Parkland County students head back to school this morning

Courtesy: The Canadian Press.

Many students in the Tri-Region will be heading back after learning online since the holidays.

Students across Parkland County are heading back to school this morning.

It follows an announcement made last week by Premier Jason Kenney and Minister of Education Adriana LaGrange after students across the province were learning online following a massive spike of COVID-19 cases in the fall.

The news however has mixed reviews with some parents saying it's too early to head back with active cases higher than they were at the beginning of the school year. But some are eager to have them return after spending too much time in front of a screen and not getting the proper one-on-one help they need.

"We've been anticipating the go-ahead," says Spruce Grove resident Kim Clarke. "The risk is minimal and the gain for the social, emotional and mental health of the kids is paramount." 

Despite schools re-opening this morning, public health measures will remain in place until the 21st of this month. 

Students who aren't comfortable attending in-person just yet can still attend online classes if they prefer.