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Brandon School Division re-opening plan

Brandon School Division re-opening plan

Adam

Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 15663

Adam
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 15663

Post
8/15/2020 at 3:49 PM

bethechangeyouwanttosee said "People.

People. People. People.

What do you want?

When BSD closed the schools for 3 months because of the Coronavirus, LOTS of people were unable to deal with the ramifications of that. People couldn't deal with having to buckle down and commit to sitting with their children and teaching them what they needed to be taught. People had no back up. People had to work, right?? "OH God, I can't do this!!" the parents said

And now.

Our kids can return to school, and this school division has probably been given very little funds to offset any extra costs that may be needed within all of our schools to try to affect he spread of the virus.

And our Superintendent, Dr. Marc D. Casavant has sent out a heart-felt, thoughtful letter and plan to all of our families, and I believe that he genuinely cares about our kids' safety.
BUT now - the RE-OPENING of our schools is ALSO a problem for people????!

What do you want??

When Canada locked down in Aril, we artificially stopped the spread of COVID-19 by bringing life as we knew it to a standstill.

And what we are experiencing NOW is the gradual community transmission of the virus, because of things like restaurants and bars opening up, and because people have let down their guard.

Did it occur to anyone that re-opening ridiculous, UNESSENTIAL sectors like the food service industry would jeopardize our kid's schools, jeopardize the Brandon School Division's ability to re-open in confident manner?!! OF COURSE NOT.

All the adults got their restaurants back, bars, nail salons, unessential shops and in turn, adults parading around in these places and more will spread the virus to their children, who will eventually spread it to your children.

Get ahold of yourselves people.
And more importantly, why don't you have a few conversations with your kids - big or small - about how their little lives were forever changed because of COVID and having to stay home. Step back and watch them. Are they a little more sensitive, tired, sad, emotional, unfocused, DEPRESSED??

Yah. Kids are people too. They're the BEST people. And they need their lives back (just like YOU did). And the Brandon School Division is trying to do that - for YOUR kids' mental, physical and emotional health.

Done. "
More assumptions and fallacies in this post than I have fingers to count. You seem to have the narrative in mind that everyone fits within the same boxes, has had the same opinions, responses and reactions as this has gone on, that all have kids with the same home situation and same needs and that there's only one way to meet those needs... all of which are obviously wrong.

I’ll re-ask the original questions:
“I’m interested to hear other parents’ thoughts on the coming school year, on various aspects of the plan that are designed for our present reality and the overall plan for learning to live with the virus going forward. ”
BenRidgers
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 85

BenRidgers
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 85

I would like to see my kids going to school.
8/15/2020 at 4:19 PM

that is my opinion, I know that other parents see this quite different. but that is what it is all about. everybody has different view and needs. kids have needs to and that is good that way.

But I wanna make sure that there is no hate or something else coming at them or to anybody.
It is a weird time right now but when we all stick together in humanity than we will get better.

peace
Glamping
Joined: Nov 2018
Posts: 193

Glamping
Joined: Nov 2018
Posts: 193

I’m scared
8/15/2020 at 4:51 PM

And my youngest for sure won’t be going back. He had very bad asthma and respiratory issues as it is. We’ve done everything we can to keep him healthy and safe and will continue to do so. Considering keeping the other young one home for September just to see what the numbers do and to decrease the odds of bringing it home to his brother.
Adam

Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 15663

Adam
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 15663

Opinion
8/15/2020 at 5:04 PM

BenRidgers said "that is my opinion, I know that other parents see this quite different. but that is what it is all about. everybody has different view and needs. kids have needs to and that is good that way.

But I wanna make sure that there is no hate or something else coming at them or to anybody.
It is a weird time right now but when we all stick together in humanity than we will get better.

peace "
And cheers to you for taking the opportunity to chip in with your opinion. This topic at a community and provincial level needs parents from all walks to share what the return to school and plan mean to them from their own perspective and to make sure their questions are out there if they have them. Throughout the pandemic when there has been feedback that seems to have a wide amount of public support behind it there have often been responses from decision-makers and I wouldn’t expect this to be any different.
Ultimately stuff like the town hall on the 18th and being in touch with decision-makers and representation are the most effective ways to make sure your particular perspective is included. ... but this thread has become a valuable place for many parents in the community to have that discussion and it's been very valuable to read different parent perspectives.
Abbysmum
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 5038

Abbysmum
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 5038

anxiety
8/15/2020 at 5:40 PM

You know, yesterday I was semi-okay with the plan. I think. I had myself convinced it was reasonable, anyway, considering what they have to work with. But then I lay in bed thinking about the logistics of it, and found myself becoming increasingly anxious about it. It's no better today.

I wish we had better options. They (the province) was very clear you either send your kids, or your homeschool independently of the school system, unless you have a reason for medical exemption (then you'd be "allowed" to do remote learning). That seems unreasonable. I know it would mean extra work for the school, but hire more staff. Keep kids attached to school, but give space to the kids who absolutely NEED to be physically there.

I have a disabled child in Riverheights that NEEDS to go to school - she needs the specialized education and interaction she's getting in the Life Skills program there. But the school has no windows, poor ventilation, and is overcrowded due to Maryland Park not being completed. Every year, the program seems to have less space allocated. She requires close interaction with staff. She won't wear a mask. There's some solace in that they are isolated from the rest of the school, and have actual doors and walls (unlike so much of that school), but I worry very much about her getting sick.

The other school-aged kids are in St. Augustine. There's often a waiting list to get in, so if I pull them out to homeschool them, can I get them back in? We like the school and would send them again in a heartbeat. But I'm scared of losing our attachment to the school if we homeschooled this year instead of sending them... precisely so the kids who NEED to go (like our daughter) can do just that, safely.

My children's mental health has suffered, especially our tween, but I see it in our other kids too. When we homeschooled before, we struggled with socialization. With more people homeschooling this year, maybe it might be easier? If only it weren't for this pesky virus...

And just the logistics of how to manage any illness. I can see how the province/division have an impossible task, because even in my household it's very daunting. We have no family support here, but at least I don't work so I'm available to care for them.

But oh, the anxiety of just even trying to wrap my head around it...
Flutterby

Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 1554

Flutterby
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 1554

Abbysmum &; Adam
8/15/2020 at 6:09 PM

I have a question for you about the homeschooling & socialization. We homeschool, but haven't had that problem until Covid. Now, things are a little more difficult with so much still shut down.

Since it is not the theme of this thread and I don't wish to sidetrack the conversation, can you pm me?

Adam, if you have any homeschool questions or questions about socialization, feel free to contact me privately. I was homeschooled when it first began in MB, and have been a homeschool parent for over 20 years now & still counting with quite a number of years left to go.

Socialization usually isn't a huge problem unless one doesn't search out appropriate activities for your child/children in which to socialize. There used to be many ways to accomplish this, but of course, Covid has taken many options away from not only homeschoolers, but from all parents.

I would be happy to help you out in any way that I can.

Edited by Flutterby, 2020-08-15 18:26:48
Your Majesty
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 205

Your Majesty
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 205

Back to School Plan
8/15/2020 at 6:41 PM

Overall, I am comfortable with the BSD back to school plan, however I am more interested in our specific schools plan. The BSD plan is overarching and each school needs to specify how they will implement the guidelines and hopefully each school will have their specific plans released to parents within the next week or so.

If schools are able to keep kids within their respective cohorts, keep cohorts from mingling, ensure kids wash / sanitize hands and keep proper social distancing measures in place, I believe they are mitigating risk to an acceptable level. We have to learn to live with COVID as its not going away anytime soon. The COVID virus does mutate and we are not sure yet how that will effect any future vaccines. The bottom line is this virus is part of our lives now and probably well into the future.

So, part of the reason I am comfortable with the BSD overarching plan is that it provides a decent framework to mitigate risk to our children and educators. Is it perfect? Well no of course not , much of any plan we create is not perfect. I believe as we move through the school year we will learn and enhance the plan making improvements as we go.
Adam

Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 15663

Adam
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 15663

Petition
8/15/2020 at 9:47 PM

A petition I did sign, speaking to the need for an in between option...

“Offer Manitoba Schools an Online Learning Alternative:”
https://www.change.org/p/government-of-manitoba-offer-manitoba-schools-an-online-education-choice
Bran
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 248

Bran
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 248

American school example
8/15/2020 at 10:11 PM

https://www.ctvnews.ca/health/coronavirus/what-s-happened-in-american-schools-since-reopening-1.5065769
axana596
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 844

axana596
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 844

Socialization
8/16/2020 at 7:23 AM

For anyone on the fence about homeschooling simply because you think your child won’t get enough socialization...

1) if you have a household bigger than 2, there are still complex social interactions going on there.
2) socialization happens in many ways - phone calls, Skype, writing a letter to pen pals. Don’t restrict it to just face-to-face meetings.
3) join the Westman Homeschool Connection group on Facebook. There’s plenty of homeschooling families (old and new) to socialize with.
ABCSS
Joined: This month
Posts: 47

ABCSS
Joined: This month
Posts: 47

school opening
8/16/2020 at 6:38 PM

Ok. I’ll likely get jumped on but go for it. I am an essential worker. Have been at work every day throughout this. We went through the home school piece in the spring. They did not do well. Require structure. I drove home every single day for over 100 days to try and get them to do the school work. Needless to say while trying to balance my own risks at work i am not a teacher. When schools reopen there needs to be a firm backup plan in place for when things go sideways.
SherlockGrealey
Joined: Aug 2020
Posts: 1

SherlockGrealey
Joined: Aug 2020
Posts: 1

The plan is not great but it's not awful
8/16/2020 at 10:44 PM

The whole thing with masks, I don't think some people understand, they stop the person with mask from spreading it. It dose nothing for someone getting Covid-19. If you think your child is not well don't take home to school tell proper measures are taken.
Exhausted
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 1756

Exhausted
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 1756

attending school or home schooling
8/17/2020 at 1:15 AM

there has always been a choice 'home schooling' if you don't want to send your kids to school.

nothing else has to be in place

what people forget is that majority the vast majority cannot teach their kids at home as the parent have to WORK.. Both as can't survive without 2 incomes.

additional online is not needed except for children that can't go to school due to health problems or disabilities that make them extra vulnerable.

if you don't want to send your kids to school, home school. if you are lucky enough for one parent to not work.

the rest of us have to have school system.

the harm created on children is extreme on their mental health and stress levels.

be prepared and know that if your child is sick they need to stay home. it doesn't mean that anytime they are sick they have covid 19. There are all the regular illnesses that occur and now children need to stay home.

And adults need to stay home as well when sick.

the old rules don't apply any more about fighting through being sick and going to work anyway.

this is the New Normal..

and things will never be the same again.
inittowinit
Joined: This month
Posts: 526

inittowinit
Joined: This month
Posts: 526

what about teachers?
8/17/2020 at 12:32 PM

I agree that BSD is only doing what it can with what it has. Spreading children out to different locations around the city has a cost and BSD has not been given any extra funding (thank Pallister).
So those that don't want to send their kids to school have the choice to home school. Teachers have enough going on that they shouldn't be forced to do extra work because YOU don't want to send your child. I understand those who are immunocompromised will have adaptations, but the division can only do what it can with what it's been provided. Teacher's themselves are having a hard time adapting to the changes too. They don't get the option to stay home unless they want to lose their jobs.
I am more curious as to what my particular school's plans are.
note-not a teacher, just a parent.

Edited by inittowinit, 2020-08-17 12:35:37
LMAO2233
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 51

LMAO2233
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 51

Well Said.....bethechangeyouwanttosee
8/17/2020 at 1:08 PM

We have to slowly move on....This is a great plan BSD!

Edited by LMAO2233, 2020-08-17 13:11:35
melsey
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 905

melsey
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 905

...
8/17/2020 at 1:55 PM

I think it’s a good plan too. Especially since the province is broke and the only way to raise money would be to raise taxes.
Adam

Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 15663

Adam
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 15663

Data, status and communication
8/17/2020 at 5:33 PM

Found a closer example to what we need at Alberta's link below.

Entire province broken down into small regions on a map of what look basically like RMs. Each region has a status of “open,” “watch- but no additional measures in place” or “enhanced-additional measures in place” associated with it. For each region there’s a priority on active cases per 100k. If this was a map of Manitoba, can’t help but wonder what the Brandon region would look like (guessing “watch” at best?):
https://www.alberta.ca/maps/covid-19-status-map.htm

As a parent, having this level of transparency specific to our region that tells us where we’re at coupled with info on what thresholds trigger what actions would be literally like night and day to how in the dark we’ll feel in Manitoba if school starts tomorrow based on systems in place. Add data for level of community transmission and test positivity rate for the region and you're set. I wonder if Alberta would license their system to us or out of the goodness of their hearts share?
BiG Mack
Joined: Jul 2020
Posts: 334

BiG Mack
Joined: Jul 2020
Posts: 334

Good one
8/17/2020 at 5:49 PM

melsey said "I think it’s a good plan too. Especially since the province is broke and the only way to raise money would be to raise taxes. "
The Province ain't broke, not by a long shot. Uncle Pallister wants you to believe it is. Far from it actually but I guess he's convinced you we are broke...
Abbysmum
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 5038

Abbysmum
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 5038

frustration
8/17/2020 at 5:54 PM

Excuse me while my head explodes.

I just listened to an interview on CBC with 3 school division reps (trustees etc) from 3 Winnipeg school divisions. Their plans are similar to Brandon, so I'm going to assume we'd get similar answer to here.

Not one of them could answer the very basic question of what happens to the rest of the cohort should a child test positive. They deferred to public health, which has also not answered the question to date.

That seems like a very basic, important question that needs to be answered.
Adam

Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 15663

Adam
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 15663

Calgary
8/17/2020 at 6:07 PM

Holy... check out the link below and the option the Calgary board of education has developed for this school year for those who choose to educate at home.

“Hub online learning will allow regular program students to remain registered at their home schools while receiving course instruction through a format of online instruction and independent work”

Even real-time teacher instruction.
https://cbe.ab.ca/about-us/school-culture-and-environment/health-and-wellness-in-school/Pages/hub-faqs.aspx
melsey
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 905

melsey
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 905

....
8/17/2020 at 6:16 PM

BiG Mack said "The Province ain't broke, not by a long shot. Uncle Pallister wants you to believe it is. Far from it actually but I guess he's convinced you we are broke... "
You don’t think the province spending more than it brings in and having a debt approaching 29 billion dollars is broke?

Edited by melsey, 2020-08-17 18:19:55
Abbysmum
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 5038

Abbysmum
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 5038

This
8/17/2020 at 7:49 PM

Adam said "Holy... check out the link below and the option the Calgary board of education has developed for this school year for those who choose to educate at home.

“Hub online learning will allow regular program students to remain registered at their home schools while receiving course instruction through a format of online instruction and independent work”

Even real-time teacher instruction.
https://cbe.ab.ca/about-us/school-culture-and-environment/health-and-wellness-in-school/Pages/hub-faqs.aspx "
This is exactly what I was hoping Manitoba would do. Something that allows us to keep our kids home if we choose, but remain attached to our home school. Something that will allow part-time attendance if we wish.

Something that gives us some bloody choices.
Brandonguy204
Joined: Jun 2020
Posts: 21

Brandonguy204
Joined: Jun 2020
Posts: 21

Since you know
8/17/2020 at 7:50 PM

BiG Mack said "The Province ain't broke, not by a long shot. Uncle Pallister wants you to believe it is. Far from it actually but I guess he's convinced you we are broke... "
I’d love for you to show me where all the money is since you know. When I try and find some numbers all I find is our massive debt.
Adam

Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 15663

Adam
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 15663

Online
8/18/2020 at 12:03 AM

Abbysmum said "This is exactly what I was hoping Manitoba would do. Something that allows us to keep our kids home if we choose, but remain attached to our home school. Something that will allow part-time attendance if we wish.

Something that gives us some bloody choices. "
and then there's Ontario, which has required all school divisions to provide a full-time remote learning option:
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/covid-19-ontario-school-reopening-online-remote-home-1.5675026

Parents had until Sunday to respond with whether they would be going with remote or in-school learning and for the Ottawa area at least 26.9% of elementary students and 21.5% of secondary students are opted into online learning:
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/ottawa/ocdsb-school-survey-results-1.5689167

Numbers said to be comparable to other divisions in Ontario and not unreasonable to think they'd be in that ballpark here too
Cjford
Joined: Jun 2017
Posts: 419

Cjford
Joined: Jun 2017
Posts: 419

Same
8/18/2020 at 11:27 AM

Abbysmum said "This is exactly what I was hoping Manitoba would do. Something that allows us to keep our kids home if we choose, but remain attached to our home school. Something that will allow part-time attendance if we wish.

Something that gives us some bloody choices. "
I wish the children were at least given the opportunity to remote learn. I know its not viable to all parents but it is to some and this eases additional contacts within the school and strain on the system. I dont know why they had to choose to go to the most open plan right off the hop and not ease into it.

Dangerous enough to let criminals out of prison early but safe enough for our precious children and teachers.
SK19
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 346

SK19
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 346

Really
8/18/2020 at 12:02 PM

Brandonguy204 said "I’d love for you to show me where all the money is since you know. When I try and find some numbers all I find is our massive debt. "
If we are so broke, why did Pallister find $200 to give to every senior?

Why did he bid on the CFL?

Why did he fund millions in advertising “restart MB”.

Government finds money for the projects they want to spend money on. I guess safe education isn’t one of them.
Zekeland
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 350

Zekeland
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 350

part time
8/18/2020 at 12:06 PM

Part time attendance will not be allowed. Your child is either part of the class, cohort, or they are being home schooled.

Classes will be kept separate from other classes to keep the spread of germs within that group. Easier to isolate a class of 20-30 kids rather then an entire school.

All of this remote learning option talk, or rather no option to remote learn thru the school is a moot point. End of September or October all kids will be back at home remote learning like we did from spring break on, this past spring.

Parents need to cool down and send the kids to school. Doctors note for remote learning or you home school, on your own.
tryinghard
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 124

tryinghard
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 124

Cohorts
8/18/2020 at 12:07 PM

I am curious how effective cohorts can be when there are families with multiple siblings that will all be a part of different cohorts? Can someone please explain? Thanks!
Flutterby

Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 1554

Flutterby
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 1554

8/18/2020 at 12:20 PM

Exhausted said "there has always been a choice 'home schooling' if you don't want to send your kids to school.

nothing else has to be in place

what people forget is that majority the vast majority cannot teach their kids at home as the parent have to WORK.. Both as can't survive without 2 incomes.

additional online is not needed except for children that can't go to school due to health problems or disabilities that make them extra vulnerable.

if you don't want to send your kids to school, home school. if you are lucky enough for one parent to not work.

the rest of us have to have school system.

the harm created on children is extreme on their mental health and stress levels.

be prepared and know that if your child is sick they need to stay home. it doesn't mean that anytime they are sick they have covid 19. There are all the regular illnesses that occur and now children need to stay home.

And adults need to stay home as well when sick.

the old rules don't apply any more about fighting through being sick and going to work anyway.

this is the New Normal..

and things will never be the same again. "
I would like to say something re: "lucky enough for one parent not to work."

We are not lucky. We chose to give up big vacations (not like we could afford those anyway), a big house (we chose a house within our means), new vehicles, and other luxuries that people consider needs. Wedo not have to keep up with the proverbial Jones'. We live simply & try to figure out ways to save money, and better ways to bring in more income. We are not alone in this as it is common among homeschool families.

So, doing so has nothing to do with being lucky. It is a choice, a sacrifice, sometimes a struggle, & hard work to live off of one income to be able to give our children the education that we want to give. All curriculum expenses come out of our pocket, which is fine. No qualms there.

It is a mindset & a lifestyle. It is a good one in spite of not having luxuries because it has other great payoffs.

Please, don't ever refer to homeschoolers as lucky nor "rich enough to" as some people like to say. Those are common myths among those who don't homeschool. It is just not true.

I should add...and I don't know any of these families personally, but have read their stories...that some families with dual incomes and some single parents still homeschool successfully. It just depends on what the family is willing to do to make their situation work.

Edited by Flutterby, 2020-08-18 12:23:51
Nunya
Joined: Jun 2016
Posts: 87

Nunya
Joined: Jun 2016
Posts: 87

.
8/18/2020 at 1:04 PM

Cjford said "I wish the children were at least given the opportunity to remote learn. I know its not viable to all parents but it is to some and this eases additional contacts within the school and strain on the system. I dont know why they had to choose to go to the most open plan right off the hop and not ease into it.

Dangerous enough to let criminals out of prison early but safe enough for our precious children and teachers. "
I imagine because they do not have the man power to offer both in class learning and remote learning if chosen. Teachers and aids deserve time off too, and they are only one person. How do you expect a teacher to teach both in class and remotely? If they live streamed the class then may as well just have everyone learn from home but then you run into the issues of a lot of homes not being able to homeschool due to work, or not having the skills or desire to support their children in this.