TDSB reopening plan for high schools could have four semesters and no sports

Aug 4 2020, 7:56 pm

Toronto District School Board trustees received a report on Tuesday, outlining the plan for the safe reopening of high schools in September which includes a four semester academic year and no sports.

On July 30, Education Minister Stephen Lecce released the updated plan for students returning to school, which says that high school students in the GTA will use an adapted model.

This means that there will be cohort class sizes of 15 people, that face masks or coverings are to be worn indoors, and that half the day can be spent working remotely.

But, the new report given to the trustees says that quadmesters could be implemented as well, meaning that the traditional two semester model would be changed to four semesters.

In this new class structure, students would learn two subjects at a time for a nine-week period.

“We look forward to welcoming students back to our schools and classrooms in September but will continue to remain flexible and recognize that circumstances may change depending on the evolution of COVID-19,” Interim Director of Education Carlene Jackson said in the report.

“Regardless of the format school takes at the elementary and secondary level, we are committed to providing students with regular and meaningful learning opportunities as well as connectivity to staff while also maintaining a safe environment for the entire school community.

The report also indicates there will be a pause on organized sports until the board receives “explicit direction from the Ontario Medical Officer of Health.”

Lunch and recess time will also be staggered to ensure that physical distancing can occur, with students eating in classrooms.

Parents are allowed to opt-out of in-person learning and have them work remotely from home.

Clarrie FeinsteinClarrie Feinstein

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