The Delta school district anticipates expanding access to local schools as soon as later this month, but it won’t be mandatory for parents to send their kids.
That’s according to superintendent Doug Sheppard, who in a letter to parents provided an update what the district has been considering even before the provincial government’s announcement last week that schools could return to initially limited operations, while there could also be a return for K-12 in-class instruction this September.
Noting the gradual expansion of access to childcare and K-12 in-class instruction in schools is something they have been thinking about and discussing at the district level for the last few weeks, Sheppard said the top priority is how to make it happen while ensuring the continued health and safety of students, staff and wider local community.
“Like many in the education sector, we are considering various measures such as staggered classes, rotating start times, smaller groups, regular handwashing breaks and sanitization stations. We anticipate receiving further guidance from the Provincial Health Officer, Minister of Education and WorkSafeBC over the coming days and weeks. As such, we expect to expand access to our schools in late May or early June. As mentioned by the Premier, we expect any return to school for students this year will be voluntary for families,” Sheppard explained.
The Delta school district anticipates that an increasing number of essential services workers may need childcare and learning support over the coming weeks
He went on to say, “Although it is still too early to provide specific information on what a return to in-class instruction will look like for your child(ren), we can assure you that we will take a measured and mindful approach, and we will provide you with more information as soon as we can. One thing we can all be sure of...learning in schools will look very different than before.”
Sheppard said the district is providing support to just under 50 children of essential services workers at two schools with additional sites ready to provide support in response to an increasing need.
In addition, Delta’s inclusive learning team has been working with families of more than 50 students with Ministry of Education designations, diverse abilities and/or vulnerability to provide additional supports where needed.
Meanwhile, noting school events such as theatre productions have to be cancelled, Sheppard added they are currently finalizing plans on how to make graduation meaningful for Grade 12 students.
