Descriptions sorted by Back to School

If we decide to keep our kids at home, is that a decision we are making for the entire year?: If we decide to keep our kids at home, is that a decision we are making for the entire year?

According to the OCDSB, there may be designated points where a requested change from in-person to remote and vice versa can be implemented. The timing of requests for change will have to be considered relative to assessment periods, semesters, class size, and available staff. For more details, please view the OCDSB’s Frequently Asked Questions page, visible here
Would it be worthwhile to buy air purifiers for classrooms?: If we decide to keep our kids at home, is that a decision we are making for the entire year?

Air Purifiers in a classroom might be useful if existing HVAC system filters aren’t very good. The main thing is to make sure that the filtration is HEPA level to not cause more problems (spread). Replacing all these additional filters would also need to be handled thoughtfully.
Will online learning be board-wide? For example will all children in the board in the same grade follow the exact same program?: If we decide to keep our kids at home, is that a decision we are making for the entire year?

According to the OCDSB, subject to further Ministry direction, or if the number of students participating in Remote Learning is very high, virtual classrooms may be necessary. If so, students across the District in similar grades could form a “class” and be assigned to a teacher who will deliver online instruction.
Will schools consider which kids are friends with each other when selecting classes?: If we decide to keep our kids at home, is that a decision we are making for the entire year?

As classes are sorted, many educators consider keeping children with friends, though it is unlikely that all accommodations can be made.
If the transmission becomes very low and well controlled, what are the expectations that we can transition the remote learning kids into the school in person?: If we decide to keep our kids at home, is that a decision we are making for the entire year?

According to the OCDSB, there may be designated points where a requested change can be implemented. The timing of requests for change will have to be considered relative to assessment periods, semesters, class size, and available staff.
If my one child is symptomatic, do my other children at Hopewell (in other classes) also need to stay home, as they are a contact in our family bubble?: If we decide to keep our kids at home, is that a decision we are making for the entire year?

According to the OCDSB, upon discovery of a positive case, Ottawa Public Health will investigate the specific situation, identifying close contacts. Some or all students in the groups involved may then be directed to stay at home, where they will be transitioned to remote learning until it is safe for them to return to class. For more details on outbreak protocols, please refer to the OCDSB’s Frequently Asked Questions page, visible here
How is Ottawa currently looking with respsect to cases and community transmission of COVID-19? Can we find stats by ward?: If we decide to keep our kids at home, is that a decision we are making for the entire year?

Statistics on cases in the City of Ottawa are tallied and mapped by ward on the Ottawa Public Health website, seen here
What kind of masks should my kids be wearing? What about teachers?: If we decide to keep our kids at home, is that a decision we are making for the entire year?

According to the OCDSB, students will be required to wear reusable cloth masks, either those provided by the Board (for students in grades 4-12) or those brought from home. Disposable non-medical masks will be provided to students who forgot theirs. All school staff must wear procedural masks at all hours on campus, and reusable face shields for work in close proximity with students. Provision of additional PPE and exemptions from wearing other PPE is available under certain circumstances. Full details may be found in the Health, Safety and Wellbeing section of the OCDSB website, seen here
What are the 3 C’s to avoid when it comes to controlling the spread of COVID-19 in schools?: If we decide to keep our kids at home, is that a decision we are making for the entire year?

Crowded spaces, confined places, and close physical contact.
What are the differences between the common cold and COVID-19? Will we all be running for testing? What is the symptom risk/tolerance threshold? Can you be asymptomatic and still have the virus?: If we decide to keep our kids at home, is that a decision we are making for the entire year?

For general questions pertaining to COVID-19, please refer to the Government of Canada Coronavirus Disease fact sheet, found here
Any idea on what kids are to do if they come in contact with COVID-19? If they are to stay home, can they flip from in person to online for their quarantine?: If we decide to keep our kids at home, is that a decision we are making for the entire year?

According to the OCDSB, after coming in contact with COVID-19 and following an investigation of the specific situation by Ottawa Public Health, students will be directed to remain at home and transition to remote learning. For more details, please refer to the OCDSB’s Frequently Asked Questions section visible here

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