The Near North District School Board (NNDSB) says it realizes both parents and students have "many questions regarding the reopening of schools and the delivery of education for the 2020/2021 school year," in a letter to stakeholders.
Some answers to those questions are expected to begin trickling in soon as the start of the traditional school year looms. It will be at least a couple of weeks yet before decisions are made as the province has given school boards until August 4 to submit plans for the upcoming school year. Those plans will be prepared on a board-by-board basis and a decision from the government on the direction the school year will take is expected in early August.
Meanwhile, Ontario says it "would like to have students back in class this September learning through conventional delivery with school every weekday, with class sizes that reflect current regulations, with regular social interaction and extra-curricular activities."
With guidelines now available to school boards across Ontario, the NNDSB will be "relying on the guidance and direction provided by the Ministry of Education and public health officials when exploring all options for the reopening of schools in September."
The Ministry of Education has prepared and posted literature on its approach to reopening, available on the Ontario.ca website.
It reads, "In planning for the resumption of instruction in the fall, it is critical to balance the risk of direct infection and transmission of COVID-19 in children with the impact of school closures on their physical and mental health."
And adds, "Current evidence and experience support the concept that children can return to school in a carefully structured manner that protects children's health and minimizes risks from a public health perspective."
According to the Ministry of Education, the current public health circumstances related to COVID-19 will require Ontario school boards to prepare for a range of delivery circumstances for the 2020-21 school year, including:
- A normal school day routine with enhanced public health protocols;
- A modified school day routine based on smaller class sizes, cohorting and alternative day or week delivery; and,
- At-home learning with ongoing enhanced remote delivery
The NNDSB says once its return to school plan has been reviewed by public health officials and the Ministry of Education, it will be shared with the public.
In August, the NNDSB advises it will communicate with parents and students outlining details of the plans, new health and safety measures and protocols, and any other changes that will be implemented when schools open.
The NNDSB adds it will be issuing a survey asking for student/parent input in the near future.
