PARRY SOUND, ON-The Near North District School Board has released its full back to school guideline, detailing what the situation is going to look like in September.
Falling within the Ministry of Education’s current parameters and both provincial and local health authorities’ regulation, this guidance document could be subject to change as information and directives are in a constant state of flux.
While the document provides information on a wide variety of issues that will impact the schools in the district, parents can expect more specific details from their principal soon.
When students return to school, the NNDSB is planning on using a “Conventional Model” with enhanced public health protocols that are directed by the Ministry of Education. This model will have students attend class five days a week and be in direct or indirect contact with a maximum of 50 elementary or 100 secondary school students daily.
The school board is also allowing parents and guardians to change their choice if they would like their children to remain in the classroom or continue at-home learning. They will be able to do so by visiting the NNDSB survey here.
As the board would like to keep their students safe, parents are asked to start self-screening their children at home before they leave for school each day as the board said it “is critical for our school communities to be pro-active in preventing and reducing the spread of COVID-19.” For assistance in screening your child, visit the Ontario Government website here.
Students in Grades four to 12 will be required to wear a mask indoors, and children five years and older will be required to wear one to board a school bus. For those in Kindergarten to Grade three, wearing a mask will not be required but highly recommended.
Hand-washing, sanitizing and physical distancing will be required of all individuals entering school, and training will be provided to staff and students. Be advised that cleaning protocols of the building and the spaces used by students and staff have also been significantly enhanced.
The NNDSB is also looking at employing a staggered re-entry for all students to begin school as a way to ensure the necessary health and safety processes and protocols are being followed. Once a decision on this is made, parents will be made aware.
For the full guidance document, visit the NNDSB website here.