Most NLSD students will be required to wear masks. (Derek Cornet/larongeNOW Staff)
Education Update

NLSD mandates mask usage, online classes available for Grades K to 12 students

Aug 24, 2020 | 12:53 PM

The Northern Lights School Division (NLSD) has announced it will be mandatory for Grade 4 to 12 students to wear masks when classes begin Sept. 8.

That’s according to a media release issued Aug. 22, which stated the division will start the academic year at Level three of the provincial government’s Safe Schools Plan. Level three means students will be required to wear masks, and in the event it becomes necessary, school capacity will be reduced. That could include establishing cohorts and hybrid learning models as considerations.

“The school division supports increased protective measures,” the release states. “The director of education or designate, in consultation with the medical health officer, will determine reduced school capacity and other measures, when recommended, based on support physical distancing and reducing congestion in individual schools to ensure the safety of staff and students.”

In particular, students between Grades 4 to 12 will be required to wear a non-medical mask when two metres of physical distancing can’t be maintained. Students between pre-Kindergarten and Grade 3 won’t be mandated to wear a mask, however, they can if their family chooses. For those unable to wear a mask, requests will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

All visitors to NLSD schools will be required to wear a mask.

“Our top priority continues to be the health and well-being of our children and communities,” the release notes. “We can assure you NLSD, the Ministry of Education and the chief medical health officer are working diligently to ensure that the return to classes this fall will occur in a safe, yet comfortable environment for both students and school staff.”

Also on Aug. 22, the NLSD announced online school will be available for students between Kindergarten and Grade 12. Registration information will be made public at a later date, but those needing more information should contact the Edcentre.

derek.cornet@jpbg.ca

Twitter: @saskjourno

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