Winnipeg school divisions release plans for back to school mid-pandemic

A week after the province released its recommendations for schools to get back underway this fall, Winnipeg's school divisions have now released their plans.

Students across the province return on September 8, and some rules are the same. Students in Grade 5 and up must wear a mask on buses unless a medical condition prevents it. Students are also to use the province's screening tool before attending school, and must stay home if sick.

Below are highlights from each division.

Winnipeg School Division

• The WSD has a 3-level plan for a return to learning. Physical distancing will remain in place for all levels. The changes in level will depend on community transmission of COVID-19.
• Use of masks in schools is strongly encouraged.
• Lockers will not be used.
• Water fountains will not be used.
• Transportation
  • Physical distancing should be followed lining up for buses.
  • Only one child per seat, or two from the same household.
  • Students grade 5 and higher mandated to wear non-medical masks.
• Level 1: In-class learning
  • All K to 8 students return daily.
  • 9 to 12 return "to the greatest extent possible".
  • Cohort learning and limiting group/class size.
  • Visitors to facilities limited.
  • Limited transportation available.
• Level 2: Blended learning
  • K to 8 and students with special needs will be prioritized for in-class learning.
  • 9 to 12 will have teacher-led remote learning.
• Level 3: Remote learning
  • ​​​​​​​Remote learning and limited use of schools.
  • Emphasis will be on mental health and addressing the impact of school closures.

Read the full plan here.

Louis Riel School Division

• The LRSD first released their plan on June 29 and has been continually updating it.
• K to 8 will return five days a week.
• 9 to 12 will return for up to five days a week of in-class instruction if high schools can effectively implement physical distancing and use of cohorts.
• Students with special needs will return five days a week.
• Working on a plan to ensure physical distancing in all classrooms.
• In cases where distancing is not possible the division will use the concept of cohorting, keeping low group numbers.
  • Cohorts keep the same group of students and staff together throughout the day, including lunch and recess times.
• Schedules will be staggered to avoid being in shared spaced such as foyers and hallways at the same time.
• Transportation options are not yet finalized; guidelines will be updated on Friday, August 28. LRSD is currently considering:
  • Not providing transportation for children entering Kindergarten.
  • Restricting free-for-service transportation.
  • Extending the minimum walk zone boundary from 1.6 km to either 2 or 2.5 km.

Read the full plan here.

Seven Oaks School Division

• K to 8 will return five days a week.
• 9 to 12 will attend every second day for in-person instruction and learn from home other days.
  • Details for student schedule will be given the week of August 31.
• Students with special needs will return five days a week.
• Grade 5 and up students must wear masks when they cannot distance.
• Schedules will be staggered including start and end times to avoid crowded spaces.
• Transportation will be limited.
  • Parents are asked to transport their own children as much as possible.
  • Students will have assigned seats on bus.
• Physical distancing will be required.

Read the full plan here.

St. James Assiniboia School Division

• K to 8 will return five days a week.
• 9 to 12 will attend in-class on alternate days for the first three weeks of September.
  • On September 28, where two-metre physical distancing is possible, students may return to in-class learning every day.
• Students with special needs will return five days a week.
• Transportation will be limited to students from the Headingley and Brooklands area for September.
  • Students with exceptional needs will also be bused.
  • For the short term, parents are encouraged to transport their own children.
  • An electronic suvery will be sent to families that have eligible bus students to plan for increased capacity in October.
• 5 to 12 students are strongly encouraged to wear a mask when physical distancing is not possible.

Read the full plan here.

Pembina Trails School Division

• K to 8 will return five days a week.
• 9 to 12 will return at least two days a week, and learn remotely at other times.
• Students with additional needs will return five days a week.
• For K to 8, learning will be done in cohorts, defined groupings, to limit and track interactions to enhance safety. When required, recess and lunch times may be staggered.
• High schools will provide more details directly.
• Transportation will be provided for all students with additional needs, and their siblings.
• Eligible students, who normally qualify for busing will not be transported.
• Eligible French Immersion and English students, regardless of distance from home to school, will not be transported. Exceptions will be made for those with additional needs and or eligible childcare centres pick up and drop off.

Read the full plan here.

River East School Division

• K to 8 will return five days a week.
• 9 to 12 will return up to five days a week.
• Students with special needs will return five days a week.
• Cohorts will be used across all grades.
• Masks are strongly encouraged for all students in Grade 5 and up.
• Students will use the same room while teachers change classrooms.
• Free for service transportation will be suspended.
• Transportation will continue for students with additional needs, as well as those living outside the City of Winnipeg perimeter.
• The minimum walk zone boundary will be extended from 1.6 km to 2.5 km. Only students outside that boundary will be eligible for transportation until further notice.

Read the full plan here.