Nearly 200,000 people sign petition slamming Ontario's 'shameful' back-to-school plan
Monday, August 10, 2020
An online petition slamming Ontario's "disturbing" back-to-school plan has gained nearly 200,000 signatures but the government still won’t budge on reducing elementary class sizes this September.
Late last month, the provincial government released
its back-to-school plan, which includes elementary students returning to the classroom full-time with
regular class sizes.
Students will be with one cohort for the full day and enhanced health and safety protocols will be put in place.
"The Ontario government's 'plan' for reopening schools essentially amounts, in most elementary and middle school grades, to sending 30 students and a teacher back into a room for 6 hours/day with poor to no ventilation and probably only enough space for 30 cm of distancing between desks,”
an online petition, titled "Ontario Demands Better: Reduce Class Sizes to Keep Schools and Communities Safe," reads.
"This is shameful and demonstrates a reckless and disturbing lack of care for the health and safety of our children, teachers, school staff, and communities."
"We have evidence from countries and regions that went back to school in the spring to show that it can be done safely, without a surge in cases. The evidence suggests that the way to do this (along with other measures) is small class sizes."
An online petition slamming Ontario's "disturbing" back-to-school plan has gained nearly 200,000 signatures but the government still won’t budge on reducing elementary class sizes this September.
toronto.ctvnews.ca