Eagle River Secondary – Return to School
Dear ERS families,
First, I would like to thank everyone for their patience this week as staff worked through the logistics of students returning to school in the midst of the current COVID reality of increasing case counts. What we know about the Omicron variant is that it is highly transmissible and has a much lower incubation period.
While we feel that the safety procedures that we have been using to date this year are effective, we will need to re-commit to them as a school community in the coming month.
Mask requirements:
I am hopeful that you have now all had a chance to read the letter from the superintendent regarding the masking requirements that are being implemented in our school district (available on the ERS website). Students are strongly encouraged to use a 3 or 4 ply disposable procedural masks for the next 30 days. The district is committed to doing all we can to keep our schools open to in-person learning.
A recommitment to existing procedures
The following practices/procedures will be re-enforced at the school level:
–students will be expected to wear their masks so that they cover both their mouth and their nose at all times other than when eating and drinking. Please have a conversation with your child about this school expectation and the importance of proper mask use.
-students will need to hand sanitize regularly
-some lockers have been shifted in order to address congestion issues in the hallways
-staff have designed new seating plans to enhance the spacing between students
-gym bleachers have been sectioned off to encourage spacing between students
-cafeteria will supply ‘to go’ cups/plates/utensils for lunch meals for the next 2 weeks in order to limit crowding
-bathroom capacities will remain in effect
-Grade 7/8 and Grade 9/12 entrances and exits will remain in effect
Thank you for your commitment to helping reduce the risk of exposure to COVID-19 within our school population. I am hopeful that if we can work together through this next wave, it will allow your children and all others to enjoy what we know is the best delivery of education and that is “in person.”
Please feel free to email me (mmarino@sd83.bc.ca) with any questions or concerns. We are excited to welcome all students back to school starting Monday January 10.
Mark Marino, Principal