While school district officials don’t know exactly how classes will look come September, things should look a little more familiar for students, staff and parents.
At least this seems to be the sense superintendent Tom Demeo is getting from the province and Minister of Education Jennifer Whiteside.
“It sounds very promising,” Demeo told school trustees at the June 22 board meeting. “I hesitate to use the term ‘back to normal’ because these days we’re not really sure what normal defines.”
If things might not be exactly how they used to be in schools, Demeo anticipates a number of aspects of school life back come September. For one thing, he does not foresee breaking down students into cohort groups. He is also expecting to learn more about cleaning protocols for the new school year during the summer, with details expected in August.
“We are going to go to a state that represents what we know has happened in the past,” he said.
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Demeo also anticipates a resumption of extra-curricular activities like sports, arts events and gatherings. He encourages families to check the School District 71 website over the summer.
He also credited staff, students and families for their dedication and hard work during what was an unusual school year, and he also thanked the community partners.
“Everyone’s a little bit tired. It’s been a long year,” he said.
The superintendent also noted this should be the last year for the socially distanced, drive-up graduation ceremonies, with commencement events slated throughout the month leading up to the June 26 events for Highland, Isfeld and Vanier students.
“A huge congratulations goes out to them and to the schools,” he said.
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