Future School Considerations

From: J Birch Sent: Wednesday, April 15, 2020 2:28:39 AM To: justin.trudeau@parl.gc.ca <justin.trudeau@parl.gc.ca>; Chrystia.Freeland@parl.gc.ca <Chrystia.Freeland@parl.gc.ca>; Christine.Myatt@gov.ab.ca <Christine.Myatt@gov.ab.ca>; dujarric@un.org <dujarric@un.org>; GlobalOttawa@globalnews.ca <GlobalOttawa@globalnews.ca>; news@skynews.com <news@skynews.com>; tips@GlobalTVBC.com <tips@GlobalTVBC.com>; contact.nbcnews@nbcuni.com <contact.nbcnews@nbcuni.com>; newsonline@ctv.ca <newsonline@ctv.ca>; eurohealthycities@who.int <eurohealthycities@who.int>; she@emro.who.int <she@emro.who.int>; ogawah@wpro.who.int <ogawah@wpro.who.int>; Sky.Today <Sky.Today@sky.uk>; Secretary@HHS.gov <Secretary@HHS.gov>; edpubs@edpubs.ed.gov <edpubs@edpubs.ed.gov>; minister.edu@ontario.ca <minister.edu@ontario.ca>; servicebc@gov.bc.ca <servicebc@gov.bc.ca>; dan@jpost.com <dan@jpost.com>; shannon.kerr@novascotia.ca <shannon.kerr@novascotia.ca>; media@gatesfoundation.org <media@gatesfoundation.org> Subject: Future school considerations (opinion)

Hey Everyone, I was reading an article about WHO guidelines and they want to ensure that when the schools re-open there is a plan in place to protect the students. I was thinking that we can start to edify them on pathogens and germs and install proper procedures immediately so that they are not only protected but others as well. In Japan for example, they have their students clean the school to teach them the need for cleanliness and I think that would be a great way to ensure that they are protected. Have times throughout the day where they wear gloves and clean their areas to ensure not only a more tidy classroom but they also know cleaning procedures. Additionally I would have hand sanitizer in every room that is sensor activated to allow them to clean their hands if there is no sink in the room. Additionally, I think given the situation we need to implement smaller classrooms and I have an idea on how to implement this within the current budget. Have the teaching assistants field classrooms under the mentorship of a full teacher to follow lesson plans, coordinate tests and align together for both rooms. This will allow us to maximize social space while utilizing the same amount of staff. In addition, perhaps we should look into better water fountains that fill up their water bottles with filtered water to ensure that there are minimal buttons. Installing automatic doors or keeping some doors open will reduce contact points and coupled with regular sanitization this should increase protection for all students. I would reduce contact sports and activities for the near future and have the students eat at their desks to reduce communal spaces like lunchrooms. Teach students how to line up following social distancing guidelines and other sanitary procedures and incorporate medical information in lessons to maximize understanding and encourage career opportunities. Finally, you would want to perhaps look into more digital learning to minimize paperwork between student and teacher and educate them on ways to complete work on a tablet or desk computer. This not only gives them experience with digital architecture for remote work but also protects them from viral transmission. Stay Safe, Stay Sanitized and Stay Supportive, John Ames Birch @johneames2