Majority of HWDSB students to return to the classroom in September
The vast majority of Hamilton-Wentworth District School Board (HWDSB) students will return to in-person learning in September, according to numbers released by the board Friday.
About 80 per cent of students will return to the classroom, while the rest - approximately 20 per cent - have opted for remote learning.
These numbers are similar to those of the Hamilton-Wentworth Catholic District School Board (HWCDSB), which announced Aug. 20 the majority - 77 per cent - of its students will attend in-person classes. Thirteen per cent will learn remotely. Ten per cent of families have not yet responded.
In an family update Friday, HWDSB announced its revised staggered-entry plan The revision will push back start days for both elementary and secondary students.
The plan provides a schedule to welcome students over the first two weeks of school to enhance health and safety preparedness," the update reads.
The first sets of students will now start Sept. 10, instead of Sept. 8. The first four days of school will involve staggered start days for students based on grade and cohort.
A staggered entry schedule will better prepare staff to support student health, well-being and achievement as staff implement new health and safety measures," the update reads.
The revised start dates gives students fewer days to adjust to classroom protocols before the regular class schedule begins Sept. 16.
Our priority is the health and safety of students and staff in the reopening process," the update reads.
The HWDSB will host a special board meeting Monday at 6:15 p.m., where trustees will receive the latest school reopening update.
Kate McCullough is a Hamilton-based reporter at The Spectator. Reach her via email: kmccullough@thespec.com