Answering your questions about a return to school
Meagan Muirhead's six-year-old daughter asks her nearly every day when it will be time to go back to school.
She never has an answer.
Muirhead is one of tens of thousands of Hamilton parents still waiting for details on what a return to school will look like come September. On Monday, the Hamilton-Wentworth District School Board (HWDSB) released its tentative plan - one with information about what a full return, an at-home-only and a mixed approach might look like - but the Ministry of Education still has to approve it in early August.
Even then, it's not clear when the ministry will give the all-clear for students to return to classrooms, or not.
The uncertainty is taking a toll on Muirhead. She is on maternity leave and needs to make a decision about what her return to work will look like, how she and her husband will manage child care and how she can best prepare her Grade 1 daughter, Fiona, for school.
At this point, I'm just disappointed at how much there's a lack of a plan," she said, noting she doesn't blame the board. You would think somebody, somewhere in echelons of government would have thought about this a little more."
Questions she wants answered include what Fiona's weekly schedule will look like, how teachers are going to get kids to wash their hands regularly, how teachers - or mental-health professionals - will explain what's going on to children and what a school day is actually going to look like.
The answers to those questions might be a ways off, but here's what we know so far, based off the HWDSB's return-to-school report and discussions at its Monday board meeting.
What will school cleaning protocol entail?
What we're hearing from public health is that our regular cleaning schedule is sufficient," said Sharon Stephanian, superintendent of equity and well-being. High-touch surfaces, including railings or doorknobs, will be cleaned a minimum of twice a day, perhaps three times. The board uses hospital-grade disinfectant cleaner.
What other public health protocol will be in place?
Plexiglas barriers will be erected in main offices, while handwashing and sanitizing stations will be set up. Students and staff will be screened for symptoms of COVID-19. Signage and age-appropriate instruction on effective handwashing, sanitizing, sneezing and coughing techniques will take place. Students will practise physical distancing and their desks will be spaced two metres apart.
Will students or teachers wear masks?
This remains unclear. More discussion on the issue of masks and face shields is expected at the July 27 board meeting. The board's report states public health recommends mask use for staff when they are providing personal care to students or who may come into contact with bodily fluid."
What will breaks look like?
According to the board's report, nutrition breaks and recess schedules will be staggered to accommodate physical distancing and keep kids within their group of classroom peers. The report states: Where possible, students will eat lunch in their classroom with their cohort to ensure chances of contact and transmission are minimized," but it also states: Utilization of outdoor spaces as much as possible, including for lunch breaks."
What happens if someone gets COVID-19?
If someone in a classroom group or cohort" is diagnosed with COVID, all students and staff within the group will likely be asked to self-isolate. Anyone with COVID symptoms, or who came in close contact with someone with a suspected or confirmed COVID case in the past 14 days, is asked to stay home. If a school has a widespread outbreak, the board may shut it down temporarily.
Do students have to attend school?
No. In-person attendance is voluntary. Students can learn from home via an online learning model.
What will a school week look like?
This is to be announced. The premier and minister of education say they want students in school every day. If that's not possible, the board hopes elementary students will go to school every other day and alternate Fridays. High school students are expected to attend class in the morning. The rest of the time, learning will be done online.
Will busing be available to those who already take the bus?
Yes, but the board's return-to-school report states: The Ministry of Education guidelines encourage active transportation or private (parent/guardian/caregiver) provided transportation where possible so as to ease pressure on transportation demands and to focus available transportation capacity on those students that would otherwise not be able to attend school without it while maintaining physical distancing between students on buses by reducing bus capacity."
What mental health supports are in place?
Online support groups are available to students and caregivers this summer. For more information, go to page 4-34" of the board's report. During the summer, social workers supports are also available to HWDSB students and parents/caregivers. To access support, call 905-527-5092, ext. 2038.
Katrina Clarke is a Hamilton-based reporter at The Spectator. Reach her via email: katrinaclarke@thespec.com