Back to School during the pandemic ...a discussion thread

[Pumpkin1172]

Are any of your schools allowing the use of lockers?

In our highschool...no lockers. The kids are to bring all their books, chromebooks/laptops, in class with them. They will store their backpacks and jackets on the back of chairs. No microwaves, no cafeteria. i am not sure if kids change classrooms, or if the kids do.

I know it has been a struggle for teachers, school boards and all the extra staff employed by the school districts....but like all other people returning to work, they are working through all the logistics of it. Our local school district has done great! And like everyone else who is back to work, things are fluid and changes will be made where needed.

I dropped our youngest DS for his first day of Senior year!!!! He was excited and very anxious about it. Each grade has different entrances and staggered start times. They are in cohorts of 10-15 kids. Since we are in northern Alberta...no outdoor learning. Our weather does not permit that to happen. No one comes into the school, unless you call ahead and book a time to see someone. Our kids still have classes same as before...semester 1 and 2, 5 blocks a day I believe.

The buses are running. You had to fill out ( like in previous years ) the application to get a bus pass. There may not be room for all kids due to social distancing. Passes were given on a first come, first serve basis. The kids tap the pass each time they get on and off the bus. I had sent the form in at the beginning of August, and DS has one for the whole year. Hopefully he passes his road test, then he will drive to school and free up that space for someone else.

As a whole, I have been impressed with our local school board. In the beginning of this whole s#&t show started, and we didn't know much about the whole virus, and here my dh and I are trotting off to work, we were scared and unsure about what to do. Our work places changed adapted, and we are continually changing. It is a fluid situation. The whole teaching community has stepped up, and they are doing what they can. I am glad their voice is loud...but they also need to remember that many of the other people working, are at risk everyday with different people coming into our work places. We can't make our patrons wear masks if they don't want to, wash their hands or use hand sanitizer. I can't stop someone from yelling at me across my desk when I tell them I need a payment on their account before they can pick up more material or that they need to put a mask on if they want to shop in the store that I work at for my second job. They have WAY MORE control about their work environment than I do. But as a whole...they have done extremely well!!!!!

 

[MoreTravels]

I think there is not enough science to draw any strong conclusion. It was once thought the masks would not be useful but that changed. It was once thought there is immunity but that changed, with a confirmed case of someone getting re-infected.

Medical science and guideline change frequently. I would keep an open mind and take more cautious steps.

 

[bankr63]

So third day at work for DW, and she still doesn't even know what her teaching assignment is yet. Last night they removed all of the desks from her classroom (puzzling). Administration is not able to tell her (or any of the other staff) anything yet, apparently awaiting approval of their plan. She is probably now the most senior teacher at her school with all of the early retirements that were taken, so her job is secure, but she has been in tears coming home for the past two nights with fear of the unknown and dreading what is happening. She thinks a lot about worst case scenarios, so I keep trying to suggest positive ones (I know I sound somewhat negative on here, but trying to keep up appearances at home - this is MY outlet), but keeping a calm face is getting increasingly hard to do.

 

[pigletto]

So third day at work for DW, and she still doesn't even know what her teaching assignment is yet. Last night they removed all of the desks from her classroom (puzzling). Administration is not able to tell her (or any of the other staff) anything yet, apparently awaiting approval of their plan. She is probably now the most senior teacher at her school with all of the early retirements that were taken, so her job is secure, but she has been in tears coming home for the past two nights with fear of the unknown and dreading what is happening. She thinks a lot about worst case scenarios, so I keep trying to suggest positive ones (I know I sound somewhat negative on here, but trying to keep up appearances at home - this is MY outlet), but keeping a calm face is getting increasingly hard to do.

I can’t even begin to understand the stress and the worry she’s under. I think as a responsible professional she‘s likely trying to plan for all scenarios, but can’t possibly do that without any information . That would make me anxious too . I‘m sure it‘s draining for all of you and I’m sorry it’s so rough right now.

 

[scrappinginontario]

My friend who has taught high school for the past 10+ years applied to teach virtually. This was granted but she was informed last Friday that she will be teaching elementary. It's now less than a week before school begins and she has not yet been told what grade(s) she will be teaching.

 

[ilovetotravel1977]

NS has a back to school update in few minutes online:

https://novascotia.ca/stayinformed/webcast/

 

[DiaryofaDisneyKid]

Our school board (DSBN) voted on Monday night to use 1% of it's reserves to lower class sizes in Elementary schools. Kindergarten classes will have no more than 22 students, maximum of 17 kids in grades 1-3 and a cap of 22 in grades 4-8. They are using the reserves to hire around 60 elementary teachers and 10 for secondary schools. Most new teachers hired will be assigned to virtual classrooms. 80% of Elementary students are coming back in person as well as 83% of Secondary students. I think most teachers have chosen to return to in class and that is why the new hires will be teaching virtual classes. The NCDSB (Niagara Catholic) will see 87% returning for in class in Elementary and 83% in Secondary but so far they have not decided to hire more teachers.

 

[bankr63]

I have to say that I was infuriated by Premier Ford's comments reported in media today that the schools are "all ready to go". Really?!? How does that work if the teachers don't know what they are teaching yet. Also, no PPE present in DW's school yet (they are all still providing their own). I think we are a fair way away from "ready to go" yet!

 

[pigletto]

Our school board (DSBN) voted on Monday night to use 1% of it's reserves to lower class sizes in Elementary schools. Kindergarten classes will have no more than 22 students, maximum of 17 kids in grades 1-3 and a cap of 22 in grades 4-8. They are using the reserves to hire around 60 elementary teachers and 10 for secondary schools. Most new teachers hired will be assigned to virtual classrooms. 80% of Elementary students are coming back in person as well as 83% of Secondary students. I think most teachers have chosen to return to in class and that is why the new hires will be teaching virtual classes. The NCDSB (Niagara Catholic) will see 87% returning for in class in Elementary and 83% in Secondary but so far they have not decided to hire more teachers.

I think this is commendable and I’m glad to see it. I also don’t think these are appropriate social distancing numbers but just reasonable class sizes. We haven’t seen that in so long in the DSBN we’ve forgotten what it looks like.

 

[DiaryofaDisneyKid]

I think this is commendable and I’m glad to see it. I also don’t think these are appropriate social distancing numbers but just reasonable class sizes. We haven’t seen that in so long in the DSBN we’ve forgotten what it looks like.

I don't think I can remember smaller class sizes, LOL. I was in public school in the late 80's and we had classes of 30. I think for some classes and schools it will still be harder to social distance with these numbers. Our school is older (same school I went to) and has really big classrooms so I don't think there will be a problem with distancing. Unless one of my older 2 get stuck in a portable.

 

[Debbie]

I have to say that I was infuriated by Premier Ford's comments reported in media today that the schools are "all ready to go". Really?!? How does that work if the teachers don't know what they are teaching yet. Also, no PPE present in DW's school yet (they are all still providing their own). I think we are a fair way away from "ready to go" yet!

Yes, and people on Twitter are reporting that some school boards are telling their staff that they are not to let the public know how bad it really is.

 

[Pumpkin1172]

So third day at work for DW, and she still doesn't even know what her teaching assignment is yet. Last night they removed all of the desks from her classroom (puzzling). Administration is not able to tell her (or any of the other staff) anything yet, apparently awaiting approval of their plan. She is probably now the most senior teacher at her school with all of the early retirements that were taken, so her job is secure, but she has been in tears coming home for the past two nights with fear of the unknown and dreading what is happening. She thinks a lot about worst case scenarios, so I keep trying to suggest positive ones (I know I sound somewhat negative on here, but trying to keep up appearances at home - this is MY outlet), but keeping a calm face is getting increasingly hard to do.

I am so sorry that your DW is dealing with all of this!!!! It has to be mentally and emotionally draining. This is NOT an easy time for anyone...and right now, it is NOT easy for teachers. I will cross my fingers that soon, things start to work out and she finds a schedule and flow for her days. Teaching is not for the light hearted. It is like being a nurse. Those are two professions that deserve the most appreciation for what they do. Just know that people are thinking of all the teachers when they are sending their children back into the doors of the schools, knowing how amazing most teachers are...and appreciative of what they do. Especially after having to home school their children for the remainder of the previous school year.

 

[mshanson3121]

I believe there are private school bus companies, similar to Uber on contract, that can pick up your kids for a door-to-door drop off. The drivers are insured and bonded. This will allow consistency and reduced contacts. The downside is obviously the cost.

Not here. We are in a tiny rural area. We don't even have taxis let alone Uber etc... lol.

 

[mshanson3121]

Are any of your schools allowing the use of lockers?

No lockers allowed here. No idea how that's going to work? Winter jackets, winter boots? Lunches? Not to mention a slew of heavy textbooks, books etc...??? Where is that all going?

 

[Disneylover99]

So third day at work for DW, and she still doesn't even know what her teaching assignment is yet. Last night they removed all of the desks from her classroom (puzzling). Administration is not able to tell her (or any of the other staff) anything yet, apparently awaiting approval of their plan. She is probably now the most senior teacher at her school with all of the early retirements that were taken, so her job is secure, but she has been in tears coming home for the past two nights with fear of the unknown and dreading what is happening. She thinks a lot about worst case scenarios, so I keep trying to suggest positive ones (I know I sound somewhat negative on here, but trying to keep up appearances at home - this is MY outlet), but keeping a calm face is getting increasingly hard to do.

I just found out today that only roughly 25% of the students in my school are going back to class. Teachers are overwhelmed and scrambling. Some will be placed at another school or do online teaching. A few are considering a leave of absence. Nobody knows who gets to stay or go. I don't expect we'll get a teaching assignment til late next week.

 

[wdwmom3]

I just found out today that only roughly 25% of the students in my school are going back to class. Teachers are overwhelmed and scrambling. Some will be placed at another school or do online teaching. A few are considering a leave of absence. Nobody knows who gets to stay or go. I don't expect we'll get a teaching assignment til late next week.

only 25%? Well that will make small classes easier.

 

[quandrea]

only 25%? Well that will make small classes easier.

I wonder where this is. The averages we’ve heard are 80% back, 20% online. Hadn’t really thought of the places outside the average. Must be areas with a lot of work from home or stay at home parents. Interesting.....

 

[Disneylover99]

only 25%? Well that will make small classes easier.

Not necessarily. Split classes will help to maximize class sizes and eliminate teachers.

 

[Disneylover99]

I wonder where this is. The averages we’ve heard are 80% back, 20% online. Hadn’t really thought of the places outside the average. Must be Andrea with a lot of work from home or stay at home parents. Interesting.....

It was frustrating to listen to CP24 this evening. They don't seem to talk about schools where the majority of students are not going back. There are other neighbouring schools with a very low percentage of students returning as well.

 

[quandrea]

Not necessarily. Split classes will help to maximize class sizes and eliminate teachers.

This is true.