Parents with kids in the Thames Valley District School Board (TVDSB) have a week and a half to decide whether they will be sending their children back to the classroom.
The school board is asking parents to confirm if their child will attend school in-person or stick with full-time remote learning. The information will be used to ensure there is adequate classroom space and teaching staff for when schools reopen in September.
Parents must make their selection using the online Parent Portal by August 18. Separate entries are required for each student.
Those who choose full remote learning will be asked for additional information about access to the Internet and the availability of necessary technology devices.
While it will be possible for families to change their selection during the school year, children could be placed on a waiting list depending on the availability of classroom space and staffing, the school board said.
"Thames Valley is excited to welcome students back to school and plans are underway to make this a safe and welcoming experience," the school board said in a statement on Thursday.
The Ontario Ministry of Education unveiled its return to school plans for the province last week. Under the plan, elementary students will return to school full-time but with enhanced safety measures in place. Secondary students will return in an adapted model with a maximum of 15 students per class alternating between in-person and online instruction. Students in special education classes will attend five days a week in both elementary and secondary schools.
Face coverings will be mandatory for students in Grades 4 through 12.
The school board has said it will provide parents with more information about its back-to-school plan following additional consultation with the Ministry of Education.
