Hamilton school boards reviewing back-to-school plans in wake of provincial guidance
Hamilton school boards are reviewing back-to-school plans this week after Ontario unveiled its long-awaited guidance for September.
Now that the Ministry of Education has released its guidance on the return to school, we will incorporate this into our plans for effective public health measures and learning this fall," Hamilton-Wentworth District School Board chair Dawn Danko and education director Manny Figueiredo said in a joint statement.
The document released Tuesday puts students in the classroom full-time five days a week. Remote learning will remain an option.
Masking will be mandatory for students starting in Grade 1 - kindergarten students are exempt - and the return of instrumental music, choir, interschool sports, field trips, assemblies and co-op programs.
Shared spaces, such as libraries, cafeterias and computer labs, will also reopen.
We are excited about the return of in-person learning every day for all students, with remote learning as an option," the HWDSB statement reads.
Local boards say they are expecting further information on extracurriculars and contract tracing, among other details, and will share an update with families in the days ahead."
Since the pandemic began, Ontario has shut down its schools more than any other province.
On Wednesday, education minister Stephen Lecce announced $25 million in funding for improved ventilation - HEPA filters for classrooms, gyms, libraries and other spaces - for Ontario schools.
Students will return to a more normal in-person and full-time learning experience, which we know parents and experts have urged us to do," he said. In-person learning is crucial for their mental and their physical health, their overall well-being, and the long-term academic success of our students."
In April, Hamilton school boards received a combined $27.8 million for infratructure upgrades, including ventilation.
Kate McCullough is a Hamilton-based reporter covering education at The Spectator. Reach her via email: kmccullough@thespec.com