D20 Division Re Entry Strategy Aug4

To Support Staff,

Please see email and attachment (Division Re-Entry Strategy) from Superintendent Darrel Robertson that was sent to all district staff.

We have met with Administration to discuss questions and information specific to staff. We viewed the draft documents and information shared by Administration and provided input and feedback.

Administration with share with staff when finalized and I will distribute through the home email list as well.

We all have many questions and concerns about what ‘return to school’ is going to look like during this crazy time.

Please watch your email for updates.

Stay safe and healthy for the remaining days of summer!

Carol Thompson
President, CUPE Local 3550
780 455-1435 – ext. 22
(c) 780 887-3552; Fax: 780 452-1462

14207 115 Avenue NW
Edmonton, AB T5M 3B6
(NOTE: parking lot on south side of building)

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“Folks,

In a few short weeks, we’ll be ready to welcome our thousands of students back to in-person instruction. To get us ready, we’ve developed our COVID-19 Division Re-entry Strategy, which we released this morning publicly.

This document, attached, builds the foundation for what school re-entry will look like for 2020-21.

I encourage you to read the strategy and familiarize yourself with how the Division is focusing on risk mitigation and safety strategies, family choice and continuity of learning for the 2020-21 school year. In the coming weeks, school-specific information will be released, so you know how your school site is planning for a return to classes.

Family choice
We’ve heard from many families who are looking forward to sending their children back to classes, but we’ve also heard from many who don’t feel this choice is right for them. Throughout the year, we’ll give families a choice whether their child attends in-person classes or online instruction at home. No matter which option they select, students will remain enrolled at the school where they registered for the 2020-21 school year. More information about this option is outlined in the strategy.
Risk mitigation for students and staff
Mitigating risk and following safety strategies is a shared responsibility among all members of the school community—we all have a critical role to play in following the safety protocols set out by Dr. Deena Hinshaw, Alberta’s Chief Medical Officer of Health.

The provincial re-entry plan’s focus on safety does not depend on one single strategy, but many strategies that work together to support the safest environment possible within the complex dynamics of a school community.

These strategies include:
• screening for illness
• hand washing and sanitizing
• physical distancing
• cleaning standards
• strict illness protocols
• personal protective equipment (PPE) and masks
• cohorts

All staff and students in Grades 4–12 will be required to wear a mask when physical distancing at school and in the classroom is not possible, as one way to help reduce the risk of spreading the virus. We are also asking K-3 students who are physically, psychologically or developmentally able to wear a mask, to do so. All K–12 students will each receive two reusable masks. Each school staff member will be receiving reusable masks and a face shield.

Before coming to school each day, all staff and students must complete the Government of Alberta’s COVID-19 Information Screening Questionnaire to determine whether they can attend or must stay home. This is an important step to ensure we’re keeping students and staff safe. Students and staff who answer “yes” to any of the questions cannot come to school and must follow the instructions outlined from the Government of Alberta before they can return to school.

Thermometers will be used to help manage the health and well being of staff and students who feel unwell when at school. We continue to look at the efficacy of plexiglass shields. They will be used in high traffic areas like school offices.

HR information to come
I know you have many questions around human resources information. Our HR department is working on detailed documents such as illness protocols, sick leave, personal health concerns, FAQs and more, for all Edmonton Public Schools staff. We’ll be sharing this information with staff soon and appreciate your patience while we work through these details.

A different school year
This school year will be unlike any before; however, we remain unwavering in our focus on high-quality teaching and learning in environments that keep our students, staff and families as safe as possible. We have incredible staff who continually go above and beyond to be agile and adaptable to ensure we’re delivering quality education to all our students. Thank you for your continued dedication, support and all you do in the service of kids.
Darrel Robertson
Superintendent of Schools
Edmonton Public Schools
P – 780-429-8010

This communication is intended for the use of the recipient to whom it is addressed, and may contain confidential, personal, and/or privileged information. Please contact me immediately if you are not the intended recipient. Any communication received in error should be deleted.

________________________________________

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