Dear Ecole John Henderson Middle School Community,

We would like to start off by saying that we are very happy to be back from break and we truly hope

that all students had some time to recharge and enjoy some family time. All staff are excited to be

welcoming back students to their classes.

We have been working hard to develop a back to school plan that puts the safety of our students and

staff at the forefront. We know that parents and caregivers have a lot of questions regarding the start

of the school year. We hope that this communication provides answers to those questions.

At JH we have adapted to all guidelines set forth by the Province and R.E.T.S.D. to provide the safest

environment possible. More detailed information can be found in this document however, a few

examples are:

• Grouped classes in cohorts to minimize student contact

• Reduced hallway traffic by having homeroom teachers will be moving from class to class

• Staggered entry and exit with teachers greeting and exiting students (see attached map)

• Staggered lunch

• Increased cleaning and sanitization measures

• Mandatory face masks

• Rearranging class desk composition to allow for maximum physical distancing

• Staggered hallway traffic to and from specialist classes

• Reduced class sizes where possible

• Identify an area for students who are symptomatic

• Allocated grade level Student Service staff

• Increased emphasis in student mental health

• Increased emphasis on hand washing

• Floor marking signage

• Students are strongly discouraged from going off site at lunchtime and congregating at local

establishments. Parents are encouraged to speak with their child about this important precaution.

All these measures are put in place to keep our students as safe as possible. However, we cannot do

this alone. We need to have the support of our parents/guardians and ask you to talk to your child about

the measures that are in place for the health and well-being of everybody.

Sincerely,

C. Chartier C. Kovacs

The River East Transcona Division Plan can be found at Welcoming Students Back 2020–21 .

As the COVID-19 situation is evolving, ensure to visit up-to date information and resources from the

Manitoba Government and RETSD webpage regarding current public health guidance and COVID-19

protocols for schools. https://manitoba.ca/covid19/restoring/rss-practice-guidance.html .

In-class learning will resume for students at Ecole John Henderson Middle School on September 8, 2020.

• School attendance is mandatory for children aged 7 to 18 in Manitoba. All students are

expected to participate fully in learning, even when remote learning is required.

• Division level remote learning will be in place for students who have been medically

advised not to return to in-class learning due to COVID-related risk factors.

• Grades 6, 7, 8, and students with special needs will be in-class full days, 5 days per week

while we are in Level 1.

o See In-class learning response level (see Welcoming Our Students Back: Restoring Safe

Schools at https://www.gov.mb.ca/asset_library/en/covid/k-12-reopeningplan-stage-

2.pdf

Facemasks/Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

• The province has made it mandatory for students and staff in grade 6-7-8 to wear a facemask

when physical distancing is not possible and while in common areas in the school setting

(unless there are medical issues or required accommodations that prevent the student from

wearing a mask). https://manitoba.ca/covid19/updates/prepareandprevent.html

• Masks will be provided for students who are unable to bring one from home.

• As the public health situation evolves, this may change. Please see

https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/video/covid-19-wear-non-medical-mask-

face-covering-properly.html for mask wearing information.

Bus Transportation

• All school bus passengers in Grade 5 and over, as well as the driver, are required to wear a

non-medical mask (unless there are medical issues or required accommodations that prevent

the student from wearing a mask). These should be put on before getting on the bus and taken

off after exiting the bus if removal is appropriate for the setting. Guidelines on how to wear a

mask can be found at www.gov.mb.ca/covid19/prepareandprevent/index.html.)

For additional transportation information see

https://www.edu.gov.mb.ca/k12/covid/docs/transportation.pdf

• If a student forgets a facemask, a limited supply of disposable facemasks will be available on the

bus. Please ensure students have their personal mask each day.

Symptom Screening

• Screen for symptoms every morning. If your child has COVID-19 or flu related symptoms, keep

them at home.

• An up–to-date list of symptoms can be found at:

https://manitoba.ca/covid19/updates/about.html

• Use the Self-Assessment tool to check if your child should be tested for COVID-19. Call Health

Links at 204-788-8200 or 1-888-315-9257 if you notice symptoms or if you need more

information.

• School staff may support screening at school in cases where the student did not self-screen at

home.

• Screening protocols are in place for people entering schools.

• All visitors (e.g.: parents/caregivers, divisional staff) are required to wear a mask upon

entering the building.

Individuals with Symptoms

• If symptoms develop while at school, the student will be isolated or kept 2 metres in distance

away from others. The conference room by the office has been designated as this space.

• The student will be provided with a medical facemask (unless there are safety issues that

prevent that person from wearing a mask).

• Parents and/or caregivers will be notified to come pick up their child immediately. Make sure

the school has your current contact information and a back up to call in case you can not be

reached.

• Students with symptoms are advised to immediately isolate and consult Health Links – Info

Santé or their health-care provider. Those with symptoms should be tested.

• If the test is negative for COVID-19, they can return 24 hours after symptoms resolve. If

individuals do not get tested, they should isolate for 14 days from symptom onset, and they may

return if symptoms have resolved at that time.

• A chronic stable cough, sneeze, runny nose or nasal congestion that is unchanged and clearly

linked to a known medical condition such as asthma or allergies, is not an absolute requirement

for exclusion. As well, children who are crying can exhibit a runny nose. Changing or worsening

of chronic symptoms require isolation and contacting Health Links – Info Santé. Staff will

exercise judgment based on the symptoms, but when in doubt, err on the side of caution by

isolating the child and advising the parent or caregiver to contact Health Links – Info Santé or

their health-care provider.

Protocol if there is a Positive Case in the School

• In the event of confirmation of a case of COVID-19 connected with a class, public health will lead

the response and provide guidance, including ensuring appropriate supports are in place to

coordinate the response. Public health will advise staff and students if they have been in close

contact if they need to self-isolate or self monitor and when they can return to school.

• Decisions about school closures will be made on a case-by-case basis with public health leading

the response and providing guidance, including ensuring appropriate supports are in place to

coordinate the response.

Hand Hygiene

• Hand Sanitizer and hand cleaning solutions will be available at access points throughout the

school and in classrooms.

Staff and students will clean their hands frequently at the following times:

o at the start of the day and before going home

o after going to the washroom

o before preparing food

o before and after eating

o after getting hands dirty

o after wiping noses or handling dirty tissues

o after coughing, sneezing, or blowing nose

o before and after putting on and taking off a mask

o after cleaning tasks (staff)

• Commonly touched surfaces, including desks will be disinfected at least twice daily.

Physical Distancing

• Two metre physical distancing is required to the greatest extent possible. Signage and floor

markings will indicate where lines form and where to stand both inside and outside of the

school building.

• It is recommended that learning will take place outdoors as much as possible.

Timetable

• Students will be placed in cohorts. Teachers will be encouraged to participate in cross curricular

projects/inquiry base learning when possible.

• Teachers will move classrooms while the students remain, for the most part, in their designated

room or with their cohort.

• Interactive start will not take place. However, there will be time allocated at the start of the day

and after lunch for home room teachers to start their days with more flexibility.

• Student specific timetables and up to date class lists will be ready later next week.

Gym / Music / Art / Applied Arts

• Students will be attending specialists’ classes. As many of these classes are very “hands on” they will

look different from what students are expecting or are used to.

• Specialist teachers will pick up and drop off students to their classroom.

• Students will not be allowed to use changerooms at this time.

Cohorts

• Cohorts involve keeping groups of students (e.g. classes) together and avoiding interactions with

other groups. Physical distancing within the cohort is required to the greatest extent possible.

Students within a cohort will be arranged 1 metre apart.

• Whenever possible, students and staff will remain together with the same cohort throughout

the day, including lunch breaks.

• Schedules and transitions will be staggered to reduce mixing cohorts in shared spaces (such as

hallways and the gym).

• The movement of cohorts will be minimized when possible, teachers and staff will move

between classrooms instead of students.

• Daily records will include names of students, staff and visitors who were in contact with each

cohort.

• Student initiated cohort changes will not be possible.

Grade 6 Cohorts

▪ 6A & 6B – Mr. Dryden , Mr. Kovachik, Ms. Kauk

▪ 6C ,6D, 6E – Ms. Lothian, Mr. Alain, Mr. Kilpatrick

▪ 6F & 6G – Ms. Bohemier, Mr. Carriere

Student Services Support - Ms. Warmington & Mr. Beaudry

Grade 7 Cohorts

▪ 7A / 7B – Ms. Robillard, Mr. Kelsey, Ms. Kavalench

▪ 7C /7D / 7E – Ms. Zbrog, Ms. Lamoureux, Ms. Fontaine, Ms. Bate

▪ 7F/ 7G – Ms. Glufka, Mr. de Graff

Student Services Support - Mr. Bargen, Mr. Beaudry

Grade 8 Cohorts

▪ 8A / 8B/ 8C – Ms. Marion, Ms. Mc Creedy, Mr. Gregoire

▪ 8D / 8E – Ms. Friesen, Ms. Claeys

▪ 8F / 8G - Ms. Cole, Ms. Harder, Ms. Putaro

Student Services Support - Ms. Lebrun, Mr. Beaudry

Communication

Parents/caregivers are encouraged to monitor the JH school website for any new information that may

arise.

https://www.retsd.mb.ca/school/jh/Pages/default.aspx#/=

Teachers will also be utilizing Microsoft Teams when necessary.

Drop-off Traffic at Schools

• Due to the anticipated higher traffic at drop-off and pick-up at schools, it is imperative that

everybody adheres to the Drop off and Go practices in place. No vehicles are to enter the

parking lot between 8:30 – 9:30 AM or between 3:00 – 4:00 PM.

• It is important that students do not arrive to school before their designated times.

Entry exit plan - Students will be asked to stand in their cohort groupings according to the signage

provided. Their teachers will pick them up and take them to their homeroom.

8:40 (See attached Map)

Grade 8 F/G Main school doors

Grade 6 CDE F/G Brazier Gym doors

Grade 8 C Field Entrance - Parking Lot staff doors

Grade 8 D/E Field Entrance Parking Lot staff doors

8:55 (See attached Map)

Grade 6 A/B- Main school doors

Grade 7 C/D/E Brazier Gym doors

Grade 7 FG Brazier Gym Doors

Grade 7 A/B 8:55 Field Entrance Gym Doors

Grade 8 A/B Field Entrance- Parking lot staff doors

• If students arrive before their designated time they are to use the field entrance on Leighton

Ave. and go to their designated cohort zone.

• Access to the Field Entrance Gym doors can be found at three spots: The gate on Leighton Ave.

by the IA room, the entrance at the South West side of the field (Leighton Ave. side closer to

Lord Woseley baseball diamond), the entrance by the North West side of the field (behind

Boyd Auto Body).

Students arriving after 9:10 will be asked to go through the main office doors follow the signage and

head directly other homeroom.

At the end of the day - Bus students will be dismissed according to their Bus cohorts followed by their

grade level cohorts. Bus student cohorts will be dismissed at 3:20, Grade 6 C/D/E, F/G plus 8 C/D/E &

F/G will be dismissed at 3:35. Grade 7 students plus 6 A/B & 8 A/B will be dismissed at 3:43.

Protocol for shared equipment

Wherever possible, we will limit the use of shared resources. When this is not possible, adequate, and

appropriate cleaning must be available.

Staff will:

• Carefully assess their classroom layout and shared spaces

• Remove materials that are harder to clean and sanitize (plush toys, dress up clothes)

• Consider how they can offer materials for individual use (personalized bags of manipulatives)

• Have students bring their own equipment if possible, including BYOD

• A system will be put in place for returning materials (library books) that allows for additional

time out of circulation

• Cleaning should follow specific disinfecting guidelines for areas such as: Technology, Musical

instruments, Physical Education etc…

Shared/Common Spaces / Canteen / Lockers

• Entrances and Exits will be assigned to student groups (e.g. cohorts, grade levels, student

names) to a maximum of 75 students per entry/ exit time.

• If cohorts are together in a larger space, 4 metres of distance will be maintained between each

cohort. Cohorts of 75 in common areas (e.g.: allowing 3 classroom cohorts sharing an outdoor

play area) will be considered in the future. At this time, class cohorts will remain 4 metres apart.

• Washrooms will be disinfected regularly. Washroom access will be staggered to the greatest

extent possible.

• Water fountains are closed. Students are to bring personal water bottles to school each day.

Students are encouraged to use the Water Refill Station as needed throughout the day.

• School Library: The school library will be closed for the first four 6-day cycles in September.

• Canteen access: Will be suspended until further notice. These changes are being made to

support the additional physical distancing measures and cohorts that are required.

• Lockers: Will be suspended until further notice.

Extra Curricular

• JH will pause school sports for September 2020 (or until further notice). Focus will be on

ensuring that we are open for students and staff, to support families in feeling confident

with new routines. We will need to ensure that all sport can adhere to provincial outlined

health expectations. We will continue to dialogue how we can address cohorts, the use of

volunteer coaches, the use of changerooms and the extension of the school day.

• For the resumption of league play to occur, the governing sports organizations must have

received return to play approval from public health. See Manitoba’s Restoring Safe Services

Sports Guidelines.

https://www.gov.mb.ca/covid19/restoring/sports-guidelines.html

Band and Guitar classes, students will adhere to the guidelines featured: Manitoba’s Guidelines for

Vocalists and Instrumentalists.

https://www.gov.mb.ca/covid19/restoring/music-guidelines.html

Lunch Breaks

• Lunch breaks will be staggered throughout the day, and whenever possible children will be

kept together with their class or cohort during these breaks.

• The canteen will be closed.

• Students are strongly discouraged from going off site at lunchtime and congregating at

local establishments. Parents are encouraged to speak with their child about this

important precaution.

• We encourage non-bused children to go home for lunch if possible.

• Students who stay for lunch will be strongly encouraged to remain on school grounds

during the lunch hour. This will ensure that they remain with the cohort of students and

limit their community-based exposure.

• Staggered lunch will look as follows:

• Grade 6 plus 7 CDE, A/B will eat in their classrooms from 11:52-12:19

• Grade 8 students & 7 FG will be outside from 11:52-12:19

• During the transition time students eating lunch will enter the field and their designated

zones through the gym doors while students coming in from lunch will enter through the

parking lot staff doors.

• Students will be asked to follow directional arrows and signage.

• From 12:19 to 12:47 - grade 6 students plus 7 CDE & AB will be outside while Grade 8

students and 7 FG will be eating in their home rooms.

• Students who go home for lunch in grade 6 and 7 CDE, AB will be asked to wait in the front

of the school in their assigned cohort area.

• Students in grade 8 and 7 FG will be asked to go to the field and join their cohort outside.

Learning materials

• Students will not use shared supplies. Students will be asked to bring their school supplies

with them and have them remain with them throughout the day.

Playground

• Public health advises that playgrounds and play structures are low risk for transmission.

Outdoor activities are encouraged, and outdoor spaces and playground structures can be

used.

• Zones will be marked to manage group sizes and avoid contact among groups.

• Contact sports and games, or the use of shared equipment is strongly discouraged.

Cleaning

• Cleaning schedules and protocols will be implemented as per Maintenance direction.

• Commonly touched surfaces will be disinfected frequently by custodial tasks, at least twice

daily. Daily cleaning logs will be kept in all division buildings.

• Ample hand cleaning supplies will be available at all sinks in washroom and kitchen areas.

• Custodial staff will be responsible for cleaning and disinfecting at the school.

Assemblies

• In order to ensure the additional physical distancing measures and cohorts that are required,

assemblies and large gatherings are not permitted at this time.

Visitors and Volunteers

• We will minimize visitors and volunteers at school facilities. When their presence is

necessary, visitors and volunteers must first self-screen for COVID-19 symptoms and adhere

to physical distancing and hygiene practices in place for students and staff.

• All visitors (e.g., parents/caregivers) are required to wear a mask upon entry into the

school.

• The office will be keeping a log of all visitors including location in school, entry and exit

time.

• Community use of schools will be suspended, with the exception of childcare centres

operating in schools.

• Any in-school meetings of Parent Councils/Advisory groups (e.g.: AGM) until after

September 30, or until further notice.

• Any other meetings (e.g.: Parents/caregivers with school staff) are to be scheduled using

online communication, video, telephone where possible, rather than in person.

Mental Health and Well-Being

• JH will prioritize mental health literacy through the focused use of effective mental health

strategies in the school environment to help create the conditions for student success and

well-being.

• A grade level Student Services support staff has been assigned to each grade level. (see

cohorts)

Recovery Learning

• Recovery learning is the focus for all Professional Development throughout the 2020/21

school year. Teachers will identify learning needs in a coordinated, collaborative, and

intentional way so that accelerated learning can occur. Staff will assess each student’s

unique starting points and plan responsively. School teams will work collaboratively to

analyse and respond to student learning data. Instructional planning and strategies will be

based on student’s unique academic strengths and next steps required for success.

Assessment & Reporting

• Students’ learning will be assessed on an ongoing basis to ensure that next steps are being

appropriately planned for. Learning that occurs in classrooms or remotely will be assessed

using good assessment practices that focus on the essential understandings of the

curriculum. Additionally, students and parents/caregivers need to be aware that reporting

continues to follow the guidelines and policies established by Manitoba Education and

reflected in the following RETSD policies:

https://www.retsd.mb.ca/yourretsd/Policies/Documents/IKAB.pdf

https://www.retsd.mb.ca/yourretsd/Policies/Documents/IKA-R.pdf

https://www.retsd.mb.ca/yourretsd/Policies/Documents/IKAF.pdf

https://www.retsd.mb.ca/yourretsd/Policies/Documents/IKAG.pdf

Student Specific Programming

• As is the case for all students, students with additional needs from K-12 will be receiving in-

class learning as prescribed by the province. Programming for students with additional

needs may include a student specific plan, such as an Individual Education Plan (IEP) or an

Adapted Education Plan (AEP). This collaborative planning will be led by the school team,

and as needed, supported by divisional staff. If students with additional needs are not able

to physically distance, provincial and divisional protocols will guide the necessary next steps.

These can be found at:

https://www.edu.gov.mb.ca/k12/covid/support/supports_non_distance.html

Out of Out-Of-School Education

• While educational day field trips can take place providing public health guidelines can be met,

given the logistical complications (distancing, transportation and the unknown variables off-site)

day field trips will not proceed until further notice.

• Beginning in September 2020, the division is directing the cancellation of all international and

interprovincial travel up to December 31, 2020. This may be extended for the foreseeable

future.

The Possibility of Remote Learning

• Students and families need to be prepared for a blended learning model that allows transition of

teaching and learning from in-class to remote with as little disruption as possible. Should this

arise, schools will be in contact with parents to communicate next steps.

Student Access to Devices & the Internet

• Parents/caregivers are advised to contact the school if they require technology or internet

support for student learning. To ensure all students are ready for a possible move to remote

learning, based on need, school staff will inform the division which students would benefit from

being provided with loaner devices that are to be returned at the end of the school year or

before. To ensure all students are ready for a possible move to remote learning, based on need,

school staff will inform the division which students would benefit from the opportunity to have

the school division provide home internet access through BELL/MTS.

Microsoft TEAMS

• All RETSD schools use Microsoft Teams as our teaching, learning and communication platform.

Your child’s teacher will be working, in the first weeks, to ensure that your child can access

Teams so that should schools move to remote learning, your child is positioned to continue their

learning. Parent information on supporting your child with Teams is forthcoming and will be

shared shortly.

Bring Your Own Device- Personal Electronic Use

• To support the use of technology in teaching and learning, Bring Your Own Device (BYOD)

guidelines will be in place for all students. Students/families are reminded that devices are

to be used for educational purposes only with permission from the teacher.

• Parents are reminded that communication with their child during the school day can be

arranged through the office and are discouraged to “reach out” to their child when they are

in class. Students may use of Personal Electronic devices for gaming, personal

communication etc… during the lunch period.

Encouraging students to use personal devices in classrooms:

• Supports the transition between in-class and remote learning

• Extends teaching and learning opportunities using technology

• Provides opportunity for modeling and teaching digital literacy practices that will be required for in-

class and remote

learning

• Limits the use of shared technology resources

Concern Protocol

We will always try to make the learning experience a positive, safe and happy one for its students.

However, if you have a concern or an issue, please don’t hesitate to let the school know. Open

communication between home and school is very important to us. Here are the steps to follow:

1. Talk to the person most directly involved—your child’s teacher. If you must leave a message, please be sure to provide a day and evening phone number where you can be reached.

2. If talking to the teacher doesn’t resolve the issue, talk to the principal.

3. If you’ve talked to the principal and, over a period of time, the issue still has not been resolved, call

the Superintendents department at 204-667-7130 or email communications@retsd.mb.ca

4. If you disagree with the decision of the Superintendents department, you can make an appeal in

writing to the board of trustees.

The RETSD Board of Trustees cares about the education of all the students in our division. We realize

that issues may occur and wish to highlight that the above process must be followed if concerns are to

be properly addressed. For more information:

Policy KE—Concern Protocol

Policy KE-R—Concerns and Complaints Procedures

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Teachers, students, and parents should be aware of the BYOD guidelines and the related RETSD policies.

This DOES NOT mean that student must have their own device. This approach allows students who have

their own device to leverage its use in-class under the direction of the teacher.

RETSD BYOD Parent Guidelines:

https://www.retsd.mb.ca/Lists/Publications/BYOD%20Parent%20FAQ%20Aug%202020.pdf

RETSD BYOD Student Guidelines:

https://www.retsd.mb.ca/Lists/Publications/BYOD%20Student%20guidelines%20Nov%202017.pdf

https://www.retsd.mb.ca/yourretsd/Policies/Documents/GBEE.pdf

https://www.retsd.mb.ca/yourretsd/Policies/Documents/IJND.pdf