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SNCDSB COVID-19 Reopening Guidelines

SNCDSB COVID-19 Reopening Guidelines
Posted on 01/17/2022

Best Practices To Keep Everyone Safe and Healthy

The health and safety of workers is a top concern amid the global COVID-19 pandemic. During this time all stakeholders must place an increased focus on health and safety in order to keep facilities open and safe.

All measures taken to prevent the spread of COVID-19 should be done in compliance with requirements under the Occupational Health and Safety Act and associated Regulations and public health directives issued by the Chief Medical Officer of Health.

In addition, below are a set of resources, tips and best practices to help employers prevent the spread of COVID-19. 

Physical Spacing

All movement around and within the hallways of the building is to happen with the recommended 2 metre distance but like cohorts/classrooms can now be spaced 1 metre apart. Different cohorts in the same space need to still be 2 metres apart. That said, as much distancing as possible maintained within a cohort in shared physical spaces within the school is recommended.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Eye protection for staff is not required for individuals working with children who wear face protection (e.g. children grade 1 and above) but need to be readily available and accessible by all staff if appropriate physical distancing cannot be maintained when either indoors or outdoors with students. Masking for students is not required (but recommended) when playing high or low contact activities outdoors.

Cleaning

High-touch surfaces like banisters, door handles, light switches, toilets, sinks, elevator buttons etc. will be sanitized at least twice throughout the day by the custodians.

Hand sanitizer will be used instead of portable hand-washing stations.

Deep cleaning will now be performed as needed.

Shared Items

The use of shared materials is now permitted. The risk associated with transmission with shared objects is low. The focus should be on regular hand hygiene and respiratory etiquette to reduce the risk of infection related to shared equipment, particularly when regular cleaning of shared objects is not feasible. 

Staff Return to School Planning

Protecting Yourself and Coworkers

Coronaviruses are spread through close contact, including at work. Here are some helpful tips to prevent the spread of infection:

  • Wash your hands often and thoroughly with soap and water or alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
  • Sneeze and cough into your sleeve.
  • If you use a tissue, discard immediately and wash your hands afterward.
  • Avoid touching your face, eyes, nose, or mouth.
  • Avoid contact with people who are sick.
  • Avoid high-touch areas, where possible, or ensure you clean your hands after.
  • Where possible, wear gloves when interacting with high-touch areas. Do not touch your face with gloved hands. Put on and remove gloves in a manner that avoids contamination of the hands. Ensure you wash your hands after removing gloves.
  • Wash your clothes as soon as you get home.
  • Stay home if you are sick.
  • If you are ill: notify your supervisor immediately, complete the self-assessment and follow the instructions you get.

Self-Assessment

The symptoms of COVID-19 can resemble a cold or the flu. At this time, it is recommended that any individual worker who is experiencing any symptoms related to cold, flu, or COVID-19 should be sent home. In addition, we advise you to immediately self-isolate and complete the online self-assessment or call either:

  • Telehealth: 1-866-797-0000
  • Your primary care provider (for example, family physician) 

Staff are asked to fill out the Self-Assessment sheet in eBase daily before entering the facilities.

Please read the following very carefully.

According to Health Canada, symptoms can appear in as little as a few days, or as long as 14 days after being exposed to someone with the disease. COVID-19 can cause a range of symptoms including fever, cough, sore throat and shortness of breath.

For some people, the symptoms are like having a cold; for others, they are quite severe or even life-threatening. It is important to check with your healthcare provider and follow instructions about staying home or away from public spaces to prevent the spread of the virus.

The virus typically spreads through coughing and sneezing, personal contact with an infected person, or touching an infected surface and then the mouth, nose, or eyes.

Close contact with a potentially infected person or touching potentially contaminated items (such as desks, keyboards, counters, door handles, hard surfaces, elevator buttons, etc.) are likely to pose the greatest exposure risks. Also, close contact with other people increases the risk of exposure to someone who may be infected.

Accessing SNCDSB Sites Protocol

We ask all staff and individuals that are entering our sites to abide by the following guidelines:

  • Enter site through the main entrance or the entrance that is designated to you by your immediate supervisor
  • Stop at the check-in station and follow the following steps:
  • After-hour access to schools
  • Accessing the office
  • Using the staffroom
  • Staff members with children
  • Using the designated washroom facilities:

Contact Tracing Information Management and Documentation

In order to keep accurate records of adults accessing various locations in our schools, we are asking all adults to sign in and sign out every time they access a room within the school. 

Package Delivery Protocol (for receiving packages)

  • Wear a mask
  • Wear gloves during the whole time
  • Maintain physical distancing
  • When possible, request a contactless delivery
  • Request the driver to place the package down rather than handing the item directly to you to maintain physical distancing
  • Avoid the use of shared materials
  • Use your own pen when signing for the delivery and avoid the use of shared pens
  • If you are required to use a stylus or your finger to sign for receipt of the delivery, wipe down the keypad before use
  • Open the package in the designated area
  • Upon opening the delivery immediately dispose of the packaging and the used gloves
  • Sanitize the item
  • Clean and sanitize exposed areas
  • Clean and sanitize any areas the package came into contact with such as tabletops, counters, or floor area (where it was placed), etc.
  • Wash your hands immediately after cleaning and sanitizing the potentially exposed areas

Students Return to School Planning

The following principles guide the reopening of SNCDSB schools:

  • Protecting the health and safety of students and staff
  • Follow the guidelines set out by the Ontario Ministry of Education and the Ontario Ministry of Health and the Thunder Bay District Health Unit
  • Provide students with some familiarity with school routines for social/emotional/academic learning
  • Provide clear expectations for staff and students during this new learning

Guidelines for Full Return to School Model with Enhanced Safety Measures

Due to our small classrooms sizes, we are fortunate to be able to offer in-school full day instructions with enhanced Health and Safety Measures. Please refer to the following article COVID-19: Recommendations for School Reopening about recommendations from Sick Kids Hospital on School Reopening.

Staff are asked to adhere to the reopening guidelines to ensure their safety and the safety of their students.

The following expectations and procedures are in place to ensure the health safety and hygiene standards are met.

In general:

  • All movement around and within the hallways of the building is to happen with the recommended 2 metre distance.
  • Students and staff are not to be in school if they show any new or unexplained symptom of illness and must be symptom-free for 24 hours before returning
  • Students may not enter the building before their arrival time.
  • Students will access the building at the bell. Students may not access the school before the bell.
  • Staff and students will enter the building through the main entrance or designated entrance and head directly to their classroom or workstation.
  • Students will line up for dismissal and are brought outside by their teacher.

Students Entry at the Beginning of the Year

  • No daily staggered re-entry is required (Grade 1 to Grade 8) Schools should develop school arrival and departure procedures that support physical distancing where possible.
  • Approaches may include: maximizing the use of all possible entrances and exits to support the beginning and end of the school days creating designated routes for students to get to and from classrooms

To support early year student transitions, schools with more than 6 Kindergarten students may elect to use staggered entry for their JK/SK students. To support consistency across schools, year 1 students will arrive on Day 1, year 2 on Day 2 with all JK/SK students together on Day 3.

Expectations for Students

  • Students from grades Kindergarten to 8 are required to wear masks at all times.
  • Students will be allowed in the building at the bell.
  • Students enter the building without parents at their assigned entrance door and head directly to their classroom.
  • Students must sanitize their hands when entering the classroom.
  • Students must adhere to the 2 metre rule when entering and exiting the building.
  • Students are to bring only the minimum that is needed.
  • All student belongings are to be taken directly to their classroom with them. indoor shoes are not required at this time. This will be revisited for the winter months.
  • In order for these arrangements to work well, it is really important for students and parents to stick to these times and guidelines as much as possible.
  • Students who arrive late must enter using the main entrance. Students need to sign in at the office and go directly to their classrooms.
  • Students will be taken to the dismissal point by teachers. Supervision may be assigned to FSL/NSL teachers or EAs. When parents are there to pick up their child, the student will be released by the teachers/supervisor. Walkers may leave school.

Masks (Kindergarten to Grade 8)

All students from K-8 and staff continue to be required to wear masks at all times while indoors and when physical distancing cannot be maintained outdoors. In the event students forget or lose their masks, one will be provided to them. Students will be asked to safely store their masks at different times during the day (ie. lunchtime, recess etc.). It is imperative that masks are stored appropriately to keep them clean. Students may use the following to store their masks: new paper or plastic bags each day, cloth bags that are cleaned daily, plastic containers that are sanitized etc. We recommend that students have an extra mask with them in the event that their other mask becomes soiled. Public Health recommends that reusable masks are washed daily and soiled masks are stored properly. Exemptions may be made on the advice of a medical professional. Medical documentation is required when the school is unaware of pre-existing medical conditions.

 Masks are recommended to be worn outside when physical distancing cannot be achieved (i.e. play structures, play at close proximity, etc.) Masking is not required (but encouraged) when playing high or low contact activities outdoors. Masking is encouraged for indoor sports where they can be worn safely based on the activity.

Staff are to wear masks at all times. Staff must have their mask and eye protection with them at all times.

Eye protection update for staff in schools and childcare from TBDHU:

  • Eye protection (e.g. face shield or goggles) is required for individuals working in close contact with children who are not wearing face protection (e.g. children in kindergarten, children with mask exemptions, children with special needs etc...,). Eye protection is not required for individuals working with children who wear face protection (e.g. children grade 1 and above). There may be situations where based on risk assessment an individual is deemed to be high risk by public health. 

Dropping Off/Picking Up Students

Schools should develop school arrival and departure procedures that support physical distancing where possible. Approaches may include:

  • maximizing the use of all possible entrances and exits to support the beginning and end of the school days
  • creating designated routes for students to get to and from classrooms
  • providing visual cues or physical guides, such as tape on floors or sidewalks and signs/posters on walls, to guide appropriate distances in lines/queues and at other times (for example, guides for creating “one-way routes” in hallways)
  • Hand sanitizer will continue to be available in school entrances and exits and in classrooms.
  • Parents will arrive at the assigned start time and dismissal time. It is very important to keep to these times to encourage social distancing.
  • Parents drop off their child/ren outside of the building (Grades 1 - 8).
  • Parents are encouraged to allow their child/ren to make the last part of the journey into school independently.
  • Parents will wait in their car and will pick up their child/ren at the doors.
  • Parents are asked to make an appointment with the school if they wish to visit the school or to meet with school staff. Schools are asked to notify the superintendent of the school when this occurs.
  • Virtual meetings with parents are highly recommended.

Busing

Bussing information is provided by the East of Thunder Bay Transportation Consortium. 

Students Class Grouping

To prepare for the in-school learning model in 2021-2022, principals are asked to create groups that become a class for the duration of the year. Classes are assigned in accordance with the square footage of the classroom. Please consult the Superintendent of your school in the event that you will have larger numbers. Larger classrooms will be assigned to larger groups.

Cohorting

Cohorting practices will continue to assist with contact tracing. A minimum distance of 2 metres must be maintained between cohorts and as much distance as possible maintained within a cohort in shared physical spaces within the school is recommended.

Entering and Exiting the Classroom

BEGINNING OF THE DAY:

  • Students will bring all their belongings with them to the classroom and will be assigned classroom cubbies 1 metre apart.
  • Students must wash and rinse their hands thoroughly for 40 seconds. Staff are asked to demonstrate proper hand washing to their students.
  • Once their hands are washed or sanitized, they are then ready to begin the day.

DURING THE DAY:

  • Students must wash their hands throughout the day; this is at the beginning of the day, before and after recess, after using the facilities or any other time they re-enter the room or it is felt hand washing is necessary.
  • Indoor and outdoor gym classes will support well-being. Interactive technology enhancements in our gyms this summer and fall will support physical fitness and extend learning. There is currently a pause on high contact indoor sports.
  • Masking is encouraged for indoor sports where they can be worn safely based on the activity.
  • Windows should be opened when feasible to increase ventilation.

END OF THE DAY:

  • Students put on their coats and place their bags on their back/shoulder
  • Students wash their hands before lining up to be taken to their exit

Expectations Around the Usage of Materials

Shared Materials:

Shared materials are important for learning (for example, toys for imaginative play in kindergarten, manipulatives for math, computers and other tech materials, books, art supplies, indoor physical education equipment and shared outdoor equipment). The use of shared materials is permitted. The risk associated with transmission with shared objects is low. The focus should be on regular hand hygiene and respiratory etiquette to reduce the risk of infection related to shared equipment, particularly when regular cleaning of shared objects is not feasible.

Classrooms and the use of school materials:

  • Custodians will maintain the sanitizing of the classroom.
  • All school materials stay at school; no home materials are brought to school with the exception of pencil boxes, which then stay at school.
  • Students bring their own pencil boxes from home that remain at school
  • Teachers will assign a basket of material for every student, which may include scissors, glue, crayons, markers, workbooks, literacy and numeracy resources, manipulative etc. Teachers will determine what needs to be included in the basket. The basket and materials will be provided by the Board.
  • Students cannot bring personal toys to school.
  • Students may share materials. 

Toys and manipulatives:

  • Kindergarten teachers are asked to select toys and manipulatives for their students to use during the day. These items must be easily washed in the dishwasher at the end of the day.
  • Materials, toys and manipulatives should be sanitized as regularly as feasible.
  • Soft toys and pillows/cushions/blankets are to be removed from the classroom.
  • iPads, Chromebooks, laptops, computer mouse, etc. must not be shared while using.
  • Need to be wiped before and after use several times daily with wipes.
  • Students must wash their hands before and after use.

Other materials:

  • Promethean Board markers must be wiped down after each use.
  • Class pencils/pens/scissors/glue sticks/rulers are assigned to students and used by the same student for the year.
  • Other art materials i.e. paints, pastels etc. used, cleaned and then packed away.
  • No playdough/plasticine/clay is to be used unless it’s included in the student’s basket and no sharing occurs.
  • iPads and Chromebooks are not to be shared and students will be asked to wipe them before and after use.

Classroom Libraries

  • If physical space allows, classrooms will have classroom libraries. 

Health and Safety Guidelines

Emergency Learning: Health and Safety Guidelines

Sick Students:

Students who show a new or unexplained symptom of illness (ie. recurring seasonal allergies, asthma, pre-existing medical condition would not qualify) may not attend school.

Principals are asked to choose a room in the school that will be used for sick students in consultation with their Superintendent. This room will be used as an isolation room for students with symptoms. The gym may also be utilized if more space is needed.

Parents are asked NOT to send their child to school if he or she is showing any symptoms of illness and NOT to send their child/ren to school if any member of the household has symptoms of Covid-19.

Students who show signs of illness or have a temperature of 37.8 C (100 F) or higher will be sent home from school. The students will be asked to stay in a dedicated room and wear a mask while waiting for their parents to pick them up. Chairs are placed at a minimum of six feet apart. Adults are asked to wear PPE while supervising the ill students (gowns, gloves, masks and face shield).

The office will phone a parent and/or emergency contacts to arrange the immediate pick up of their sick child.

Waiting Room Protocol (Isolation Room)

Waiting rooms are used to isolate sick students while waiting to be picked up by parents. The staff that are supervising the isolation room are asked to use the isolation room PPE bucket that is provided by the Board. Principals are asked to dedicate one staff member to supervise the Waiting room. The staff member will wear the provided PPE and are asked not to enter the room but rather supervise the student through the doorway.

Contact and Tracing Management

As per the Ministry of Education, confirmed COVID cases are not required to be reported publicly to the school community or on the SNCDSB Dashboard. However, the SNCDSB is going beyond this and in the event a member of the school discloses they tested positive (either rapid antigen test or polymerase chain reaction test), we will notify the cohort/classroom as a courtesy.

We are encouraging staff and families to disclose if their child(ren) test positive in order to report positive cases locally and system-wide.

Handwashing and Hand Sanitizing

Students and adults are asked to wash their hands upon entry to the school and throughout the day. It is recommended to use soap and water as much as possible. Hand sanitizers can also be used and will be provided by the Board.

1 Metre distance as a minimum

  • Students will enter school at the main entrance or designated entrance, one at a time, 2 metres apart and will remain 1 metre apart the entire school day.
  • Students in the same cohort will be separated by 1 metre throughout the school day both in the class and when transitioning to/from recess. Some exceptions may apply in consultation with the school superintendent.

Cleaning of the Building

  • Hand sanitizers will be placed inside each building entry door, outside classroom doors and in every classroom.
  • High touch surfaces like banisters, door handles, light switches, elevator buttons etc. will be sanitized at least twice throughout the day by the custodians.
  • Toilets and sinks will be sanitized at least twice throughout the day by the custodians.
  • Deep cleaning will be performed as needed.

Bathroom Procedures

  • Students are asked to wash their hands in their classroom prior to using the facilities
  • A limit of three students accessing the facilities at a time
  • Classrooms are assigned specific washrooms to use
  • Markers of 1 metre (3 feet distance) are indicated outside the bathroom doors in order to help students with social distancing
  • A staff member can be assigned to monitor the bathroom

Gymnasium Usage Guidelines

The use of gymnasiums, change rooms, indoor physical education equipment and shared outdoor equipment are permitted with distancing.

Indoor and outdoor gym classes will support well-being. Interactive technology enhancements in our gyms this summer and fall will support physical fitness and extend learning. There is currently a pause on high contact indoor sports.

Additionally:

  • Students and adults are asked to wash their hands prior to using the gym and upon returning to their classrooms
  • Students are expected to wear their masks while using the gym at all times
  • Teachers are asked to wear their masks at all times. Eye protection (e.g. face shield or goggles) is required for individuals working in close contact with children who are not wearing face protection (e.g. children in kindergarten, children with mask exemptions, children with special needs etc...,). Eye protection is not required for individuals working with children who wear face protection (e.g. children grade 1 and above).
  • Teachers are asked to plan for low impact physical activities such as Yoga, stretching etc. Physical distancing of 1 metre must be maintained at all times
  • Principals are asked to create a gym schedule ensuring that there are no mixing of cohorts (principals that are in shared facilities are asked to create schedules in collaboration and consultation with the principal of CSDCAB)
  • If equipment is shared it should be fogged or sanitized as needed between use.
  • Students and staff should not be engaged in moderate to vigorous physical activity indoors. When moderate to vigorous physical activity takes place outdoors, students and staff should maintain physical distancing. Masks should not be worn for high-intensity activity.
  • Custodians are asked to abide by the cleaning schedule of other shared spaces in the school ie: washrooms, office, staff room etc.

Breakfast Club, Lunch and Snack Procedures

All students will eat snacks and lunch in their classroom. Students can access lunchrooms as well using appropriate physical distancing (ie: 1 metre within cohorts and 2 metres between cohorts).

Breakfast clubs will be operating during the entire school year. Volunteers are asked to wear masks and gloves while in the building. Breakfast will be provided to classrooms in an individual paper bag, one per student. This will be delivered to the students prior to their arrival. No contact will be made between volunteers and students.

Please follow the below guidelines:

  • All students and staff wash their hands before eating breakfast, a snack and lunch
  • All students and staff wash their hands after eating a snack and lunch This spot should be at a 1 metre distance from others in the classroom
  • Students sit in their designated spot in class for lunch. Students can access lunchrooms as well if physical distancing is implemented. Custodians use the provided disinfectant to thoroughly clean the tables after students have eaten
  • Lunch can be provided at a staggered time to support schedules and planning. Please consult the following schedule example which will assist you in creating your own school schedule. Students may leave the premises to eat lunch at home at their scheduled time. Lunchroom supervisors will be supervising lunch. Please ensure that the same person is supervising lunch daily when it is possible. 

STAGGERED LUNCH TIMES

Lunch is provided at a staggered time. Please consult the following schedule example which will assist you in creating your own school schedule. Students may leave the premises to eat lunch at home at their scheduled time.

Class 1

Lunch: 12:00 pm - Person A
Outdoor Playtime: 12:20 pm - Person D
Cleaning Schedule: 12:20 pm - Custodian A

Class 2

Lunch: 12:00 pm - Person A
Outdoor Playtime: 12:20 pm - Person D
Cleaning Schedule: 12:20 pm - Custodian A

Class 3

Lunch: 12:00 pm - Person A
Outdoor Playtime: 12:20 pm - Person D
Cleaning Schedule: 12:20 pm - Custodian A

Class 4

Lunch: 12:00 pm - Person A
Outdoor Playtime: 12:20 pm - Person D
Cleaning Schedule: 12:20 pm - Custodian A


Class 5

Lunch: 12:00 pm - Person B
Outdoor Playtime: 12:20 pm - Person C
Cleaning Schedule: 12:20 pm - Custodian B

Class 6

Lunch: 12:00 pm - Person B
Outdoor Playtime: 12:20 pm - Person C
Cleaning Schedule: 12:20 pm - Custodian B

Class 7

Lunch: 12:00 pm - Person B
Outdoor Playtime: 12:20 pm - Person C
Cleaning Schedule: 12:20 pm - Custodian B

Class 8

Lunch: 12:00 pm - Person B
Outdoor Playtime: 12:20 pm - Person C
Cleaning Schedule: 12:20 pm - Custodian B

Outdoor Learning and Recess

Students should at least have two outdoor playtimes during the day. This is imperative for their mental health and well-being. These recesses will also be used in lieu of physical education classes. Please schedule outdoor activities/learning during instructional time. https://theconversation.com/kids-will-need-recess-more-than-ever-when-returning-to-school-post-coronavirus-139165

The revised recess schedule will be created to provide increased outdoor playtime for all students and limit the number of students on the playground at one time. Students go out to play with their classroom teachers without their masks. Students are asked to properly store their masks in their classrooms and maintain social distancing at all times including the hallway and outside. Teachers with the assistance of the principal will coordinate an outdoor time with one another to ensure that hallways are not congested.

More than one group of students at a time can be outside depending on the size of the playground. Groups of students have to remain separate in the hallways and outside at all times.

We ask schools that share their facilities with other Boards to work together to set a recess schedule.

Student expectations for outdoor play:

  • Students are asked to wash their hands prior to going outside to play.
  • Students are expected to follow the school rules and cooperate when instructed and directed.
  • Students are expected to adhere to all new procedures so the school can follow the safety guidelines.
  • As per the health and safety guidelines, students must play only with their designated group of students.
  • Students who struggle to meet the new expectations will not be permitted on the playground.
  • Students (in the same cohort) must maintain a 1 metre distance when in the hallways and masks must be worn at all times.
  • Students must maintain a 1 metre distance when playing and masks are not required (but recommended) outdoors.
  • Students will have access to playground equipment. This access is scheduled by the cohorts.
  • Students do not need to stay within their cohort during recess and breaks outdoors, but distancing should be encouraged between cohorts as much as possible.
  • Shared materials outdoors are permitted, with appropriate hand hygiene and respiratory etiquette.

Student Concerns

Staff are asked to closely monitor the emotional well-being of students in the new learning environment. Parents are also asked to share any concerns with their child's classroom teacher.

We ask you to be particularly aware of the following situations and issues:

  • Reluctant students*
  • Social/emotional concerns including new concerns because of the new learning environment and guidelines, class, friendships
  • Behaviour/disciplinary issues
  • General academic concerns
  • Late and absent students
  • Child protection issues

*students who are not agreeable to coming to school, who have difficulty separating from parents, who refuse to enter the building, who make excuses during the day to be sent home

Concern: Reluctant Student
Response: Staff will make reasonable efforts to encourage students to enter and stay in school. Students who are not able to cooperate easily, a re-entry plan is created with our mental health team.

Concern: Social/Emotional Issues
Response: Staff will report students of concern to their principal and our mental health team. Students may be referred to our service providers.

Concern: Behaviour/Disciplinary
Response: There is an enhanced expectation for students to follow school rules, classroom agreements and cooperate when instructed and directed. Students are also expected to adhere to the new hygiene and distancing procedures so the school can follow the guidelines for health and safety. Teachers are asked to educate their students on the importance and the reason for the new hygiene and distancing procedures.

If students refuse to respect the above, next steps will be determined on a case by case basis.

Concern: Late/Absence (school and/or online)
Response: Regular recording of attendance and tardies will continue. Parents will be contacted if attendance is a concern. Please follow the Attendance Counsellor Guidelines provided by the Board.

Concern: General Academic Concerns
Response: Please discuss academic concerns as a school team and Principals are asked to bring any concerns to the School Superintendent.

Concern: Child Protection Issues
Response: The same child protection procedures and guidelines are in place. Staff should inform child protection immediately.

Communication

Students

It is essential that we inform and educate our students on why these guidelines are put in place and the importance of adhering to them. The safety aspects of the guidelines that pertain to them should be fully explained. Students should also be made aware, in age-appropriate and non-stigmatizing language, to identify symptoms of COVID-19 and should be instructed to speak to a staff member immediately if they feel ill.

Staff are asked to be mindful of students' misconceptions and fears. It is very important to immediately address these misconceptions and fears and to refer students to the mental health team if necessary. It is also important to inform the principal and the parents.

Parents

In order to minimize cross-contamination and exposure, agendas will no longer be used as a communication tool between school and home. Staff are asked to communicate with parents through Google Classrooms in lieu of the agenda.

Schools are asked to communicate the new guidelines to parents and all safety measures that have been put in place to protect the school community. An on-going method of communication should be established between the school and home in order to keep parents informed. Please refer to the following Ministry of Education document Operational-guidance-covid-19-management-schools

Learning

This is a new learning situation. Our goal is to provide students with some familiarity of school routines for social/emotional/academic learning in a school environment. Lessons will be designed to provide practice for consolidating skills and will focus on some new learning, where possible. Teachers will use teaching materials, strategies and teaching styles that are familiar to the students. The academic work for students will be as familiar and as independent as possible. Spiraling and narrowing of the curriculum is recommended in order to help reduce the learning gaps.

Please note: we may need to change our plan due to the current circumstances and revert to the hybrid model or distance learning.

Learning Models

Superior North Catholic District School Board is offering two learning models. Students have the option between remote learning and in-school learning. These models are options that parents can choose for their child(ren).

Parents are asked to select one learning model for the remainder of the school year if applicable.

Resources 

SNCDSB Cleaning and Disinfection plan

COVID-19: Interim Guidance for Schools and Child Care

COVID-19 Integrated Testing & Case,Contact and Outbreak Management Interim Guidance: Omicron Surge

https://www.tbdhu.com/coronavirus

https://covid-19.ontario.ca/index.html

https://www.ontario.ca/page/covid-19-support-students-and-parents

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