Special #OCDSB board meeting starting now to discuss school reopening. I won't livetweet everything, but anything interesting that comes up, I'll toss in a thread here. #onted

Finally, some clarity on remote learning: AD Reynolds says that the best way to deliver remote learning is with dedicated remote learning teachers, says remote students will not be connected to community school for learning activities (thank you thank you thank you). #ocdsb

This does mean that it will have impacts on school organization as reorgs will happen based on who opts for remote learning. Students likely won't be able to switch back to in-person partway through term/semester due to limited space available in classes. #ocdsb

Regarding leasing community spaces for additional classroom space/distancing: timing is a challenge; most spaces would need retrofitting; not going to happen with a short turnaround. #ocdsb

Dir. Williams-Taylor talking about how some plans sound great on paper but don't work in practice. Senior staff walked through a school as students would to see what a school day would look like and what's needed. #ocdsb

Now more planning needed - reassess models against the new MoE memo, create "virtual schools" for remote learning, reorg in-person classes based on numbers. Teaching assignments, timetables, class lists will need to be redone.

(!!!!!!!)

#ocdsb

This is funny because I JUST got my new timetable today for the assignment I switched to last week. Womp. If I'm being realistic, I'm probably going to end up a 4/5 MFI (which is my nightmare).

Now opening floor to questions.

FISHER: "In your convos w/ OPH, what standards have they asked us to follow, are we following them? If not, which ones have we sought modifications to and why?"

AD: OPH very cooperative, provide input but don't direct. #ocdsb

AD Reynolds adds that he doesn't think the board is intentionally doing anything that goes against OPH advice. Board speaks with OPH nearly every day to discuss plans and progress. #ocdsb

Trustee Fisher asks if we will have enough info for parents by Sunday evening for them to make an informed decision about remote or in-person learning before deadline.

(This is an excellent question. From what I see on social media, parents are stressed beyond belief.) #ocdsb

Director does not feel we will have any additional information before Sunday evening that will make much of a difference to decisions. Believes info that is out there is substantial and provides enough info to make a decision. #ocdsb

Fisher asks about the structure of secondary (I presume he means in-person?) and Director Williams-Taylor says that is the "weekend goal" and the board needs more information. The goal is Monday. #ocdsb

Fisher asks what are some of the biggest challenges re: collective agreements as secondary schedules being considered.

Superintendent McCoy: prep time, lunch period, amount of assigned time vs. unassigned time. #ocdsb

Superintendent of HR says that requests for leaves have been higher than usual, which was expected.

Fisher asks if board is considering staggered year-start for secondary, and AD Reynolds says it's being considered. #ocdsb

I said I wasn't going to livetweet, but so far all of this has been really useful and important, so... here we are. I guess I'm livetweeting.

Fisher: Have we started to assess how many schools need HVAC retrofits?

CFO: That work started in April. Looking at putting windows back into rooms where they were taken out for safety reasons. #ocdsb

Fisher asks about what might happen if board has to transition everyone to remote learning (e.g. in the event of a second wave).

AD Reynolds said original plan was to have F2F teachers do synchronous learning w/ remote students to build capacity. #ocdsb

AD: Since we're talking about possibly moving away from that, then they have to look at other ways to build capacity for Ts.

Superintendent Towaij: Every teacher in secondary and elementary will be maintaining a Google Classroom or VLE that will be maintained weekly. #ocdsb

Towaij adds that if we go to full remote learning, then everyone would be expected to follow the schedule laid out by MoE for remote learning.

(YIKES, I cannot do this while parenting full time...)

#ocdsb

Towaij points out that PPM says any child who is away for 3+ days must be provided with synchronous learning at that point.

(I was unclear on whether this meant from classroom teacher or from a remote learning teacher.) #ocdsb

Note to self: go back and rewatch this part again b/c I think there was something in there that suggested teachers still had to provide some online activities.

Trustee Schwartz asking for an honest answer to the question, "Are we ready?" She asks if we would be better off asking to delay the school start.

Dir. Williams-Taylor says our buildings will be ready to receive students on September 3rd. #ocdsb

Dir. Williams-Taylor says that she can't say for certain that transportation will be in place by then, and there will be delays in some "operational components" (this is vague - I would like to know what she is talking about). #ocdsb

Schwartz asks about custodial staff, OTs - since they rotate between sites, how is that any different from what we saw in LTC in the province?

Dir. Williams-Taylor cautions against comparing two different contexts. #ocdsb

CFO says most of our casual staff are working in the evenings when students are not in the building.

(Yes, but this does not address the question of OTs.)

#ocdsb

Superintendent McCoy adds that we have to think about the layers of precautions that are in place. OTs are being provided w/ full day of training on H&S to familiarize w/ protocols being put in place. Still in discussion w/ federations about access to work. #ocdsb

McCoy says that the elementary DOT program will continue, but DOTs will no longer (at least to start the year) be redeployed if not immediately needed at their assigned school. May expand program to give more DOTs to larger schools, possibly add to secondary. #ocdsb

Schwartz: With virtual schools, kids won't be w/ their schools or teachers they know. This concerns her as kids need safety. If a child is sick and has to switch to remote learning, are they removed from their class and put into a new cohort w/ unfamiliar teacher? #ocdsb

Dir. Williams-Taylor: Students who aren't sick but have to isolate (e.g. ill family member) may be able to continue w/ their class b/c of the weekly Google Classroom/VLE being maintained by their teachers. #ocdsb

Dir. Williams-Taylor says board just received a new guidance doc from government at about 6:30 p.m. regarding staff who have to isolate and what happens w/ their classes/students. #ocdsb

Schwartz asks about secondary model now - how will students who travel far for school be able to get home from school in the 50 minute window provided in the schedule?

(If you know Ottawa, you know that 50 minutes is not enough time to get across the city.)

#ocdsb

Dir. Williams-Taylor says that question has come up more than once. While it's a consideration for current model, it may be different based on info received yesterday and today. Doesn't have a complete answer right now and is still being worked on. #ocdsb

Trustee Bell:

- How are we going to communicate and build trust between now and the beginning of school?
- When & how will we communicate status of HVAC at Lisgar and Bell with community?
- When & how will we share the # of children in kinder classes?

#ocdsb

- When & how will we communicate how mayn hours a day students will be outside?
- When & how will we see what we are spending on our budget for COVID response?
- When & how will we communicate with Jim Watson to tell him we are ready to take him up on his offer for space?

#ocdsb

Dir. Williams-Taylor starts by saying financial update will be at next budget meeting (Tuesday).

CFO says the two HS mentioned will be looked at and systems are operating at code. Can't see where challenges arise until building is occupied. (!!!) We will monitor as we go. #ocdsb

Dir. Williams-Taylor on class size: with shift to virtual classrooms, we are likely to be working within our usual parameters around staffing, but did talk about averages already. Re: additional space, looks great on paper but is challenging in reality. #ocdsb

(I want to point out that Bell started with a powerful comment about their shared responsibility to listen to the fears of everyone with a stake in public education, as many are scared. It was eloquent and I couldn't type quickly enough so I didn't capture it.) #ocdsb

Towaij responds to question from yesterday re: FDK at desks - no, not bringing in desks for FDK, not appropriate developmentally. Have ordered dividers for round tables to allow for safety. #ocdsb

Towaij says gyms are being protected for FDK educators to maximize space. Will be working to "pod" kinder students into smaller groups within classrooms. Focus on activities that minimize contact across groups and classes. #ocdsb

I missed a lot of this question on communicating with the community and building trust between now and September. Sorry. I got distracted by answering things in my notifications! #ocdsb

Bell: regarding teachers and ensuring they have trust in the system, how are we communicating in that regard?

Dir. Williams-Taylor: w/ help of communications team, we are communicating weekly w/ employees, look at Ps and managers to be key communicators. #ocdsb

Dir. adds that Ps have been called in more than once for (virtual) full-day meetings over the summer.

(This is interesting to me as I have heard from several #OCDSB teachers that they have heard NOTHING from admin all summer.)

Trustee Boothby, regarding secondary schedules: have we considered increasing the transit time to address concerns?

AD Reynolds: we started with a 9-3 school schedule initially, schedule was a sample based on a "regular school day" but not meant to be hard and fast rule . #ocdsb

Boothby: Will OC Transpo be running 600-series buses again, and will they be running them at the noon-time hour? Do they have that capacity?

CFO: OSTA's been working with OC Transpo throughout the summer regarding plans. They are aware that they'd need midday buses. #ocdsb

CFO: OC Transpo has not been able to make a commitment yet, but discussions continue (almost daily).

Boothby: The 100 maximum contacts is really only within the school environment, then. If we use this model, a fair number of Ss will be using OC Transpo. #ocdsb

Boothby: Particularly if we don't have 600-series buses, that's a significant increase to contacts for students. What's the public health advice surrounding that?

CFO: OPH has spoken to us. Students on OC Transpo need to be following guidelines re: masks, distancing. #ocdsb

(Important to note that many students in grades 7+ take public transit to get to school.)

Trustee Lyra asks: Yes or no, OPH recommends masks for grades K-3 and requires them for grades 4-12?

AD Reynolds: To be honest, I've not had a conversation with OPH about masks for K-3 as it was not part of the Ministry requirement for masks. #ocdsb

Lyra: Does our board have the ability to create a board-wide dress code?

Reynolds: Yes.

Lyra: Is there anything explicitly prohibiting the inclusion of a face covering?

Reynolds: No.

Lyra suggests creating a requirement for K-3 to wear masks if they are able. #ocdsb

Lyra: What is our physical activity going to look like for Ss at their desk for the entire day?

Director: As Ts program their day, they program Phys Ed into their day, preferably outdoors. We recognize that presents challenges, particularly for secondary. #ocdsb

(My feed panicked for a second so I missed some of the response after this.)

Towaij: Encouraging all educators to maximize outdoor learning (phys ed and mental health support). At secondary level, focusing on outdoors for PE, some courses will need to be modified. #ocdsb

Lyra: Are HS students taking a spare in a quadmester still considered full-time?

AD Reynolds: If they are taking 3 courses over two quadmesters, they are still a full-time student.

#ocdsb

Lyra: How are special sites (e.g. CHEO School) impacted by these plans?

Symmonds: William E. Hay Centre will govern their own rules, but education portion is under McHugh, which is administered by OCSB. They'll be determining delivery of program at that site. #ocdsb

Symmonds: CHEO School collaborating w/ CHEO for safety protocols for students to return to learning. We have a partnership but they are working with their own org to ensure safety of staff and students.

Reynolds: YSB's team has been looking at how to adapt their program. #ocdsb

Reynolds adds the schedules/program for YSB drop-ins will likely look different, but their team is working on it.

Towaij: For parents who opt for homeschooling, there are staff responsible for checking in w/ families. This will still take place (virtually if possible). #ocdsb

Trustee Lyra gives notice of motion to make a change to the board dress code.

Campbell: There may be too much workload on our staff. Are we really looking at straining our staff unreasonably in a heroic effort to try to open for September? Should we send letter to MoE? #ocdsb

Dir. Williams-Taylor: Certainly it's the purview of the trustees to decide if (sending a letter to MoE to request a delayed start) is a step they wish to take. #ocdsb

Dir. Williams-Taylor: We take direction from the Ministry of Education and it is the expectation of the MoE that we will reopen on September 3rd. #ocdsb

Campbell: Related, we are privileged to be hearing these extra explanations tonight, but not all parents can or will hear this. How are we treating the survey (online or in-person) results? What is the default for families who don't respond? #ocdsb

Campbell wants to know what happens when the board hears, "Well, if I had known about ________..." from families who feel they would have made a different choice.

Director says these are questions the board continues to ask itself and also speaks w/ other jurisdictions. #ocdsb

Exec. Officer Giroux: We have responses for 49,875 students so far. We wanted to provide this data to schools to navigate a path forward, but now we have to look at data and see what it means for replanning schools. #ocdsb

Trustee Ellis asking about how OTSS will operate.

AD Reynolds: Because it's staffed differently and has different class size, it may be possible to come up w/ an alternate schedule that allows them to be at school more often. Discussions are happening. #ocdsb

Ellis asks about Canterbury.

AD Reynolds says they are looking at protocols specific to arts-based programs like Canterbury.

Ellis: Adult HS?

Reynolds: They're looking at it/discussing. #ocdsb

Ellis has questions about HVAC.

CFO Carson says that not all buildings are able to move to the most updated standards. Systems being optimized for movement of fresh air. If that isn't working, they'll look at whether those classes need to be relocated. #ocdsb

Ellis: Currently, after 15 days of absence, students are taken off rosters. Are we looking at that 15-day policy?

Dir. Williams-Taylor: We recognize there will be lots of things around attendance where we need to tend to the needs of families in a granular way. #ocdsb

Dir. Williams-Taylor agrees that we need to look at usual practices and think about how to be flexible/responsive so as not to disadvantage students. #ocdsb

Trustee Jennekens has heard from parents that they want their children to be placed in virtual classrooms w/ friends so they stay within their social circles.

Jennekens also asks re: parking at elementary level. How will we address parking challenges @ busy schools? #ocdsb

(This issue matters to me as we have two different schools' EDPs, a child care centre, and regular school day all happening simultaneously at my school!)

Towaij: We started planning in April. We aren't first province to return to school. We had opportunity to reach out to provinces that went back in May/June. They identified areas for drop-off, walker entry, busing. This will be clearly communicated to community. #ocdsb

(If I could show you my school's entry... this is impossible. This will not work. This will be a NIGHTMARE.)

Jennekens refers back to comments about flexibility and things like "cross-country skiing" as an alternative PE activity. Many schools can't do things like this.

(THANK YOU, my school isn't even allowed to use the yard nearly half the year because it's such a mess!) #ocdsb

Okay, half the year is an exaggeration. It's more like 1/3. But the point is, our yard is ice/mud/water/otherwise unsafe for a significant portion of the school year. Sometimes even the pavement is closed and we stay inside. #ocdsb

Student Trustee Chen asking if the board is considering changing the model to be full-day as it would be better for students who need in-person support (e.g. from EAs) and because many students learn better in person. #ocdsb

AD Reynolds says they are looking at that. Board is receiving direction that suggests they may need to look at changing the model. Have to continue thinking about what common lunch period would look like w/ available supervision. #ocdsb

AD Reynolds adds that the synchronous opportunity to connect w/ other cohort would be a challenge in a full-day model. Also need to keep collective agreements in mind, want all parties involved to feel comfortable and heard. #ocdsb

Student Trustee Chen asks about programs like IB, AP, Gifted as they pertain to remote learning. AD Reynolds says it may not be possible to provide programs like IB in a fully remote model - these programs have specific requirements that may or may not be possible to meet. #ocdsb

Student Trustee Chen asks if students can be deliberate in program choice, e.g. taking PE later in the year when it may be possible to take it in-person?

AD Reynolds says it may not be possible due to secondary staffing, have to match course offerings w/ staff quals. #ocdsb

Student Trustee Chen asks how students will be split into cohorts. Question asked by many students.

AD Reynolds says they are looking across grade levels, streams, schools. Has to be done school-by-school. Strongly considering alphabetical. #ocdsb

AD Reynolds adds that a benefit of alphabetical is that for the most part, households will then be in the same cohort.

Student Trustee Chen asks about students w/ IEPs and how they will be met.

Symmonds says that IEPs will continue to be implemented, but some accommodations (e.g. scribing) will not be feasible in remote learning setting, will be working w/ families to support students.

#ocdsb

Student Trustee Chen asks about transmission risk for EAs rotating through schools.

Symmonds: We are in conversations with OPH around that. We have a variety of itinerant staff. Working on minimizing # of schools staff will go to on a given day. #ocdsb

Student Trustee Chen asks how grade 12 students will get marks they need for post-secondary applications in a quad/octo model.

AD Reynolds: Province worked very closely w/ post-secondary last year to make sure their reqs were reflective of reality. We expect that again. #ocdsb

Trustee Penny asking about minimum requirements for synchronous learning for K-3 as it's a significant amount of time.

Superintendent Towaij says the PPM provides flexibility in what synchronous learning looks like and how to reach those minutes. #ocdsb

Towaij adds that the PPM also gives an opportunity for parents to opt out of some of the requirements for remote learning. Board working on putting together suggestions for developmentally-appropriate activities, agrees the minutes are very high. #ocdsb

Trustee Penny: Are we worried about students being left behind if they opt out?

Towaij: If parents opt out, we are required to provide that learning in an asynchronous model. #ocdsb

Trustee Penny asks about consistency of experience b/t in-class and remote for secondary students who are in class 50% and remote 50%.

AD Reynolds clarifies that it was intended to be one teacher for cohorts A & B doing in-person and online. #ocdsb

Trustee Penny: Have we done any thinking about when there is an outbreak in a classroom?

AD Reynolds: We have been told that there will be specific guidance from province (CMO and MoE). We can't provide detail until we have that guidance. #ocdsb

Trustee Hough expresses frustration in the delays from government. (We're all feeling it. Oof.)

Asks what the PD will be for staff at the start of the year. #ocdsb

Dir. Williams-Taylor says MoE has developed guidance for PD, from H&S to anti-racism to Math. There are further details, but that is essentially the content of the 3 days. Some ability for local adjustment. #ocdsb

Trustee Hough: What proportion of that will be related to safety protocols/health for reopening?

Dir. Williams-Taylor has the outline of subjects but not the detailed breakdown being asked for here. #ocdsb

Director says much of the PD will need to go from theory (PD days) to practice in real-time in order to internalize it.

Trustee Hough says that concerns her as that "practice" will be with children, would feel better w/ more time for training, preparation. #ocdsb

Trustee Hough wonders if it would place pressure on the MoE if a board the size of #OCDSB asked for another week to prepare.

Dir. Williams-Taylor appreciates the sentiment. From equity standpoint, some families need school to start. #OCDSB

Director says that for some families a delayed start would be welcome, for others it would be disastrous. Same considerations as when schools are closed for inclement weather, affects stability of families.

May extend progressive entry, however. #ocdsb

Trustee Schwartz asking questions about Colonel By SS and raising issues of difficulty having a school running multiple programs simultaneously w/ different models.

(Essentially, programs like IB seem to be a huge issue is what I'm gathering.) #ocdsb

Full disclosure: I am not the person to be tweeting about octomestering versus quadmestering because I have no experience in secondary.

Schwartz asks about schools like Carson Grove with movable walls/open-concept.

Dir. Williams-Taylor: trying to put some structures in place to create barriers.

Towaij: have been looking at options, all grade 1-3 students will have desk shields. #ocdsb

Trustee Bell: is it possible to write a letter to Dr. Etches/OPH, along the lines of TDSB, asking about physical distancing, masks/face coverings, class size recommendations, regional equity approaches, advice for marginalized communities?

Trustee Scott: it's possible. #ocdsb

Trustee Scott says it would be helpful to have the text of the TDSB letter.

Trustee Bell has retweeted it, if that helps? (It doesn't. I giggled.)

Taking a quick show of hands, there is consensus that it would be useful to have such a letter, they'll look into it. #ocdsb

Trustee Bell asks how parents will be supported for online learning, asks for assurance that play-based learning will be a priority for FDK.

Towaij: yes to play-based in FDK. Support for remote learning through instructional coaches, learning guides for parents. #ocdsb

Trustee Boothby asking about concerns from educators for delivering online learning - need reliable internet, equipment.

Superintendent Lehman: board has done wireless upgrades, purchased ethernet adapters to make Chromebooks hardwired. #ocdsb

(Ask any grade 4+ student how well the wi-fi upgrade went, by the way...)

Boothby: Do we have additional concerns about portables?

AD Reynolds: Generally speaking, based on consultation with OPH, they don't require any measures above what we have for classrooms. Ordering shields/barriers if needed for larger classes to enhance safety. #ocdsb

Boothby: LSTs and LRTs - do we anticipate needing to divert them in order to staff additional classes we may need to ensure our classes aren't 30+ students?

Dir. Williams-Taylor: All things are on the table, but... #ocdsb

...students w/ IEPs, Spec Ed needs will require resources.

Symmonds: We will be doing our best to honour IEPs, as mentioned earlier. #ocdsb

Boothby: Will any of our students be able to engage in lab or hands-on learning (shop, tech)?

Towaij: Courses will need to be modified, this is being worked on. Students will have access to hands-on learning. #ocdsb

Trustee Lyra: If a student opts for remote learning, does the school retain the per-pupil funding?

Director believes that is the case. #ocdsb

Trustee Lyra: What is the plan to deal with 30+ students eating lunch in the same space with their masks off?

Dir. Williams-Taylor: We don't anticipate having 30 students in a small place. This is a question we are grappling with. #ocdsb

AD Reynolds: It's very rare to have a class of 30 in a small space.

(um...)

Towaij: All of our students in elementary will be eating at a minimum distance of 1m in their homeroom. That will apply at K-8 levels. #ocdsb

Trustee Lyra points out that several intermediate classes are 30+ in spaces that would not allow for 1m space.

Towaij says that they will be looking at this once they have responses to choice of delivery model and know class sizes. #ocdsb

Towaij adds that they would, if necessary, use spaces that would not normally be used as class space for schools where it is needed. #ocdsb

Campbell: When will parents know about "lock-in" for choice of model or what the default model will be for families who don't respond?

Director: We have a significant return rate and hope it continues, but have contingencies for reminders and follow-up through principals. #ocdsb

Director: Our goal is to work toward getting 100% response. Regarding changing minds: we expect it to happen, there has to be some flexibility. The ability to shift from one model to another is somewhat limited. Can probably update better next week. #ocdsb

Trustee Campbell would like to have Dr. Etches invited back for next week's meeting, if possible? May provide more direct response than asking for a letter. #ocdsb

Jennekens: Will teachers be provided with masks and face shields?

Director: Education workers will be provided with PPE as appropriate.

McCoy: All school-based staff will get disposable medical masks (2/day), reusable face shield. #ocdsb

Expectation is that staff will wear masks at all times, face shields if working in close proximity with students or others. Additional PPE (gowns, gloves) provided for those who may require those. #ocdsb

Jennekens asks about clubs.

Director says schools have been asked to do virtual extracurriculars where possible. No field trips or large gatherings for now. Slow return for anything that looks like extracurriculars (if at all) over the year. #ocdsb

Jennekens: Will there be enough support in-class for students with IEPs in order for them to be successful?

Symmonds: One of our key priorities is supporting our most vulnerable learners, including students w/ IEPs. We will do our best to honour those. #ocdsb

Symmonds reiterates that in fully remote models, it may not be possible to provide all accommodations but will work w/ families to adapt as needed. #ocdsb

Jennekens: How confident are we re: cleaning supplies, PPE, hand sanitizer?

Director: We are as confident as we can be. Expectation is a supply into September to start, w/ expectation of continued replenishing. #ocdsb

Jennekens: If parents decide in the first week or two that they need to change their model, can they?

Director: The capacity to quickly swing from one model to another is diminished w/ virtual classroom model. Classes (virtual and in-person) will be staffed to capacity. #ocdsb

Real talk: does that apply to grades 4-8 where there is no cap? Can my grade 4 class ever be staffed "to capacity," even in a pandemic? #ocdsb #onted

Trustee Hough: Safety in school yard - do we have manpower in place for additional crossing guards, increased traffic for pedestrians, parents dropping off, etc?

Director: Thought has been given to all of those pieces. #ocdsb

It's 11 pm and somehow I'm still here. My children get up at the first hint of dawn for some reason, so I'm going to sneak upstairs and crawl into bed for very few hours of sleep now.

(the meeting is done though, I should say)