Thread by @normsworld

TCDSB back to school parent registration starts: 69% of parents selected face to face and 27% selected virtual school. We are adding 64 staff to the 36 schools in high risk covid19 areas to get cohorts down. Trying to leverage larger spaces to keep students put. #topoli #onted

Wait lists from January registrations will start to clear once staffing models for virtual and face to face are set. Face to face to virtual is easy to accommodate, virtual to face to face much more difficult. #topoli #onpoli #onted

The procurement for Plexiglass for cohorts larger than 15 is underway. We’ve hired 45 retired principals to support staff, 20 additional CYW. Extended lunch supervisors another 1.5 hours. #topoli #onpoli #onted

HVAC: adding technical staff to our roster of 2 HVAC technicians. Windows can open 12” in many classes now, and improved filters and portable air purifiers. Masks are mandatory for all, and arrived at all schools. #topoli #onpoli #onted

Technology: we distributed 10,500 devices to students last year, and students can keep them until June 2021 through Trustee motion. May need to procure more computers as each child in a family at home will require a computer. Giving next round of PCs to those in need. #onted

My motion to distribute reusable water bottles taking effect. Every student in an equity poverty action network school will get an aluminum water bottle. Yay! #topoli #onpoli #onted

Floors that don’t have a washroom will have portable handwashing stations. There are 73 of these floors through the system, will start with 12 in the 5th quintile schools.

Piloting outdoor tents! Starting at 12 schools, need city permits but city has signalled that they’ll expedite them. #topoli #onpoli #onted

Virtual school: specialty programs (FI, Extended French) are dependent on enough students opting in. Programs that can’t be offered virtually from secondary: transportation & construction tech.