The first week of back to school looks a little different this year for Niagara elementary students at both school boards.
For District School Board of Niagara students that have elected to return to school (vs. online learning) and are in Kindergarten through Grade 8, the return to school schedule uses a staggered approach based on grade.
For Niagara Catholic students, who have opted for in-school lessons, they will return on days designated based on their surname.
DSBN staggered return to school plan for elementary school students
Kindergarten and Grade 1 students at DSBN schools will return to class Tuesday Sept. 8. The next day they are joined by students in Grades 2 to 3. On Thursday Grade 4, 5 and 6 have their first-day of school, joining the younger grades. And on Friday Grade 7 and Grade 8 students join everyone to start their studies.
Designated special education classes will all return on Tuesday, September 8.
DSBN says most schools will follow the staggered plan, however, several smaller schools may not use the full week to stagger students.
Carolyn LoConte, DSBN spokesperson, explained the rationale for the staggered return approach. “The staggered entry time is being implemented for health and safety reasons; for both our students, their families, and our staff’s physical and mental health. The health and safety of our school community has always been a top priority through our planning, and this is one example of that,” she said.
“With our students, their families, and staff having not been in their schools since March, and with the new health and safety protocols in place, staggered entry times will help ease everyone into this new school year. It will provide a calm environment to introduce new procedures, and allow students, their families, and DSBN staff to learn and adopt the enhanced health and safety protocols, and get used to their new routines.”
Niagara Catholic staggered return to school plan for elementary school students
All Niagara Catholic students in Grades Kindergarten to Grade 8 will return based on the letter their surname starts with.
Students in Kindergarten to Grade 8 with surnames starting with A through L will attend their first day of school starting Tuesday, Sept 8. They will also go to school on Wednesday, Sept 9. But this initial cohort of students will stay home Thursday and Friday that first week.
Students in Kindergarten to Grade 8 with surnames started in M to Z will attend their first day of school starting Thursday, Sept 10, returning the next day on Friday, Sept. 11.
Learn More:
DSBN return to school guide (PDF)
More return to school news and info for DSBN students
Niagara Catholic info