We are getting a look at what classrooms in Hamilton could look like in September.
Earlier this year, the province directed school boards to prepare three scenarios for the 2020/2021 school year.
Those scenarios are:
- All students back in the classroom with enhanced public health protocols
- Alternating in-school attendance to allow for smaller class sizes and physical distancing
- Online learning
The Hamilton Wentworth District School Board says it has been working with Hamilton Public Health to develop the plans.
Peter Sovran, the board’s associate director of learning services, says they will be able to switch between scenarios mid-year should things change.
The scenarios were presented to parents in a survey. It received over 10,000 responses.
Scenario A
The board survey found most parents prefer the return of school as normal, with additional safety and public health measures.
That would include screening processes for students and staff as well as enhanced hygiene measures.
Scenario B
This scenario would see classrooms split into two cohorts of about 15 students each.
The board has released pictures of elementary and secondary school classrooms in Hamilton showing what things would look like.
There will be fewer desks and chairs, distanced two-metres apart as per public health guidelines.
In this scenario, most parents said they preferred alternating in-school days as opposed to alternating weeks.
Scenario C
All studies would be done with enhanced remote delivery.
There would be no in-school learning.
We are expecting more details from the Ministry of Education in early August.
Tune in Tuesday at 6 p.m. for the story from Nicole Martin.
