GUELPH –Due to COVID-19 restrictions and protocols the Upper Grand District School Board (UGDSB) has made changes to its cancellation and inclement weather day policy for this year.
Elementary bus cancellation
When buses are cancelled in Division 1 (yellow – South Wellington/Guelph/Puslinch) or Division 2 (blue – Centre Wellington/Erin/Rockwood), elementary schools in those divisions will remain open to students as usual.
However, when buses are cancelled in Division 3 (pink – North Wellington) or Division 4 (green – Dufferin County), elementary schools in the affected division(s) will be closed to students.
“Historically, there have been numerous days where staff at those schools are unable to safely report to work due to road conditions, despite their best efforts,” board officials say in a press release.
“With COVID-19 restrictions around limiting contacts and gatherings, we are unable to combine classes or groups to provide for adequate and safe supervision of students on no-bus days.”
Students will be expected to participate in remote learning for the day and will be supported by their teacher.
Before and/or after school programs will be cancelled at Division 3 and 4 elementary schools on bus cancellation days.
Students in the Elementary Remote School will continue as usual.
Secondary bus cancellations
When buses are cancelled in Divisions 1, 2, 3, or 4, secondary schools in the affected division(s) will be closed to students.
However, Erin District High School will close to students in the event of bus cancellations in either Division 2 or Division 4, due to the high number of buses coming from Division 2 and Division 4.
All students in affected schools will move to remote learning for the day and will be supported by their teacher.
“Under the current quadmester model, no-bus days have the potential to significantly impact student learning, especially when there are multiple no-bus days in a given region,” board officials explained.
“UGDSB secondary schools have a significant number of bused students, therefore a high percentage of the student body would be absent on a no-bus day.
“Under the quadmester model, these closures would impact the hours needed for secondary students to meet curriculum expectations and obtain a course credit.”
Students in the Secondary Remote School will continue as usual.
Emergency school closures
When schools are closed to staff and students due to severe inclement weather or power outages, all students will move to remote learning for the day and be supported by their teacher.
“Teachers will plan for the possibility of emergency school closures and will be prepared to pivot to remote learning,” board officials say.
As a result of pandemic planning in the board, all schools are better equipped to move to online learning than in the past.
Students in the Elementary and Secondary Remote Schools will continue with instruction as usual.
“The board thanks all UGDSB students, families and staff for their continued support as we navigate the school year with all the changes required due to the pandemic,” officials said.
For more information about inclement weather procedures in the UGDSB, visit https://www.ugdsb.ca/schools/inclement-weather-procedures/.
