KINGSTON -- Kingston-area school boards have released plans for the return to class in a few short weeks and are now asking parents to pre-register their children.
The Limestone District School Board and the Algonquin and Lakeshore Catholic District School Boards are asking parents and guardians to let schools know whether kids will be taking part in in-class or online learning, before returning in September.
Elementary students that opt to attend school in-person will have staggered arrival and dismissal times to limit student contact.
Secondary schools will be under a “quadmester” system, which allows for two subject periods in one day, rather than four, split by lunch break in between. They will be on this schedule for 45 days, followed by an exam. Then will switch to two subjects for another 45 days.
There are no field trips, assemblies, or the ability to borrow library books.
At the Limestone District School Board, officials says parents will have until Aug. 19 to opt-out of in-class learning.
Limestone elementary students
Students may have a staggered entry to reduce congestion, a compromise after director of education Krishna Burra said parents where overwhelmingly against sending kids to class for part days or for only certain days of the week.
Schools will create designated routes for students to get to and from class.
Schools will organize and timetable recess and breaks to minimize congestion in hallways. Students in Kindergarten to Grade 3 will be encouraged to wear masks in indoor spaces. Masks are mandatory for students in Grades 4 to 8.
Self-screening will be done daily for students and staff, and a COVID screening checklist will be shared with families each day to complete before going to school.
Online students will have a similar schedule as those returning to in-class, according to the board.
High Schools
Self-screening will also be done daily, with a COVID checklist provided to be done before students go to class.
Face masks are mandatory for students from Grades 9 to 12 unless there is a medical condition that would prevent them from being worn.
Students into smaller semesters, or quadramesters, which allow for two subject periods in one day, rather than four, split by lunch break in between.
Lockers will not be allocated and used at the start of the year. This will be revisited ahead of the fall/winter semester, say officials. Personal items and belongings should be minimized
Students will be able to move between in-person and remote learning at set times, including mid-September for elementary and end of first quadmester for secondary students.
