Reopening Schools Plan
This summer, the UGDSB is providing updates about our Reopening Schools plan for the 2020-2021 school year.
The Upper Grand District School Board is developing a comprehensive Reopening Schools plan to share with parents/guardians, students and staff to ensure our schools and classrooms are safe learning and working environments. To inform our plans, we are working with our community partners, union and federation partners, school administrators, board staff, the Ministry of Education, neighbouring school boards, and are using the input gathered from our parents/guardian and student surveys.
Our plans for reopening schools are being made in consultation with Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph Public Health (WDGPH) and the Ministry of Education.
The Ministry of Education has directed all school boards in Ontario to prepare plans for three potential scenarios in September. Given that plans for September could change depending on direction from health officials, all Ontario school boards reviewed their plans with the Ministry in late July for the following three scenarios:
- Normal School Day Routine (Conventional Model) with enhanced public health protocols
- Modified School Day Routine (Adapted or Adaptive Model) based on smaller class sizes, cohorting and students attending school in class on alternative days or weeks
- Full Time At Home/Distance Learning Model with enhanced delivery of distance learning
Ministry’s Reopening Schools Decision
On July 30, 2020, the Ministry of Education announced its decision for the reopening of schools in September. All elementary and secondary schools in the Upper Grand District School Board are to reopen under a conventional model in September. This means that all schools will open to students for in person learning, five days a week.
Please note that the school board does not have a choice as to which model it will reopen with – the board has been directed to open all UGDSB schools under the conventional model.
Pre-Registration Survey
The province also stated that parents/guardians will have the choice to keep their child at home if they do not feel comfortable returning to school in person in the fall.
Therefore, there are two options for UGDSB students:
- Attend school in person, or
- Participate in remote/distance learning from home
In order for us to be prepared for September, parents must complete a student pre-registration form by August 14, 2020. We require this information now to ensure that we have adequate staff, resources and transportation in place to accommodate parent decisions. Pre-Registration for all students is required; parents will be required to complete a pre-registration form for each student in their family.
To learn more and pre-register for school, visit www.ugdsb.ca/survey.
Parent Guide
We recognize families and staff have many questions. There are many complex considerations that must be carefully reviewed to help ensure a safe return for all. Please be assured that as we plan for the return of school in the fall, the health and safety of students and staff is our top priority.
The board has developed a Parent Guide with important information regarding the reopening of schools. Click here to view the Parent Guide.
Please refer to the important dates below for more information.
Important Dates:
- June 19, 2020: Province releases Ontario’s Approach to Reopening Schools for the 2020-21 School Year.
- June-July 2020: UGDSB staff work on developing plans for reopening schools
- June-July 2020: UGDSB staff survey parents/guardians and students for information to inform planning
- Week of July 27, 2020:
- Review of Board plans with Ministry
- Ministry announcement regarding reopening model
- Week of August 4, 2020:
- Release of UGDSB Reopening Schools Parent Guide and FAQs to staff and families
- Launch of pre-registration for parents regarding their plans for student attendance and busing
- Week of August 10, 2020:
- Further development of staff guidelines, staff health and safety protocols, in consultation with Public Health
- August 14, 2020: Pre-Registration deadline
- Week of Sept. 1, 2020: Staff training/planning for reopening implementation
- Sept. 8, 2020: First day of school for students (whether in class or online)
- Ongoing: Possible adjustments to the plan as directed by Ministry of Education and/or Public Health