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By Teagan Rasche

Medicine Hat Public School Division to require masks, others to have more information next week

Aug 13, 2021 | 3:34 PM

MEDICINE HAT, AB – With COVID-19 school safety measures now in the hands of school officials, the local districts are working out their own plans.

Medicine Hat Public School Division sent an email out Thursday night informing families masks will be required for all students and staff in common areas and as they move about the classrooms.

Superintendent Mark Davidson says the decision is based on local data.

“I think what’s more important to Medicine Hat Public School Division, than whether or not it’s a province wide mandate or a local mandate, is whether or not we have the support and engagement of Alberta Health Services in engaging the data at the local level in order to make an informed science-based decisions around how best to protect our children and community,” Davisdon said.

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Medicine Hat Public School Division will require masks for now, but will adjust protocols as the year goes on based on changes in local data.

Medicine Hat Catholic Board of Education superintendent Dwayne Zarichny said in a statement “We are looking forward to a near normal return to school this fall.”

Zarichny said staff and student safety continues to be the priority and the school board will keep following recommendations from the Government of Alberta and health officials.

Families can expect a more formal letter next week and Preparing for the 2021-2022 School Year plan can be found here.

The Prairie Rose School Division also released a statement today. Superintendent Roger Clark said they will spend the next few days carefully reviewing the new guidance documents.

He says student safety is the priority and Prairie Rose “will continue to to take direction and work in collaboration with AHS regarding health protocols and measures.”

The Back to School Guide 2021-2022 can be found here and parents can expect more information next week.