LETHBRIDGE, AB – Things will look as close to normal as possible when kids head back to school in two weeks, however they shouldn’t put those masks away just yet.
The Lethbridge School Division has released its re-entry plans for the fall, given the ongoing COVID-19 situation.
The public district says both high schools and middle schools will be operating regular class schedules. Elementary schools will look a bit different in that regard given kids under the age of 12 are not eligible for COVID vaccinations as of yet.
As for mask-wearing it will be encouraged, but not required for students in public high schools to start the year.
When it comes to elementary and middle schools though, wearing a mask will be required when students enter school, leave school, and in common gathering spaces.
No students will have to wear a mask once inside their classrooms. Face coverings will be required for everyone on school buses however, which is per current provincial health guidelines.
Any visitors to schools this coming year must wear a mask in all school spaces and staff, including teachers at all grade levels will wear face coverings at times too, “In support of the Division’s perspective that masks are a mitigation strategy, all staff will be role models and wear masks entering and exiting the building and in common gathering spaces in schools and other Division buildings (e.g. hallways, washrooms, cafeteria),” says the re-entry plan document.
Extra-curricular and co-curricular activities will take place, but there will be some restrictions at the elementary level.
You can read the entire re-entry plan here: 2021/2022 Re-Entry Plan