Niagara school board okay with students staying home this week

Published December 21, 2021 at 10:54 am

The District School Board of Niagara (DSBN) has no problems with the idea of students staying home for the balance of this week.

However, students who do stay home are expected to continue online learning until Friday – the first official day of Christmas vacation.

In a letter to parents, DSBN Director of Education Warren Hoshizaki said, “Recognizing that COVID-19 cases are increasing in Niagara, we understand that there are families who may wish to keep their child(ren) home for the last days of school.”

To that end, the DSBN is offering some flexibility to this week’s schedule. “On Wednesday, December 22nd and Thursday, December 23rd, students have the option to attend school in-person or spend those two days learning at home.”

For Elementary Students, that means:

Families who choose to keep their child(ren) home to learn online will be able to access asynchronous learning materials by going to: www.dsbn.org and click on the “Learn From Home” banner
Students will not be marked absent
Families who feel the online learning option is best for them are asked to let the school office know, or enter this choice in Safe Arrival and choose, “Parent Aware”

For Secondary Students:

Teachers will post daily asynchronous learning materials for students on December 22 and 23. Students can choose to complete these materials in-person at the school or finish them at home
Students who choose to learn from home will not be marked absent – please enter this choice in Safe Arrival and choose, “Parent Aware”
If students or families have any questions about these options, please call the office

The DSBN said, “If any families, elementary and secondary, have questions or concerns specific to your school, please contact your school directly.”