Education Minister Kelvin Goertzen announced earlier in the week that the province is planning to have students return to the classroom on September 8. On Thursday, June 25, 2020, he explained what that might look like.

Manitoba Education has released a planning framework to help schools develop detailed plans based on three different scenarios that could come into play.

“We are planning to have all students, from kindergarten to Grade 12, back in classrooms in September. While we can’t be sure what the COVID-19 pandemic will look like in the fall, detailed planning is needed to ensure schools can resume in-class learning and to prepare for different scenarios,” said Goertzen. “This framework will allow schools and school divisions to prepare plans that are flexible at the local level, yet consistent with those at other sites across the province.”

Schools are to submit plans that would outline in-class learning with near-normal conditions, in-class learning that takes additional public health measures into consideration and remote learning from home that provided limited use of school facilities.

Goertzen said that the province will announce final plans for reopening the classrooms by August 1, taking into account the COVID-19 situation at the time.

The minister noted that parents should also plan now for the fall should a situation occur where parents need to go to work but children cannot go to school.

He also said that some parents may have to consider driving their children to school as school bus seating will be limited to one child per seat unless they are from the same family.

School divisions are being asked to consider a number items when developing their plans including:

• ensuring schools can respond and adapt to changing public health orders and guidance;
• making sure any necessary physical distancing requirements can be met;
• considering the use of cohorts in classrooms, on buses and during activities to limit exposure to COVID-19;
• planning with a focus on in-class learning and establishing priorities;
• looking at ways to accommodate specialty programming and extracurricular activities;
• considering how school transportation can be safely offered;
• looking at blended learning options that can be implemented quickly;
• making arrangements for students, teachers and staff who may be at higher risk of COVID-19; and
• considering learning and assessment needs, as well as any educational gaps for students as a result of the pandemic.

Once students do get back to the classroom things may be very different in the size of groups they can interact with. Lunch and break periods may be staggered to limit interaction.

Teaching will be focused on core subjects and while the intent is to continue with subjects like physical education, music and others some courses may not be offered if public health guidelines cannot be followed.

 “By taking the time to develop thorough plans, we can continue to protect the health and well-being of our school communities while ensuring that students have the opportunity to learn and develop their skills,” said Goertzen.

© News4.ca 2020