Board to review Division Pandemic Plan again in January of 2021

Lethbridge School Division Board of Trustees has determined the Division will continue with the current Pandemic Plan, which includes the suspension of all extra-curricular and co-curricular activities.

At this time, the Board’s priority must be the continued maintenance of our current cohort groupings and the implementation of our plan to ensure, as best as possible, safe and uninterrupted learning and work environments for our students, staff and their families.

The Pandemic Plan will be reviewed in January of 2021.

The Board spent time reviewing the plan and gave consideration to the current status of the health of Division students and staff, along with communication received from parents, students and meetings with each middle school and high school principal.

As of Oct. 19, Alberta Health Services is reporting 134 active cases in the City of Lethbridge. AHS reported 12 cases on Oct. 5. Lethbridge is currently in a “watch” status, according to AHS. 
During this time, Lethbridge School Division has reported COVID-19 cases in six schools (Agnes Davidson, Victoria Park, Lakeview, Fleetwood-Bawden, Lethbridge Collegiate Institute and Senator Joyce Fairbairn). Contact tracing has, or is, occurring in the schools listed above with positive cases.

Through the AHS contract-tracing process, we currently have 34 staff and approximately 300 students who have been directed to isolate due to these cases.

The Board recognizes the importance of extra-curricular and co-curricular activities such as sports, fine arts performances/showings, clubs and other after-school activities. They compliment the delivery of curriculum and allow our students additional settings to develop self-confidence, creativity, empathy, teamwork, communication skills, collaboration, problem solving and discipline. They enhance our students’ opportunities to appreciate the importance of being a part of something larger than themselves.

The Board of Trustees looks forward to reviewing the Pandemic Plan in the New Year and will continue to place the health and safety of students and staff at the forefront of all decisions.