INNISFAIL – Chinook’s Edge School Division (CESD) Grade 4 -12 students unwilling to wear non-medical facemasks in common areas such as hallways and on school buses will be sent home, according to the division’s new re-entry plan.
Classes are set to resume on a staggered schedule on Sept. 1, with regular classes resuming on Sept. 14.
"The experts at Alberta Health are saying that's really important (wearing masks in schools) and we need to be saying the same thing," said CESD superintendent Kurt Sacher. "It isn't optional and we need people to support that."
Exceptions to the mask rule for individuals who are unable to wear masks for physical, psychological or developmental reasons can be arranged.
"There are some very, very rare situaitons where masks are not appropriate and we will deal with those on a case by case basis," he said.
The re-entry plan is designed to act as a guide for parents, students, teachers, school staff members and others during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Innisfail-headquarterd CESD has about 11,000 students in 40 schools.
The re-entry plan outlines rules and procedures for such things as personal protective equipment, physical distancing, student pickup and drop off, in-person learning, remote learning, shared use of technology and equipment, field trips, lockers, cellphones, washrooms and playgrounds.
Superintendent Sacher says the plan is designed to make student and staff health a top priority, minimizing risks whenever and wherever possible.
“I have every confidence in our staff and in our plan,” said Sacher. “We will go slowly and we will get it right. I am convinced that if we get off to a safe, positive start, we will be able to maintain that momentum throughout the school year.”
Under the re-entry plan, all students, staff and visitor will be required to self-screen for symptoms using a screening questionnaire each day before they enter any school.
The questionnaire requires the respondent to indicate if they symptoms such as fever, cough, shortness of breath, sore throat, chills or nausea. If the respondent says they have any of the symptoms, they are not permitted to enter the school.
If a child becomes ill at school, he or she will be moved to an isolated area or sick room and his or her parent or guardian will be contacted to pick up the child.
The re-entry plan includes provisions for students requiring individualized support.
“Students with complex health needs may have personal care plans developed in conjunction with the health authority,” the plan states.
“For students with underlying medical conditions or risk factors, parents should consult their child’s physician to consider the health risks and make a decision about returning to school that will best support the child.”
All Grade 4-12 students must wear facemasks on school buses, and K-3 students are encouraged to wear masks.
“Students unwilling to wear a mask will be sent home,” the plan states.
Bus drivers will be provided with masks and face shields, and students will be asked to use hand sanitizer when entering and leaving the bus.
Regarding the picking up and dropping off of students, the policy states that parents and guardians must remain off school grounds or in their vehicles when dropping children off.
Students and staff are to use their own personal items such electronic devices, writing instruments and school supplies and avoid use of shared items.
Students will be asked to assist with cleaning of shared resources such as microphones between uses and the shared use of items such as science equipment and learning stations will be limited as much as possible.
All extracurricular athletics and Fine Arts performances are postponed, while school clubs can meet as long as physical distancing of two metres or greater is observed.
Field trips involving group transportation are prohibited, other than walking trip with social distancing.
Locker use is not recommended, although some schools may make provisions for use with social distancing.
Washrooms will remain open with social distancing rules, as will playgrounds.
Visitors to schools will need to follow procedures and protocols established by the school.
Parent-teacher meetings may be conducted face to face with social distancing.
No activities involving the sharing of food between students and/or staff may occur, including the sharing and distribution of utensils and condiments. Food provided by the family must be stored with the student’s belongings.
Students not able to attend school for health reasons or parental choice related to the pandemic will be given the option of remote learning.
The complete CESD re-entry plan is available for viewing on the division’s website at cesd73.ca.
