Dear Parents/Guardians and Families,
On August 21, a letter was sent to all 污污漫画 parents/guardians with information about the return to school in September, and we are writing to you today with additional information for parents/guardians who have children with special education needs. We know you are anxious to learn more about what to expect as we open 污污漫画 schools and welcome students back in a few weeks, so we wanted to provide you with this detailed update.
Before we begin, we want to thank you for your continued patience as we work through all of the planning required for a safe return to school and work for students and staff. It has not been an easy or straightforward process and we sincerely appreciate your continued understanding and trust as we move forward. Please know that we are doing everything we can to plan effectively for a safe return to school to keep all students, staff and families safe and healthy.
The 污污漫画 is committed to ensuring equitable access to education, resources and opportunities for students with disabilities, and this continues to be true during the COVID-19 pandemic. Please see below for additional information that is specific to students with special education needs.
Delayed Start: Tuesday, September 15
Given the time required to prepare for the safe return to school, the 污污漫画 has moved the first day of school (for elementary, secondary and virtual school) to Tuesday, September 15.
Although the entry of all grades will be staggered over three days, all students with special education needs will begin school Tuesday, September 15. This includes all Elementary and Secondary Congregated sites, and students in Developmental Disabilities Intensive Support Programs (ISP) that are housed in secondary schools. For students with special education needs who are bussed to school, the start date will also be September 15.
Mask/Face Covering Guidelines
Although all students and staff will be required to wear masks/face coverings in 污污漫画 buildings and on school buses, we acknowledge that some of our students will require exemptions due to medical, sensory or other reasons. Parents/guardians are asked to discuss any exemptions or accommodations required regarding masks or face coverings directly with schools.
Our Occupational Health & Safety team is working to purchase transparent masks for our staff and students who require them. Additional information about masks/face coverings will be shared with parents/guardians soon.
Learning Models
Elementary
Classes in Elementary Special Education Intensive Support Programs (ISP) are capped between 6-16 students depending on the ISP program (excluding Gifted). Students will attend school 5 days per week, with one cohort/group for the full day, including recess and lunch.
This includes our six Elementary Congregated Sites: Beverley School, Lucy McCormick Senior School, Park Lane Public School, Seneca School, Sunny View Junior and Senior Public School, and William J McCordic.
We know that some students may face challenges with the enhanced health and safety protocols in place to help maximize physical distancing. To address these concerns, schools will work with families and Special Education & Inclusion Consultants to explore strategies to best support students and staff during this time.
Secondary (Grades 9 to 12)
Classes in Secondary Special Education Developmental Disabilities (DD) Intensive Support Programs (ISP) are capped at 10 students. Students are able to attend school daily as they are grouped as a cohort and can take all of their special education classes together. Students will follow the semester model.
Secondary students in ISP classes with Integration (including Gifted) who are typically timetabled into special education classes and regular school courses will attend school following the quadmester secondary school model in order to ensure on-going integration with their peers.
Secondary ISP are capped at 6-16 students. Students are able to attend as one cohort taking special education courses. Typically, these ISPs would include MID, LD, ASD, DHH and PD and would be cohorted with their peers for non-special education courses. Gifted ISP classes are capped at 30 students and will be divided into two cohorts for special education and non-special education classes. This may change locally based on school needs.
The six congregated secondary school sites where studen