INTRODUCTION: MOVING TO THE CRITICAL LEVEL (RED)

The purpose of this document is to communicate an overview on Mitchell Middle School plans  as we move to the CRITICAL Level (Orange) in Manitoba’s Pandemic Response System. Our first and foremost priority continues to be the safety and well-being of our students and staff This document may evolve as we receive further guidance and directions from Public Health and Manitoba Education. Details for the Pandemic Response System Levels for K–12 Schools from the Province of Manitoba can be found here.

We are committed to continuous and transparent communication with our parents/guardians as we believe information is critical in order to address any challenges and obstacles that may arise in this new learning climate.

We continue to be confident that we have developed systems and structures to ensure students and staff stay as safe as possible with learning and social/emotional health being the main focus.  MMS is planning for all children to continue to maintain a strong connection with all students regardless if students are learning from home or if they are at school.

All MMS students (whether or not they are in school or at home) should start their school day on this site: MMS Critical (Red) Level Learning Hub. (Note: this site is under construction and will be updated regularly)

The CRITICAL Level (RED) means all students will be staying home EXCEPT children on Critical Service Worker in grades 5 and 6. Some exceptions may be made for students with specific needs at the grade 7 and 8 level. These children will attend school everyday and follow the same schedule as they were following during the ORANGE level. Students will be grouped by Grade Level and will be supported in school by Mrs. Hagberg, Mrs. Wychnenka, and Mr. Molinski. Students In School will follow the same learning opportunities provided to students learning at home. These learning opportunities will be developed and shared by current classroom/homeroom teachers and will be accessed via Google Classroom and/or SeeSaw.

IN SCHOOL LEARNING EXPERIENCE INFORMATION AND PLANS

  • This applies only to children of Critical Service Workers of students in grade 5 and 6. 
  • Some exceptions may be made for students with specific needs at the grade 7 and 8 level.
  • Children of Critical Service Workers will attend everyday.
  • The regular school day ‘bell schedule’ will be followed.
  • Entrance, recess, lunch, dismissal plans would remain intact as they have been since the start of the school year. View those plans here.
  • Students will be grouped together by grade level and will follow the learning opportunities available in the Remote Learning Section.
  • Students will be supported by Mrs. Hagberg, Mrs. Wychnenka, and Mr. Molinski
  • The following courses will be focused on daily: English Language Arts (2 periods per day), Mathematics (2 periods per day), Science (1 period per day), Social Studies (1 period per day), Physical Education (2 periods per day), 
  • Masks must be worn at all times when distancing is unpredictable. Current exemptions to masks will be honoured.

REMOTE SCHOOL LEARNING EXPERIENCE INFORMATION AND PLANS

  • The remote learning school day will have much more structure to it compared to what was experienced in the Spring of 2020.
  • Regular scheduled Virtual Meetings with Homeroom/Classroom Teachers will happen for all students learning remotely.
  • The following courses will be focused on daily: English Language Arts (2 periods per day), Mathematics (2 periods per day), Science (1 period per day), Social Studies (1 period per day), Physical Education (1 independent period per day or join the Virtual Warrior Fitness classes)
  • School work will be found in Google Classroom of your current ELA, Math, Science, and Social Studies Teachers.
    • All standards for remote learning can be found here. The highlights are below:
      • Students will be required to participate daily in learning and assessment with minimum standards, as follows:

Real-time online instruction will be coordinated by the assigned teacher for all students registered in the class. Students must be available for the following real-time learning times (synchronous)

          • Grades 5-8: Seven to eight hours of instruction (synchronous) per week

Independent work: Student assignments will reflect the learning outcomes of the Manitoba Curriculum. Assignments will be differentiated to meet the learning needs of students. Independent work can include reading, viewing and responding to pre-recorded videos, and engaging in project-based learning. Some parent/caregiver support may be required. Students will be expected to participate for the following minimum amounts of time (independent work): 

          • Grades 5-8: three hours per day

Parent/Caregiver Involvement

  • Parent/caregiver involvement and support will be required and will vary depending on the age of the student and the student’s ability to work independently. This learning approach relies on the parent/caregiver to monitor engagement and completion of required independent work. 

Attendance/Participation

    1. Students are required to check in daily for Attendance using the Self Check In Form. This form also allows students to communicate needs to school administration and counselors daily.
    2. All school work will be provided online via livestream, Google Classroom, Google Meet, or Google Chat the teacher uses to engage students. 
  • The MMS goal is to maintain a daily connection with all students who have chosen the remote learning option.

Livestream Phys Ed

    • There will be many opportunities to stay active while at home. Mr. Penner and Mr. Tufford will be Livestreaming numerous Fitness classes each day. Remote learners will have the option to join these daily. Every Remote Learner should join at least ONE Fitness class per day. Students will be emailed a link to join via Google Meet every time a Livestream of a Fitness Class happens.

Library Books

  • Students can check out Library Books by going to Destiny and then logging into Destiny Discover to reserve a book. Students can reserve up to 4 books at a time and will be ready to be picked up at the office 24 hours after reserving them. Books must be returned within 3 weeks of taking them home.

We hope that this document has helped to address some of the questions you may have about the MMS move to the CRITICAL Level (RED).  Please feel free to contact the school if you have further questions at 204-320-9488.

in: General