Fall 2020 Reopening Plan - Hudson College
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Fall 2020 • Reopening Plan Updated August 26. Hudson College administrators will update parents prior to September 8 regarding further changes to class schedules or requirements.
Fall 2020
On July 30, 2020, Ontario’s Minister of Education announced province-wide guidelines for students to safely return
to school in September. As Hudson College’s administrators, we take very seriously the health and safety of our
students, staff, and parents. When we reopen our doors on September 8, 2020, we can confidently assure parents
and families that we will strictly adhere to guidelines put forth by the Ontario Ministry of Education—which has the
approval of the Office of the Chief Medical Officer of Health—as well as those provided by The Hospital for Sick Children.
To understand what these guidelines mean for your student specifically, please read on.
As we enter the 2020-2021 academic year, we are committed to providing our students with a positive learning
environment and experience. While COVID-19 continues to present its challenges, the Hudson community will
continue to swiftly act to counter disruptions in learning by efficiently adapting.
This said, all members of the Hudson community (students, staff, and parents) must follow guidelines,
policies, and protocols to greatly mitigate the risk of COVID-19 transmission. We also recognize that our
return-to-school plan must be flexible enough to quickly respond to changing health and safety measures mandated
by health officials.
During these past few months—with the dedication, support, and compassion of our teachers, staff, and parents—
Hudson successfully navigated the uncertain terrain that COVID-19 presented. Students engaged in enriching, online
learning sessions while also having ample virtual social interactions with their peers—including an online prom and
graduation for our Grade 8 and 12 students (no small feat!). We hope to continue the momentum of learning and
growing as well as encouraging students to “be anything” and “be themselves” as we move forward together into
the fall. We will continue to practice physical distancing, wear masks when mandatory and appropriate, and provide
support to all students and families. Let us emerge from this time stronger and wiser.
As always, if you have additional questions, do not hesitate to reach out to us.
—Hudson College Administration
1
Class Size & Structure
Lower School (JK – Grade 8)
A full-time, return-to-school of our Lower School students requires everyone to follow
guidelines, policies, and protocols. While our staff and administrators are pleased with
students returning in-person—as we believe students should be in a learning environment
that provides essential social interaction with teachers and peers—we are also cognizant
of precautions required to support and ensure everyone's health and safety.
NOTE:
Fall 2020 • Class SIze & Structure: Lower School
If a student or staff member exhibits any symptoms (even minor) related
to COVID-19, they will not be permitted to enter the school. Medical documentation
indicating that symptoms are not related to COVID-19 will be required prior to return to school.
Hudson administration will not accept a student or parent assertion that the student’s
symptoms are for reasons other than a possible COVID-19 diagnosis (i.e. allergies,
a cold, etc.) without medical documentation.
• Lower School students can return to school full-time for in-class instruction,
5 days a week. Instruction will resume in all subject areas, including PE, French,
and Music (with some modifications, see box below).
• Online, synchronous learning is available to all students, however, the student
must commit to a minimum two-week learning period so that teachers may prepare
materials and incorporate the student into the class. Parents must contact the student's
teacher and the Hudson main office by August 31 to participate. More details under
“Online / Synchronous Learning”.
• Cohorts will be limited to approximately 50 for Lower School (including the teacher).
Students will remain with their classmates all day, and cohorts will be used to: guide space
allocation in the schoolyard for groups of students; limit interactions among students and
staff; and allow for contact-tracing by public health officials (when required).
S P E C I A LT Y S U B J E C T S W I T H S L I G H T C H A N G E S :
FRENCH
• Primary French – Vocabulary & language skills; singing not part of the program
• Jr. & Sr. Lower School Core French – Regular program
MUSIC
• Regular program with focus on Music Theory & Music History
• Instrumental instruction – Students will watch videos to practice & record at-home practice for assessment
• Concerts will be performed & viewed virtually (through Term One)
H E A LT H & P E
• Per the Ontario Ministry of Education: “With Health and Physical Education courses, efforts should be made to address
the overall expectations of the Active Living and Movement Competence strands outside, whenever possible.
Gymnasiums should only be used where physical distancing measures can be followed.”
• On gym days, students will wear their Huskies gym uniform to school & will not be required to use the change rooms
as physical distancing is difficult to maintain in those spaces. 2
• Per the Ontario Ministry of Education: "...gym equipment will be used on a limited basis, and it will be sanitized prior to
use by another class. Students will practice hand hygiene before and after gym class." Hudson's gym teachers will
access and follow Ophea guidelines for current public health recommendations.
Lower School (cont’d)
• Assemblies of 50+ students will be virtual. More details under “Physical Distancing
& Cohorts”.
• Arrival and dismissal will be staggered by grade using both front and back school
entrances. More details to follow a week before reopening.
• JK – Grade 6 will have three recess periods outdoors (weather-permitting).
• Grade 7 and 8 will have regular lunch recess outdoors (weather-permitting). Students
will not leave campus during lunch to reduce risk of COVID-19 community transmission.
• Suspended programs (for Term 1) include:
Fall 2020 • Class SIze & Structure: Lower School
- Before-Care
- All Clubs (to maintain cohorts & allow time for school cleaning)
- Sports events with other SSAF schools
• Aftercare will be limited to JK – Grade 4, with students split into three,
15-student cohorts:
JK & SK C O H O R T 1
Grade 1 & 2 C O H O R T 2
Grade 3 & 4 C O H O R T 3
O Hadministration
Hudson O R T 5 will prioritize aftercare seats to parents in front-line worker
positions and single parents with limited aftercare options. There will be a charge
for aftercare starting at 4 p.m., and due to increased staffing and cleaning costs, aftercare
will be billed on a flat-rate basis of $20 daily.
3
Upper School (Grade 9 – 12)
A full-time, return-to-school of our Upper School students to follow the guidelines,
policies, and protocols. While our staff and administrators are pleased with students
returning in-person—as we believe students should be in a learning environment that
provides essential social interaction with teachers and peers—we are also cognizant
of precautions required to support and ensure health and safety.
NOTE:
If any student or staff member exhibits any symptoms (even minor) related to
COVID-19, they will not be permitted to enter the school. Medical documentation
indicating that symptoms are not related to COVID-19 will be required prior to return to
Fall 2020 • Class SIze & Structure: Upper School
school. Hudson administration will not accept a student or parent assertion that the
student’s symptoms are for reasons other than a possible COVID-19 diagnosis
(i.e. allergies, a cold, etc.) without medical documentation.
• Upper School students can return to school full-time for in-class instruction,
5 days a week. The start of the semester will be staggered over two days.
The regular Semester 1 course schedule will be followed.
• Online, synchronous learning is available to all students, however, the student
must register online and commit to a minimum two-week learning period so that
teachers may prepare materials and incorporate the student into the class. Parents
must register Upper School students by September 2 to participate. More details
under “Online / Synchronous Learning”.
• Cohorts will be used to limit interactions and allow for contact tracing (if required). More
details under “Physical Distancing & Cohorts”.
• Assemblies of 50+ students will be virtual. More details under “Physical Distancing &
Cohorts”.
• Arrival and dismissal will be staggered by grade using both front and back school
entrances. More details to follow a week before reopening.
• For more details, refer to the 2020-2021 Upper School Student Handbook.
4Online / Synchronous Learning
N O T E : All students may participate in online learning with a minimum, two-week
commitment.
Lower School parents must inform their child's teacher and the Hudson main office by
August 31 (prior to the start of school), and, to continue throughout the school year, parents
must notify a few days prior to the completion of each two-week period.
Upper School parents / students must register and commit to full, online classes for the
semester (students cannot alternate between in-person and online). To register, fill out this
form and return by September 1.
Hudson’s teachers are dedicated to ensuring students’ online learning remains positive and
focused. Feedback from parents and students has helped us adjust our online / synchronous
Fall 2020 • Online / Synchronous Learning
teaching practices to better accommodate the overall needs of our families.
For students learning online during the 2020-2021 academic school year, Hudson has made
these modifications:
• Classroom cameras will broadcast classes focusing on the front whiteboard. This feature
will also allow students in 14-day quarantine (upon entry to Canada) or those unable to
leave their home countries due to travel restrictions to access classes in “real-time” and
not miss out on valuable course content.
• “Real-time” video recording focuses only on the teacher’s instruction; the camera does
not rotate from its position.
We continue to address the well-being of students; the organization, workflow, and pace
of assignments; the best use of technology (Zoom, Google Classroom, Seesaw);
the optimization of feedback channels; and the efficient sharing of resources.
5Protection Strategies
Hudson College has put safety precautions in place that adhere strictly to recommendations
made by public health officials. There will be no exceptions to the below protocols.
NOTE:
If any student or staff member exhibits any symptoms (even minor) related to
COVID-19, they will not be permitted to enter the school. Medical documentation
indicating that symptoms are not related to COVID-19 will be required prior to return to
school. Hudson administration will not accept a student or parent assertion that the
student’s symptoms are for reasons other than a possible COVID-19 diagnosis
(i.e. allergies, a cold, etc.) without medical documentation.
Fall 2020 • Protection Strategies: Masks
Masks
• JK – Grade 12 students must wear masks indoors—including in hallways and
during all classes (JK - Grade 2 may wear face shields). As TDSB has stated:
“Research shows that young children do contract COVID-19 and carry high viral loads
in their respiratory system, therefore indicating both the ability of young children to
contract and spread COIVD-19.” This proposal is based upon Toronto Public Health
advice, the City of Toronto, and the City of Toronto bylaw that requires masks to be worn
for children two years and older.
• Parents must provide a supply of four cloth masks for each student in case of
loss or damage. Masks must be labeled with the student’s name clearly marked and
sealed in a plastic bag. Extra masks are to be stored in a student’s cubby or locker.
Students are not permitted to share masks.
• All Hudson teachers and staff (including cleaning staff) must wear a mask in the
presence of students, other staff, parents, or visitors. Staff will have the option to
wear a clear shield on top of the mask, but a mask must be worn under the shield.
• Students can remove masks while eating their lunch (they will be physically
distanced during this time).
• Students will be asked to keep masks on during outdoor or indoor recess
periods due to the possibility of close contact during uninhibited play at recess.
• Students and staff will be trained on how to wear and remove masks properly. Prior
to mask removal, all students will be told to wash their hands.
• All visitors must wear a mask upon entry into the school. More details under
“Parents, Visitors & Supply Teachers”.
6Hygiene & Sanitization
• Hand hygiene practices and education will be mandated for all students and staff.
• Hudson will use the same high-grade, cleaning products as those used in
hospitals designed to kill COVID-19 on contact.
Fall 2020 • Protection Strategies: Hygiene & Physical Distancing
• Hand sanitizer stations, disinfectant wipes, and hand soap (in rooms with a
sink) will be available in all classrooms.
• Teachers will be given supplies of disinfectant cleaner in their classroom to wipe
down high-contact surfaces as required.
• Additional full-time cleaners have been hired to continuously clean all high-contact
areas of the school (door handles, washrooms, etc.)
Physical Distancing & Cohorts (General)
• Teachers will be encouraged to maintain a distance of 2 metres when interacting
with students, other staff, or visitors.
• School assemblies, concerts, performances, competitions performed in
group settings (such as sports) and dances will be suspended at this time, and
virtual options will be used where possible.
• As per recommendations by the Ontario Ministry of Education: “To align with physical
distancing, schools should not plan field trips and activities requiring group transportation
at this time, until public health data suggests otherwise.”
7Physical Distancing & Cohorts: Lower School
N O T E : To maintain distancing efforts, a Lower School Entry and Dismissal document was
sent to parents via email to parents and families on August 26. Please email contact the
school if you have not received it.
• We recognize that our youngest students (JK – Grade 1) may not be able to
adhere to the 2-metre physical distancing rule.
Fall 2020 • Protection Strategies: Lower School Cohorts
As noted by The Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids) document, “COVID-19 Guidance
for School Reopening” (July 29, 2020): “... while physical distancing and its role in the
prevention of infection transmission should be discussed with children of all ages, it is
likely not practical to enforce strict physical distancing in elementary school children,
especially during play. Interaction, such as playing and socializing, is central to child
development and should not be discouraged.”
• Grade 2 – 8 students will be assigned a desk within a physically distanced space.
Desks will be formed into a grid pattern (rows, columns) and will face forward rather
than in circles or groups. “Carpet time” (an important social gathering for primary
students) and shared tables in primary classrooms will be marked for physical
distancing accordingly.
• JK – Grade 8 desks, sitting locations on the classroom carpet, seats at larger tables,
line-up locations, and group work stations will be marked with a physical distance of
1 metre.
• As also noted by The Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids): “Current distancing
recommendations in Canada are 2 metres … however, it is recognized that a 1-metre
separation also provides protection and may approach the benefits of 2 metres in the
school setting where children should be asymptomatic, and especially for younger
children, as they are likely less efficient transmitters of SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19).”
8Physical Distancing & Cohorts: Lower School
In general, as mentioned, Hudson will divide Lower School students into cohorts for classes
and recess. Cohorting, in general, helps limit contact within a specific group of peers and
teachers, helping to significantly reduce exposure to COVID-19 and better facilitate contact
tracing if required.
Fall 2020 • Protection Strategies: Lower School Cohorts
Lower School groups include:
JK & SK C O H O RT 1
Grade 1 & 2 C O H O RT 2
Grade 3 & 4 C O H O RT 3
Grade 5 & 6 C O H O RT 4
Grade 7 & 8 C O H O RT 5
Staffing requirements (duty and teacher prep schedules, as well as inclusion of our specialty
subjects in the curriculum) will mean that teachers will be part of every student grouping.
In addition:
• Students will be taught and will eat in their classrooms.
• Specialty teachers (French & Music) or teachers supervising students during teacher
preps will come to the student’s classroom.
• Resource teachers will have access to all students.
As mentioned under “Class Size & Structure”, during recess, each cohort will be allotted
a specific section of the schoolyard where students will be supervised by a teacher assigned
to that cohort and schoolyard section. In addition, recess exit and entry will be staggered.
9Screening
• All staff will self-screen before attending school. Note: Parents and visitors
will have limited entry to the school. More details under “Parents, Visitors
& Supply Teachers”.
• Parents of all students will be responsible for the daily screening of their child
Fall 2020 • Protection Strategies: Screening & Communication
prior to attending school. A COVID-19 symptom checklist will be provided to parents
and staff. If a staff member or student is experiencing any symptoms of
COVID-19, they must stay home from school and seek testing as well
as appropriate medical attention.
• Signs will be posted at entrances to the school to remind students, staff, parents/
caregivers, and visitors of COVID-19 symptoms and screening requirements.
• Teachers will document attendance daily in QuickSchools (and appearing late for
online classes will be documented). Documentation of attendance will mean the parent
has conducted a daily screening of COVID-19 symptoms of their child prior to attending
school.
Communication & School Environment
• As mentioned, signs will be posted throughout Hudson College regarding COVID-19
symptoms and screening information (at entry locations and the main office).
• Age-appropriate posters identifying proper hand hygiene and physical distancing
will be posted in the classrooms, hallways, and bathrooms.
• Where required, signage identifying proper distancing spaces (line-up locations)
and directional signs to support hallway traffic flow will be provided.
• To ensure additional air circulation in the building, classroom windows and doors
will be kept open as weather permits.
• Each classroom will be equipped with the required technology for online /
synchronous learning as a result of student absences due to medical precautions.
• Students will be asked to not share assigned textbooks, personal or clothing
items, or school supplies. Students will wear their gym clothes to school on gym
days (change rooms will not be used).
• When using shared devices such as ChromeBooks, computers, or iPads, students
will be asked to use hand sanitizer prior to use.
10Parents, Visitors & Supply Teachers
In general, parents and visitors will have limited entry to the school. As noted in the Ontario
Ministry of Education’s Guide to Reopening Schools: “In the upcoming school year, schools
are asked to significantly limit or even prohibit visitors, including parents.”
In the past, Lower School parents have always been welcome at drop-off and pick-up time,
however, this year, we will limit parent visitors inside the school to JK parents
Fall 2020 • Protection Strategies: Visitors, Eating & Drinking
(for children experiencing formal education for the first time). JK parents will be asked to
drop off and pick up their children at designated entry locations and specific times before
and after school. More details to follow a week before reopening.
We encourage parents to email concerns or questions to their child’s teachers. Teachers
will email responses and direct queries to the proper staff or contact parents via phone.
If parents must enter the school, we ask that an appointment is made, and
that they follow health and safety protocols with respect to screening, wearing
a mask, and physical distancing.
Only supply teachers primarily servicing Hudson College will be allowed on campus.
All supply teachers will be subject to screening prior to entry, they will be required to
wear a mask while in any school location, and will adhere to all safety precautions and
protocols in place.
Eating & Drinking
Students will be required to have their own water bottle that can be refilled throughout
the day. Hudson has installed three new drinking fountains on each floor that remove
contaminants (including lead) with a bottle-filler option and no-touch sensor that enables
hands-free operation.
• Sharing of water bottles, food, and drinks are prohibited.
• JK – Grade 3 will have food delivered to their classroom (as is currently the
practice), and physical distancing will apply for Grade 4 – 8 and staff when
obtaining food.
• Our Huskies Kitchen will reopen Monday, September 14, 2020. The Kitchen will follow
safety guidelines and protocols as recommended by health officials. An email will be
sent out in late August once ordering for September’s menu is available. Huskies
Kitchen students will not wear masks while eating and will physically
distance themselves from their teacher and each other.
11COVID-19 Protocols
In the event that a COVID-19 case is identified at Hudson, we will take the
following actions for the safety and health of our students, staff, and families:
Reporting of Potential COVID-19 case(s)
As mandated under by the Health Protection and Promotion Act:
“Private schools must immediately report any suspected or confirmed cases of COVID-19
within the school to the local health unit and provide any materials (e.g. daily attendance and
transportation records) to public health officials to support case management and contact
tracing and other activities, in accordance with all applicable privacy legislation. Public health
officials will determine any additional steps required. Private schools must also report on a
daily basis any suspected or confirmed cases to the ministry. An online tool will be available
Fall Reopening • COVID-19 Protocols
for this purpose, and no personal information will be collected by the Ministry.”
• If Hudson is informed of a positive COVID-19 diagnosis, we will contact public health
officials as mandated by the Health Protection and Promotion Act noted above.
• Any student who exhibits symptoms listed for COVID-19 will be removed
from their classroom. Hudson will allocate a dedicated space for symptomatic
students who are waiting to be picked up by parents. Parents or caregivers will be
contacted, and the student must be picked up immediately. As mentioned, medical
documentation confirming a non-COVID diagnosis is required prior to a return to school.
• If a symptomatic individual tests positive for COVID-19, they should continue to remain
in isolation at home and follow the directions of their local healthcare provider.
• Staff or students may return to Hudson only after a negative testing result
of COVID-19. If a family member is in quarantine, they must notify Hudson College and
the student is expected to remain in quarantine with the family.
References
Centers for Disease (CDC). Preparing K-12 School Administrators for a Safe Return to School in Fall 2020. August 1, 2020.
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/schools-childcare/prepare-safe-return.html (Accessed August 3, 2020)
SickKids. COVID-19: Guidance for School Reopening. July 29, 2020.
https://www.sickkids.ca/PDFs/About-SickKids/81407-COVID19-Recommendations-for-School-Reopening-SickKids.pdf.
(Accessed July 30, 2020)
National Academies of Sciences. Reopening K-12 Schools During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Prioritizing Health, Equity, and
Communities (2020). https://www.nap.edu/download/25858 (Accessed August 2, 2020)
Ontario: Actions Taken to Keep Schools Safe During Reopening. July 30, 2020.
https://news.ontario.ca/opo/en/2020/7/actions-taken-to-keep-schools-safe-during-reopening.html. (Accessed July 30, 2020)
Ontario Ministry of Education. Guide to Reopening Ontario’s Schools. July 30, 2020.
https://www.ontario.ca/page/guide-reopening-ontarios-schools. (Accessed July 30, 2020)
TDSB. Returning to School: Planning Ahead for September 2020, Preliminary Plans for Discussion. July 15, 2020.
https://www.tdsb.on.ca/Portals/0/docs/Preliminary%20Plans_For%20Trustee%20Presentation_July%2017.pdf.
(Accessed July 29, 2020) 12COVID-19 Return-to-School Agreement
Dear Parents/Guardians,
Hudson College is committed to ensuring a safe return to school for its students and staff.
However, COVID-19 continues to be a persistent health concern in our communities. Our
community of educators and families must work together to ensure that Hudson’s reopening
is sustainable and that our students are able to continue in-class learning safely.
Fall 2020 • COVID-19 Return-to-School Agreement
Screening prior to entering school is a necessary procedure for all staff, students, and visitors.
Our students must be screened for COVID-19 symptoms daily prior to entering Hudson. We
are asking our families to assist us with screening your children.
By signing this document, you agree to screen your child(ren) daily prior to entry
into Hudson College, and you agree to keep your child(ren) home if any of these
symptoms are present. Your child(ren) cannot return to school until there is a negative
test, medical approval, and 24 hours have passed since their last symptom.
If you answer YES to any of these questions, your child CANNOT come to school and
should be isolated right away. Call Telehealth or your healthcare provider to find out if your
child or members of your household need a test.
r Fever (temperature of 37.8C or greater)
r New or worsening cough
r Shortness of breath
r Sore throat
r Difficulty swallowing
r New olfactory or taste disorder(s)
r Nausea/vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain
r Runny nose, or nasal congestion (medical documentation is needed for allergies)
r Unexplained fatigue/malaise/myalgias
r Chills
r Has your child or anyone in your household come into contact with someone who is sick
or has confirmed COVID-19 in the past 14 days?
r Has your child or anyone in your household travelled outside Canada in the past 14 days?
This signed form must be returned to Hudson before September 8, 2020.
Parent Name: ______________________________ Signature: _______________________________
Child(ren)’s name(s): _________________________________________________________________
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