It’s official. K to 12 students across the province will be returning to classes in-person on January 10th.
Education Minister Adriana LaGrange confirmed today that the province is moving ahead with its plan, after winter breaks for many school divisions were extended by a week due to rising COVID-19 cases. Grande Prairie schools were already slated to be off this week.
“I have heard overwhelmingly from families that learning in person is best for their kids who feel more connected, learn better and thrive while attending school in person. Experts agree and continue to stress the importance of in-person learning to the overall health of children and youth.”
The government’s plan includes the distribution of millions of at-home rapid test kits to schools, as well as masks. It works out to be enough for each student and staff member to test twice per week for 2.5 weeks and a two-week supply of masks.
LaGrange also announced that students in grades 4 to 9 will be able to access free online tutoring resources to catch up on literacy and numeracy skills they may have fallen behind on. More grades and subjects are expected to be added later this year.