School District 57 has ironed out the final details of its return to class plan for the upcoming school year.
The plan is approved by the Ministry of Education and provides information on health and safety protocols and falls within the Provincial COVID-19 Health & Safety Guidelines.
All schools will adhere to the provincial health guidelines, however, additional requirements could possibly be adopted by schools in the District.
“These additions will enhance, not duplicate, PHO and WorkSafeBC requirements,” the report reads.
Each school will also fill out the COVID 19 Checklist/Safety Plan with their site specific Health and Safety Teams.
Masks will also be provided to staff and students if they do not have their own.
Trauma informed practice and psychological safety measures will also be implemented alongside physical health and safety measures.
These measures include providing an inclusive and compassionate learning environment, understanding coping strategies, supporting independance, and minimizing additional trauma by addressing individual student needs.
“To support educators in responding to situations of trauma, the Ministry has created trauma-informed practice resources that are available on the erase website,” says the report.
The 50 person gathering limit does not apply to regular school activities, so more than 50 staff and students can be in a school, but just not in one area.
However in person assemblies of staff and students will not be held.
Testing & self isolation
If students and staff experience Covid-19, cold, or flu symptoms, they will be required to stay home, assessed by their health car provider and tested for COVID-19.
Specific public health measures are implemented in facilities where an outbreak occurs to prevent further transmission.
Those with symptoms of Covid-19 or in close contact with someone who has tested positive will be required to self isolate.
“If a person is found to be a confirmed case of COVID-19, public health staff will ensure there is robust contact tracing and management of any clusters or outbreaks. They will also ensure that children, staff, parents and caregivers have access to health care providers and that appropriate supports are in place,” the report continues.
Staff and students must be assessed for symptoms daily.
Environmental measures
Visitors will be allowed in schools by appointment only, according to the SD57 report, and they must provide names and contact information.
They will also be asked screening questions before they enter the building.
If physical distance requirements cannot be met, a face mask will be required.
Parents and caregivers should remain outside of the school for drop off and pick up of children.
Meanwhile, short term community use is suspended until further notice.
Students will also not have access to lockers.
Cleaning protocols
All schools will have a daytime custodian to ensure standards are being met.
General cleaning and disinfecting will occur at least once a day, and high touch surfaces will be cleaned at least twice a day.
“There is no evidence that the COVID-19 virus is transmitted via textbooks, paper or other paper-based products. As such, there is no need to limit the distribution of books or paper based educational resources to students,” said the report.
Learning groups
Learning groups will be limited to 60 people in elementary school and 120 people in secondary school in stage two.
In stages three and four, elementary groups will be a maximum of 30 people.
Secondary school learning groups will be 60 people in stage three, and 30 in stage four.
Learning groups are smaller in elementary school due to the recognition that younger children are less likely to be able to maintain hand hygeine and physical distancing.
Seating assignments are encouraged within groups.
Masks will be required when physical distancing cannot be maintained.
Recess, lunch and class transition times will also be staggered.
Supporting students with disabilities and diverse learning abilities
Schools are expected to ensure supports and services for disabled students continue across all stages.
Students with disabilities who are unable to physically distance will not be excluded from a learning group.
Non medical masks and other PPE will be required for staff when they are in close proximity with students.
Kindergarten
Students entering Kindergarten will need additional time to adjust to the new environment, so pre-transition strategies like social stories, videos of school equipment and safety measures and video calls with parents will be used.
Buses
Drivers will wash their hands often and regularly use alcohol based hand sanitizer during trips.
Drivers are also required to wear a face covering, mask, or face shield when they cannot maintain physical distance, or a physical barrier is not available.
Line up areas, where possible, will be set up to prevent crowding and allow for physical distancing.
Secondary students will be required to wear a mask or face covering before boarding the vehicle.