TDSB and TCDSB schools open for in-person learning on Wednesday after winter storm

Toronto's two major school boardssaytheywill be open for in-person learning on Wednesday.

The Toronto District SchoolBoard (TDSB)andToronto Catholic District School Board (TCDSB)are making the moveafter Monday's winter storm shut downin-person classes for two days.

In a letter to parents, guardians and students on Tuesday, TDSB education director Colleen Russell-Rawlins said the board made the decision based on the weather forecast, progress the city is makingin clearing major roads and side streets of snow and progress that the board is making clearing its properties of snow.

Russell-Rawlins said the city is making "significant" headway and plowing is expected to continue overnight.

"The vast majority of TDSB schools and sites have been plowed and thanks to the great work of our caretakers are now accessible. Plowing will continue," Russell-Rawlins said in the letter.

"While delays are still possible, students and staff will more easily be able to travel to schools/sites given significant plowing operations underway in the GTA."

Russell-RawlinssaidTDSB child-care programs that serveinfant, toddler and preschool-aged childrencan remain open, but the board encouragesfamilies to confirm that they are open.

As well, shesaid before and after-school programsand extended day programs will also be able to open. TheTDSB'sEarlyON Child and Family Centres will continue to offer virtual programming. All continuing education programs will resume as normal.

As for the TCDSB, Trustee Norm Di Pasquale, who represents Ward 9 at the Catholic board, said in a tweet: "There may be significant delays with bus service."

In a letter on its website on Tuesday tofamilies, the TCDSBnoted that the city has600 road plows, 200 salt trucks and 360 sidewalk plows that are out working around the clock until snow removal is complete.

School busservicemay be slower than usual, it added.

"For families that rely on school bus transportation, please be advised that your child's bus route may pose some challenges for the bus operation and may experience some significant delays getting to and from school," the board saidin the letter.

"We ask that a family member please stay with your child(ren) while they wait for the bus in case there are delays."

Both boards reminded staff and students to screenfor COVID-19.