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Finally, A Date For Schools To Re-Open
posted (June 8, 2020)
Finally, tonight, there is a timeline for schools to re-open - and for your kids to get back into the classroom. But, it's not until August. The opening date for preschool, primary and secondary schools was announced at a two hour Ministry Of Education press conference this morning in Belize City.

Education Minister Patrick Faber said it starts with teachers going back into the classroom a week before:

Hon. Patrick Faber- Ministry of Education
"August 3rd to the 7th, we will be requiring preschool primary and secondary schools, this is all levels of teachers, to return to the classroom. August 10th is a key date to watch. This is when we believe we are going to be poised to open schools at the preschool, primary school and secondary levels so that all teachers and students can start the new school year, so that there can be administering of the diagnostic assessments and so that we can start implementing learning recovery programs. This early start to the new school year will allow teachers and students to begin to close the learning gaps caused by the extended school closure in the 2019-2020 academic year. It will also provide students and teachers with an important headstart in the event of new school closures later in the school year, should Covid19 persist."

And, starting next week, secondary school students, teachers and counsellors are going in to prepare for CXC examinations.

Similarly, TVET instructors and trainees will be going in on June 22nd to complete practical components of trade programs.

And then, of course on July 13th, secondary school and junior college students will go in to sit CXC examinations.

But, it's not just going back into the classroom without a plan. The Ministry is preparing copious safety guidelines for the full re-opening in August:

Hon. Patrick Faber- Ministry of Education
"We will be publishing guidelines and related training materials for the operation of schools during the Covid19 pandemic. We will be collecting data and analyzing results from school readiness surveys. We will be training education officers, school leaders and teachers. We will be preparing school facilities to address identified infrastructure needs, cleaning and disinfecting facilities, repairing and installing fixtures, and procuring supplies. We will be training school bus operators, school meal providers and our school wardens. We will be making adjustments to schedules and services where necessary and we will be engaging and educating parents and the wider community on issues related to school reopening. We will also be determining the use of masks and face coverings and that will be done based on the national guidelines at the time of school reopening. The Ministry is undertaking several initiatives related to the reopening of schools. These include collaborating with education partners including school management, principals and teacher representatives to finalize a set of criteria that schools must meet and maintain in order to promote a safe and healthy environment. And we will be mobilizing the Ministry of Education personnel to offer training to school leaders and teachers. And we will evaluate school reopening plans including the preparation, arrangements for physical spacing, and adjustments to programs and policies."

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