Vernon teachers back to work Monday; given choice to work at home or at schools

Mar 26, 2020 | 2:41 PM

The Vernon School District has sent letters to parents and its staff outlining its plan for Monday (March 30) when classes were set to return after spring break before the province put them on hold indefinitely.

“The health and safety of all students and staff will always be our top priority,” said School District 22 Superintendent Joe Rogers. “Over the spring break, we have had a team preparing a plan for the continuity of education opportunities.”

Rogers said staff will be developing plans for their students at the beginning of the week, and by Friday, April 3, families can expect contact from their school.

“This will give staff an opportunity to check in with students and inquire about student access to technology, which will help inform potential next steps,” stated Rogers.

Vernon Matters reached out to the District 22 to find out if teachers will be working in schools or at home, and if it’s in schools, what social distancing and other measures will be in effect to prevent COVID-19 spread.

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“Depending on their job responsibilities, staff will have the choice to work from home or school,” said Maritza Reilly, communications coordinator for District 22. “We have asked them to check in with their school administrator on Monday. For Monday, March 30, only school administrators, the school secretary in-charge, custodians and maintenance staff will be in schools until further plans are in place for the individual schools.”

Reilly said their custodians will be working day shifts to meet the cleaning and disinfecting standards to ensure the health and safety of those in the buildings.

The educational opportunities will be shared with students during the week of April 6.

On March 31, the District will upload a Parent Learning Resources web link on the district site (www.sd22.bc.ca), which will contain free digital learning tools parents and students may access.

Principals will be connecting with families to schedule a time to retrieve their child’s personal items and learning supplies from the school. Parents and students are asked to not enter the school buildings until an appointment has been arranged.

“Our custodial staff have been doing a fantastic job in ensuring our facilities are sanitized. To assist them in maintaining this high level of cleanliness, everyone entering the buildings will be expected to follow the physical distancing and hygiene protocols directed by the Provincial Health Officer,” said Rogers.

Rogers went on to say School District 22 staff understand this is a stressful time for families, and students may have a difficult time focusing on learning.

“While in-class learning has been suspended, schools will continue to provide equitable access to our programs and services and support all students and families during this time,” said the superintendent.

by Pete McIntyre

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