FAQs – YCDSB Back to School Plan

York Region Public Health advises classes to go outside to conduct lessons.

The International Baccalaureate (IB) organization has stated that they are planning for examinations as the final assessment tool for the 2020-2021 candidates. The exams are always scheduled during the month of May and we will work together at that time to address both the face to face learners and those working remotely.

The Ministry of Education (MOE) recognizes that in order for Before and After school programs to be operational and viable, it may not be possible to limit students in the Before and After school program to their groups from the core day. The MOE recommends that, in circumstances where students from different school day classes must interact to participate in the Before and After school program, school boards make efforts to limit interactions between students from different classes to the greatest extent possible.

Best practices to limit interactions between students from different classes and reduce transmission of COVID-19 may include:

• Making best efforts to group the Before and After school program class with the same core day class (e.g. determining core day classes based on whether the child is enrolled in the Before and After school program); and
• Making use of large, well-ventilated spaces (e.g. gymnasium) or outdoor spaces as much as possible for the Before and After school programs. Before and After school programs are also required to follow strict health and safety guidelines, which are equivalent to those in schools. For more information, please view the MOE’s Before and After School Programs (Kindergarten to Grade 6) – Policies and Guidelines for School Boards, August 2020.

The Ministry of Education has launched a webpage to report COVID-19 cases in schools and child care centres. This page will be updated every weekday with the most up-to-date COVID-19 information available, including a summary of cases in schools and licensed child care centres and agencies, if a COVID-19 case is confirmed at your school, and where the numbers come from.

The Before and After school programs must follow the direction and protocols outlined by York Public Health when providing snacks in the morning and after school. Snacks will be provided and all safety protocols will be followed.

Effective September 1, 2020, all licensed Child Care Centres and Before and After school programs will be permitted to operate at full capacity. Licensees will continue to be required to maintain ratios and group sizes as set out under the Child Care and Early Years Act, 2014 (CCEYA). Enhanced health and safety procedures will remain in place to protect children, staff and families.

All Before and After school programs operated or contracted by the YCDSB will follow the health and safety requirements set out by the Ministry of Education as well as guidance provided by York Region Public Health. Each school will work with the childcare provider to establish and coordinate protocols, including the wearing of masks for staff and students in Grades 4 to 6.

Guidelines can be located at Before and After School Programs (Kindergarten to Grade 6) – Policies and Guidelines for School Boards.

In short, the answer is in the interest of public health and to ensure the safety of all involved, if the child does not want to wear a mask to school as mandated by the Ministry of Education, the child will need to choose the alternative method of learning- learn from home. If the parent files a human rights complaint, the child will be expected to stay home/ learn from home until the matter is reviewed.

Even if it is found that it is more likely than not the child has been discriminated against based on one of the 17 protected grounds, then the Board will have to determine how the child can be accomodated, noting that the board will have to weigh/balance the interest of this child against those of all other students who may be exposed/vulnerable.

Yes, homework may be assigned for practice using a musical instrument at home. The emphasis is for students to leave their musical instrument at home and use them only at home.

York Region Public Health advises that it is reasonable and safer for students to remove their masks when participating in activities that elevate heart rate and increase breathing as long as they are physically distanced, even while indoors.

Gymnasiums or large spaces should only be used where physical distancing measures can be followed. Outdoor gym classes and physical activity exercises are encouraged when possible. Hand hygiene supplies should be readily available and processes or storage of face coverings should be in place during gym classes to allow for the safe removal, handling and storage face coverings while continuing to maintain physical distance of 2 meters.

If you are able to ensure students remain 2 metres from each other and if they will be taking part in activities that elevate their heart rate and increase breathing, it would be reasonable and safer that masks be taken off during this time.

At the moment, any music lesson that requires students to share instruments should be avoided. This does not preclude assigning one instrument (drum/xylophone) per student for the duration of the class (i.e no sharing of instruments).

Learning materials will be available for students to use to address the expectations found in The Kindergarten Program, 2016. All materials used by students and educators will be disinfected on a regular basis in adherence with the guidelines set by York Region Public Health (YRPH). Carpets and rugs, where appropriate, will be removed. Children will be following hand washing and physical distancing protocols outlined by YRPH when seated on the floor/carpet.

FDK classes will undertake the following health and safety measures:

• Ensure all toys used in primary classrooms are made of materials that can be easily cleaned and disinfected (e.g., remove plush toys)
• Sensory materials (e.g., playdough, water and sand play) should be used by one student and available to that student for the day and then discarded. Materials will be labelled with the student’s name, if possible
• Items that cannot be easily cleaned and disinfected or laundered should be removed from use as much as possible

York Region Public Health advises classes to go outside to conduct lessons.

Kindergarten educators will use small groupings, outdoor space, explicit teaching of how and why we physically distance and the use of visual cues to support the maintaining of physical distancing where possible.

Please note as outlined in the YCDSB re-entry plan which is based on directives from the Ministry of Education and recommendations by the Provincial Chief Medical Officer of Health. Physical distancing is the most protective risk mitigation measure. Given that physical distancing is not always possible in schools, it will be important to “layer” multiple measures to reduce the risk of COVID-19 in schools.

These other measures include respiratory etiquette, hand hygiene, and choosing to wear non-medical masks.

The International Baccalaureate (IB) program is a worldwide program. The IB organization is well aware that across the world, students are accessing their education through a variety of formats (remote learning, in-person face to face or a combination of both). They have established guidelines and procedures for all students and teachers, across the world, to allow students to continue to pursue their IB diploma, regardless of the method of lesson delivery. Flexibility in the CAS project has also been implemented.

The Board continues to hire occasional teachers and is looking at assigning occasional teachers to specific schools.

In the case a teacher is away, an occasional (supply) teacher will be assigned to replace the permanent teacher.

Schools have implemented their own pick up and drop off routines as per the needs of their school. For more information, please contact your school.

The International Baccalaureate (IB) organization has stated that they are planning for examinations as the final assessment tool for the 2020-2021 candidates. The exams are always scheduled during the month of May and we will work together at that time to address both the face to face learners and those working remotely.

York Region Public Health’s current plan is to have 48 dedicated school health nurses with assigned schools to assist in education on proper use of masks, contact tracing, potential mobile testing for potential outbreaks in schools and more.

No. Students in the kindergarten classrooms will have opportunities throughout the day to move around the room and engage in outdoor play (weather permitting) while adhering to the physical distancing protocols outlined by York Region Public Health.

Yes, Italian language classes will be available.

At this point, the plan requires the music teacher to plan to move from class to class. Using a music room requires thorough cleaning every time after each class. This may not be practical as custodian provides priority to cleaning washrooms, high-touch areas etc.

Preparation for and reception of the Sacraments occurs within the parish. Some parishes have recently resumed registration for the Sacraments and have started planning fall celebrations for Confirmandi and First Communicants. In these cases, parents have been invited to registration sessions. Parents who have questions about this should be directed to contact their local parish.

Our secondary adapted plans are in alignment with all of the GTA boards that have been denoted as “designated boards” by the Ministry of Education. The underlying goal of this designation is to ensure the return to school plan is safe for our staff and students.

It has been determined that the safety and risk of exposure for all of our secondary students and teachers, will be minimized by having a cohorted return to school for a shortened duration and by not introducing a second cohort of staff and students on the same day.

While at home in the afternoon for the online portion of the school day, our custodial staff will be carefully cleaning the high touch point areas and the school as a whole to prepare it for the safe arrival of the second cohort arriving the next day.

Teachers are encouraged to make use of outdoor classrooms whenever possible. Classes may be rotated through these classrooms.

In elementary and applicable secondary Health and Physical Education courses, efforts will be made to meet the overall expectations of the Active Living and Movement Competence strands outdoors, whenever possible. Gymnasiums will be used when physical distancing measures can be followed. Capacity in change rooms will be limited. Where possible, teachers will plan physical activities that support physical distancing, while also limiting the use of shared equipment. Efforts will be made to regularly disinfect equipment and students will be encouraged to practice proper hand hygiene before and after participating in physical activity and equipment use.

Co-op placements should be offered virtually, where feasible. In-person face to face community placements can be arranged in alignment with the direction and recommendations of the local health unit, the direction of the school board, and with the safety and curriculum requirements of the Cooperative Education curriculum.

Cohorting refers to the grouping of students, and sometimes teachers or staff, that stay together throughout the school day to minimize exposure for students, teachers, and staff across the school environment.

Ideally, students and staff within a cohort would only have physical proximity with others in the same cohort. This practice may help prevent the spread of COVID-19, by limiting cross-over of students, teachers, and staff to the extent possible, thus:

• decreasing opportunities for exposure to or transmission of COVID-19,
• facilitating more efficient contact tracing in the event of a positive case, and
• allowing for targeted testing, quarantine, and isolation of a single cohort instead of school-wide measures in the event of a positive case or cluster of cases.

Yes. Please visit our authorized uniform provider’s website if you would like to order online or schedule an appointment for a fitting: dgn-kilters.com.

Yes. However, we ask that students limit the number of food items brought to school and that they follow the teacher’s direction in terms of the timing of having a snack.

We begin our school year with period one courses in the morning and period two courses in the afternoon. Every day, there will be a new lesson or one that is continued from the day before. In Grades 9 to 12, students in all three cohorts will be taught by the same classroom teacher. On the first day, students in Cohort A will attend school in person. However, students in Cohort B as well as Cohort C (those who chose remote learning rather than face to face) will be connected to the same in-class teacher and lesson.

Last March to June, teachers used a Virtual Learning Environment to teach their students. This environment consisted of either a D2L (Desire to Learn) classroom or a Google Classroom. These are the only two virtual classroom environments we are having our teachers use because they are controlled domains within our Board; and includes Google Meet. We are able to secure these environments for our staff and students based on our agreements with these two providers and based on the student and staff account structure (i.e. student K12 GSuite accounts).

While teachers have the ability to use Google Meet to provide live video communication with remote learners, they also have a variety of other tools at their disposal to communicate in real time with their students who are participating remotely:

• using Google apps such as Google Docs which when shared with students can enable co-creation and live editing communication including asking questions and providing written responses;
• simultaneously projecting an information sheet to students in class while posting it with instructions for those at home;
• using Google Meet without the video function so that audio content is provided while instruction is occurring and using the “chat” feature to post questions;
• posting pre-recorded teacher instructional components or other instructional video resources in the virtual learning environment

When in a live Google Meet, students will always have the option of keeping their cameras and/or microphones off at all times.

The cohorts who are learning from home will receive synchronous support both from the classroom teacher and from another teacher in that subject-specific department who does not have a class that period.

E-Learn courses will run in the period that the student is scheduled to take it. Courses such as Music and Religion will not run every other day. Instead students will take Music one semester in the period that it occurs and Religion in the next semester in the period that it occurs.

Courses that require unique physical activity such as Hospitality, will run as they have in the past. However, additional safety measures will be put in place to ensure distancing and proper cleaning of any apparatus prior to use by another student. Classroom teachers will provide remote learners with adapted tasks to do at home.

No. For those taking a physical education course, students are to arrive at school wearing their gym uniform.

The International Baccalaureate (IB) organization has stated that they are planning for examinations as the final assessment tool for the 2020-2021 candidates. The exams are always scheduled during the month of May and we will work together at that time to address both the face to face learners and those working remotely.

Synchronous learning is referring to the classroom teacher being engaged with the students as the learning unfolds.  Synchronous support refers to the role that a second teacher, assigned to the class, will provide as they engage with the students to help answer questions and provide assistance.

Our two Virtual Learning platforms are Google Classroom and Desire to Learn (D2L).  These two platforms provide the security of our working and learning environments that other platforms do not.

No. Outdoor recess provides Grades 4 to 12 students with a break from wearing a mask. Upon returning to the classroom, students will wash/sanitize their hands and put their mask back on. Students in grades FDK – 8 who wish to wear their masks outside for recess may do so. This is the preferred recess practice recommended by York Region Public Health.

Recess and physical activity will occur under staff supervision to ensure safe practices and reduced contact. Recess times will be staggered to prevent the mixing of cohorts in hallways. During recess, all students must maintain a physical distance of 2 metres at all times within their cohorts and designated area in the school yard. Students must also stay within their cohorts at all times, both indoors and outdoors, while maintaining physical distancing. No mixing of cohorts is permitted.

Students who do not adhere to the physical distance rule as mandated by the Ministry of Education will be asked to wear a mask, as they are putting other students at risk. If a student refuses to wear a mask and respect physical distancing, the school administrator will contact the student’s parents. If the issue cannot be resolved, the Safe Schools — Student Discipline Policy will be implemented by the school administrator.

Yes. However, we ask that students limit the number of food items brought to school and that they follow the teacher’s direction in terms of the timing of having a snack.

Physical activity is critical for student health and outdoor recess play time will take place. It will also provide a break from wearing a mask. Recess and physical activity will occur under staff supervision to ensure safe practices and reduced contact. Elementary students exiting and entering for recess do not need to wear masks, but must respect social distancing. Everyone must follow the directional signage on the walls at all times.

Elementary students will eat lunch in their classrooms.

York Region Public Health (YRPH) states that students should continue to wear masks indoors. YRPH suggests having students step outside to take a rest/breather. For more information, please read YRPH’s protocol on how to safely use portable fans in schools during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The type of mask worn by all students must be a disposable medical mask or reusable cloth mask that has been purchased or made that covers the mouth, nose and chin ensuring a barrier that limits the spread of respiratory droplets when you cough, sneeze or talk.

Health organizations prefer students wear masks that are close to the student’s face that covers over their nose and tucked up against their chins, bandanas, for example, don’t do this. Masks are preferred so that breath droplets from students speaking to each other can’t be aspirated by the other student.

Respirators with exhaust valves

According to Health Canada, some commercially available respirators have exhaust valves which are intended to make the respirator more comfortable for the person wearing it, but also allow infectious respiratory droplets to be released outside the respirator.

Use of respirators with exhaust valves will not protect others from COVID-19. Please do not use respirators with exhalation valves to prevent the spread COVID-19.

Mingle masks

According to York Region Public Health, and in accordance with Federal guidelines, a face covering should be made of at least two layers of tightly woven fabric (such as cotton or linen) and completely cover the nose and mouth without gaping. For products that don’t meet this criteria for coverage on the face, respiratory droplets may still be inhaled around the product providing less protection to the wearer, and respiratory droplets expelled by the wearer may escape around the sides which provides less protection to others. Therefore, “mingle” masks are not preferred from a source control perspective.

Face shields do not replace face coverings or masks. Your nose, mouth and chin must be covered. Face shields protect the wearer from respiratory droplets but do not protect those around them and must be worn with a mask.

Yes. All public health measures must still be maintained and promoted, including washing your hands often with soap and water or using alcohol-based hand sanitizer, sneezing and coughing into your sleeve, staying home if you are ill and practicing physical distancing. These actions will reduce exposure to other people – this means staying at least 2 metres away from anyone outside your household or social circle.

Yes. However, we ask that students limit the number of food items brought to school and that they follow the teacher’s direction in terms of the timing of having a snack.

Once a suspected case of COVID-19 is noted, York Region Public Health (YRPH) must be notified. YRPH will conduct a thorough investigation and following their investigation, will direct the response from that point onwards. All confirmed cases will require a period of self-isolation as dictated by YRPH.

In secondary schools, the re-entry point is when classes in Periods 1 and 2 end and classes in Periods 3 and 4 begin. New cohorts will be established once Periods 3 and 4 begin.

In elementary schools they will be added to a cohort.

• Prior to leaving home each morning all students and staff are to conduct a self-assessment: Check Your Child Daily for Symptoms of COVID-19.
• If symptomatic, staff and students are to follow York Region Public Health’s (YRPH) decision tree – Should My Child Attend School?
• Students are to bring their own mask and wear it on the bus and when inside the school building. Prior to the start of the school year, it is advisable that students practice wearing a mask for lengthy periods of time.
• Hand sanitizer will be placed at key locations throughout the school.
• Students will stay in their classroom when at school and will be seated at a distance from one another in an assigned seating plan.
• Signage will be placed throughout the school reminding students of practicing safety measures.
• Students should bring their own water bottle daily and label it with their name.
• The number of students entering a washroom will be limited.
• Touch points will be cleaned twice daily by custodial staff.
• There will be no visitors permitted in schools unless absolutely necessary and only when prearranged.
• Teachers will review safety measures with students at the very start of the school year.
• A more comprehensive listing of the safety measures can be found here under the Health and Safety Protocols tab: YCDSB Back to School Plan – FAQs.
• Please review the safety information that York Region Public Health has provided: York Region Public Health Safety Measures.

In short, the answer is in the interest of public health and to ensure the safety of all involved, if the child does not want to wear a mask to school as mandated by the Ministry of Education, the child will need to choose the alternative method of learning- learn from home. If the parent files a human rights complaint, the child will be expected to stay home/ learn from home until the matter is reviewed.

Even if it is found that it is more likely than not the child has been discriminated against based on one of the 17 protected grounds, then the Board will have to determine how the child can be accomodated, noting that the board will have to weigh/balance the interest of this child against those of all other students who may be exposed/vulnerable.

Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, YCDSB has been working closely with – and taking direction from – the Ministry of Education (MOE), the Ontario Chief Medical Officer of Health, and York Region Public Health (YRPH).

York Region is still in a state of emergency and is currently in full response to COVID-19. YRPH is working closely with the school boards and community partners to address any possible outbreaks and prevent any new cases of COVID-19. They continue to undertake surveillance and monitoring that will help identify any surge in cases. In the event of a second wave of COVID-19, we will continue to take direction from the MOE and our public health partners to determine the best path forward.

Please click here to learn more about what happens when a case of COVID-19 is detected at a school.

Schools have communicated their unique designated entry and exit points to their families. For more information, please contact your school.

York Region Public Health advises that it is reasonable and safer for students to remove their masks when participating in activities that elevate heart rate and increase breathing as long as they are physically distanced, even while indoors.

Gymnasiums or large spaces should only be used where physical distancing measures can be followed. Outdoor gym classes and physical activity exercises are encouraged when possible. Hand hygiene supplies should be readily available and processes or storage of face coverings should be in place during gym classes to allow for the safe removal, handling and storage face coverings while continuing to maintain physical distance of 2 meters.

If you are able to ensure students remain 2 metres from each other and if they will be taking part in activities that elevate their heart rate and increase breathing, it would be reasonable and safer that masks be taken off during this time.

In accordance with the Ministry of Education’s plan, students in Grades 4 to 12 are required to wear non-medical or cloth masks indoors in school, including in hallways and during classes. Outdoor times like recess will be used as opportunities to provide students with breaks from wearing masks within their cohorts. Students in Kindergarten to Grade 3 are strongly encouraged but not required to wear masks in indoor spaces.

Parents and guardians are expected to send their children to school every day with a non-medical mask or face covering. Over the next couple of weeks, children are encouraged to practise wearing a mask to develop a comfort level prior to returning to school. A helpful video is posted on the Board website. Should your child forget their mask, one will be provided for them. If your child cannot wear a mask, please contact your school principal as reasonable exceptions to the requirement will apply.

For more information on the process to apply for a student mask-wearing accommodation, please view the Process for Student Mask Wearing Accommodation.

Learning materials will be available for students to use to address the expectations found in The Kindergarten Program, 2016. All materials used by students and educators will be disinfected on a regular basis in adherence with the guidelines set by York Region Public Health (YRPH). Carpets and rugs, where appropriate, will be removed. Children will be following hand washing and physical distancing protocols outlined by YRPH when seated on the floor/carpet.

FDK classes will undertake the following health and safety measures:

• Ensure all toys used in primary classrooms are made of materials that can be easily cleaned and disinfected (e.g., remove plush toys)
• Sensory materials (e.g., playdough, water and sand play) should be used by one student and available to that student for the day and then discarded. Materials will be labelled with the student’s name, if possible
• Items that cannot be easily cleaned and disinfected or laundered should be removed from use as much as possible

Individual teachers in the room will open windows, if required. On hot days, with the windows closed, the cooling will make face masks more comfortable. If windows are open on hot days, the cooling will not be as effective, which will impact the students wearing masks.

Washroom visits will occur on demand in our secondary schools. Only one student at a time will be allowed to leave a classroom and visit the assigned washroom. Capacity for that washroom will be clearly indicated with signage, stalls locked and closed, and markings on the floor/walls. If the washroom is already occupied to capacity, markings on the floor will be used to line up and wait. The same practices will be put in effect in the elementary schools. Primary classes may have scheduled class visits.

Once a suspected case of COVID-19 is noted, York Region Public Health (YRPH) must be notified. YRPH will direct the response from that point onwards.

In the case a teacher is away, an occasional (supply) teacher will be assigned to replace the permanent teacher.

Schools have implemented their own pick up and drop off routines as per the needs of their school. For more information, please contact your school.

For more information on the process to apply for a student mask-wearing accommodation, please view the Process for Student Mask Wearing Accommodation.

Water filling stations may be used to refill water bottles that students are to bring from home. Water bottles should also be labelled with the student’s name. Drinking fountains may be used to refill water bottles but are not to be used to drink from by mouth. There will be signs by each water fountain communicating this requirement.

York Region Public Health’s current plan is to have 48 dedicated school health nurses with assigned schools to assist in education on proper use of masks, contact tracing, potential mobile testing for potential outbreaks in schools and more.

As much as possible, digital distribution and collection will be implemented. If that is not possible, teachers will leave papers on student desks and or leave them on a table for safe pick up.

Masks are mandatory for Grades 4 to 12 students. Face shields are optional but are not to replace the wearing of face masks as the nose, mouth and chin must be covered. Face shields protect the wearer from respiratory droplets but do not protect those around them and must be worn with a mask.

All hallways and stairways will have signage indicating the direction staff and students are to walk in. Washrooms will also have signage indicating maximum occupancy with markings to indicate where to stand if waiting is required. School administrators and teaching staff will be providing instructions for all students on the first day of school on all safety protocols.

Entry and dismissal will be staggered to allow for reduced traffic in the hallways.

The Board has purchased hand sanitizer from Deb Stoko and the Health Guard that will be made available in schools. A large bulk purchase was also made earlier from Panita.

Please note some schools may purchase their own hand sanitizer. The Ministry of Education will also be providing schools with hand sanitizer.

There are mainly two types of cleaning products being used in the school. Both products are safe for the school environment.  The cleaning products have a drug identification number (DIN) which means they have been approved for use in Canada.

A quaternary ammonium disinfectant is diluted in water and used during the day to wipe down the high traffic touchpoints and after the students leave for the day the school is cleaned and disinfected using this product. Desks in classrooms will be wiped down during the day using a hydrogen peroxide cleaner.

The wearing of masks for all students from Grades 4 to 12 is mandatory as indicated by the provincial government and York Region Public Health.

Teachers and administrators will follow our Board’s Progressive Discipline of Employees Policy.  Students will be spoken to and advised of the reason for mask wearing. Parents will be contacted. Students will not return to school unless they are committed to keeping a mask on at all times. Parents may choose to have their child(ren) remain at home and engage in remote learning.

Before arrival to school, parents/guardians of students under 18 and students over 18 are responsible to review and adhere to the checklist (click link) from York Region Public Health.

Enhanced environmental cleaning and disinfecting recommendations, advised by York Region Public Health, are as follows:

• Regular daily cleaning of all areas outside normal school hours, high-touch surfaces will be cleaned a minimum of twice during the day; examples include door handles in corridors, bottle filling stations, washroom faucets and handles, etc.
• Paper towel and soap dispensers will be refilled during the day as required.
• A regularly scheduled deep cleaning when students are not present.
• Special needs change areas will be cleaned between students.
• Sanitizing wipes and/or spray bottles will be provided to staff for spot cleaning in classrooms and/or cleaning of shared resources between users.
• In order to achieve this additional cleaning, custodial staff will be redeployed as required, including additional day custodial staff and hiring additional supply custodians.

Teachers are encouraged to make use of outdoor classrooms whenever possible. Classes may be rotated through these classrooms.

All common gathering spaces: libraries, learning commons and cafeterias will be closed to student use. The use of the gymnasium will only be for pre-arranged teacher-supervised class use.

Students will not be using lockers, coat hooks or cubbies.

In accordance with the Ministry of Education’s plan, students in Grades 4 to 12 are required to wear non-medical or cloth masks indoors in school, including in hallways and during classes. Outdoor times like recess will be used as opportunities to provide students with breaks from wearing masks within their cohorts. Students in Kindergarten to Grade 3 are strongly encouraged, but not required to wear masks in indoor spaces.

Parents and guardians are expected to send their children to school every day with a non-medical mask or face covering. Over the next couple of weeks, children are encouraged to practise wearing a mask to develop a comfort level prior to returning to school. A helpful video is posted on the Board website here. Should your child forget their mask, one will be provided for them. If your child cannot wear a mask, please contact your school principal in writing as reasonable exceptions to the requirement may apply.

All staff will wear medical masks and face shields.

Cohorting refers to the grouping of students, and sometimes teachers or staff, that stay together throughout the school day to minimize exposure for students, teachers, and staff across the school environment.

Ideally, students and staff within a cohort would only have physical proximity with others in the same cohort. This practice may help prevent the spread of COVID-19, by limiting cross-over of students, teachers, and staff to the extent possible, thus:

• decreasing opportunities for exposure to or transmission of COVID-19,
• facilitating more efficient contact tracing in the event of a positive case, and
• allowing for targeted testing, quarantine, and isolation of a single cohort instead of school-wide measures in the event of a positive case or cluster of cases.

The physical health of all of our students is the underlying principle of all of our COVID-19 related procedures and practices. COVID-19’s spread can be reduced by adhering to the following three principles:

• Physical distancing
• Regular hand washing
• Mask wearing

In order to support the physical health of our staff and students, our return to school plan encompasses all of the above three components as outlined within the Ministry of Education’s guidance document and supported by York Region Public Health for both our elementary students and secondary students and staff. There will be measures in place to reduce the risk of transmission of COVID-19, including physical distancing, respiratory etiquette (e.g. cough/sneeze), hand washing routines and mask wearing.

Risk mitigation measures that are most protective involve separating people through physical distancing and/or physical barriers. Other measures rely on individuals consistently following personal preventive practices such as respiratory etiquette, hand hygiene, and wearing non-medical masks. Given that physical distancing is not always possible in schools, it will be important to “layer” multiple measures to reduce the risk of COVID-19 in schools.

In accordance with the Ministry of Education’s plan, students in Grades 4 to 12 are required to wear non-medical or cloth masks indoors in school, including in hallways and during classes. Outdoor times like recess will be used as opportunities to provide students with breaks from wearing masks within their cohorts. Students in Kindergarten to Grade 3 are strongly encouraged, but not required to wear masks in indoor spaces.

Parents and guardians are expected to send their children to school every day with a non-medical mask or face covering. Over the next couple of weeks, children are encouraged to practise wearing a mask to develop a comfort level prior to returning to school. A helpful video is posted on the Board website. Should your child forget their mask, one will be provided for them. If your child cannot wear a mask, please contact your school principal in writing as reasonable exceptions to the requirement may apply.

York Region Public Health (YRPH) states that students should continue to wear masks indoors. YRPH suggests having students step outside to take a rest/breather. For more information, please read YRPH’s protocol on how to safely use portable fans in schools during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Individual teachers in the room will open windows, if required. On hot days, with the windows closed, the cooling will make face masks more comfortable. If windows are open on hot days, the cooling will not be as effective, which will impact the students wearing masks.

Flushing the building refers to starting the ventilation air 2 hours prior to the entry by occupants and continuing to run the ventilation 2 hour after occupancy.

Below are measures taken to ensure improved air quality:

• Reviewed recommendations by American Society of Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) to reduce virus spread in schools
• Plant Services has assessed the Boards Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) systems in all schools
• Preventive Maintenance Schedules are completed
• Assessing air filters in buildings and portables with air handling units
• Options being investigated for best ventilation solutions in buildings without air handling units/mechanical systems
• Optimize the amount of fresh air currently being brought into the schools to the maximum before temperature control is compromised
• Flush the building two hours before occupancy

We continue to investigate additional ways to improve air quality and ventilation throughout our facilities.

No. For those taking a physical education course, students are to arrive at school wearing their gym uniform.

All hallways and stairways will have signage indicating the direction staff and students are to walk in. Washrooms will also have signage indicating maximum occupancy with markings to indicate where to stand if waiting is required. School administrators and teaching staff will be providing instructions for all students on the first day of school on all safety protocols.

Entry and dismissal will be staggered to allow for reduced traffic in the hallways.

All common gathering spaces: libraries, learning commons and cafeterias will be closed to student use. The use of the gymnasium will only be for pre-arranged teacher-supervised class use.

If a student develops symptoms of COVID-19 while at school:

• staff will follow the protocol provided from York Region Public Health (YRPH)
• the school will contact the student’s parent/guardian to pick them up immediately and recommend they take them to the nearest COVID-19 Assessment Centre or to their medical practitioner
• the student will be isolated in a prearranged sick room until a parent/guardian can pick them up

For more information on what the school’s role is in this scenario, please read YRPH’s decision tree – Responding to an Ill Individual at School.

Learn more about YRPH’s role if COVID-19 is detected in a school.

Once a suspected case of COVID-19 is noted, York Region Public Health (YRPH) must be notified. YRPH will conduct a thorough investigation and following their investigation, will direct the response from that point onwards. All confirmed cases will require a period of self-isolation as dictated by YRPH.

In secondary schools, the re-entry point is when classes in Periods 1 and 2 end and classes in Periods 3 and 4 begin. New cohorts will be established once Periods 3 and 4 begin.

In elementary schools they will be added to a cohort.

In accordance with York Region Public Health (YRPH), if your child contracts COVID-19, please do not send your child to school.

If a case of COVID-19 is detected at school, YRPH will immediately be notified of any suspected/confirmed cases of COVID-19 (staff or students).

Schools must provide any requested information (e.g. daily attendance, and transportation records) to YRPH to support case management and contact tracing and other activities in accordance with all applicable legislation, including the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act.

YRPH will determine any additional steps required, including but not limited to, the declaration of an outbreak and closure of classes and/or schools.

Even one case of COVID-19 may constitute an outbreak (to be confirmed by YRPH/Ministry).

YRPH will collect information and conduct contract tracing.

YRPH will contact the principal and set up a team teleconference to include the school principal, Board representative, YRPH Outbreak and Infection Control Team.

School boards must report on a daily basis any suspected or confirmed cases within the school community to the Ministry of Education using an online tool.

Families will receive a message from the YCDSB with information and next steps.

Anyone who tests positive for COVID-19 may not return to school until they are cleared according to Public Health guidance.

Please click here to learn more about what happens when a case of COVID-19 is detected at a school.

If you believe your child may have come into contact with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19, you should keep your child home and contact your medical practitioner and/or your local public health unit for direction and next steps. We are working with our partners at York Region Public Health (YRPH) to finalize a protocol to respond to a possible exposure at school. This will be communicated to everyone before school starts.

If a case of COVID-19 is detected at school, YRPH will immediately be notified of any suspected/confirmed cases of COVID-19 (staff or students).

Schools must provide any requested information (e.g. daily attendance, and transportation records) to YRPH to support case management and contact tracing and other activities in accordance with all applicable legislation, including the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act.

YRPH will determine any additional steps required, including but not limited to, the declaration of an outbreak and closure of classes and/or schools.

Even one case of COVID-19 may constitute an outbreak (to be confirmed by YRPH/Ministry).

YRPH will collect information and conduct contract tracing.

YRPH will contact the principal and set up a team teleconference to include the school principal, Board representative, YRPH Outbreak and Infection Control Team.

School boards must report on a daily basis any suspected or confirmed cases within the school community to the Ministry of Education using an online tool.

Families will receive a message from the YCDSB with information and next steps.

Anyone who tests positive for COVID-19 may not return to school until they are cleared according to Public Health guidance.

Please click here to learn more about what happens when a case of COVID-19 is detected at a school.

Once a suspected case of COVID-19 is noted, York Region Public Health (YRPH) must be notified. YRPH will direct the response from that point onwards.

In the case a teacher is away, an occasional (supply) teacher will be assigned to replace the permanent teacher.

York Region Public Health’s current plan is to have 48 dedicated school health nurses with assigned schools to assist in education on proper use of masks, contact tracing, potential mobile testing for potential outbreaks in schools and more.

Before arrival to school, parents/guardians of students under 18 and students over 18 are responsible to review and adhere to the checklist (click link) from York Region Public Health.

In accordance with York Region Public Health (YRPH), if students or staff exhibit symptoms of COVID-19 they must stay home if they:

• have any symptoms of respiratory illness, even if mild, and contact YRPH and/or their medical practitioner
• have been told to self-isolate by public health or a medical practitioner
• have been diagnosed with COVID-19
• have recently returned from travel that requires a period of self-isolation or quarantine for 14 days

The use of a mask is not an acceptable measure to attend school for those who are symptomatic.

For more information, read YRPH’s decision tree – Should My Child Attend School?

Once a suspected case of COVID-19 is noted, York Region Public Health (YRPH) must be notified. YRPH will conduct a thorough investigation and following their investigation, will direct the response from that point onwards. All confirmed cases will require a period of self-isolation as dictated by YRPH.

In secondary schools, the re-entry point is when classes in Periods 1 and 2 end and classes in Periods 3 and 4 begin. New cohorts will be established once Periods 3 and 4 begin.

In elementary schools they will be added to a cohort.

The YCDSB follows direction from the Province of Ontario and York Region Public Health.

• Read the Ministry of Health’s COVID-19 Guidance: School Outbreak Management, please.
• Read the Province of Ontario’s Operational Guidance: COVID-19 Management in Schools.
• Learn more about what happens when a case of COVID-19 is detected at a school.

Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, YCDSB has been working closely with – and taking direction from – the Ministry of Education (MOE), the Ontario Chief Medical Officer of Health, and York Region Public Health (YRPH).

York Region is still in a state of emergency and is currently in full response to COVID-19. YRPH is working closely with the school boards and community partners to address any possible outbreaks and prevent any new cases of COVID-19. They continue to undertake surveillance and monitoring that will help identify any surge in cases. In the event of a second wave of COVID-19, we will continue to take direction from the MOE and our public health partners to determine the best path forward.

Please click here to learn more about what happens when a case of COVID-19 is detected at a school.

Once a suspected case of COVID-19 is noted, York Region Public Health (YRPH) must be notified. YRPH will direct the response from that point onwards.

In the case a teacher is away, an occasional (supply) teacher will be assigned to replace the permanent teacher.

York Region Public Health’s current plan is to have 48 dedicated school health nurses with assigned schools to assist in education on proper use of masks, contact tracing, potential mobile testing for potential outbreaks in schools and more.

York Region Public Health (YRPH) states that students should continue to wear masks indoors. YRPH suggests having students step outside to take a rest/breather. For more information, please read YRPH’s protocol on how to safely use portable fans in schools during the COVID-19 pandemic.

In accordance with the Ministry of Education’s plan, students in Grades 4 to 12 are required to wear non-medical or cloth masks indoors in school, including in hallways and during classes. Outdoor times like recess will be used as opportunities to provide students with breaks from wearing masks within their cohorts. Students in Kindergarten to Grade 3 are strongly encouraged but not required to wear masks in indoor spaces.

Parents and guardians are expected to send their children to school every day with a non-medical mask or face covering. Over the next couple of weeks, children are encouraged to practise wearing a mask to develop a comfort level prior to returning to school. A helpful video is posted on the Board website. Should your child forget their mask, one will be provided for them. If your child cannot wear a mask, please contact your school principal as reasonable exceptions to the requirement will apply.

For more information on the process to apply for a student mask-wearing accommodation, please view the Process for Student Mask Wearing Accommodation.

Masks are mandatory for Grades 4 to 12 students. Face shields are optional but are not to replace the wearing of face masks as the nose, mouth and chin must be covered. Face shields protect the wearer from respiratory droplets but do not protect those around them and must be worn with a mask.

York Region Public Health (YRPH) states that students should continue to wear masks indoors. YRPH suggests having students step outside to take a rest/breather. For more information, please read YRPH’s protocol on how to safely use portable fans in schools during the COVID-19 pandemic.

In accordance with the Ministry of Education’s plan, students in Grades 4 to 12 are required to wear non-medical or cloth masks indoors in school, including in hallways and during classes. Outdoor times like recess will be used as opportunities to provide students with breaks from wearing masks within their cohorts. Students in Kindergarten to Grade 3 are strongly encouraged but not required to wear masks in indoor spaces.

Parents and guardians are expected to send their children to school every day with a non-medical mask or face covering. Over the next couple of weeks, children are encouraged to practise wearing a mask to develop a comfort level prior to returning to school. A helpful video is posted on the Board website. Should your child forget their mask, one will be provided for them. If your child cannot wear a mask, please contact your school principal as reasonable exceptions to the requirement will apply.

For more information on the process to apply for a student mask-wearing accommodation, please view the Process for Student Mask Wearing Accommodation.

For more information on the process to apply for a student mask-wearing accommodation, please view the Process for Student Mask Wearing Accommodation.

York Region Public Health’s current plan is to have 48 dedicated school health nurses with assigned schools to assist in education on proper use of masks, contact tracing, potential mobile testing for potential outbreaks in schools and more.

Masks are mandatory for Grades 4 to 12 students. Face shields are optional but are not to replace the wearing of face masks as the nose, mouth and chin must be covered. Face shields protect the wearer from respiratory droplets but do not protect those around them and must be worn with a mask.

The YCDSB seeks to help all students reach their full potential by providing a range of program placements and options for supporting students regardless of how unique or special their needs may be. Our schools recognize the individual differences among students, and work to adapt programs to meet student’s needs. These programs include: Core Resource, Educational Support, Functional Life Skills, Social Communication and ASD Centres, Hearing Centres, Vision Program, Language Support Centre, Transition Diagnostic, Intense Support and Assessment and Program for Academic and Creative Extensions.

• Elementary students will continue to be supported by their Core Resource teacher using one of two models. The first model will entail the student accessing Core supports synchronously from their own classroom. The teacher will provide high quality instruction using Google Meets. The second model involves the student working in the Core Resource classroom with physical distancing, handwashing, sanitation of materials and dedicated work spaces etc. Cleaning and sanitation would happen between group transitions.
• Central Programs Students in a central program class (ASD, ISA, TD, Hearing, LSC) will be considered a cohort and remain together.
• Medically Fragile Students will be supported by school staff in consultation with the parent/guardians, their health care providers, and the local public health authorities on options for personal protective equipment, staff training, and an accommodation plan that may include continued remote learning.

Students will be encouraged to bring their own device (BYOD) to use at school. Students without personal devices (such as Chromebooks) who may need one to access curriculum will be provided with devices to use while at school. These devices will be cleaned between student use. Technology devices will also be provided for students in remote learning who do not have access to one.

YCDSB continues to assess the technology needed for in-school learning and for in-home, remote learning to ensure devices and Internet bandwidth is adequate. Students who require assistive technology will be provided the resources and support they need to continue their learning at home and/or in school.

Our two Virtual Learning platforms are Google Classroom and Desire to Learn (D2L).  These two platforms provide the security of our working and learning environments that other platforms do not.

Technical Support to students and parents will continue to be facilitated via our call centre.

Parent/Family and Student Support: Families can request help by visiting help.ycdsb.ca/vle.

As we prepare to return to school, it’s important that we remain focused on supporting our physical and mental health well-being and keeping our school zones safe. COVID-19 has led to changes in our day-to-day lives, and we all need to do our part to ensure the welfare of those around us. Active School Travel (i.e walking, cycling, scootering) is one way we are encouraging our families to stay healthy and safe.

As schools reopen under this new COVID-19 environment congestion in and around school sites may be heavier than previously experienced. As an alternative to driving we request all families and students to walk, cycle and consider active modes as often as possible when traveling to and from school.

Many of our schools have active school travel plans in place and previously worked to encourage active school travel through a number of initiatives including Walking Wednesdays, Bike to School week etc. If you need some ideas to help boost active school travel modes at your school please visit the student transportation active school travel programs website or email activeschooltravel@ycdsb.ca.

Below are some guidelines to consider as you journey to school. These guidelines were reviewed and supported by York Region Public Health.

General principles

• Stay at least two metres away from other people, including other students, and crossing guards whenever possible.
• If physical distancing measures are difficult to maintain, wear a mask.
• All students who live within walking distance are encouraged to walk or bike to and from school. Students in Grades 4 to 8 are especially encouraged to travel on foot or by bike rather than being driven to school.

View more information, including our guidelines (reviewed and supported by York Region Public Health).

• Improved physical and mental health and overall wellbeing including stronger immune systems, social development and improved academic performance
• reduced vehicle congestion on our school sites and in our neighbourhoods, and
• reduced air pollution and CO2 emissions

View more information, including our guidelines (reviewed and supported by York Region Public Health).

Schools will share their own active school travel plan to ensure that students are dropped off and picked up according to these guidelines, and to set rules specific to their school situation including use of bike/scooter racks, Kindergarten hand-off procedures, entrance and dismissals.

View more information, including our guidelines (reviewed and supported by York Region Public Health).

• It is preferred that kiss and ride loops are reserved for kindergarten and primary grade students.
• If you choose to drive your child to school, park your car a few blocks away and walk the rest of the way to school to allow safe physical distancing for all and to reduce congestion at the school. Follow all street signage and obey parking bylaws.
• Leave home earlier to avoid congestion on your travel routes.

View more information, including our guidelines (reviewed and supported by York Region Public Health).

• Stay at least two metres away from other families, school staff, crossing guards and other pedestrians.
• Greet neighbours, friends and crossing guards with a smile, wave, bow or nod.
• Remember to maintain physical distance when waiting to cross the road, if you cannot physically distance wear a mask.
• When walking children that must be supervised we encourage families to work together and take turns leading a group of children to and from school practicing physical distancing. Consider the Walking School Bus while adhering to health and safety measures, including  physical distancing.
• Walk or cycle in single file, keeping two metres apart; step to the side to allow physical distance when passing someone going in the opposite direction, and near crossing guards or other pedestrians.
• Let children who are capable, walk or ride the last block or two on their own or with friends practicing physical distancing. This way, as few adults as possible enter the busy school zone.
• Families with older children are encouraged to have them walk their younger siblings to encourage as few adults as possible to enter the busy school zone.
• Help children cross busy streets safely and let them walk or cycle from there. This is a good way to gradually practice pedestrian skills and grow the distance your child can travel independently.
• If you cycle, dismount and walk near schools and in other areas where more pedestrians are present.
• Keep in mind that bike racks and scooter racks at schools are tightly spaced and could easily tempt children to be closer than two metres away from each other. Have your child maintain physical distancing and wait their turn to store their bike or scooter.

View more information, including our guidelines (reviewed and supported by York Region Public Health).

School start times will remain the same for all learners based on the same start time each school had last year. Find your specific bus stop location and pick-up time

For information on transportation in general, including COVID-19 safety measures, please visit: schoolbuscity.com.

Where possible and depending on weather conditions, school buses/vans will operate with windows lowered to increase air ventilation.

Where possible, the seat located directly behind the driver will be cordoned off and left vacant.

School vehicle seating plans have been developed by school administration, with students from the same household and/or class cohort seated together.

Each student must sit in their assigned seat to reduce the possibility of virus transmission. If necessary, the seating plan will facilitate contact tracing for York Region Public Health (YRPH).

Medical masks and eye protection (i.e. face shields) have been provided for all school vehicle drivers.

Additional personal protective equipment (PPE) such as gowns and gloves may be worn by drivers in certain circumstances.

Eye protection for drivers will not interfere with the safe operation of the school vehicle and is intended to protect drivers as students are boarding or exiting the vehicle.

Where applicable parents/guardians must wear a mask when securing or assisting their child in a school vehicle.

All drivers will perform a self-screening procedure before operating their vehicle each day.

To help answer commonly asked questions about transportation, please use the “COVID-19” link at www.schoolbuscity.com.

Physical distancing will be difficult to maintain on the buses therefore students Grades 4 and up will be required to wear a suitable face covering. Students in Grades 3 and under are encouraged to wear a face mask, but are not required, as mandated by the Ministry of Education. Depending on the number of families who opt for online learning, or opt out of transportation there may be less students per vehicle.

All current student transportation services provided through the Student Transportation Service of York Region (STSYR) will continue to be provided for the 2020-2021 school year. If your child is eligible for busing, a bus will be provided.