Majority are confident with return to in-person classes at Lethbridge School Division

Sep 29, 2021 | 1:33 PM

LETHBRIDGE, AB – The return to classes amidst the fourth wave of the pandemic has been largely a positive experience for many in Lethbridge.

The Lethbridge School Division has released the results of their Re-Entry Plan Survey.

A total of 3,130 responses were received with the majority coming from students, although the division also heard from hundreds of parents and caregivers, as well as staff members.

Prior to arriving at school this year, two-thirds of students (66 per cent) and parents (65 per cent) were feeling confident or very confident about attending in-person classes. It is another story for staff members, as only 48 per cent expressed the same feelings of confidence.

A majority of parents (84 per cent), students (74 per cent), and staff (62 per cent) say the return to school has been a positive experience overall.

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Among all of these groups, the release of the 2021/2022 Re-Entry Plan gave them more confidence about attending classes than they had before reading the details.

A slight majority of staff (57 per cent) agree that the September 7 revision to the plan, which required high school students to wear face masks in common areas and hallways, contributed to their feelings of safety. Just under half of students and parents (49 per cent each) felt the same way.

Students told the school board that the best parts about returning to school are friends, learning, and having fun. Parents liked the social aspects, teachers, and having a positive welcoming staff. Employees enjoyed interacting with students, returning to offering options, and having a great administration team with clear instructions.

The full results of the survey can be found here.

by David Opinko