Return to School: Secondary (Grades 9-12) Frequently Asked Questions

The School Year & Timelines

* Who will determine when it is safe to return to school?

The Ministry of Education, with guidance from public health, determined that Secondary Schools in LKDSB will reopen with conventional in-person delivery of teaching and instruction with enhanced health and safety protocols.

When will schools be open for students?

The first day of school is Tuesday, September 8, 2020. We will be ready to have your child(ren) back for learning.

What will the school year look like for students?

The Ministry of Education, with guidance from public health, required school boards to prepare for 3 options for school re-opening in September 2020.

The LKDSB has developed plans for all 3 options. In each option the semester will be divided into two blocks, approximately 44 days each. Students will participate in the first two periods of their timetable in the first block and the other two periods in the second block.

On Thursday July 30th the Minister of Education determined that LKDSB will be permitted to open with conventional in-person delivery of teaching and instruction. LKDSB looks forward to welcoming back students for conventional in-personal learning as outline in Option 1 below.

Option 1 - Everyone attends a typical school day with enhanced public health protocols (including screening, hand washing/sanitizing, and contact tracing). Students will stay with the same class (cohort) in the morning and for lunch. After lunch students will move to their afternoon classroom. All students will attend school each day.

Should local COVID-19 conditions change, the LKDSB also has plans for 2 other learning options. These plans will be used based on directions from the Ministry of Education and guidance from public health.

Option 2 – Up to 15 students per class will attend a typical school day (a cohort) with enhanced public health protocols (including screening, hand washing/sanitizing, and contact tracing). Students will be assigned to cohort A or B and attend school face-to-face 50 percent of the time and participate in remote learning for 50 percent of the time. When at school, students will stay with the same class (cohort) in the morning and for lunch. After lunch students will move to their afternoon classroom. A calendar for each cohort will be shared to show when each cohort is to attend; and

Option 3 - At-home learning with ongoing enhanced remote delivery. Schools are closed to students.

Regardless of the model, student attendance based on the model is an expectation.

What does the secondary school day look like?

Full-time, in person classroom learning*

Students attend school 5 days per week face-to-face. Schools will be operating in a quadmester mode, which is described below:

Tentative dates for Semester 1:

Qaudmester 1	Quadmester 2
September 8 – November 9 (44 days)	November 12 – January 27, 2021 (44 days)
Student will attend Period A and B classes from their regular timetable	Student will attend Period C and D classes from their regular timetable
Exams: Nov. 10, 11	Exams: Jan. 28, 29 (Feb. 1 weather day)

Students will arrive at school, by bus or other mode of transportation, and enter through designated doors.
Students must have a mask on to enter the school.
Students must proceed directly to their Period A classroom upon entering the school. There will be no access to lockers. Students will carry all their belongings to class.
One-way signage will direct traffic within the school.
Students will remain in their period A class for the morning (approximately 150 minutes).
During Period A, the class will have a scheduled break which must be taken together as a class (this will allow for a break from mask wearing).
At the end of Period A, students will eat lunch in the classroom. Students will not be permitted to leave the classroom to go out for lunch. Students should bring all food for the day with them.
At the end of lunch, students will proceed to their Period B class.
Students will remain in their period B class for the afternoon (approximately 150 minutes).
During Period B, the class will have a scheduled break which must be taken together as a class (this will allow for a break from mask wearing).
At the end of Period B students will proceed to their designated exit for travel home.

Note:

During class students will have to sign out/in if they leave class (ie, washroom, office, etc).
The Student Success, Resource and First Nations Rooms may be accessed during Period A or B by appointment – sign out/in procedures will be in effect. The rooms will have a stated maximum capacity to ensure physical distancing.
LKDSB may set restrictions on the ability of students to transfer between remote learning and in class learning. Notification of up to two weeks may be required to transfer modes, pending availability of an acceptable class placement.

All students will be enrolled in a blended learning platform beginning with their teacher (Google Classroom or D2L Brightspace)
The cafeteria and library will not be available as common spaces – however they may need to be used as dedicated classroom space
Visitors to the school will be restricted

Voluntary Learn at Home*

Students will be engaged in remote learning 5 days per week. Students will not enter the school premises during Voluntary Learn at Home. Schools will be operating in a quadmester mode, which is described below:

Tentative dates for Semester 1:

Qaudmester 1	Quadmester 2
September 8 – November 9 (44 days)	November 12 – January 27, 2021 (44 days)
Student will participate in 2 classes	Students will participate in 2 classes
Exams: Nov. 10, 11	Exams: Jan. 28, 29 (Feb. 1 weather day)

All students will be enrolled in D2L Brightspace.
Students will be enrolled in two eLearning classes per quadmester with students and teachers from throughout the LKDSB
Students will be expected to log in to the eLearning classes every day – attendance will be taken daily
Students will engage in a combination of asynchronous or synchronous remote learning and independent study to achieve the 110 hours of instruction per course.
Students will be provided with a daily schedule for an approximate 5-hour instructional day with opportunities for frequent, live contact with a teacher and expectations for synchronous learning. It is expected that learning will be based on overall expectations for each course.
LKDSB will assess whether there are students who need access to a device or internet and take steps to distribute school resources to ensure students can stay connected, wherever possible, to learning.
LKDSB may set restrictions on the ability of students to transfer between remote learning and in class learning. Notification of up to two weeks may be required, pending availability of an acceptable class placement.

*These plans are subject to change pending further direction from the Ministry of Education.

The School Experience for Students

How are the school buildings and classrooms being prepared?

School facilities have a high level of hygiene. The preparation will include:
• cleaning high touch areas (including water bottle filling stations);
• removing non-essential furniture;
• providing hand washing/sanitizing areas in each classroom;
• desks and work areas arranged to maximize the distance between students or groups of students; and
• signage posted to ensure the school community's safety.

* What can my child expect during the school day?

Students will be part of learning experiences and have interactions with other students. Students will:

self-screen using Ontario's COVID-19 self-assessment before leaving home;
maintain as much distance as possible;
enter and exit the school at designated doorways;
remain in their classroom for lunch;
sign in and out of their classroom to access washrooms;
hand wash/sanitize upon entering and exiting the school, entering and exiting the classroom, and before and after using any shared materials;
interact with cohorts in two classes.

Can my child attend the cafeteria or library?

Common spaces such as the cafeteria and library will be closed for general use.

Will my child be able to participate in optional classes such as Music, Drama, Dance, Art, Foods, Tech or Physical Education classes?

Students will participate in these optional classes with some safety precautions. Further details will be forthcoming.

Will my child be able to participate in co-operative education programs?

Co-operative education placements and experiential learning opportunities will proceed provided risk may be minimized. Students will be expected to follow health rules set out by their workplace.

* Will my child be able to participate in extra-curricular activities?

Schools can offer clubs and organized sports if physical distancing is possible and equipment and spaces are cleaned and disinfected between each use. Further information regarding extra-curriculars will be forthcoming.

* Will students and staff wear masks?

Students in Grades 4 to 12 will be required to wear non-medical or cloth masks indoors in school, including in hallways and during classes. Outdoor times can be used as opportunities to provide students with breaks from wearing masks within their cohorts.

Students are encouraged to practice wearing masks and learn what type of mask is most comfortable for them. Students may wear their own non-medical masks, and non-medical masks will also be made available for students. Reasonable exceptions on the requirement to wear masks will apply.

Medical masks and eye protection (i.e. face shield) will be provided for all teachers and other staff of school boards. All school-based staff will be required to wear masks, with reasonable exceptions for medical conditions.

School-based staff who are regularly in close contact with students will be provided with all appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE).

Will Individual Education Plans be written and supported?

Yes. The Individual Education Plan outlines the student’s strengths needs, accommodations and modifications. These plans will be followed.

Are there mental health workers in schools?

Students on the current caseload will continue to be supported. If you have any concerns about your child’s well-being as they transition back to school, reach out to your school principal for support.

If a student is experiencing issues that are affecting their school experience or general well-being, school social workers or clinicians can help them to find solutions and to make a plan.

To access the school social worker or clinician please contact the principal of your school directly to inquire about support.

* What does the learning model look like for students who currently attend full-day self-contained classrooms (ALLP)?

The LKDSB is planning to offer regular in-school instruction for students who are in full-day self-contained classrooms (ALLP) every day.

* What if my child attends OPTIONS, CTCC or the IS Program?

The LKDSB is planning to offer regular, everyday timetabling plans for students who are in these programs.

What does the secondary school day look like?

Full-time, in person classroom learning*

Students attend school 5 days per week face-to-face. Schools will be operating in a quadmester mode, which is described below:

Tentative dates for Semester 1:

Qaudmester 1	Quadmester 2
September 8 – November 9 (44 days)	November 12 – January 27, 2021 (44 days)
Student will attend Period A and B classes from their regular timetable	Student will attend Period C and D classes from their regular timetable
Exams: Nov. 10, 11	Exams: Jan. 28, 29 (Feb. 1 weather day)

Students will arrive at school, by bus or other mode of transportation, and enter through designated doors.
Students must have a mask on to enter the school.
Students must proceed directly to their Period A classroom upon entering the school. There will be no access to lockers. Students will carry all their belongings to class.
One-way signage will direct traffic within the school.
Students will remain in their period A class for the morning (approximately 150 minutes).
During Period A, the class will have a scheduled break which must be taken together as a class (this will allow for a break from mask wearing).
At the end of Period A, students will eat lunch in the classroom. Students will not be permitted to leave the classroom to go out for lunch. Students should bring all food for the day with them.
At the end of lunch, students will proceed to their Period B class.
Students will remain in their period B class for the afternoon (approximately 150 minutes).
During Period B, the class will have a scheduled break which must be taken together as a class (this will allow for a break from mask wearing).
At the end of Period B students will proceed to their designated exit for travel home.

Note:

During class students will have to sign out/in if they leave class (ie, washroom, office, etc).
The Student Success, Resource and First Nations Rooms may be accessed during Period A or B by appointment – sign out/in procedures will be in effect. The rooms will have a stated maximum capacity to ensure physical distancing.
LKDSB may set restrictions on the ability of students to transfer between remote learning and in class learning. Notification of up to two weeks may be required to transfer modes, pending availability of an acceptable class placement.

All students will be enrolled in a blended learning platform beginning with their teacher (Google Classroom or D2L Brightspace)
The cafeteria and library will not be available as common spaces – however they may need to be used as dedicated classroom space
Visitors to the school will be restricted

Voluntary Learn at Home*

Tentative dates for Semester 1:

Qaudmester 1	Quadmester 2
September 8 – November 9 (44 days)	November 12 – January 27, 2021 (44 days)
Student will participate in 2 classes	Students will participate in 2 classes
Exams: Nov. 10, 11	Exams: Jan. 28, 29 (Feb. 1 weather day)

All students will be enrolled in D2L Brightspace.
Students will be enrolled in two eLearning classes per quadmester with students and teachers from throughout the LKDSB
Students will be expected to log in to the eLearning classes every day – attendance will be taken daily
Students will engage in a combination of asynchronous or synchronous remote learning and independent study to achieve the 110 hours of instruction per course.
Students will be provided with a daily schedule for an approximate 5-hour instructional day with opportunities for frequent, live contact with a teacher and expectations for synchronous learning. It is expected that learning will be based on overall expectations for each course.
LKDSB will assess whether there are students who need access to a device or internet and take steps to distribute school resources to ensure students can stay connected, wherever possible, to learning.
LKDSB may set restrictions on the ability of students to transfer between remote learning and in class learning. Notification of up to two weeks may be required, pending availability of an acceptable class placement.

*These plans are subject to change pending further direction from the Ministry of Education.

Will there be LKSSAA student athletic programs in the 2020-2021 school year?

LKSSAA student athletic activities are cancelled until further notice. This decision is the result of decisions made by the provincial government and local school boards. All OFSAA and SWOSSAA activities have been cancelled for the fall season. This means there will be no organized activities for athletics. No practices or gatherings of student-athletes and coaches in any capacity will be permitted.

LKSSAA student athletic activities may resume in the future when is deemed safe to do so by school boards in consultation with the local Public Health authorities.

Updated information will be posted on www.lkssaa.ca when it becomes available.

Risk Mitigation

* What preventative practices and supports will be available for students?

Students will be taught practices and supports that mitigate risk.

Student Screening Before Attending School:

Before leaving home, students will complete self-screen for symptom of illness.  Students who have symptoms should stay home.

Hand Washing Procedures:

Students will have access to hand washing/sanitizing facilities.  This includes water and soap, and/or hand sanitizer.  Students will be taught proper hand washing/sanitizing procedures and signage, as outlined from Ontario Public Health officials, will be posted.
Hand washing/sanitizing will be part of the classroom routines.

Physical Distancing:

As much distancing as possible between students and between students and staff will be promoted.
To maximize physical distancing:

- students will remain with their class cohort as much as possible throughout the day;
- classroom tables and chairs will be arranged differently;
- the number of adults that interact with students throughout the day will be minimized;
- there will be procedures for hallway/staircase flow (such as keeping to the right-hand side);
- large group gatherings and assemblies will be canceled;
- outside activities will be encouraged; and
- students will eat lunch in the classroom.

Contract Tracing:

Schools will have logs that will record who enters the school, their time of entry, and any classrooms or students the person interacted with.
Classrooms will have logs that will record who interacts with the students in the class, and any washroom access during the day.
These logs will be available to Public Health Units to ensure the safety of all students.

* Will students and staff wear masks?

School-based staff who are regularly in close contact with students will be provided with all appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE).

Will visitors be allowed in the school?

We will be limiting parents/guardians, volunteers, guests and others into our schools until the risk of transmission is lower, and on advice of our local Public Health Units.

What if a student becomes ill during the school day?

Any student who becomes ill while attending class will be immediately moved to a designated area at the school.

Parents/guardians will be called and required to pick up their child as soon as possible. Bused students who become ill during the school day will not be permitted to ride the bus home.

Board protocols are being developed, with guidance from our local Public Health Units, for students who present as ill during the school day.

Getting Organized for the 2020 – 2021 School Year

* What if I change my mind about my child attending school?

There will be limited opportunities throughout the year to return to face-to-face learning, if you chose for your child to begin the year in distance learning. Students and families may be put on a waiting list for face-to-face learning, depending on availability.

I'm new to the LKDSB; how do I register my child?

If you are new to our board or have moved to another area within Chatham-Kent or the County of Lambton, you are able to register your child at www.lkdsb.net or direct link at LKDSB Registration.

To begin school on the first day of school (Tuesday, September 8, 2020), students must be registered by Friday, August 28, 2020.

* How do I notify the school about my decision to send my child to school at this time?

The Education Act notes that schooling is mandatory for students under 18, so daily attendance (whether face-to-face or electronically) is expected.

All parents/guardians will be required to indicate that their child will be attending face-to-face instruction via a Pre-Registration process. The Ministry has noted that the decision to send a child to school for face-to-face instruction is the parent/guardian's choice at this time. If you chose not to send your child to school, then the LKDSB will provide remote (distance) education.

Details about notifying your school/board of the intent to have a child attend face-to-face instruction have been sent to the families of all currently pre-registered students. Notification must be made by August 28th.

Will my child be able to take the school bus?

The LKDSB is working with Chatham-Kent Lambton Administrative School Services (CLASS), the regional transportation consortium, the Ministry of Education, and local Public Health units to determine our back-to-school bussing plans. CLASS will be following public health directives about student health and safety on busses. CLASS is planning transportation services for all eligible students.

CLASS will be sharing their safety protocols and scheduling with families shortly. www.cklass.ca/covid

How can I prepare my child for a return to school?

Children take their cues from their parents/guardians. Being positive about the future, practicing good preventative strategies, and answering their questions honestly and openly will make for a smoother transition. We will share resources with families as they become available.

The School Year & Timelines

​​Full-time, in person classroom learning*

Voluntary Learn at Home*

The School Experience for Students

​Full-time, in person classroom learning*

Voluntary Learn at Home*

Risk Mitigation

Getting Organized for the 2020 – 2021 School Year

Full-time, in person classroom learning*

Full-time, in person classroom learning*