This Week's Update- In-Person Learning Reopens Feb 16, 2021
- Ministry Update - Federal Funding
- An Update on Ventilation
- Switching Schools - In-Person and Virtual
- Committee Meetings This Week
- Government of Ontario Survey: 2021 Budget Consultations
- Coping Through Covid - Feb 11, 2021
- 211 Day is February 11
- Happy Lunar New Year - February 12!
- Stronger than Hate: Live, Virtual Program – February 25, 2021
- Podcast: TDSB Human Library
- PRO Grant Applications Now Open
- Next Ward 8 Forum March 11 - 'Mental Health'
- Family Day Invitation from Councillor Josh Matlow
- Addressing Anti-Asian Racism Resource Launch - Feb 9, 2021
- February is Kindergarten Registration Month
- Black Student Alliance Webinar
- Revisions to Optional Attendance Process
- Parent and Caregiver Engagement Initiatives
- Download the COVID-19 App
- School Year Calendar
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In-Person Learning Reopens Feb 16, 2021The Minister of Education announced that in-person learning will resume for schools in Toronto on Tuesday, February 16, 2021. Until that time, schools will remain closed to most students and staff and remote learning will continue. For students in the virtual learning model, classes will continue as normal during the closure and when in-person learning resumes.
It is important to reiterate that learning has continued since the Christmas Holidays ended. Virtual School continued as usual and in-person school 'pivoted' to remote learning. And the pivot to remote learning was no small feat - deep gratitude to all teachers and education workers and administrators in both Virtual School and via Remote Learning who continue to do their best to support student academic achievement and mental well-being.
In the days ahead, we will be sharing additional information with families with regard to health and safety measures at all TDSB schools — both those that are already in place and those that will be implemented when students return.
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Ministry Update: Federal Funding
On February 1, 2021, the Ministry of Education released the B01 Memo, outlining the second funding allocation of the federal Safe Return to Class fund and information regarding expanded targeted testing in schools.
Of the announced $381M second phase funding, only $199.4M was directly allocated to school boards at this time. The TDSB received $24.4M (approximately 12.2%) of the allocations announced in the following areas:
- Technological Devices: $9.4M
- Improving Air Quality and Ventilation: $6.9M
- Health and Safety: $7.8M
- Student Transportation: $0.3M
Staff will provide an update at the Planning & Priorities meeting on February 9 and the Finance, Budget and Enrolment Committee meeting on February 24 on next steps as to how the funds will be used as we work through the options and receive more information from the Ministry.
It is important to note as presented at the last Finance, Budget and Enrollment Committee, we spent about $49.43M in total on teachers/school based staff due to COVID. $14.19M of which (or approximately 132 FTEs) are through COVID funding. The other $35M will be funded mainly through our Board’s bottom line. We continue to ask the Ministry (as does the Ontario Public School Board Association) to fully fund the pandemic related costs.
Education Finance Memos
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An Update on VentilationI reached out to the staff that have expertise in mechanical systems, and asked for an update regarding measuring air quality. Please see below.
Though we do not measure every building - we do have an understanding of the level of ventilation and air exchange in our buildings. As noted below, this can be measured in buildings that have mechanical ventilation systems. In older buildings, that do not have mechanical ventilation for example, this information is understood in more general engineering terms – to the age of building, the average class room size, room occupancy, whether there is any exhaust in the building and air infiltration through the building envelope, including gaps around windows and exterior doors. TDSB, like many boards in the province also turned to expert organizations such as American Society of Heating, Refrigeration and Engineering (ASHRAE) to review their recommendations regarding school reopening. We have also followed guidance from Toronto Public Health, who have recommended opening windows in classrooms, for a short period of time, a few times during the day, to provide fresh air into the space.
From the TDSB Mechanical Engineering staff:
- Firstly, the quality of the indoor air depends on many factors, such as air filtration, ventilation rates and CO2 concentration:
- Air filtration is not difficult to assess; filters are rated by various agencies based on their efficiency and so, we can tell with a fair degree of accuracy the size of particles which are captured and the ones which can pass through.
- The air exchange (generally known as air changes per hour) are also easy to calculate based on the capacity of a mechanical ventilation system. Where natural ventilation only is employed, assessing the air exchanges is more involved, but empirical data is abundant and predictions can be made with a reasonable degree of confidence.
- Finally, the CO2 concentration in a given space can be measured directly by specialized sensors. This is a technique which we employ in all new schools and whenever we replace older ventilation equipment. More to the point, the CO2 sensors give us a measure of occupancy levels and allow us to tailor the amount of fresh air supplied to various spaces to the number of occupants. Gyms, libraries, cafeterias and other spaces with intermittent occupancy are the best examples for this approach. In technical terms, this is known as demand-controlled ventilation. There is very little scientific evidence showing a direct correlation between CO2 levels and the risk of COVID-19 transmission. What we do see is an indirect link between the two, in the sense that high CO2 levels may indicate a high occupancy rate in a space, and a high occupancy rate may facilitate the spread of the virus. But one must exercise caution, for example, a greenhouse may have high CO2 levels without a corresponding increase in COVID-19 spread. Similarly, large number of people which congregate outdoors (where CO2 levels are the lowest) may lead to elevated risks of COVID-19 spread.
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Switching Schools - In-Person and VirtualWe are committed to completing as many requests as possible, with priority given to students who live in neighbourhoods which are at higher risk for COVID-19 based on recent data from Toronto Public Health. Schools will be working to find appropriate classroom spaces for students who requested a switch, however it is important for families to understand that it will not be possible to accommodate all requests. Additionally, we know that families need stability and we want to ensure as little disruption to learning as possible, including for those students who have not requested a switch. Please visit the Switching Webpage for more information.
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Committee Meetings This Week
Delegation requests will still be accepted during the closure of all schools and administrative sites at the TDSB; however, oral delegations to address a committee of the Board will be presented by phone. To submit a delegation request (written or oral), please refer to the information found here https://www.tdsb.on.ca/Leadership/Boardroom/Delegations and email delegates@tdsb.on.ca. If your request is approved, further details will be provided to you via email.
Planning and Priorities Committee (Special Meeting) Tuesday, February 9, 2021 4:30 p.m. Electronic Meeting
The purpose of the meeting is to provide strategic advice and recommendations to the Board on COVID-19 related matters.
Note - at this meeting staff will share their preliminary thoughts on the 2021-22 school year organization.
We also expect to hear directly from Toronto Public Health since the Minister of Education announced that in-person learning will resume for schools in Toronto on Tuesday, February 16, 2021.
Governance and Policy Committee, Wednesday, February 10 4:30 p.m. Electronic Meeting
- 5. P006, Advertising Policy and P041, Distribution and Display of Materials for Students and Parents From External Groups Policy: Review, Phase 5
- 6. P073, Respectful Learning and Working Environment Policy
- 7. PR677, Records and Information Management: Revised Operational Procedure
- 8. PR597, French Immersion/Extended French: Revised Procedure
- 9. PR523, Access to School Premises: Revised Procedure
- 10. PR731, Virtual Consultations Procedure: New Procedure
- 11. Committee Reports
- 11.1. Bylaws Review Ad Hoc Committee, Report No. 01, January 27, 2021
- 12. Written Notice of Motion
- 12.1. Renaming Schools Celebrating the Diversity of Toronto (Trustee Rajakulasingam, on behalf of Trustee Smith and Trustee Mammoliti)
Community Advisory Committees and Statutory Advisory Committees:
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Government of Ontario Survey: 2021 Budget ConsultationsSurvey: 2021 Budget consultations
Please use this opportunity to let the province know your priorities - the survey has 11 questions and should take about 20 minutes. It closes on February 12, 2021.
From the website - The government’s 2020 Budget laid out the government’s $45 billion response to COVID-19. The 2021 Budget will build on this plan – but we need your feedback. How has COVID-19 affected your priorities? How can the Ontario government support your family or business? What can we do to ensure a strong recovery?
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Parents and caregivers are invited to join our TDSB mental health professionals to learn and discuss coping strategies to support mental health and well-being through the pandemic.
Thursday, February 11, 2021
6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Alexander Brown, Chair
Curtis Ennis, Associate Director, Equity, Well-Being and School Improvement
Shameen Sandhu, System Leader for Mental Health and Professional Support Services and Adolph Williams, Manager, Social Work and Attendance Services provide insight and practical strategies to help you and your family continue to cope through the pandemic
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211 Day is February 11The purpose of 211 Day is to let people know what 211 is and how the service can support people looking for help. 211 is a free, confidential helpline that is available 24/7, 365 days year (including holidays) in 150+ languages.
When someone calls 2-1-1, they reach a 211 Service Navigator who will help them navigate the complexities of the human services system quickly and easily, equipping them with the information and referral they need to access programs and services in their communities. In Central Ontario, the 211 service is available by phone and online via 211Central.ca, as well as by text, chat and email. It might not be a surprise that, with the country dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic and efforts to flatten the curve, calls to 211 have increased by 30 per cent. To learn more, please click https://211central.ca/211-day/.
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Happy Lunar New Year - February 12!
2021 is a year of the Ox, starting from February 12th, 2021 (Chinese lunar New Year Day) and lasting until January 31st, 2022.
To all celebrating, 心想事成 Xīn xiǎng shì chéng. May all your wishes come true!
Are you celebrating the Lunar New Year? We would love to hear from you! We are looking for parents of TDSB students to interview for a podcast series on celebrating cultural holidays during #COVID19. For more info, please contact welcoming@tdsb.on.ca.
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Stronger than Hate: Live, Virtual Program – February 25, 2021
A presentation by the Toronto District School Board’s African Heritage Committee, Jewish Heritage Committee, Liberation75, USC Shoah Foundation and Peel District School Board.
February 25, 2021 from 1 – 2 p.m. Link will be provided at a later date.
Moderator: Dr. Stephen D. Smith, Executive Director Chair, USC Shoah Foundation
Special Guests:
- Max Eisen, Toronto-based Holocaust Survivor, author of the award-winning “By Chance Alone”
- Joe Wilson Jr., Author of “The 761st “Black Panther” Tank Battalion in World War II, Son of Joe Wilson Sr, a member of the 761st Tank Battalion
- John L. Withers II, Author of “Balm in Gilead”, former UN Ambassador to Albania and son of Lieutenant John L. Withers, a WWII soldier who befriended and saved two Jewish Holocaust Survivors
The 761st Tank Battalion was the first all African-American Tank Battalion in World War II. They were instrumental in helping defeat the Nazis as well as liberating several concentration camps. Holocaust survivor Max Eisen was in one of the camps they liberated. Student participants in this program (Grades 6-12) will explore how stories create the possibility to learn about ourselves and others, and how we can affect change right now. Our world has seen an increase in Anti-Black racism and Antisemitism. This conversation will help us consider what we have learned from history and witnesses to genocide, and reflect on how that knowledge can help us take action to counteract hate.
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Podcast: TDSB Human LibraryTDSB Human Library: Conversations around Equitable, Anti-Racist, and Anti-Oppressive Practice is a podcast series comprising a collection of audio episodes on topics related to Equity, Anti-Racism, and Anti-Oppression in education. This podcast invites listeners to critically reflect on their pedagogy, reimagine engagement, and partner with community to improve student well-being and achievement.
Episodes are open to everyone and push educators to critically reflect on their pedagogy, as well as reimagine meaningful ways to deepen student engagement and community partnerships. Each episode is up to 15 minutes and is an introduction of insightful topics and speakers, discussions guided by critical questions and a call to action where audience members are provoked to re-envision their practice.
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PRO Grant Applications Now Open
School Councils may submit one request for supports up to $1,500 to support initiatives/activities that engage parents/caregivers (including virtual), and builds School Councils’ capacity around Human Rights, Equity, Anti-Racism, Anti-Indigenous and Anti-Black Racism. School Councils may collaborate and submit one application, however allocation will remain at a maximum of $1,500 per school. Applications are due no later than 5:00 p.m. on March 1, 2021. Applications must be submitted virtually using the application and submission form and platform. No hard copies will be accepted. Applications will be reviewed and will be approved upon a first come first served basis. Please apply early, funds are limited. Click here for details and the application form - https://tdsb.on.ca/Community/How-to-Get-Involved/School-Councils/Parents-Reaching-Out-Grants.
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Next Ward 8 Forum March 11 - 'Mental Health'
- November 12, 2020 - Ward 8 Virtual Ward Forum 'Equity'
- January 21, 2021 - Ward 8 Virtual Ward Forum ‘Parent/Caregiver Engagement’
The next Ward Forum is on March 11 – it will focus on 'Student Mental Health & Well-Being During COVID' and feature a presentation by Shameen Sandhu, System Leader of Mental Health and Professional Support Services. Please watch for details.
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Worth Repeating
Chinese Heritage Month - Follow us at Twitter @tdsbChineseHM. More information about these initiatives on our official Chinese Heritage Month site.
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Addressing Anti-Asian Racism Resource Launch - Feb 9, 2021
The Toronto District School Board (TDSB) and Elementary Teachers' Federation of Ontario (ETFO) proudly co-host the event: Addressing Anti-Asian Racism in Schools and Communities to unpack the impact of racism in our communities. The February 9th (5-6:30pm) event happens at an opportune time to both acknowledge and celebrate African Heritage Month, and to highlight Chinese, Korean and Vietnamese New Year. To assist educators, parents and community members to unlearn racism, ETFO and TDSB will launch a new resource - Addressing Anti-Asian Racism: A Resource for Educators, will be available to the public for free download after the launch. This educator document is the first of its kind in Canada. It provides a foundation for reflection, discussion and social justice action, and centres Indigeneity and Black lives within the document. Please register here https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/addressing-anti-asian-racism-in-schools-and-communities-registration-138145668413
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February is Kindergarten Registration MonthCome Learn With Us!
Registration for all TDSB Kindergarten programs begins on Monday, February 1, 2021. Children who will be four by December 31, 2021, can start Junior Kindergarten in September 2021.
If you have questions or are unable to complete the online registration independently, please contact your child’s home school to make a virtual face-to-face appointment (via Zoom or Google Meet) to complete the online registration process. If you know a parent whose child will be coming to JK in September, please forward this information to them.
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Black Student Alliance Webinar
Black Student Alliance Webinar: How to Start a Black Student Alliance on Wednesday, February 10, 5 p.m. – 6 p.m. BSAs are student groups that increase student voice, build capacity in student leadership and are supported by a TDSB staff member. Through ongoing meetings and discussions, school assemblies, guest speakers, presentations, and other initiatives students support each other, challenge anti-Black racism and contribute to ensuring the TDSB meets its commitments to equity, inclusion, and Black student success. Virtual Link: https://www.tdsb.on.ca/stream/LiveWebcast-African-Heritage-Month.html
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Revisions to Optional Attendance Process
If you have any additional questions related to the Optional Attendance process, please reach out to your current home school principal.
All current timelines are still in effect. Forms for secondary schools were due by January 29, 2021, and for elementary schools by February 12, 2021.
Elementary Optional Attendance – Key Dates:
- February 12, 2021 - Optional attendance forms due at elementary school
- March 05, 2021 - Deadline for parents/guardians to be informed of the status of the application request
- March 26, 2021 - Parents/guardians must inform the requested school of their acceptance of the offer
Secondary Optional Attendance – Key Dates:
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Parent and Caregiver Engagement Initiatives
During this challenging period for students, staff and parents/caregivers connecting with and supporting parents and caregivers continues to be a priority in the TDSB. The Parent and Community Engagement Office (PCEO), Parent Involvement Advisory Committee (PIAC) and the Community Support Workers (CSWs) have been engaged in a variety of activities to offer support, build capacity and make connections for parents/caregivers. A few examples include responding to food insecurity, organizing virtual information sessions, collaborating with 211 Toronto to ensure access to community-based services and helping parents navigate the system for assistance.
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Download the COVID ALERT APPTogether, let's limit the spread of COVID-19. COVID Alert is an additional tool to protect yourself and your loved ones. COVID Alert helps us break the cycle of infection. The app can let other app users know of possible exposures before any symptoms appear. That way, we can take care of ourselves and protect our communities. https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/diseases/coronavirus-disease-covid-19/covid-alert.html. Please note, unfortunately, the app is only available on certain phones/operating systems.
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School Year Calendar 2020-2021The official school year calendar for the Toronto District School Board runs from September 1 to June 30, inclusive and has now been approved by the Ministry.
The last day of class for elementary students is June 29
Secondary Quadmester Calendar
- Quad 3: Feb 8 - April 22
- Quad 4: April 23 - June 28
PA Days & Holidays Remaining
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