We know that this is a challenging time and that families are eager for more information on the board's Reopening Plans. We have compiled these Frequently Asked Questions to help address your questions and concerns as best we can. Please check back, as this page will be updated regularly. (Last updated Sept. 12, 2020)
LEARNING MODELS/OPTIONS
What are the learning options available to students?
Families can choose to send their child(ren) to school in-person or keep them at home to learn through the
PDSB Online School (distance learning).
- Elementary students (Kindergarten to Grade 8) will attend school in-person, five days a week. Students will remain with their class to limit interactions with other students, including during lunch and recess.
- Secondary students (Grades 9 to 12) will receive a combination of in-person and distance learning instruction. They will attend school on an adapted schedule, with class cohorts of approximately 15 students, following a quadmester model. View a sample schedule.
- Secondary students with a high level of special education needs, who are unable to study from home, will be permitted daily attendance and instruction.
- In-person attendance is voluntary. All families will have the option to choose to learn from home only through distance learning.
I do not feel comfortable sending my child to school. Can they continue with distance learning?
Yes. In-person school attendance is voluntary for all return-to-school plans. If you choose to keep your child home, they will engage in distance learning through the PDSB Online School.
How do I inform the board whether my child(ren) will attend school in-person or online? What is the deadline?
To help us plan for the upcoming school year, all families were sent an Intention to Return to School Form to their child's student Google account.
The form is now closed. The deadline to complete this form was Monday, Aug. 17, 2020 at noon. Please contact your school directly if you were unable to fill out the form or would like to switch learning models.
Will I be able to switch my child from distance learning to in-person learning after the Aug. 17 deadline?
Families may decide to change their decision regarding whether or not their children attend school in-person or through distance learning
at key entry dates throughout the school year. Families have until Sept. 10, 2020 at 3 p.m. to inform their Principal of their request to switch learning models.
Will families get to choose which days students attend in person?
No, unfortunately given the complexity of the revised school schedules, we are not able to provide that option for families.
Can I decide to fill out the form at a later time, closer to the start of school on Sept. 8?
To help in our planning, we ask families to fill out the form by noon on Aug. 17. We will require some time to develop complex school schedules to develop cohort groups for students and staff to ensure their safety.
GRADUAL RETURN TO SCHOOL
When will students return to school? When is the first day of school?
(updated Aug. 26, 2020)
To help us prepare for a safe school year and adjust to new school routines, the first day of school will be different than in previous school years. Rather than all students returning on one day, students will gradually return to school by attending orientation sessions during the weeks of Sept. 8 and 14.
Why aren't students all returning on one day?
A gradual return to school means that fewer people will be in the school building, so students and staff can focus on learning and adopting new routines and safety practices before all students return.
What should I bring to orientation dates?
To practice school routines, students should come to school prepared as they would on a normal school day. For a list of what to bring (or not bring) to school, visit our
elementary and
secondary webpages.
Can families attend orientations with their children?
To limit the number of individuals in school buildings, parents/caregivers will not be able to join their children for orientation.
What if my children have different last names?
Schools will adjust orientation attendance to accommodate for special circumstances (e.g., siblings with different last names)—please contact your school directly to request this accommodation.
IN-CLASS LEARNING
Will class sizes be smaller this school year?
(updated Sept. 3, 2020)
Based on current staffing projections, we have been able to use additional funding and Board reserved funds to reduce elementary class size averages at physical locations to be below Ministry targets: Kindergarten - average of 20.75 students, Grade 1 to 3 - average of 18.93 students, Grade 4 to 8 - average of 21.94 students. We are in the process of hiring additional teachers to supports school communities with a high COVID-19 risk or low socioeconomic index.
Will school hours be the same?
In most cases, elementary school schedules, including start and end times, will remain the same as in previous years. Lunch and recess times may be staggered to allow for physical distancing.
For secondary school, in most cases, start and end times for staff will remain the same as in previous years, though students will have a shortened day in the classroom. Students scheduled to be at school that day will arrive at their usual start time for 150 minutes of in-person learning. Following that, they will then return home to continue learning online. If the student is not scheduled to be at school that day, they will be required to engage in distance learning at home during the school day.
View a sample daily schedule for secondary students.
How will classes be organized?
Elementary students will attend school five days per week, remaining in one cohort for the full day, including recess and lunch. Cohorted classes will stay together with one teacher, where possible, with limited contact with other subject teachers for classes such as French as a Second Language, the Arts, and Health and Physical Education.
Secondary students who return to school on an adapted schedule, will attend a mix of in-person and at-home learning, in classes of approximately 15 students, following a quadmester model.
What is a cohort?
Cohorting refers to the practice of keeping students together in a small group throughout their school day, with limited exposure to multiple teachers or a wide variety of classmates. This practice limits the number of other students that a single student is in contact with. This practice will also facilitate contact tracing should that be necessary.
How will classes be reconfigured to promote physical distancing?
All classrooms will be organized with the goal of physically distancing students and cohorts as much as possible. This includes the removal of unnecessary furniture and placement of furniture in a manner that allows as much distancing as possible, and to allow teachers as much teaching space as possible.
Will students be required to bring their own supplies so that they do not have to share amongst each other? If not, who will manage cleanliness between uses?
Students may bring their own personal items to school daily, but must return home with them daily.
These items may include, but not limited to: knapsack or bag, computer, tablet or other device, binder/text for the course for that day, water bottle.
Personal belongings should be kept near their desk area at all times and should not be shared between students. Every effort will be made to limit the use of shared objects.
As much as possible, students will be given their own materials. If materials must be shared from one class to another, they will be disinfected or stored and left untouched for a designated period of time. Non-porous items that must be shared will be cleaned by instructional staff with a disinfectant before giving to another student (e.g. tricycle in Special Education or kindergarten). Porous items that must remain in the classroom (e.g. bean bag chair in Special Education) will be designated to one student or removed.
Will students be using lockers, and will students be required to share lockers?
There will be no use of lockers at this time. Any locks put on lockers will be removed. Lockers may be issued later in the school year if it is deemed safe to do so.
What if a student arrives late for school?
Parents/guardians dropping off students after the morning bell will be required to buzz/call into the school from the front door and indicate their child's presence at school. The parent/guardian will not be permitted in. Office staff will sign the student in, notify the Classroom Teacher and the student will go directly to class without entering the office. For Kindergarten students, a member of the Kindergarten educator team will be requested to greet a Kindergarten student arriving late and will escort the child to class.
How will classes like music and gym be held?
A variety of delivery options may be considered to meet the music curriculum's overall expectations, which could include fully distanced learning, in-person teaching and instruction with lower-risk performance opportunities (e.g., in-school instruction in larger spaces, fewer instruments, restricting the type of instruments in a group setting) or in-person teaching and instruction with no live performance.
Gymnasiums will be open in both elementary and secondary schools. However, they should only be used where physical distancing measures can be followed. Health and Physical Education classes should take place outside whenever possible. Masks are not required when students are outside but physical distancing must be maintained. Students participating in moderate or vigorous physical activity should not wear a mask but must maintain physical distance from other students.
Will school libraries be available for student use?
School libraries will be closed, unless required to accommodate unique instructional situations.
How do I change my secondary school course before school starts?
If a student wants to switch courses, they should reach out to their guidance counsellor starting a week before school to make an appointment. It is recommended that they have a couple options in mind, in case their first choice isn't available. Students can also consider night school as another option.
EATING AT SCHOOL
How will lunch/nutrition breaks work?
In elementary schools, lunch breaks will occur at school with students staying in their classrooms to eat. If weather permits, consideration could be given to having lunch breaks outside. Lunch times and breaks may be staggered to allow students to wash hands before eating without creating congestion in washrooms.
As secondary school students will only be at school for 150 minutes in the morning, there will be no lunch period and they will not eat their lunch at school. All cafeterias will be closed and vending machines will be unavailable.
Can I bring my child's lunch to school during the day?
Families are encouraged to send their child to school with a prepared lunch. Families/caregivers who must drop off student lunches for elementary students will leave the labelled lunch in a designated area located immediately inside the main entrance. Those dropping off lunches will not enter the Main Office. Food deliveries from third-party providers, e.g., Skip the Dishes, will not be accepted.
Who will be supervising students during lunch?
As much as possible, supervision will be provided on a consistent basis by one adult assigned to a limited number of cohort groups.
Will schools still employ lunchroom supervisors?
Yes. Please contact your school directly to learn more.
DISTANCE LEARNING
When will PDSB Online School live classes begin? (updated Sept. 12)
During the week of Sept. 8, we saw a significant increase in families switching from in-person learning to the PDSB Online School. As of Sept. 12, we now have over 64,000 students enrolled online, which is an increase of over 10,000 students in the last week.
Due to this recent increase in online enrolment, we require additional time to staff online classes and reconfigure timetables to ensure an equitable and successful start for all staff and students online. As a result, we have made some changes to the experience for the week of Sept. 14.
Learn more.
What will distance learning look like?
The PDSB Online School will offer the full Ontario curriculum through live, online experiences and follow-up activities that students work on from home. This instruction will be delivered by Peel board educators, but not necessarily by an educator at your child's school. View more information about the
PDSB Online School.
What if my child doesn't have access to technology?
During the 2019-20 school year, the Peel board distributed over 25,000 devices to students for distance learning to support distance learning during school closures. Returning students were able to keep these devices to use for the 2020-21 school year. SEA technology has already been distributed to students who need it and they will continue to use it for the 2020-21 school year.
The Peel board is in the process of ordering and receiving more devices to donate to students with a demonstrated need. Please connect with your school directly if you require a device. Families who are able to purchase devices for their children are encouraged to do so.
Distance learning will be taught understanding that many families share one device among multiple siblings. To assist, there will be a blend of synchronous (real-time) and nonsynchronous learning. Speak with your teacher to learn more.
How many minutes will students be engaged in remote learning?
A school day, whether in-person or online, involves 300 minutes (or 5 hours) of learning. In the PDSB Online School, as per Ministry direction, students will engage in the following number of minutes of synchronous (live) learning:
-
Kindergarten: 180 minutes
-
Grades 1 to 3: 225 minutes
-
Grades 4 to 8: 225 minutes
-
Grades 9 to 12: 60 minutes for each 74-minute class period or 225 minutes per day for a full course schedule (whichever is higher)
The remainder of the 300 minutes, students will engage in asynchronous learning, where they will work on follow-up activities or assignments provided during the live learning portion of their day.
What does synchronous and asynchronous mean?
Synchronous learning: Learning that happens in real time. Synchronous learning involves using text, video, or voice communication in a way that enables educators and other members of the school- or board-based team to instruct and connect with students in real time. Synchronous learning supports the well-being and academic achievement of all students, including students with special education needs, by providing educators and students with an interactive and engaging way to learn. It helps teachers provide immediate feedback to students and enables students to interact with one another.
Asynchronous learning: Learning that is not delivered in real time. Asynchronous learning may involve students watching pre-recorded video lessons, completing assigned tasks, or contributing to online discussion boards.
Will students have a daily timetable in the PDSB Online School?
Yes. Students will receive a timetable detailing their day and the school’s expectations.
What secondary courses will be offered online?
The
PDSB Online School will offer core secondary school courses, with a focus on providing courses that are required for graduation. This includes English, Mathematics, Science, French, Business, Social Studies and Humanities, and Health for Life. We are continuing to examine what other courses may be feasible to do online, based on course requirements, staffing availability and course demand.
The continuation of elective courses will be determined by the elective being offered. Some courses may still be offered (e.g., Computer Science, Drama, Exploring Technology). However, other electives that traditionally take place in a specialized room and require more hands-on learning, like Technology and Hospitality, may not be available.
UPDATE: We have been able to expand the course offerings to include most subjects. However, we are not currently able to offer specialized programs online, such as the Regional Learning Choices Program, Advanced Placement, and International Baccalaureate.
What happens if a course isn't offered online?
If a student is missing a course from their original options, they would be offered another course so that they do not end up short of credits.
Will the PDSB Online School follow the same quadmester format as secondary schools?
Yes. Secondary students in the PDSB Online School will take two courses in a quadmester, over approximately 10 weeks.
How will art courses be offered online?
Subjects such as Music and Visual Arts will continue to be offered, though these courses may need to be taught and learned a bit differently online. The course will continue to be consistent with Curriculum expectations. For example, in Visual Arts, a teacher may demonstrate a drawing technique and then students would have an opportunity to practice drawing at home and would receive feedback in real time. Further practice would be done during the asynchronous portion of the school day.
How will student immunizations work if my child is enrolled in the PDSB Online School?
Peel Public Health has not yet determined how they will run their immunization clinics for the 2020-21 school year. We will inform families when more details are available.
Will extracurriculars be offered virtually in the PDSB Online School?
Initially the PDSB Online School will focus on curriculum-based program delivery and the building of a new sense of community. As we progress throughout the year, we may add in voluntary virtual clubs or activities.
How will Special Education programming be offered in the PDSB Online School?
-
Individual Education Plans (IEPs): PDSB Online School Educators will continue to provide accommodations, modified expectations, and alternative programming to students with Special Education needs, as detailed in IEPs. They will have access to student records and previous IEPs to facilitate the development of effective programming and an IEP for the current year. Students who require Educational Assistant (EA) support will receive it to help facilitate the programming outlined in the IEP.
-
PSSP (psychology, Speech and Language, Social Work) and itinerant support will be available to online students
-
Special Education classes (i.e. Developmentally Delayed, Autism Spectrum Disorder, etc.): If we have a viable number of students to form a specialized education program, we will do so, taught by a qualified Peel board teacher. Where possible, students will be placed in a common cohort for program delivery. Where this is not possible, we will continue to meet the student's needs though synchronous learning in their online classroom, reaching out to other Peel board support staff for additional guidance and support.
-
In School Support services at the elementary level and GLE classes at the secondary level will be offered.
-
In School Review Committee (ISRC) and Identification and Placement Review Committee (IPRC) will be available to support the programming and well-being of students. For PDSB Online School students who are in special education classes, their placement from the IPRC process will be held for the child.
Will the online teachers be teaching the same things at the same time as the in-class teachers?
Students will learn the same curriculum, but not necessarily at the same time. The PDSB Online School will cover the same Ontario curriculum as in-person learning, but since these classes will be taught by different teachers and will have different students who learn at different rates, the curriculum will not be covered at the exact same times.
For the students who are returning to in-class lessons, should the parents decide to switch them to online, how will that flow take place?
Your child’s school will connect with the PDSB Online School to develop a transition plan—this plan will look a bit different depending on the time of year and your child’s specific learning needs. Our focus will be on creating a smooth transition for your child by identifying what stages they are at in their learning and assessment. Learn more on our
Switching Learning Models webpage.
If a student moves from the PDSB Online School to in-person learning (or vice versa), what measures are in place to ensure the student doesn't miss learning a topic if it was already covered?
Similar to if a student moved into a new school mid-year, your child’s new teacher will work with them to help understand and mitigate any learning gaps between your child’s previous school and their new one.
Will the "live" learning setup be similar to an online meeting environment? How will the students ask questions during the "live" learning sessions?
There are a few different ways and tools teachers may use to engage with students during the “live” component of the day. Teachers will go over what this time will look like, including how students can participate and ask questions. Generally, these online tools offer a “raise hand” or chat function that students can use to ask questions.
ENHANCED CLEANING
What type of cleaning products will be used?
Staff will be using a hospital-grade, one-step, neutral product that cleans, disinfects, sanitizes that is effective against a broad spectrum of bacteria called AirX 44.
What areas and items will be considered "high-touch points" and cleaned multiple times per day?
All high-touch surfaces will be sanitized using AirX 44 a minimum of twice per day. High-touch surfaces may include: door handles, panic bars, push plates, corridor and entrance door glass surfaces, drinking fountains, counter tops, phones, automatic door operator push plates switches, security alarm switch, stairwell railings, elevator push buttons and railings.
How often will classrooms and classroom supplies be cleaned?
Classrooms and portables will be cleaned each evening. The areas to be cleaned are: countertops, sink areas, phones, Teachers' desks/office desks in room, student desks, door glass, drinking fountains (if applicable), door handles, plates and panic bars, automatic door operator push plates (if applicable) closet doors handles, pencil sharpeners and washroom areas (if applicable).
Shared objects used for classroom instructional purposes should be limited when possible, or objects should be cleaned with soap and water and disinfectant between each use. Personal items (e.g., phones, equipment, desks) should not be shared.
Cleaning of student equipment, instructional resources or technology in a classroom, staffroom, office or lab will be the responsibility of either the classroom staff or the individual student. Disinfectant will be provided as needed for users to clean the technology or equipment before use.
How often will washrooms be cleaned?
Staff and student washrooms will be thoroughly sanitized on a nightly basis using AirX 44. In addition, frequently touched surfaces in the washroom will be cleaned at a minimum of twice daily. High-touch surfaces include: door handles, faucets, Gojo soap dispensers, automatic door operator push plates, toilet handles, toilet paper dispensers, washroom stall doors.
How often will school gyms be cleaned?
In elementary schools, gymnasiums will be cleaned every evening. If gymnasiums are used for before- and after-school programs, they will be closed for cleaning during the first and last period of the day.
In secondary schools, if gyms are in use for instructional purposes, they will be cleaned each evening. Changerooms will be closed.
For both grade levels, activities will avoid or limit the use of equipment. Any shared equipment will be disinfected between each use.
Will kindergarten classrooms be cleaned where before- and after-school programs take place?
The cleaning of kindergarten rooms where before- and after-school programs will take place before the change in cohorts. Every effort will be made to place kindergarten before- and after-school programs in empty classrooms. If an occupied classroom or multiple classrooms are used, cleaning of each will be required prior to, and after day class use.
Who will sanitize or clean my child's device?
All distributed technology used by students and staff is governed by Peel Board
Policy 78. Technology devices will not be cleaned by Custodial staff. This will be the responsibility of either classroom staff or the individual student. Disinfectant wipes will be provided as needed for users to wipe down technology or equipment before use.
Who will clean the instruments between music classes?
Cleaning of student equipment, instructional resources or technology in a classroom, staffroom, office or lab will be the responsibility of either the classroom staff or the individual student. Disinfectant will be provided as needed for users to clean the technology or equipment before use.
HEALTH AND SAFETY
How will you be ensuring that our kids are safe?
As we return to school, new enhanced health and safety measures have been added to all aspects of school routines to help reduce and stop the spread of COVID-19. These measures are based on guidance from public health agencies and the Ministry of Education, and will be included in start-of-the-year training for school staff.
Can my child wear a face shield instead of a mask?
(updated Aug. 26, 2020)
No. Face shields do not replace masks. Face shields protect the wearer, but masks are used for source control and therefore protect others. If a student chooses to wear a face shield, they must also wear a mask.
Will students' temperatures be checked daily prior to the start of the school day?
No, staff and families/students will be required to conduct a daily self-assessment before arriving at school. This assessment can be found at
https://covid-19.ontario.ca/school-screening/
What symptoms would require that a student stay home from school?
Parents/caregivers are asked to perform daily screening of their children before arriving at school (
https://covid-19.ontario.ca/school-screening/). If the self-assessment directs them to stay at home and monitor their health or to get tested for COVID-19, they must not come to school. Remember, a safe school is always more important than a perfect attendance record.
Are all students and staff required to wear masks? (updated Aug. 21, 2020)
To help ensure safer schools, the Peel board will be following Peel Public Health’s recent recommendation that all students in Grades 1 to 12 be required to wear a mask or face covering while indoors at school, including in classrooms and hallways. Peel Public Health has also indicated that the wearing of masks or face coverings is strongly recommended in Kindergarten. All visitors to the school must also wear a mask.
School-based staff will be required to wear a mask and/or face covering.
Accommodations and exceptions on the requirement to wear masks will apply (e.g., staff or students with sensory or breathing difficulties). Families should contact the school if they require an exemption/accommodation.
What if my child arrives at school without a mask?
If a student arrives at school without a mask, they will be provided one by the school.
If a student or staff member tests positive for COVID-19, will the entire classroom be required to quarantine or the entire school?
Schools will follow public health guidance when an individual tests positive for COVID-19. Public health will determine any additional steps required, including but not limited to, the declaration of an outbreak and closure of classes and/or schools.
Do I need to report my child's absence?
Regular school attendance procedures will be followed, including Safe Arrival calls. Students who are participating in the PDSB Online School do not need to report their absences to their home school nor through Safe Arrival, although students/parents should notify the online teacher.
Will there be staggered entry times to spread out students entering?
Entry will be different from school-to-school, as smaller schools may be able to bring students in safely with one bell time. In all cases, schools will determine a model that promotes physical distancing.
What measures are being taken to improve ventilation in classrooms?
Mechanical HVAC system settings will be adjusted to increase the amount of fresh air. Schools will also open windows to increase natural ventilation where possible.
If a student requires medication, how will it be administered?
The administration of medication will follow Board policy and continue with protocols already established, including physical distancing from others while waiting for medication.
If necessary, students should report to the Main Office to see an Administrator for administration.
What happens if a classroom runs out of sanitizer?
Each classroom will have an adequate supply for a classroom for one to two weeks, with additional sanitizer available. Classroom staff will be responsible for notifying the office when class supplies are running low.
PROGRAMS (RLCP, IB, Alternative Programs etc.)
Is the Co-op program running?
Yes the Co-op program will continue with enrollment depending on virtual placement availability.
Will March Break camps be running in 2021?
Decisions regarding the operation of March Break and Summer 2021 camps will be made next year, depending on the current pandemic status and applicable requirements.
What will French Immersion classes look like? Will English/French teachers continue to swap throughout the day?
French Immersion (FI) programs will operate as usual in-person. FI will be offered in the PDSB Online School to students already enrolled in FI. However, due to anticipated staffing limitations, programming may be provided to split grade classes. If different teachers are required, staff will come to the classroom so students do not have to change rooms.
How will the International Baccalaureate Program run?
IB will continue to run within the classroom. We are awaiting more information from the International Baccalaureate Organization whether the program will be able to operate in a full distance learning environment.
Will children in the French Immersion program who opt for distance learning continue to get their French curriculum instructions?
French Immersion will be offered in the PDSB Online School to students already enrolled in FI. However, due to anticipated staffing limitations, programming may be provided to split grade classes. French Immersion programs will operate as usual in-person.
How will international students in the board's Peel Schools for International Students program participate in learning?
The decision of whether to admit international students for the coming school year rests with the federal government. Should the federal government decide to admit international students, the Peel Board will follow all federal guidance with respect to their admission. International students would be assigned a cohort at the school where they are registered. Agency students will be hand timetabled into the same cohort where possible, ensuring students who may billet at the same address are in the same cohort. Other individual VISA students may form part of a regular cohort.
View a letter to current and prospective International Students, their families and/or guardians from from Greg Pearson Co-ordinating Principal - International Education Program.
CONTINUNG AND ADULT EDUCATION
Will Night School classes be held in-person at school locations?
No, all night school classes will continue to operate through distance learning online.
CHILD CARE
Will child care centres reopen?
Before- and after-school programs will be offered at most elementary schools, with revised drop-off/pick-up routines, washroom protocols and enhanced cleaning procedures. If you have questions about child care, please contact your child care provider directly.
How often will the spaces be cleaned for before- and after-school programs?
Cleaning and disinfecting of the space, including instructional materials and equipment, will be completed daily, either after the program is closed for the evening or prior to the opening in the morning.
SPECIAL EDUCATION
How will Special Education programming be offered in the PDSB Online School?
-
Individual Education Plans (IEPs): PDSB Online School Educators will continue to provide accommodations, modified expectations, and alternative programming to students with Special Education needs, as detailed in IEPs. They will have access to student records and previous IEPs to facilitate the development of effective programming and an IEP for the current year. Students who require Educational Assistant (EA) support will receive it to help facilitate the programming outlined in the IEP.
-
PSSP (psychology, Speech and Language, Social Work) and itinerant support will be available to online students
-
Special Education classes (i.e. Developmentally Delayed, Autism Spectrum Disorder, etc.): If we have a viable number of students to form a specialized education program, we will do so, taught by a qualified Peel board teacher. Where possible, students will be placed in a common cohort for program delivery. Where this is not possible, we will continue to meet the student's needs though synchronous learning in their online classroom, reaching out to other Peel board support staff for additional guidance and support.
-
In School Support services at the elementary level and GLE classes at the secondary level will be offered.
-
In School Review Committee (ISRC) and Identification and Placement Review Committee (IPRC) will be available to support the programming and well-being of students. For PDSB Online School students who are in special education classes, their placement from the IPRC process will be held for the child.
Why are students with a gifted identification not included for every day in-person learning?
Although students who have a Gifted identification are in a Special Education class, the Ministry of Education direction does not require that all students with exceptionalities attend school daily.
What do I do in the event that my child with Special Education needs cannot wear a mask for medical reasons, even in the event that physical distancing is not possible as outlined in the guidelines?
These situations would be dealt with on a case by case basis in consultation with Peel Public Health to ensure the safety of students and staff.
I don't feel comfortable with my child sharing gross motor toys, sensory toys etc. Can individual learning materials be provided or supplied from home?
Every effort will be made to limit the use of shared objects. As much as possible, students will be given their own materials.
What are the health and safety guidelines for cleaning instructional material in Special Education contained classrooms?
Cleaning of student equipment, instructional resources or technology in a classroom, staffroom, office or lab will be the responsibility of either the classroom staff or the individual student. Disinfectant will be provided as needed for users to clean the technology or equipment before use.
TRANSPORTATION
For FAQs regarding board-provided transportation, please visit
www.stopr.ca.
OTHER
Will field trips and extracurriculars still take place?
Schools can offer clubs and organized sports if physical distancing is possible, and equipment and spaces are cleaned and disinfected between each use. Please check with your school directly to find out which extracurriculars will run this school year.
Field trips will not take place at this time. They will be reinstated under the direction of Peel Public Health.
Can I still volunteer at my child's school?
Not at this time. To minimize health and safety risks, individuals entering schools will be limited to staff, students and essential individuals.
Can I rent school space at this time?
No. The Facility Rentals Department will not be receiving any requests for school use permits until further notice.
How will the Peel board use its reserve funding and Ministry of Education funding to help create safer schools?
(updated Aug. 21, 2020)
Ministry of Education funding will be used towards:
• Teacher staffing
• hiring additional Custodial staff
• implementing HVAC enhancements
• purchasing cleaning supplies
• implementing health and safety training
• providing special education and mental health supports
• distance learning
The Ministry of Education has allowed the PDSB to use up to $36 million of its reserve funds to support school reopening. This includes funding to be used to hire additional Teachers to help lower class sizes.
Will Take Your Kids to Work Day take place on November 4 for grade 9 students?
No. To ensure the health and safety of students, staff, schools and other workplaces, grade 9 Peel District School Board students will not participate in Take Your Kids to Work Day, and Peel board schools and worksites will not host students at their locations. November 4 will remain a regular day for students enrolled in the adaptive learning model and PDSB Online School.