Thread by @shelleylaskin

@tdsb Today's update from Director @TDSBDirector

@tdsb @TDSBDirector .@Singhpeter updating us on the switching survey data

@tdsb @TDSBDirector @Singhpeter Response broken down by grades - by learning centre

@tdsb @TDSBDirector @Singhpeter Highlighting the number of classes already in Virtual School

@tdsb @TDSBDirector @Singhpeter And the data for Special Education ESL and Leap

@tdsb @TDSBDirector @Singhpeter And finally French Immersion Classes

@tdsb @TDSBDirector @Singhpeter Without any additional classes or teachers approximately 2200 students can be accommodated

@tdsb @TDSBDirector @Singhpeter Correction - spaces not students depending on grade

@tdsb @TDSBDirector @Singhpeter Director now speaks to the options for switching - outlining models

@tdsb @TDSBDirector @Singhpeter Superintendent Chan speaks to what has happened to date

@tdsb @TDSBDirector @Singhpeter There were 4 possibilities - these are the two models staff are presenting -

@tdsb @TDSBDirector @Singhpeter Considerations for possible switching - requests from parents with students with special needs is a different process - on a case by case basis

@tdsb @TDSBDirector @Singhpeter More details on Model 1

@tdsb @TDSBDirector @Singhpeter Important on this model - movement based on priorities

@tdsb @TDSBDirector @Singhpeter Model 2 - Bricks and Mortar and Remote Learning - more student requests can be honoured - if we do this model there is reorganization

@tdsb @TDSBDirector @Singhpeter Staff support a hybrid - phased in approach - with anticipated return to school - complex process - potential of exact switches first - then what spaces remain in both virtual school - detailed communications need to be developed - again - prioritize high-risk neighbourhoods

@tdsb @TDSBDirector @Singhpeter Update on Secondary Switch Data -

@tdsb @TDSBDirector @Singhpeter Onto Qs and As - class sizes for virtual school? Based on existing class targets - staff are not proposing simultaneous teaching in elementary which is why they are proposing a hybrid - staff confirming priority neighbourhoods as they exist in January 2021 will go first

@tdsb @TDSBDirector @Singhpeter Staff confirming Feb 11 would be the first day back if the closure ends on Feb 10 with Feb 12 a PA Day - looking at the Tuesday after the Family Day weekend for switch - asking Ministry about phasing back to reopening

@tdsb @TDSBDirector @Singhpeter In order to facilitate the switch, staff has confirmed that they are working from the survey to enact the first phase of the switch - re French - very limited switching opportunities - request to consider leaving French as is

@tdsb @TDSBDirector @Singhpeter More questions to staff - requesting Ministry to possibly change March Break - need the break but timing may not work... move it up? Another comment on how important communication will be

@tdsb @TDSBDirector @Singhpeter Staff confirm that aspects of each model will be considered - hybrid they are referencing IS NOT in-class and virtual at the same time!

@tdsb @TDSBDirector @Singhpeter Question - did the Minister speak to extending Feb 10 date? Chair responding no - back on Feb 11 at this time is the plan - staff are now speaking to home school hub model - but would be local school decision - how to facilitate as many switches as possible without reorganizing

@tdsb @TDSBDirector @Singhpeter Staff confirm we do not have as many spaces as there are requests for Virtual School - beginning with space where it exists in priority areas - there will be give and take... class size is important but staff will do their best

@tdsb @TDSBDirector @Singhpeter The Director confirms staff will address as many needs as possible... AD Snider speaks to the fact that there may need to be some additional resources required - looking at financial impact - could use up to $3M - AD Gold speaks to concerns over stability of staff if ramping up

@tdsb @TDSBDirector @Singhpeter Staff confirm they are doing a combination of two plans - @TDSBDirector speaks to operationalizing request - pathway forward - and confirmed that parents could change their mind in terms of switching if a virtual class may have triple grades

@tdsb @TDSBDirector @Singhpeter Reiteration - new variants of COVID-19 strains, delayed vaccine rollout, no approved vaccine for children - we don't know whether the ministry will do a full-school return - are we working with the right assumptions from @TOPublicHealth? Would we phase K-3 only?

@tdsb @TDSBDirector @Singhpeter @TOPublicHealth Director responds - we would still try and accommodate as many switches - and communicate to parents requesting switches - then communication to all families - we do not have controls over the provincial decisions and need to clarify that where we were in September is not now

@tdsb @TDSBDirector @Singhpeter @TOPublicHealth If we aren't back on Feb 11 are we holding off on switching until we move back to bricks and mortar? Staff confirm yes.

@tdsb @TDSBDirector @Singhpeter @TOPublicHealth Again... thanking staff and all who are teaching in the virtual environment...

@tdsb @TDSBDirector @Singhpeter @TOPublicHealth Speaking now to the @tdsb emergency motion on asymptomatic testing and priority vaccinations for staff currently working in schools exempt from closure tdsb.on.ca//Leadership//B…

@tdsb @TDSBDirector @Singhpeter @TOPublicHealth Motion on the floor...

@tdsb @TDSBDirector @Singhpeter @TOPublicHealth Happy @rchernoslin & my motion passed unanimously & although it doesn't get to @tdsb Board until Feb 3 hoping @TOPublicHealth and #EDU just do it! Hopeful to make our students and staff as safe as possible @OSSTFtoronto @CUPE4400 @ETFOeducators @ElemTeachersTO #onted @OPSBA

@tdsb @TDSBDirector @Singhpeter @TOPublicHealth @rchernoslin @OSSTFtoronto @CUPE4400 @ETFOeducators @ElemTeachersTO @OPSBA Please "unroll" @threadreaderapp