Regina public school division lays out more back-to-school strategies

Regina’s public school division has outlined more of its plans for the return of students in September.

In a statement Friday, Regina Public Schools laid out a number of new strategies for its elementary schools to fight the potential spread of COVID-19, from staggered classes in the first week of school to adjusted recess times throughout the year to requirements for visitors.

The division, along with the Regina Catholic School Division, already has said it will make masks mandatory for students in grades 4 through 12 when physical distancing isn’t possible. Mask use also is being recommended for kids from pre-kindergarten to Grade 3.

The school year is to begin Sept. 1, but Regina Public Schools said the first four days will feature staggered starts — meaning not all students will attend school at the same time during the first week.

“The reason for this is to help students and staff transition to learning safely,” the statement said. “During these first four days, there will be fewer students in class and teachers and other staff will be able to work more closely with students to help them adjust to safety guidelines and to learn about how their school days will be different.”

More information on the start times is to be sent directly to families by their schools next week.

As well, all elementary schools in the division will move their recesses to before and after school.

Morning recess will be from 8:53 a.m. to 9:08 a.m., and afternoon recess will be from 3:22 p.m. to 3:37 p.m. There will be adult supervision on playgrounds during those times.

The division noted it also plans to alter the arrival of school buses and other modes of transportation “to ensure that students arrive to school in ways to further encourage physical distancing on the playground and at school entrances.”

As well, families who drive their kids are being asked not to stop their vehicles within one block of their schools to allow for physical distancing between students. Kids who get dropped off would walk the rest of the way.

As for visitors, the division said members of the public won’t be permitted into elementary schools and guest speakers and presenters won’t be allowed until further notice.

Anyone who wants to visit a school will have to call ahead. They’ll be met by a staff member before they’re allowed in.

The public school division said it was still working on its plan for its high schools, with that information expected to be sent to families next week.

More details can be found on the division’s website.