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Sept. 8 start

District 22’s return to school plan ready on Aug. 26

Aug 5, 2020 | 4:15 PM

Officials with School District 22 Vernon say they will have an approved local return-to-school plan ready for students, parents and staff on August 26.

Board chair Robert Lee and Superintendent of Schools Joe Rogers said in an update released this week, the district will be meeting with the Vernon Teachers’ Association, CUPE and the District Parent Advisory Council to develop the local plan which has to be submitted to the province by Aug. 21.

The plan will feature B.C.’s full return to in-class instruction starting Sept. 8, and schools will be organized in learning groups with up to 60 cohorts in elementary schools and up to 120 at the secondary level.

District 22 said elementary will be in their regular division (class) for the vast majority of the day and lunch time/activities will be organized to a maximum of 60 students in a cohort.

“We’re looking forward to welcoming all of our students back to school in September. The approved local plan will be sent to you on August 26 and posted on our website,” Lee and Rogers said in the update.

Some key points (as provided by School District 22):

  • We will be in stage two of the Revised Five-Stage Framework for K-12 Education.
  • Stage two is a full return to in-class instruction, beginning September 8, for all students for the maximum time possible within cohort limits.
  • Schools will be organized in learning groups/cohorts.
  • Elementary will be in their regular division (class) for the vast majority of the day. Lunch time/activities will be organized to a maximum of 60 students in a cohort.
  • Secondary schools’ timetables will be organized into learning group cohorts of a maximum of 120. District staff are currently working with secondary school administration to determine if and how timetables will need to be adjusted.
  • The Ministry is providing increased funding for: more cleaning supplies; more cleaning staff; reusable masks for staff and older students available on request
  • Busing will be provided and older students should wear masks.
  • Site-based occupation health and safety committee training will occur prior to school start up.
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