Local school districts adjusting re-entry plans

Effective Sept. 7:

RDCRS requires that all staff, and students from Pre-Kindergarten – Grade 12, wear non-medical masks on school buses, and in all common areas in school buildings, or where physical distancing is not possible.
In classrooms if students are front facing and seated in rows with spacing, students can remove masks.
Individuals who are unable to wear a mask will require a doctor’s note in alignment with Alberta Health CMOH Order 40-2021. Families will work with school administration on how this will apply to their child. For staff and students, masks are not required when outdoors or during physical activity.
Rentals of facilities and schools will remain operational. Masking is mandatory for all rental groups.
School sports will continue with masking requirements in place for students who are off fields of play. All spectators and coaches will be required to wear a mask.
Large gatherings of students including assemblies will be paused.
Cohorting will not be required at this time, however schools will examine what cohorting may look like and how to operationalize if it becomes needed.
AHS is no longer providing close contact tracing. Schools are only made aware of cases by individuals self-disclosing. If schools are made aware of a positive case within a classroom, they will inform affected families. Please note, schools may not be aware of all cases of COVID-19.

At Clearview Public Schools, the following guidelines are effective immediately and may evolve and change as continuing conditions and information is appreciated and understood.

Masks for students in Clearview schools are not mandatory, but are highly recommended
Masks for staff in classrooms are optional for the staff member.
Masks for staff or visitors outside of classrooms, including commons areas or in interactions with other staff, will be needed at this time.
Masks for staff and students will be needed for all indoor facilities (including Clearview facilities and school buses) that are not schools, as per Alberta Government guidelines.
For staff and students, masks are not required when outdoors, and a two metre distancing should be considered where reasonable and possible.
Staff will be encouraged to maintain a two metre distance from other staff as best possible.
Visitors to schools should be limited as best possible, and will be determined by the school.
Rentals of facilities and schools will be delayed until a future time.
School sports and field trips will be determined by the school and in consultation with families.
Large gatherings of students including assemblies may be limited where the school so determines.
Cohorting will not be required at this time, and schools should consider what cohorting may look like and how to operationalize if it becomes needed.
Close contact tracing and communications on positive COVID-19 cases in Clearview facilities will follow AHS guidelines, which at this time are not done unless determined needed by Alberta Health Services.
The staff Recognition Night scheduled for Sept. 30 is still under review and further information may be available this week.

At Red Deer Public Schools, families and staff can expect an announcement by the Division on the direction that will be taken at 3:00 p.m. on Sept. 6.

In the Wild Rose School Division, the board of trustees have called a special board meeting for Sept. 8 at 9:30 a.m. to discuss the 2021-2022 Health Guidelines for Schools.

At Chinook’s Edge School Division, the latest information indicates the district will be following AHS guidelines when school resumes.

At Wolf Creek Public Schools, the district has issued a 2021-2022 School Year: Guide for Parents and Guardians, according to the most recent information.

This story will be updated as new information becomes available.

by Sheldon Spackman

Local school districts adjusting re-entry plans

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