School District 47 is planning for the coming school year in September.
In a letter to parents, guardians and students, Dr. Jay Yule, superintendent of the board of education, School District 47, stated that he was reaching out as the school district approaches the start of the 2020/2021 school year.
“I know you have many questions about how school will look in light of the COVID-19 pandemic,” stated Yule. “The staff at School District 47 and your schools have been working hard to respond quickly to the changing situation and make plans as mandated by the ministry of education.”
Yule stated the school district received the ministry’s operating guidelines on August 17, and despite the short window of time, school district representatives met with a variety of stakeholder groups for feedback on the plan and submitted it to the ministry on August 21. The expectation is that it will be approved by August 26.
“Both we, and the ministry, recognize that our plans must be flexible to adjust to changing situations, either at the provincial or local level, and so we are looking forward to feedback from the wider community going forward,” stated Yule. “We will be releasing a frequently asked questions document about the plan and will also be planning a virtual town hall meeting to discuss the restart plan with you prior to the start of school.”
This will take place on August 26 at 6 pm. Those wanting to send feedback on the plan or attend the virtual town hall meeting are asked to email [email protected].
Yule stated the ministry of education has laid out five stages that provide a framework for instructional delivery in the province during COVID-19.
“Currently, we are in stage two,” stated Yule. “This means that the learning group size for elementary schools is capped at 60 students and for secondary schools at 120 students. There are no density targets and schools will provide full-time instruction for students within the cohort limits, with self-directed learning as required.
“While we anticipate and are preparing for movement between stages during the school year, the plan we have developed is specific to stage two.”
There are changes for people to note:
· Learning groups will have their own entrances and exits to schools
· Teachers and staff will be assigned to single learning groups or schools where possible and will use physical distancing and personal protective equipment where distancing is not possible.
· Playgrounds and outside areas at kindergarten to grade seven schools will be marked to allow for more than one learning group to be outside, yet remain separate.
· Grade eight and nine students will have full-year classes and learning groups, while grade 10 to 12 students will be in a quarter system taking two courses (four terms) for 10 weeks in learning groups.
· Lunch breaks will be staggered.
· High-touch surfaces will be cleaned and disinfected more frequently.
· School buses will have assigned seating and will load back to front. Students from grades five to 12 will be required to wear non-medical masks on the bus.
“I encourage everyone to read the plan, make lists of questions, attend the virtual town hall, and provide any feedback to [email protected].” stated Yule. “As mentioned, this plan is specific to stage two, however; we are currently making plans for transitioning into any other stage if necessary.
“The school district is committed to helping students achieve academic success in whatever way the global situation requires us to respond, either through in-person teaching, virtual classrooms, or a combination of the two. We are also continuing to work to improve communication with different stakeholder groups, including students, families, staff, and the community in this time of change.”
