Dear Families,

I am writing to provide additional updates regarding the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on our schools. Earlier today, the Premier announced that publicly funded elementary and secondary schools in Ontario will not reopen until early May (May 1 for teachers and May 4 for students).

This unprecedented move is to help ensure that physical distancing continues which we know is one of the most important ways to slow the spread of this devastating virus. Together, with the closure of all non-essential services, it is hoped these extraordinary measures will help us flatten the curve.

We understand that is upsetting news. We know both students and staff miss the routine of school and the connections and relationships with their teachers, support staff and friends. But clearly, this must be done to ensure the health, safety and well-being of everyone.

There remain many questions as to what this extended closure will mean for our students and staff. While today’s announcement provides some details on how we will go forward, there is still much to be worked out and I ask for your ongoing patience and understanding. We are all in this together, and we need to work together, to do the best we can for our students. Here is what we know:

Continued learning for students: Our Limestone team has been working diligently over the past couple of weeks to ensure that as many students as possible can learn remotely supported by teachers and other school staff. School administrators have been working to determine students’ technology (laptops, tablets, etc.) and Wi-Fi/connectivity needs. Every school board plan, indeed, every school plan, may look a little bit different to support our individual students. Until we are able to share this plan with staff and students, families and students can access the Ministry’s Learn at Home resources or the supplemental LDSB online resources shared earlier this week.

Status of the school year: At this time, the Ministry of Education has not released any plans to extend the school year. The Ministry has also said that if it can salvage any part of the school year in person, they will do so. Should this change, school boards will receive direction from the Ministry of Education, and we will share this with families as soon as possible.

Status of 2020 graduation: The Minister of Education made it clear today that all students scheduled to graduate in June will do so. Schools will work with students to prioritize needs for graduation. More information will be shared when it is available.

Supports for vulnerable students: We continue to work with our community social service agencies to ensure the basic needs of our most vulnerable families are met (food, security and health care). We encourage everyone to review the various emergency food/meal program and wellness resources and supports available in our communities on our website. If you are unsure of where to turn, call *211, or reach out to your school administrator for support.

Mental health supports: Parents, family members, and other trusted adults all play an important role in helping our students make sense of what they hear in a way that provides developmentally appropriate information and help them feel some level of control. Our mental health team has assembled a comprehensive list of resources and outreach services to support families and others to support our students. Limestone social workers are also reaching out directly to identified students to support their well-being remotely. It is important to note that all of us are affected to some degree by the pandemic, and it’s important that families also take care of their own mental wellness. Again, our website has links to local community supports.

Public health updates: In our region, KFL&A Public Health is the lead agency for credible information about COVID-19. The province and our regional municipalities in KFL&A have all declared states of emergency to help fight this virus. It is critical that all students, families and staff heed the directives from public health which include staying at home, practising physical distancing, and washing your hands frequently. While we know families wish to get outside for fresh air and exercise, please do not allow your children to assemble in groups, or go to our school yards. Our yards and playground structures are closed, as are all playgrounds across the region as per a public health order. If you feel you wish to go outside, you must maintain a two-metre (six-foot) physical distance from others.

Over the coming days, we will share more information. Please stay connected by visiting our website for updates and following LDSB on social media (Twitter, Facebook and Instagram). Again, please refer to the frequently asked questions on our website. We will continue to add to these going forward.

Please know that we will do whatever it takes to keep our students, families, staff and communities safe. This means making some difficult decisions, but we must do so to help ensure the health and well-being of everyone. We know there will be some bumps along the road as we implement this new learning plan for our students and staff. We ask for your patience as we work together to reach every student and ensure we are supporting them to the best of our ability.

Stay healthy and well.

Debra Rantz,
Director of Education

Message from the Minister of Education to Ontario Families

March 23, 2020 Message to Families

March 13, 2020 Message to Families

Frequently Asked Questions re COVID-19

Talking with children and youth about COVID-19