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

[hdrolfe]

Apparently the French Catholic Board here (Ottawa) was expecting about 4-500 kids to do online, and got closer to 1700 sign up so they are contacting each family to make sure. I wonder if that is indicative of all school boards, more are signing up for online than expected.

I also can't wait to get more information next week. I know it comes from the board so won't address specific to my kid needs but hopefully will cover the basics of what I want to see/know.

It was interesting this weekend, I dropped kiddo off with my parents yesterday for a sleepover and my dad made a comment about how Ontario's plan is the best across the country... I yelled a bit about how yeah sure it is but they should have followed advice to reduce class sizes. He told me not all doctors agreed with that and I kind of went off on him about it. I read the Sick Kids report, it clearly said reduced class sizes, small cohorts. I never yell at my dad, his politics and mine do not match at all but I try to simply not get into it. I told them we wouldn't be visiting once school starts up since they are both in their 70's with health issues and how would we feel if we brought covid to them. My mom said "well we have to die sometime"... yeah... that would make us feel better if it was because of us. Her solution then was that we could wear masks and Jackson won't sleep over. Perhaps. We'll see how it goes when things start up.

Without seeing the plan I still intend to send him but I reserve the right to pull him out if I feel it's not safe. He wants to go, he wants to see his friends and he knows he won't do the online stuff they set up. I'll decide tomorrow I guess, once I see what the plan involves and what sort of commitment it requires. I am thankful the board seems to be pretty good at communicating what's going on. It sounds like not all of them are.

 

[wdwmom3]

Apparently the French Catholic Board here (Ottawa) was expecting about 4-500 kids to do online, and got closer to 1700 sign up so they are contacting each family to make sure. I wonder if that is indicative of all school boards, more are signing up for online than expected.

I also can't wait to get more information next week. I know it comes from the board so won't address specific to my kid needs but hopefully will cover the basics of what I want to see/know.

It was interesting this weekend, I dropped kiddo off with my parents yesterday for a sleepover and my dad made a comment about how Ontario's plan is the best across the country... I yelled a bit about how yeah sure it is but they should have followed advice to reduce class sizes. He told me not all doctors agreed with that and I kind of went off on him about it. I read the Sick Kids report, it clearly said reduced class sizes, small cohorts. I never yell at my dad, his politics and mine do not match at all but I try to simply not get into it. I told them we wouldn't be visiting once school starts up since they are both in their 70's with health issues and how would we feel if we brought covid to them. My mom said "well we have to die sometime"... yeah... that would make us feel better if it was because of us. Her solution then was that we could wear masks and Jackson won't sleep over. Perhaps. We'll see how it goes when things start up.

Without seeing the plan I still intend to send him but I reserve the right to pull him out if I feel it's not safe. He wants to go, he wants to see his friends and he knows he won't do the online stuff they set up. I'll decide tomorrow I guess, once I see what the plan involves and what sort of commitment it requires. I am thankful the board seems to be pretty good at communicating what's going on. It sounds like not all of them are.

I hope they reduce class sizes. The pressure they are getting I think they might. We are like you, we are sending our son but watching our local situation closely. We have been told we can switch if we want to, but it would just require some time for the “transition”. Well if I notice things are getting bad I will give them a week to switch him, that’s it.

 

[FigmentSpark]

Apparently the French Catholic Board here (Ottawa) was expecting about 4-500 kids to do online, and got closer to 1700 sign up so they are contacting each family to make sure. I wonder if that is indicative of all school boards, more are signing up for online than expected.

I also can't wait to get more information next week. I know it comes from the board so won't address specific to my kid needs but hopefully will cover the basics of what I want to see/know.

It was interesting this weekend, I dropped kiddo off with my parents yesterday for a sleepover and my dad made a comment about how Ontario's plan is the best across the country... I yelled a bit about how yeah sure it is but they should have followed advice to reduce class sizes. He told me not all doctors agreed with that and I kind of went off on him about it. I read the Sick Kids report, it clearly said reduced class sizes, small cohorts. I never yell at my dad, his politics and mine do not match at all but I try to simply not get into it. I told them we wouldn't be visiting once school starts up since they are both in their 70's with health issues and how would we feel if we brought covid to them. My mom said "well we have to die sometime"... yeah... that would make us feel better if it was because of us. Her solution then was that we could wear masks and Jackson won't sleep over. Perhaps. We'll see how it goes when things start up.

Without seeing the plan I still intend to send him but I reserve the right to pull him out if I feel it's not safe. He wants to go, he wants to see his friends and he knows he won't do the online stuff they set up. I'll decide tomorrow I guess, once I see what the plan involves and what sort of commitment it requires. I am thankful the board seems to be pretty good at communicating what's going on. It sounds like not all of them are.

Not sure how blunt you want to be with your parents, but you could try asking them where they want to be buried and what their end of life plans are. Sometimes that makes people think a little harder.

 

[bababear_50]

Definitely a stressful time for Parents & school staff.
I am trying to remember that we all want the same thing,,everyone to be safe as possible.

A special lady ,,kind of adopted mom figure for me since my mom died leaves to go back to Italy tomorrow,,we had a good long talk today. She said you know I have always loved you ,,I wanted a hug so bad but I signed hand over heart and said you'll always be in my heart.
My hope is that I will see her again next year.

For so long we have been told to *bubble*, *distance*, *wear masks* and stay home.
Now we are told that our families will be safe if we increase our bubbles over 100%.
What happens to the kids if parents get sick,,who will care for them.
I am especially concerned for single parents should they fall ill.
I am still struggling with the sense of this.

Hugs
Mel

 

[star72232]

I’m happy with the WRDSB secondary plan. We’re a designated school board, so it’s the hybrid model. The plan appears to be one week at school, one week at home, with the weeks running Thursday to Wednesday. That means that kids are in school 2 days one week, 3 days the next week. They are also doing quadmesters, with 2 classes per block. Each day will only have one class, for 3 hours (1.5 hr, break, 1.5 hr). It seems the best I’ve actually seen.

Unfortunately, elementary is full time, like the rest of the province. I have 2 kids in that (and 2 in HS). My youngest is Gr 3 - although masks aren’t mandatory for him, I will be requiring him to wear one. None of my kids have had over 22 kids in a class at that age, so I’m hopeful for his class size. My middle boy is going into Gr 5. He’ll be in a specialty class (full time enrichment), and we already know it will have 19 kids.
My biggest fear are the buses. I’m thinking we’ll try to drive the younger boys if possible.

 

[vegs1]

I find it interesting that kids are heading back to school as we are being told the second wave is coming. Makes me feel like we should be waiting or really looking at a better way instead of the guinea pig way they are treating the kids.

 

[MoreTravels]

My wife and I are the worried type. We often wear face shield and N95 to shop in a supermarket. We only go to a park when there is no one else there. That said, I am sending my youngest child to a daycare now in preparation of the in-person classroom attendance. He is in Grade 1. I have noticed a tremendous loss of social skills after him staying home with only family members for 6 months. He has forgotten how to take turn to speak, ask politely, and work independently. It has been well described in medical and psychological literature. I am seeing that in my own child. This has caused me more concern than COVID.


https://medicalxpress.com/news/2020-05-developmental-regression-children-covid-.html

As much as we are scared and would like to keep him home until vaccine availability, we are more worried that he will miss a critical component of social development if he does not meet real humans other than his immediate family members. Zoom or online meetings do not work for young elementary kids. It is not an easy decision. However, it is like driving. There is a risk of car accident and death every-time we drive. But we still drive despite the risks. I guess it's about risks and benefits... In my child's case, I believe the benefits of attending a school in person far outweigh the risks. That is my opinion as a concerned parent.

 

[TammyLynn33]

My wife and I are the worried type. We often wear face shield and N95 to shop in a supermarket. We only go to a park when there is no one else there. That said, I am sending my youngest child to a daycare now in preparation of the in-person classroom attendance. He is in Grade 1. I have noticed a tremendous loss of social skills after him staying home with only family members for 6 months. He has forgotten how to take turn to speak, ask politely, and work independently. It has been well described in medical and psychological literature. I am seeing that in my own child. This has caused me more concern than COVID.


https://medicalxpress.com/news/2020-05-developmental-regression-children-covid-.html

As much as we are scared and would like to keep him home until vaccine availability, we are more worried that he will miss a critical component of social development if he does not meet real humans other than his immediate family members. Zoom or online meetings do not work for young elementary kids. It is not an easy decision. However, it is like driving. There is a risk of car accident and death every-time we drive. But we still drive despite the risks. I guess it's about risks and benefits... In my child's case, I believe the benefits of attending a school in person far outweigh the risks. That is my opinion as a concerned parent.

You can socialize your child outside the confines of a classroom . My 6 yr old is doing tball it’s outside lots of social distancing , sanitizing, but he’s seeing other kids , unattached to my hip, taking direction from another adult , his coach having fun and a sense of normal again.
He is terrified of going back to school grade 1, Right now my plan is to keep him home but keep him in sports for socialization. Yes it’s not necessary but I feel safer with one hour exposure once or twice a week than 6 hours a day in a non-distanced class..
Just a thought for you

 

[TammyLynn33]

Definitely a stressful time for Parents & school staff.
I am trying to remember that we all want the same thing,,everyone to be safe as possible.

A special lady ,,kind of adopted mom figure for me since my mom died leaves to go back to Italy tomorrow,,we had a good long talk today. She said you know I have always loved you ,,I wanted a hug so bad but I signed hand over heart and said you'll always be in my heart.
My hope is that I will see her again next year.

For so long we have been told to *bubble*, *distance*, *wear masks* and stay home.
Now we are told that our families will be safe if we increase our bubbles over 100%.
What happens to the kids if parents get sick,,who will care for them.
I am especially concerned for single parents should they fall ill.
I am still struggling with the sense of this.

Hugs
Mel

oh Mel so hard . Thinking of your friend that she has a safe journey . xo
From the early days in March we have had a plan as being a single parent I’ve felt obligated. I am blessed my oldest just turned 18 and isn’t moving from home for school because of all this ( extra year of college here now ) so now there are 2 “adults “ in the home.
Big kids 18,14 and I if we get sick will self isolate in their rooms. I have Isolation kits like extra garbage bags and cans and whatnot in hallway closet, as well as all Tylenol, Kleenex ,etc Ready to move into affected persons room. My pantry is full of easy make meals, cereals, sandwich wraps, peanut butters etc so god forbid even the 2 littles 8,6 would be able to self sustain for a couple weeks if the big kids and I all go down . If it’s one little then the little will move to my room with me so I can monitor .. and the rest of the kids are on their own.
praying hard this is overkill but better to be prepared But being a single parent there’s a lot to think of for sure

 

[ilovetotravel1977]

This is from the HRCE website for NS:

Plan for September
Here is a high-level overview of the plan for September and response plans.

In-class Instruction - All Students Return to Class:

• In-class instruction will resume in September.
• Regional Centres for Education and the Conseil scolaire acadien provincial will have plans for their schools.
• There will be enhanced cleaning measures in schools and greater emphasis on handwashing/sanitizing and physical distancing.
• Mask use will be required for some grade levels and staff, for some situations.
• School bus riders and drivers will are required to wear masks while on the bus.
• Signs in schools will support physical distancing and health and safety practices.
• Other services students accessed in school (cafeteria, meal programs) will be delivered to students.
• No use of lockers.

You don't get more vague then that!

Covid-19 Response Plans
Response Plan: Blended Learning Model - Some Students in Class, Some at Home:

• Pre-primary to grade 8 students will receive in-class instruction in smaller class sizes.
• Grades 9 to 12 will be supported to learn from home.
• Students in all grades who need SchoolsPlus services will continue to receive them at school.
• Regional Centres for Education and the Conseil scolaire acadien provincial will have plans for those children, students, and staff, who need to be at school.
• School bus riders and drivers are required to wear masks while on the bus.
• Signs in schools will support physical distancing and health and safety practices.
• Other services students accessed in school (cafeteria, meal programs) will be delivered to students.
• Response plan can be applied province-wide, to a specific region, or to a specific school, at the direction of public health.

 

[Frozen2014]

I'm in Ontario and have one kid in secondary school and one in elementary (entering grade 6). I'm glad that they are going back in some form and our kids...by their grade...are required to wear masks.

My older one has a mix, but it's not 50/50. He'll basically be in school every other morning...then the rest at home either with online realtime instruction and also assigned work similar to how it's been. Class sizes are small and they do not have their lunch there. I am comfortable with his plan, even though he won't even be in school that much overall.

My younger one as others have said is full time but large class sizes. It's the latter that concerns me. We typically have her in a before and after care. If all was normal, the plan this year was to just keep her in the morning care. But since DH and I are home it's not needed. But moreover, I didn't want to expose her to a second cohort.

Both my kids have been at camp this summer. Counselors (my older one) must wear a mask, but campers do not. They are in their cohorts of 10 only and they stick to only those groups. At activities, the person running it social distances, and the camp cleans things very well.

I'm quite nervous but I think it's good to get them back. Our numbers here are low but just pray they stay that way. Any covid occurrence will be an issue and can snowball quickly.

 

[vegs1]

My wife and I are the worried type. We often wear face shield and N95 to shop in a supermarket. We only go to a park when there is no one else there. That said, I am sending my youngest child to a daycare now in preparation of the in-person classroom attendance. He is in Grade 1. I have noticed a tremendous loss of social skills after him staying home with only family members for 6 months. He has forgotten how to take turn to speak, ask politely, and work independently. It has been well described in medical and psychological literature. I am seeing that in my own child. This has caused me more concern than COVID.


https://medicalxpress.com/news/2020-05-developmental-regression-children-covid-.html

As much as we are scared and would like to keep him home until vaccine availability, we are more worried that he will miss a critical component of social development if he does not meet real humans other than his immediate family members. Zoom or online meetings do not work for young elementary kids. It is not an easy decision. However, it is like driving. There is a risk of car accident and death every-time we drive. But we still drive despite the risks. I guess it's about risks and benefits... In my child's case, I believe the benefits of attending a school in person far outweigh the risks. That is my opinion as a concerned parent.

I am a bit of a worrier, too. Not over the top but I like to see what is happening and how things will move forward clearly. My kids are being asked to decide if they want at home or in school learning for their children when the school board hasn’t even released their plan yet. Seems a bit unfair and yes, life is unfair.

We have been extremely conscious, as have our kids, to not discuss all of the Covid19 and back to school issues in front of the children. They know there is a virus which causes illness in people so for now we have to maintain distance. That’s it. They wash their hands properly, wear masks when out. We don’t want them to be terrified of life so we made sure that conversations they needed as I mentioned were discussed but every day talk about it all is not done in front of them. I actuallyhope that when they all go back to daycare and school that parents and teachers think before speaking and do not discuss all of the Covid19 back to school issues or illness issues in front of the kids. I feel that sometimes there is just too much openly discussed in front of small children.

We have all worked extremely hard to keep up with social skills for them such as saying please and thank you, not interrupting because they should be doing that no matter what. Yes, they have had their fair share of meltdowns....to be expected. As the article says, regression is also normal in children and with all of the stress they see parents under, as well as their lives changing with no school, not as many visits, it’s understandable.

I think we are all worried. I don’t personally know anyone who is happy to be sending their kids back with no concern whatsoever. I think we are all just not good with the unknown.

 

[vegs1]

Both my kids have been at camp this summer. Counselors (my older one) must wear a mask, but campers do not. They are in their cohorts of 10 only and they stick to only those groups. At activities, the person running it social distances, and the camp cleans things very well.

We have our “huggable” bubble of 10. Once the kids go back to school and they are in contact with so many more kids, that exposes all of us further. Just curious how you handled that when the kids were at camp. Did your personal bubble change to accommodate?

 

[Pumpkin1172]

It is hard to know what is too much...or what is too little. The virus is here...it is NOT going away. All we can do is find ways to safely move forward with our lives. The medical community doesn't even have a true picture of " real numbers" of infections, due to limited testing, people being told to stay home, even though they were exhibiting symptoms. the numbers of people who have already had the virus, is way higher than what is being presented by all health authorities...including the WHO. Is this a virus that is going to linger around like the cold or flu - where some people will get extremely sick and have serious complications from it. Once we get it, do we get it again. If it acts more like the common cold or seasonal flu...how is a vaccine going to help that? What about the numbers of people who have recovered from it? And before anyone decides to be a keyboard warrior...I am NOT talking about someone who in immunocompromised. I am talking about the general public. Those who are at risk...are taking the same precautions that they would against other viruses/diseases like the seasonal flu and other nasty bugs that go around.

There are WAYYYYYYYY too many unanswered questions about the virus. The medical community of learning more and more about the virus daily. We take many risks daily by leaving our homes to even get to work. Does this mean I'm going to just run around all willey nilley. NOPE...but we also take a look at how we can limit our exposure while still trying to life our lives.

I do know, that our youngest ds is VERY ready to go back to school. He misses his friends, the daily interaction of his peers, having his mind challenged. He is in gr 12. My fear is that he will be short changed in his education with the virus. This is it for him. He needs his teachers to be able to complete his education, so that he can go to university next year. I think he will be part of what the Gr 12 of last school year experienced. He won't get the challenges of being educated, shortchanged on the experiences of being in Gr 12 etc etc etc. And that makes my heart sad for him. Will he just roll with it...yes he will. He always does. His metal health is needing him to go back to school. His mental health outweighs the risks of him getting sick with the virus.

 

[Frozen2014]

We have our “huggable” bubble of 10. Once the kids go back to school and they are in contact with so many more kids, that exposes all of us further. Just curious how you handled that when the kids were at camp. Did your personal bubble change to accommodate?

Yes very true. The school "bubble" will be way more than 10.
We decided to let our kids go to camp, but outside of that we are very cautious. They have not had playdates, and the only family we see are my inlaws and I've seen my aunt and dad's partner. And those are still keeping a distance and masks if not. Our circumstances are a bit different though as my dad was actually very sick the past few months (nothing to do with covid but same timing) so we've really been extra cautious anyways (sadly he passed away right before camp started). I found it frustrating too as extended family was pressuring us to see them and do things but we had to be extra careful due to his health.
You make a good point though that there is no bubble of 10 once school starts.

 

[bababear_50]

Well I just figured out why my school needs so many repairs,,,it's ......................................wait for it

127 years Old!!!

Hugs
Mel

 

[quandrea]

The thing with the half days a few times a week is it seems an inordinate amount of risk to assume for such little payoff. We have already withdrawn our kids from the system entirely, but if still choosing public education, I’d be picking home online learning simply because the hybrid model offers so little in school time. High risk. Low reward.

 

[wdwmom3]

The thing with the half days a few times a week is it seems an inordinate amount of risk to assume for such little payoff. We have already withdrawn our kids from the system entirely, but if still choosing public education, I’d be picking home online learning simply because the hybrid model offers so little in school time. High risk. Low reward.

Actually many of the highschool models I’ve seen do offer a lot to students. Many students don’t do well with 100% online learning. With the mixed approach they have a good mix of teacher led and independent work. Any concerns or problems the students have can be addressed in person in class. While they can use the time outside of class for reading, assignments etc. When you are talking about highschool it’s not the amount of time that’s important. It’s how it’s used. And smaller classes will likely mean teachers can cover more in a shorter amount of time.

 

[vegs1]

Yes very true. The school "bubble" will be way more than 10.
We decided to let our kids go to camp, but outside of that we are very cautious. They have not had playdates, and the only family we see are my inlaws and I've seen my aunt and dad's partner. And those are still keeping a distance and masks if not. Our circumstances are a bit different though as my dad was actually very sick the past few months (nothing to do with covid but same timing) so we've really been extra cautious anyways (sadly he passed away right before camp started). I found it frustrating too as extended family was pressuring us to see them and do things but we had to be extra careful due to his health.
You make a good point though that there is no bubble of 10 once school starts.

I am so sorry for your loss. Losing a parent is so difficult.

It is so hard and I know our bubble will have to change. Too much risk with the kids all going back.

 

[bababear_50]

Planning For Teaching During Covid
https://www.weareteachers.com/plann...63BimHnk5hjz4EiSrRc1TjYjo2ZyLwKZ02isYBCRT-QMw