TDSB releases video detailing back-to-school plan

The Toronto District School Board has released a video showing exactly how schools will operate once they re-open.

For elementary students, this is what a typical day will look like.

• Before leaving for school, all students must perform a self-assessment, and check for COVID-19 symptoms.
• If taking the school bus, all students and staff will have to wear masks, unless they have an exemption for a prior medical condition or special needs.
• If the student walks to school, or their parents drive them, they have to wear the mask when they come into school.
• The school’s staff will perform a quick assessment, the student will sanitize their hands, and then head straight to class.
• Masks will be required at all times for all students and staff, and some staff members may wear face shields as well.
• Students won’t get to use any lockers or cubbies, they’ll have to keep all their things on them at all times.
• Students will spend the whole day in one classroom, learning every subject in there, 5 days a week.
• Recess will be staggered, and outdoor education will be encouraged as much as possible.

Physical distancing is encouraged at all times, and plexiglass will be placed in school offices.

If you don’t want your child to return to school, they can participate in an entirely virtual classroom from home.

For high school students, it will be mostly the same, with one major difference. Students will have individual timetables prepared for them, which will have them visit the campus some days every week, with the rest of their education done virtually at home, with live teacher instruction.

School starts on September 15, 2020. ????

There will be a staggered start for elementary students over the first three days (September 15-17) and all secondary students begin school on September 15.

Please see our website for more information: https://t.co/X2jr10b70r pic.twitter.com/JnZU15ug8y

— Toronto District School Board (@tdsb) September 1, 2020

Premier Doug Ford and Minister of Education Stephen Lecce toured a Toronto elementary school on Tuesday, to get a better idea of what schools will look like when they re-open. Despite the provincial government’s reassurance, several parents are worried about their children returning to school.

Touched by the warm welcome with @JillDunlop1 of the staff at Pope Francis Child Care Centre in #Vaughan. ????

Now more than ever, we are working to ensure moms and dads can return to work with confidence their child is safe and that child care remains accessible and affordable. pic.twitter.com/A3Sbd8oqiR

— Stephen Lecce (@Sflecce) September 1, 2020

For more information, you can visit the TDSB’s website, which will be updated with new information frequently.