What You Need To Know About Going Back To School During The COVID-19 Pandemic
It’s finally August which means it’s going to be back-to-school season again! Like always, new school years are always times of some fear but also excitement for both students and parents.
However, this year may look a little different than the others due to COVID-19. Even with the pandemic, life goes on but we need to make sure that we take some extra precautions as we stay safe and continue to fight the virus.
WHAT SCHOOLS IN ONTARIO WILL LOOK LIKE
The Ontario government, different school boards, and post-secondary institutions have recently put out their plans for what the 2020-21 school year is going to look like:
For Elementary Students
Students from JK to 8 will continue to attend full days of school with five hours of instruction, five days a week. They will be in cohorts, meaning that they will be with the same group of people everyday with limited exposure to different teachers or a variety of classmates.
Masks will be mandatory for students in grades 4-8 and will not be required but is encouraged for those grades JK-3. If a parent does not want their child to attend in person classes, remote learning instruction will be available for them.
For more information check the Ontario government website, your child’s school board website, or email the school principal.
For Secondary Students
Most school boards have made plans for a mix of about 50% remote and 50% in class instruction days. Students will be grouped into a maximum of two 15-person cohorts when at school.
Masks are mandatory for all secondary school students unless discussed with one’s principal. Similar to the elementary students, if parents do not want their child to attend in person classes, full remote learning instruction will be available.
For more information check the Ontario government website, your child’s school board website, or email the school principal.
For Post-Secondary Students
Many colleges and universities have opted for remote learning for the first semester and will watch as the pandemic progresses before making further decisions about the rest of the year.
Check your child’s school’s website for more information about what is happening in the fall.
SUPPORTING YOUR KIDS THROUGH THE CHANGE
Some students may already have a hard time with going back to school and all these new changes to their year may add to the pressure .
Here are some tips on how to support your child as they go through this confusing transition:
Practice Good Hand Hygiene
For younger children, make sure they know the proper handwashing technique when they’re on their own, and hygiene etiquette such as sneezing into their elbow and not to put their hands in their mouth etc.
Normalize Mask-Wearing
Encourage your child to wear their mask for long periods of time during the day so that they get used to the feeling of it. If a younger child doesn’t like to wear their mask, make it fun by getting them one in their favourite colour, or giving them incentives for wearing it.
Have an Open Conversation About The Changes
Make sure your child knows what their new school day is going to be like to minimize the shock or discomfort factor when they return on their first day. Keep them updated as you receive information yourself, and encourage them to be open about any fear or concerns they might have.
Don’t Shy Away From Talking About COVID-19-Related Racism
You might have heard about -- or unfortunately experienced -- racism due to the origins of the Coronavirus.Talk to your child about discrimination and what to do if they are affected by it or see it happen. Ask them about any misconceptions or hurtful terminology they might have heard, try to help them understand why it shouldn’t be repeated.
Encourage Your Child To Tell You What Works Best For Them
If you are planning to keep your child at home with remote learning or have a child in secondary school who will encounter a mix of remote and in-class learning, talk to them about how they can enhance their remote learning experience.
They may have already experienced a bit of what remote learning is going to be like from the previous school year, but talk to them and take them seriously. Work with them to find a solution that will help them do their best.
Maintain a Mentally Healthy Environment
Every parent tries their hardest to create an environment for their child that helps them thrive and grow. During these stressful times, reconsider the expectations you normally hold for them. This is a new learning environment for everyone and it may take some time getting used to. Let them know that you are here to help and always advocate for your child and whatever problems they may have.
Remember: school is an important part of your child’s life but it is not everything. Before the summer ends and school starts again, take the time to enjoy the time off with your family.
If you would like to learn more about how to prepare for the coming school year:
Join us for Vision Youth’s free monthly Parent Workshop on Saturday, August 29 at 2PM-3:30PM.
Guest speakers include York Region District School Board Trustee Ron Lynn, cultural psychiatrist Dr. Kenneth Fung, and STEM educator Ming Lee.
For more information on the workshop, visit visionyouth.ca or register here.