SUDBURY -- Ontario's Ministry of Education announced the reopening of schools for in-class instruction on July 30 and now, one of northern Ontario's largest school boards has revealed its back-to-school plan.

Parents and guardians of children within the Rainbow District School Board will have the option to send their kids to school with safety measures in place or allow their child to continue distance learning online.

The ministry requires parents and guardians to fill out an electronic form for each child by Aug. 21 to confirm their preferred method of instruction.

Fill out the form here

The first day of school is Tuesday, Sept. 8.

Some things to consider about sending your child to class in-person:

  • Schools will resume in-class instruction five days a week
  • Students, teachers and school staff must stay home if feeling unwell and self-screen for COVID-19 symptoms before leaving home
  • Hand sanitizer ad disinfectant wipes will be placed in all classrooms
  • School transportation will be provided and parents/guardians must register their child
  • Lockers will not be available and personal items will remain with the student
  • No field trips requiring transportation
  • Anyone who has travelled outside of Canada must self-isolate for 14 days
  • Each school will have a designated COVDI-19 isolation room/area if someone becomes ill

Elementary

  • Elementary students will be with the same group of up to 50 contacts throughout the school day
  • Play structures will remain closed and recesses may be staggered
  • Before and after school programs will be available and will be part of two cohorts

Secondary

  • Secondary students will have two 150 minute classes each day, rotating each week between Periods 1 and 2 and Periods 3 and 4
  • Secondary students will have up to 100 direct contacts per week

Lunch

  • Pre-packaged meals may be offered at some schools and microwaves will not be available
  • Students are required to bring a water bottle labelled with their name
  • Students will be asked to bring home their items to be recycled

Masks

  • Students in Kindergarten – Grade 3 are encouraged to wear masks, but not required
  • Students in a Grade ¾ split class are required to wear a non-medical or cloth mask indoors
  • Students and staff in Grades 4 – 12 are required to wear a non-medical or cloth mask indoors
  • An extra mask should be brought to school in case of damage, loss or if one becomes wet
  • Masks should be washed and dried every night

For those who choose remote learning:

  • The required technology will be provided
  • Students are expected to attend full-time and attendance will be taken daily
  • Elementary students will have timetables to connect live with a distance learning teacher
  • Secondary students will connect live to their regular classroom teachers
  • Students will not be eligible to change to in-person instruction until November
  • Learning materials will be posted online in addition to live and pre-recorded lessons throughout the day

Read the full Rainbow Schools Reopening Guide for the 2020-2021 School Year here.