BLACKSTOCK by Tammy Phillips

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After a staggered starts, this week marks the second week of back-to-school, with all in-person elementary students attending full-time. Secondary students are continuing with their hybrid model. Virtual learners at home are well into their second full week of classes. Durham Student Transportation Services (DSTS) school bus services resumed this week. The Blackstock Co-op Nursery School (BCNS) is excited announced its re-opening. Classes will begin again on Tuesday, October 13th, 2020, after the Thanksgiving holiday. In addition to implementing mandated Covid-19 protocols and policies, the school is adding an additional day and extended hours. This is to accommodate a desire for smaller class sizes of no more than eight children and two teachers. Mondays and Wednesdays, from 8:30 a.m. to noon, will be the Toddlers Program for ages 18-months to three years old. Tuesdays and Thursdays, from 8:30 a.m. to noon, will be the Junior Kindergarten (JK) Readiness Program for children starting JK in September 2021. In order to make this process fair, timely, manageable, and accessible, current BCNS families and members will have until September 21st to confirm their child’s placement. Registration will then open to wait-list and/or new families. For more information, please emailnblackstocknurseryschool@gmail.com. It’s with heavy hearts, that the Blackstock Minor Hockey League (BMHL) announced that will not be running this season. After much discussion as well as analyzing survey responses, BMHL made this difficult but necessary decision. They look forward to being back up and running for the 2021/2022 season. Blackstock-Nestleton United Church continues to assess their situation and best practices to determine a potential re-opening. Unfortunately, the Township of Scugog was recently informed that the province did not nominate this project for federal review and approval under the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program-Community, Culture and Recreation Screen. The Township will reapply for funding when this type of opportunity arises again. The project will be closed for 2020 and will return funds in the amount of $397,300 to DCA-Parks and Recreation that was included in this capital project. At the time of writing this column, I was unable to confirm what this means for the Blackstock Arena and Ice Programs. Please email news and items for consideration to link2tammy@gmail.com by noon on the Monday prior to publication date.

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