With news that kids in elementary school will be heading back to class, local parents are expressing their excitement.
The Upper Canada District School Board announced Wednesday that all elementary students in the Leeds, Grenville and Lanark District Health Unit will be heading back to school on Monday.
Dan Mellon, whose daughter attends Kemptville Public School, says he’s ecstatic to see the kids get back to in-person learning.
“It was fun having the kids home while we did but they really want to get back,” Mellon said. “It’s funny, in years past where they’ve always wanted to stay home and there’ve been snow days – and now, they’re missing their friends and missing that routine. I think for them, the thought of being able to get back now is really a good thing.”
Meanwhile, high school students in the LGL health unit area are continuing with remote learning until next Friday.
With two sons also attending North Grenville District High School, Mellon says the board has seemingly done its homework and he isn’t too concerned about the health risk.
“I honestly think the students will be safer at school than they would be hanging out with friends, so I have no concerns as far as safety goes. The protocols are there, they’ve followed them, I think we had a really good run up until the Christmas break and I can’t imagine it will be any different.”
Mellon also commends the board for the job it’s done, noting the incredibly difficult task of keeping kids engaged during a pandemic.
For more information on the return-to-school plan, you can head to the UCDSB’s website.