March 31, 2021
STAGE 2 UPDATED PLAN for 2020/2021 - MEI SCHOOLS
All changes are highlighted in red.
Ventilation Systems
MEI has reviewed, recharged, and repaired all of our ventilation systems at each of our schools and can confirm that they are running at optimal level at this time. Our Facilities Team will monitor these systems with extra vigilance throughout the year and respond in earnest as any needs arise.
Traffic Flow
Movement within our secondary and middle school will be directed with markings on the floors designed to provide the necessary safe distancing for staff and students. Movement in our elementary school will allow for only one class moving through the halls at a time per floor in addition to the directive markings on the floors.
Cleaning
Custodial teams are tasked with cleaning all common area surfaces at least twice a day, including once during school hours. Disinfection of other surfaces such as lockers will take place daily as directed by provincial guidelines.
Hand Washing Stations
Custodial teams will ensure adequate supplies of soap and paper towels are maintained in all school washrooms and in elementary classrooms equipped with sinks. Where hand washing is not possible, hand sanitizer dispensers will be available and monitored to maintain adequate supplies.
Students With Disabilities, Diverse Abilities
Students with disabilities, diverse abilities, or those who require additional support will have access to the supports needed as before. Although the way students are supported may look different, we will work on a case-by-case basis through our Learning Support Services Teams at each school to provide meaningful learning experiences for all of our students.
Learning Groups
School Hours
MEI will continue with our regular daytime hours:
Elementary from 8:30am - 2:35pm
Middle from 8:30am - 2:45pm
Secondary from 8:35am - 2:45pm
School Calendar
The MEI Schools Calendar will remain as planned including all Statutory and Other Holidays and Professional Days.
Drop Off & Pick Up
Elementary School
All children will need to be dropped off outside so students can line up with their classes and teachers. They will then be brought into their classrooms in staggered formations to allow for safe distancing. After school dismissal will be staggered. Parents will need to remain outside for drop off and pick up. Adults are asked to refrain from socializing while on MEI school grounds.
Middle School
Students will need to be dropped off outside the front doors so they can proceed to their classroom. After school dismissal will be staggered employing multiple exits.
Secondary School
Students will need to be dropped off outside the front doors so they can proceed to their classroom. After school dismissal will employ multiple exits.
Safety Plan Highlights
Masks
As mandated by the government on March 30, 2021, masks will be required for students in grades 4 - 12 anytime they are indoors including their classroom, in common areas, and on busses. Masks will be required for all K - 12 staff anytime they are indoors including classrooms, common areas, staff-only areas, and on busses. The exceptions include 1) When behind a barrier, 2) While eating or drinking, 3) Temporarily for an educational purpose such as playing an instrument, 4) When working with an individual student where visual cues and facial expressions are necessary (> Click her for a full list of exceptions) The government is recommending that children in kindergarten - grade 3 wear masks, but that remains a parent/guardian’s choice.
Any visitors to the school offices will need to book an appointment ahead of time and wear a mask during their approved and scheduled visit.
Teachers Teaching on Call (TTOC) will be required to wear a mask at all times.
MEI will continue with our regular daytime hours:
Elementary from 8:30am - 2:35pm
Middle from 8:30am - 2:45pm
Secondary from 8:35am - 2:45pm
School Calendar
The MEI Schools Calendar will remain as planned including all Statutory and Other Holidays and Professional Days.
Drop Off & Pick Up
Elementary School
All children will need to be dropped off outside so students can line up with their classes and teachers. They will then be brought into their classrooms in staggered formations to allow for safe distancing. After school dismissal will be staggered. Parents will need to remain outside for drop off and pick up. Adults are asked to refrain from socializing while on MEI school grounds.
Middle School
Students will need to be dropped off outside the front doors so they can proceed to their classroom. After school dismissal will be staggered employing multiple exits.
Secondary School
Students will need to be dropped off outside the front doors so they can proceed to their classroom. After school dismissal will employ multiple exits.
Safety Plan Highlights
Masks
As mandated by the government on March 30, 2021, masks will be required for students in grades 4 - 12 anytime they are indoors including their classroom, in common areas, and on busses. Masks will be required for all K - 12 staff anytime they are indoors including classrooms, common areas, staff-only areas, and on busses. The exceptions include 1) When behind a barrier, 2) While eating or drinking, 3) Temporarily for an educational purpose such as playing an instrument, 4) When working with an individual student where visual cues and facial expressions are necessary (> Click her for a full list of exceptions) The government is recommending that children in kindergarten - grade 3 wear masks, but that remains a parent/guardian’s choice.
Any visitors to the school offices will need to book an appointment ahead of time and wear a mask during their approved and scheduled visit.
Teachers Teaching on Call (TTOC) will be required to wear a mask at all times.
Music
Classes that involve singing in grades 6 - 12 will require that all students wear a mask. Musical instruments will need to be cleaned between uses.
Physical Education
In grades 6 - 12, classes will be spaced out and physical contact will be minimized. Any classes that require rigorous activity will take place outside whenever possible. Masks will be worn for low intensity physical activity when physical distancing can’t take place.
Staff-Only Spaces and Gatherings
All meetings, in-service, professional development, and other gatherings will be held virtually whenever possible. Physical distancing or barriers, in addition to masks, will be employed for meetings that need to take place in-person. The number of participants and length of meetings will be minimized as much as possible when held in-person.
Ventilation Systems
MEI has reviewed, recharged, and repaired all of our ventilation systems at each of our schools and can confirm that they are running at optimal level at this time. Our Facilities Team will monitor these systems with extra vigilance throughout the year and respond in earnest as any needs arise.
Traffic Flow
Movement within our secondary and middle school will be directed with markings on the floors designed to provide the necessary safe distancing for staff and students. Movement in our elementary school will allow for only one class moving through the halls at a time per floor in addition to the directive markings on the floors.
Cleaning
Custodial teams are tasked with cleaning all common area surfaces at least twice a day, including once during school hours. Disinfection of other surfaces such as lockers will take place daily as directed by provincial guidelines.
Hand Washing Stations
Custodial teams will ensure adequate supplies of soap and paper towels are maintained in all school washrooms and in elementary classrooms equipped with sinks. Where hand washing is not possible, hand sanitizer dispensers will be available and monitored to maintain adequate supplies.
Students With Disabilities, Diverse Abilities
Students with disabilities, diverse abilities, or those who require additional support will have access to the supports needed as before. Although the way students are supported may look different, we will work on a case-by-case basis through our Learning Support Services Teams at each school to provide meaningful learning experiences for all of our students.
Learning Groups
Note: Further details are available at each school
Elementary
Students will be placed in a learning group of up to 60 students. The smaller classroom size of 24 - 30 students, however, will be their primary place of learning.
Middle
Students will be placed in a learning group of 60 students within two classrooms. This pod of students will experience learning together in various combinations within their two classrooms and with their shared teachers.
Secondary
MEI Secondary will develop a schedule that employs the Quarter System model. This means that our students in grades 9 - 12 will take one course in the morning and a second course in the afternoon for a period of 10 weeks, and then switch to two different courses in the next quarter which will be completed at the end of January, 2021. This design will allow for all mandated safety requirements to be met combined with a high opportunity, at a similar frequency as other years, for students to receive the classes that they have requested. Administrators will provide spaces as designated hangout zones indoors for students within learning groups during breaks. Students who choose to mingle during breaks outside of their learning group will need to be outdoors and safely distanced.
Elementary
Students will be placed in a learning group of up to 60 students. The smaller classroom size of 24 - 30 students, however, will be their primary place of learning.
Middle
Students will be placed in a learning group of 60 students within two classrooms. This pod of students will experience learning together in various combinations within their two classrooms and with their shared teachers.
Secondary
MEI Secondary will develop a schedule that employs the Quarter System model. This means that our students in grades 9 - 12 will take one course in the morning and a second course in the afternoon for a period of 10 weeks, and then switch to two different courses in the next quarter which will be completed at the end of January, 2021. This design will allow for all mandated safety requirements to be met combined with a high opportunity, at a similar frequency as other years, for students to receive the classes that they have requested. Administrators will provide spaces as designated hangout zones indoors for students within learning groups during breaks. Students who choose to mingle during breaks outside of their learning group will need to be outdoors and safely distanced.
Transportation
Students in grades 4 - 12 choosing to use MEI Bussing this year will be required to wear a mask. Busses will be loaded back-to-front and unloaded front-to-back in order to minimize contact. It will be expected that students are on their absolute best behaviour while on MEI busses to ensure that drivers are not being distracted while navigating the usual traffic combined with the new safety expectations on the busses.
Resources
> CDC: Public Health Guidance for K - 12 Schools (March 30, 2021 Addendum)
Students in grades 4 - 12 choosing to use MEI Bussing this year will be required to wear a mask. Busses will be loaded back-to-front and unloaded front-to-back in order to minimize contact. It will be expected that students are on their absolute best behaviour while on MEI busses to ensure that drivers are not being distracted while navigating the usual traffic combined with the new safety expectations on the busses.
Resources
> CDC: Public Health Guidance for K - 12 Schools (March 30, 2021 Addendum)
Where is the plan for mental health for the students?
ReplyDeleteI really wish that initiative would be made to have all staff and students wear masks when on campus
ReplyDeleteGlad to see this is now mandated. I’m curious to know what is the process for those who refuse to wear a mask? When a person is refusing to wear a mask will they be required to prove they have a dis-ability to comply with the mandate?
ReplyDelete