning this week and teachers are taking great care to work with families to understand students’ individual learning needs. Our staff has also been very intentional in developing strategies and resources to support all students in this new, virtual learning environment.
"Families have also been encouraged to access our NPSC Learn @ Home site for sample schedules, a list of materials for the home, and learning activities that could help families prepare for virtual learning.
"NPSC extends our sincere appreciation to our students and their families for their patience and understanding as we begin this new and different school year."
Lundrigan says the biggest issue has been the very slow response.
"The biggest frustration is the lack of response and the lack of learning my kids are doing (or lack of teaching)," she said.
"I have been told that many parents changed their minds regarding the way they wanted their kids to learn (from in-class to online) and that this reason is part of the reason for the setbacks but I feel like my children are being punished because other parents changed their minds."
Lundrigan says the school reached out early this week hoping to get online with a teacher. However, she says they are still dealing with some technical issues and she is hopeful it can get going for her sons.
