(Vancouver) – On Tuesday, September 1, the Vancouver School District sent a message to families of elementary students asking to confirm their choice of educational option for their child in September.

There were 25,184 responses (an 87 per cent response rate). Approximately 76 per cent of families indicated their child(ren) will attend school for full-time in-person instruction. Approximately 23 per cent of families chose the Learn from Home Transition option and less than a percentage of families chose option 2 (distributed learning through the Vancouver Learning Network) and option 3 (home schooling). Although schools have heard from most families, staff are currently contacting families who have not yet responded.

Last week, details were provided to all families outlining important health and safety information as well as school-specific schedules for students who will attend full time in-person instruction. 

Families who opted to have their children begin the new school year under Option 4, the Learn from Home Transition, can expect check-in support by teachers beginning the week of September 21. Check-ins will be about 1.5 to 2 hours per week. Students will have some scheduled opportunities to attend activities at schools in preparation for their return to in-person learning. Their spot in their class will be held for the duration of the transition period. Also, students can begin attending in-person instruction at their school on October 13 or November 9, 2020 or when the winter term begins on January 5, 2021.

On Tuesday, September 8, 2020 all families will receive an email confirmation of the option they selected.

For more information about the back-to-school plan, please see: 

Message to Families: Elementary School Return 

Information & Instructions: Elementary School Return 

Ministry of Education: Back to School Fact Sheet 

Fact Sheet - Options for Elementary School Return 

Infographic - Elementary School Return Options 

Video: Options for Elementary School Return 

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Contact: communications@vsb.bc.ca