January 4 – 15 Plans at MMS

MITCHELL MIDDLE SCHOOL – RESTRICTED LEVEL SCHOOL PLAN – January 4 – 15, 2021

 INTRODUCTION: MOVING TO THE RESTRICTED LEVEL (ORANGE)

The purpose of this document is to communicate an overview on Mitchell Middle School plans  as we return to the Restricted 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 continue to be 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 feels the best place for kids is to be at school but we understand that personal circumstances may require students to learn remotely. MMS is planning for all children to be able to attend school while in the Restricted Level.

This plan is in place for a two week period, from January 4 – 15, 2021. Grade 7 and 8 students will continue to learn remotely as they did before the Christmas Break. Grade 5 and 6 students had the option to return to school or continue to learn remotely. An email will come soon to describe what school looks for your child(ren) between January 4 and 15, 2021.

Beginning January 18 Mitchell Middle School will fully move into the Restricted Level (Orange).

The Restricted (Orange) Level allows families to opt for an In School learning experience or a Remote Learning experience for their child(ren). Parents/Guardians have the option to move their child to the other learning experience, if necessary. Parents are asked to speak to Mrs. Kwiatkowski or Mr. Neufeld to discuss the option and timing of this kind of change. 

IN SCHOOL LEARNING EXPERIENCE INFORMATION AND PLANS

• The regular school day ‘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.
• Homerooms may be moved to larger teaching spaces so students can stay a minimum of two metres apart at all times. Homeroom teachers will contact families by the end of the week with any changes to homerooms.
• The following courses will be focused on daily: English Language Arts (1 periods per day), Mathematics (1 periods per day), Science (1 period per day), Social Studies (1 period per day), Physical Education (2 period per day), STEAM (1 period per day), 1 study/catch up period.
• Students will follow the same schedule everyday. 
• Masks must be worn at all times when distancing is unpredictable. Current exemptions to masks will be honoured. 
• Grade 5 and 6 students attend school every day unless the remote learning option has been chosen.
• All grade 7 and 8 students will continue to learn remotely until January 15, 2021.
• If your child is returning to school and borrowed a Chromebook for remote learning prior to Christmas, please return the Chromebook on January 4, 2021.

REMOTE SCHOOL LEARNING EXPERIENCE INFORMATION AND PLANS

• • An email to families of students in grade 5/6 and also to the families of students in grade 7/8 with specific details about what remote learning looks like from January 4 – 15, 2021.
  • Students will follow the schedule determined by their teachers. 
  • The following courses will be focused on daily: English Language Arts, Mathematics , Science, Social Studies, Physical Education (1 virtual period per day).
  • 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 7-8: Seven to eight hours of instruction (synchronous) per week
        • Grade 5-6: Regular check-ins by homeroom teachers for all remote learners.

• 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. 

• Students are required to check in daily for Attendance using the Self Check In Form before 9 AM and 1 PM daily. This form also allows students to communicate needs to school administration and counselors daily.
• 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.
• Homeroom teachers will be the main contact for children learning remotely.

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

Please keep in touch as you need.

Sincerely,

Susanne Kwiatkowski AJ Neufeld

Vice Principal Principal

skwiatkowski@hsd.ca aneufeld@hsd.ca

Posted on December 18, 2020 in: General