ValleyBiz Story |
The Swan Valley School Division (SVSD) released their Return to School Plan.
In a letter to parents on August 17, 2020, SVSD Superintendent Jon Zilkey said, “Our goal is to follow the provincial guidelines given, be as safe as possible while also bringing hopefully some normalcy to your child’s learning. I do feel we will adapt and make the best of the situation for the good of all.”
The SVSD plan will see grade K-9 students back in class full-time and grade 10-12 students with in-class and remote learning at 50%.
Grades K-8 will return to full time in class learning with in class social distancing rules of 1 metre. Students will be in class cohorts but also larger cohorts in specific areas for recess. Grade 9 students will be split up by alphabet, as best as possible, to meet in class social distancing rules of 2 metres. Grades 10-12 will also be split by alphabet with each group alternating 1 day of in class instruction followed by 1 day of independent study at home. Full remote learning will be in place only for students who are medically advised not to return to in-class learning due to Covid-19 related risk factors as outlined by a physician.
The SVSD is following provincial guidelines in strongly recommending the use of non-medical masks for all students grade 5 and up inside and mandating it for bus travel. School buses will be operating at around 50% with some reductions in service in order to meet physical distancing requirements. According to the plan, if a staff member or student tests positive for Covid-19, communicating with “close contacts” and advising the wider school community will be at the direction of public health officials.
According to the plan, the primary focus of the first few weeks of school will be establishing a safe return to school and the building of school and classroom communities alongside recovery learning.
As directed by the province, the SVSD has prepared for 3 potential scenarios and will be opening under Response 1 in September. Each school will also develop school responses for each possibility. Individual preparedness plans for each school will be released by September 4th and will outline new protocols and links to helpful information, as well as detailed instructions regarding screening and pick-up/drop-off procedures and protocols if a child or staff person becomes ill.
Click the following links to read the full documents:
SVSD Return to School Plan
Response 1
Response 2
Response 3