The Upper Grand District School Board has made several changes to its reopening schools plan.
Updates were made after the province announced on August 13 that school boards could access their reserve funds in excess of previously allowed limits, to enhance physical distancing, reduce class sizes, and enhance ventilation.
Trustees approved motions making it mandatory for all UGDSB students, staff, and visitors to wear masks inside schools and on buses, allowing for appropriate medical exemptions. The motions included that school staff explore alternatives such as face shields for students unable to wear masks.
As for classes, Kindergarten classes will be divided into two groups to allow for physical distancing.
An additional 60 teachers will be hired to reduce the number of students in junior and intermediate classes.
And because secondary schools are near capacity, in-person hours for students are being reduced in order to allow for smaller cohorts and physical distancing. The board is looking to hire approximately 100 additional teachers to support a combination of in-person and remote learning.
Parents/students who already completed their pre-registration survey but would like to change their decision may do so by visiting www.ugdsb.ca.
The deadline to fill out this form is Sunday at 4 p.m.