HWDSB creating plans in the event of COVID-19 school closures

As COVID-19 numbers continue climbing concerningly high across the city, the Hamilton-Wentworth District School Board (HWDSB) has said it is already planning for the possibility of a universal closure of schools.

Schools in the Hamilton public board have been operating this fall under a number of established protocols, including reduced class sizes, mask wearing for all students and staff, regular cleaning and sanitization, and the option of virtual learning instead of in-person class.

Elementary in-school families, please tell us about how prepared you are in case schools close due to COVID-19 and students need to learn from home. Have your say on the Parent Portal under Forms, for each of your children, by midnight Wednesday, Nov. 11. https://t.co/RmmAJwhgNS pic.twitter.com/xRcu40JBff

— HWDSB (@HWDSB) November 10, 2020

Virtual learning could end up being the only method of education for a while, if the HWDSB is required to close all of its school buildings and suspend in-person classes temporarily.

While the HWDSB isn’t expecting this to happen in the immediate future, they have been working with a memo from the provincial government to ensure a solid plan is in place in the event of a need to close schools board-wide.

Part of the plan is ensuring that not only are the online e-learning platforms in place and ready for an influx of more students, but also that the HWDSB’s students are prepared for the unorthodox switchover.

Questionnaires have been sent to families with students in the HWDSB, asking questions such as whether or not households are equipped with adequate technology and internet access to facilitate online learning if needed.

So far this school year, the HWDSB has seen a total of approximately 55 students and staff members test positive for COVID-19. However, so far, none of these cases are known to have led to mass outbreaks or noteworthy community spread of the virus.

Read more on the HWDSB website.

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• coronavirus
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• Hamilton
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• Health
• HWDSB
• learning
• pandemic
• Public Health
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• virtual