Students should bring learning and personal items home for the holidays 'out of an abundance of caution' — NNDSB

The Near North District School Board (NNDSB) is notifying parents and guardians the possibility of a transition to remote learning remains as the COVID-19 pandemic continues to evolve.

"While we have received no indication from either the Ministry of Education or public health officials that schools will close," reads a letter to families sent Thursday, "we want to make sure we are prepared to facilitate a smooth transition to remote learning if directed to do so.

"Out of an abundance of caution and to ensure your family is prepared for a possible transition to remote learning after the winter break, NNDSB asks students to bring home all learning materials and personal items from desks and lockers, and any tools or supplies they will need to pivot to remote learning."

Similar directions are expected from the other local school boards.

The NNDSB community is also asked to inform students' schools if there have been changes to e-mail, phone number or other contact information. This information is critical to support ongoing school/parent communication during times of remote learning. Families that need the use of board-provided technology to access remote learning are asked to complete the Technology Request Survey to communicate technology needs. Families that have devices for their students are not required to complete the survey. 

Families are invited to visit the Near North Passport to Learning web page to access a variety of resources and helpful links to support remote learning including technical support, information about virtual learning platforms, and instructional resources.  

NNDSB thanks families for their continued efforts to protect students and staff from COVID-19.

"Your caution, cooperation, and commitment to public health have minimized disruptions to learning and increasingly made our schools safer for in-person activities."