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Parents and guardians of students across Ontario will soon have to finalize decisions on how the students in their care will receive instruction next school year.
The Near North District School Board (NNDSB) says its staff members are reviewing Tuesday's statement by the Ministry of Education announcing remote learning will officially be an option for students for the 2021-2022 school year. Meanwhile, NNDSB is examining the implications of the province's announcement and is finalizing how September’s return to school will be offered.
As always, NNDSB says all its decisions are based on what is best for students and the board advises families "should give thought to how they would like their children to attend school," as an option must be chosen in the coming weeks.
In order to staff schools properly and provide the needed consistency to NNDSB students, the board warns there may be limited flexibility to switch between remote and in-class learning throughout the year.
See related: WATCH: Ontario providing $1.6 billion to fund COVID-19 resources
"Once the models have been determined, we will communicate with families, clearly outlining your choices for school in the fall," reads a message to the school board's students and their families.
NNDSB notes the "swing from in-person to remote is difficult for all of us, as we navigate the ongoing challenges of education in times of a pandemic. It is our belief that the evidence suggests that for most students in-person is the best way to learn — when it is safe to do so."
See related story from BayToday's archives: Return to class in the north connected to 'unreliable internet'
The letter states NNDSB schools have thus far proven to be low-risk for COVID transmission and "in-person learning has positive effects on children’s mental health including their need for socialization."
