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What does Stage 2 mean for B.C. schools?

Here's a brief explainer of what parents and students can expect under the newly announced Stage 2 of the B.C. K-12 Education Restart Plan
classroom, masks, hand sanitizer
Hand sanitizer will be available for students when hand-washing isn't possible, and reusable face masks will be provided on request. Those are two of the details of Stage 2 of the province's newly announced K-12 Education Restart Plan.

A B.C. Ministry of Education K-12 Restart Plan document sets out some of the details of what families can expect with the new Stage 2 and its focus on “learning groups.”

With the new structure, the Ministry of Education says most elementary and middle school students will be returning to in-class instruction with “minimal modifications” to school structures and timetables. Secondary school students can expect adjustments to timetables and school schedules to accommodate the learning group approach.

Parents and students can also expect:

 

ENHANCED HEALTH AND SAFETY MEASURES

  • Parents will be asked to monitor their children daily for symptoms and to not send them to school if they are sick. Anyone who is sick will not be allowed in school.
  • Students will be asked to wash their hands frequently, including before coming to school. They will have access to hand sanitizer when hand washing is not available.
  • Schools will continue to be cleaned more frequently, including classrooms and “high-touch” areas.
  • Schools and classrooms may look different to increase spacing between students in classrooms and to focus more on individual and smaller group activities. Assemblies and other large gatherings will be limited.
  • Masks will be a personal choice for students and teachers. Non-medical masks will be made available and provided on request.
  • Students will be asked to label their personal items and not to share them.
  • Parents may need to remind their children to minimize physical contact with their friends.

 

REGULAR COMMUNICATION

  • Contact from school and/or school district to confirm details for September
  • Regular information updates on school and school district websites

 

IN-CLASS INSTRUCTION AND SUPPORTS

  • Full return to in-class instruction, provided that all health and safety measures can be accommodated
  • Full-time instruction for students with diverse abilities and those requiring additional support
  • Focus on mental health and well-being supports for students returning to school
  • Options for students with underlying complex medical needs

 

CURRICULUM, ASSESSMENT AND REPORT CARDS

  • Provincial curriculum for all students at all grade levels
  • Regular report cards
  • Regular assessments at the classroom and provincial level

 

 Source: Ministry of Education K-12 Restart Plan, updated July 29