COVID 19 Learning FAQ

1. Learning Options

1.1 What are the learning models available to students?

• Students under the On Campus learning model will attend school, five days a week. Students will remain with their class to limit interactions with other students, including during lunch and recess.
• Students under the At Home Learning Model will attend school online, five days a week and will be assigned a designated teacher.

1.2 I do not feel comfortable sending my child to school. Can they continue with At-Home learning?

1.3 Will I be able to switch my child from At-Home learning to On-Campus learning after the start of the school year?

Below are the revised processes for switching between learning options:

Elementary students may switch from At-Home learning to On-Campus learning at key dates throughout the school year. Families will have until Sept. 10, 2020 at 3 p.m. to inform their Principal. We anticipate another opportunity to change learning models mid-November.

Elementary students who opt for At-Home learning will be enrolled in our online program where they will be taught remotely by an MCA educator. This educator may not be your child’s homeroom teacher.

Families will have the option to transition their child(ren) from On-Campus learning to At-Home learning throughout the school year. Schools will work with families to determine the least disruptive timing for a transition to At-Home learning. Since this transition will result in a move to a different teacher, every effort will be made to provide students with a continuous learning experience.

1.4 My child is new to MCA. How will they become familiar with school routines?

New students will receive instruction on Tuesday, September 8 from their teachers during their orientation session on campus or at home. During the orientation session, students will learn many of the school routines from other students and faculty.

2. On-Campus Learning

2.1 Will school hours be the same?

In most cases, school schedules, including start and end times, will remain the same as in previous years (9 AM - 3:15 PM). Lunch and recess times may be staggered to allow for physical distancing.

2.2 What is my child permitted to wear/bring to school?

Please ensure your child has a fresh, clean set of clothes each day. Students should wear the following:

• Monday to Thursday
  • Top: collared polo type shirts in blue, white or grey with no graphics.
  • Bottom: blue jeans, blue or beige khaki pants with no marking or tear.
  • Shoes: Black dress shoes
• Friday
  • Full MCA uniform as per uniform policy.

ALL ITEMS OF THE STUDENTS MUST BE LABELLED.

2.3 How will classes be organized?

Students in JK - Grade 8 will attend school five days per week, remaining in one cohort for the full day, including recess and lunch. Cohorted classes will stay together with one teacher, where possible, with limited contact with other subject teachers for classes such as French, the Arts, and Health and Physical Education.

2.4 How will classes be reconfigured to promote physical distancing?

All classrooms will be organized with the goal of physically distancing students as much as possible. This includes the removal of unnecessary furniture and placement of furniture in a manner that allows as much distancing as possible, and to allow teachers as much teaching space as possible. Carpets will no longer be in the classroom, and desks will be individually spaced out.

2.5 Will students be required to bring their own supplies so that they do not have to share amongst each other? If not, who will manage cleanliness between uses?

Students will be required to bring their own personal items to school daily and must return home with them daily. These items may include, but not limited to: knapsack or bag, binder/text for the duration of that day and water bottle.

Personal belongings should be kept near their desk area at all times and should not be shared between students. Every effort will be made to limit the use of shared objects.

As much as possible, students will be given their own materials. If materials must be shared from one class to another, they will be disinfected or stored and left untouched for a designated period of time. Porous and non-porous items that must be shared will be cleaned by instructional staff with a disinfectant before giving to another student.

ALL ITEMS OF THE STUDENTS MUST BE LABELLED.

2.6 Will students use lockers?

There will be no use of lockers at this time. Any locks put on lockers will be removed. Lockers may be issued later in the school year if it is deemed safe to do so.

2.7 What if a student arrives late for school?

Parents/guardians dropping off students after the morning bell will be required to buzz/call into the school from the front door and indicate their child's presence at school. The parent/guardian will not be permitted in. Office staff will sign the student in, notify the Classroom Teacher and the student will go directly to class without entering the office. For JK & SK students, a member of the staff will greet the student arriving late and will escort the child to class.

2.8 How will French classes take place?

French classes may be delivered online and on-campus. Whether a student is at home participating in at-home learning or on campus attending classes, they will engage in French lessons. This will allow us to maintain “classroom bubbles” and our physical distancing.

Efforts will be made to meet Ministry of Education French requirements for students in grades 4 to 8. French for students in JK to grade 3 will be explored at a later date.

2.9 How will classes like music and gym be held?

A variety of delivery options may be considered to meet the music curriculum's overall expectations, which could include full At-Home learning, On-Campus teaching and instruction with lower-risk performance opportunities (e.g., in-school instruction in larger spaces, fewer instruments, restricting the type of instruments in a group setting) or On-Campus teaching and instruction with no live performance.

Our Gymnasium will be open. However, they will only be used where physical distancing measures can be followed. Health and Physical Education classes should take place outside whenever possible. Masks are not required when students are outside but physical distancing must be maintained. Students participating in moderate or vigorous physical activity should not wear a mask but must maintain physical distance from other students.

A modified Physical Education program will be available. Teachers are working to provide a robust co-curricular experience in ways that  make physical distancing measures possible and align with advice provided by health authorities. These activities will take place outside where possible.

Our Junior High music program will be delivered through string instruments, rather than wind instruments. Plans are well underway for the renting or purchasing of additional equipment to ensure students are not sharing instruments or other equipment.

The safety and wellbeing of our students and employees is our top priority, and as such, Choirs, Band and Concerts will be paused for the time being.

2.10 Will school libraries be available for student use?

Our school library will be closed, unless required to accommodate unique instructional situations.

3. Eating At School

3.1 How will lunch/nutrition breaks work?

Lunch breaks will occur with students staying in their classrooms to eat. If weather permits, consideration could be given to having lunch breaks outside. Lunch times and breaks may be staggered to allow students to wash hands before eating without creating congestion in washrooms.

Due to health concerns, microwave use will be on hold for the time being and will be revisited at a later time. Until further notice, please send lunches/snacks that do not require heating.

3.2 Will my child be required to bring a personal water bottle?

Students are required to bring a clearly labeled water bottle since they will not be allowed to drink from water fountains. Water filling stations will be available.

3.3 Will food services be offered?

MCA is currently discussing with Lunch Lady, our food services provider, options for the safe provision of food services. At this time, the dining hall may be used as a classroom and will not be used as a dining facility.

3.4 Can I bring my child's lunch to school during the day?

Families are encouraged to send their child to school with a prepared lunch. Families/caregivers who must drop off student lunches for elementary students will leave the labelled lunch in a designated area located immediately inside the main entrance. Those dropping off lunches will not enter the Main Office. Food deliveries from third-party providers, e.g., Skip the Dishes, will not be accepted.

3.5 Who will be supervising students during lunch?

Homeroom teachers or an adult will be assigned to supervise lunch.

4. At-Home Learning

4.1 What will At-Home learning look like?

Home Learning instruction will be with an MCA faculty, but not necessarily by the on-campus homeroom teacher.

Our intention is to ensure that Home Learning students will have access to a learning community with their Online peers, as well as maximum teacher instruction and support.

4.2 What if my child doesn't have access to technology?

Students that do not have access to a device or technology, will be provided with a device to support At-Home learning for the 2020-21 school year.

At-Home learning will be taught understanding that many families share one device among multiple siblings.

Please connect with your teacher directly if you require a device. Families who are able to purchase devices for their children are encouraged to do so.

5. Enhanced Cleaning & Air Flow

5.1 What type of cleaning protocols will be used?

Our existing cleaning company, Sunshine Building Maintenance Inc., will include new protocols for custodial staff during COVID-19. These new measures include the hiring of a new day porter who will commence Touch Point Disinfecting to address commonly touched surfaces such as door handles, panic bars, push plates, corridor and entrance door glass surfaces, water filling stations, counter tops, phones, automatic door operator push plates switches, security alarm switch, stairwell railings, elevator push buttons and railings. In addition, regular cleaning and sanitization that will take place after each day.

5.2 How have heating and cooling systems been optimized to reduce risks associated with COVID-19?

We are working closely with our HVAC providers to ensure our filters are robust and our air-handling systems are tuned up and serviced. Our HVAC providers have:

1. Increased the amount of fresh air being introduced into the controlled space.
2. Installed MERV 13 filters on all HVAC (re-circulating) equipment.

5.3 How often will classrooms and classroom supplies be cleaned?

Classrooms will be cleaned each evening. The areas to be cleaned are: countertops, sink areas, phones, Teachers' desks/office desks in room, student desks, door glass, drinking fountains (if applicable), door handles, plates and panic bars, automatic door operator push plates closet doors handles, pencil sharpeners and washroom areas.

Shared objects used for classroom instructional purposes should be limited when possible, or objects should be cleaned with soap and water and disinfectant between each use. Personal items (e.g., phones, equipment, desks) should not be shared.

Cleaning of student equipment, instructional resources or technology in a classroom, staffroom, office or lab will be the responsibility of either the classroom staff or the individual student. Disinfectant will be provided as needed for users to clean the technology or equipment before use.​

5.4 How often will washrooms be cleaned?

Staff and student washrooms will be cleaned throughout the day and thoroughly sanitized on a nightly basis. In addition, frequently touched surfaces in the washroom will be cleaned at a minimum of twice daily. High-touch surfaces include: door handles, faucets, soap dispensers, automatic door operator push plates, toilet handles, toilet paper dispensers, washroom stall doors.

5.6 How often will school gyms be cleaned?

In elementary schools, gymnasiums will be cleaned every evening. If gymnasiums are used for before- and after-school programs, they will be closed for cleaning during the first and last period of the day.

All activities will avoid or limit the use of equipment. Any shared equipment will be disinfected between each use.

5.7 Will before and after school classrooms be cleaned?

The cleaning of before- and after-school classrooms will take place before the change in cohorts. Every effort will be made to place before- and after-school programs in empty classrooms. If an occupied classroom or multiple classrooms are used, cleaning of each will be required prior to, and after day class use.

5.8 Who will sanitize or clean my child's device?

All distributed technology used by students and staff is the property of MCA and under the Laptop Policy. Technology devices will not be cleaned by Custodial staff. This will be the responsibility of the individual student. Disinfectant wipes will be provided as needed for users to wipe down technology or equipment before use.

5.9 Who will clean student instructional or technology equipment between classes?

Cleaning of student equipment, instructional resources or technology in a classroom, staffroom, office or lab will be the responsibility of either the classroom staff or the individual student. Disinfectant will be provided as needed for users to clean the technology or equipment before use.

6. Health And Safety

6.1 What does my child need to do before going to campus?

Families are required to follow all appropriate directives from Public Health and Government authorities regarding out of province travel.

Families will also need to complete a daily COVID-19 self-screening process before leaving home, using tools provided by the school. In addition, students will be screened upon arrival on campus. Parents should also review with their child the preventive measures that are in place at the school to limit the transmission of COVID-19 including frequent hand washing, physical distancing, and following one-direction traffic flow signs when they are in school buildings.

6.2 Beyond the self-check guidelines, how will students be screened onsite before entering the school?

We are looking at several tools to assist us with screening and tracking information. What parents can count on is that, while physical distancing and other COVID-19 restrictions are in place, every person entering a building on campus will be required to be screened daily before coming to the campus and will be permitted to enter the building under specific circumstances.

6.3 What should my child wear to school?

With hygiene being of paramount importance for reducing disease spread and because students will not have access to lockers or changing areas at the school during COVID-19, please follow the guidelines outlined below,

• Monday to Thursday
  • Top: collared polo type shirts in blue, white or grey with no graphics.
  • Bottom: blue jeans, blue or beige khaki pants with no marking or tear.
  • Shoes: Black dress shoes
• Friday
  • Full MCA uniform as per uniform policy.

PLEASE LABEL ALL ITEMS.

6.4 Where and when can I pick-up/drop-off my child?

A campus map which illustrates the designated drop-off and pick-up areas will be available before the return to school. Students will be required to enter and exit the school on their own and will not be accompanied by parents or guardians. JK and SK faculty and staff will be available during drop off and pick up times to ensure students make it safely inside. Before School drop-off will start at 7:30 a.m. Space will be limited and activities will be restricted. Registration is required. Staggered after-school pick-up times are being finalized and will be communicated at a later date. We anticipate longer than normal wait times during drop-off and pick-up while everyone adjusts to the new restrictions.

MCA will be offering the After School Program to JK - Grade 8 students, hosted in the gym or designated room(s). Students will be physically distanced. Please watch for further information and an opportunity to sign up. Please note that clubs will not run in the fall of this year until further notice.

6.5 How will you be ensuring that our kids are safe?

Our top priority is the health and wellbeing of our community. MCA has undertaken an extensive review of its practices and protocols and continues to follow the advice and guidelines of local and Provincial health authorities and the Ministry of Education. Our return to campus health and safety review has included the measurement and analysis of all learning spaces, mapping out one-directional flow of student and employee movement within campus buildings, determining entry and exit doors for specific year levels and cohorts, and reduction of class sizes.

As we return to school, new enhanced health and safety measures have been added to all aspects of school routines to help reduce and stop the spread of COVID-19. These measures are based on guidance from public health agencies and the Ministry of Education, and will be included in start-of-the-year training for school staff.

6.6 Will students' temperatures be checked daily prior to the start of the school day?

Yes, students’ temperatures will be checked on arrival, prior to the start of the school day. In addition, staff and families/students will be required to conduct a daily self-assessment before arriving at school. This assessment can be found at http://covid-19.ontario.ca/self-assessment/

6.7 What symptoms would require that a student stay home from school?

Parents/caregivers are asked to perform daily screening of their children before arriving at school (http://covid-19.ontario.ca/self-assessment/). If the self-assessment directs them to stay at home and monitor their health or to get tested for COVID-19, they must not come to school. Remember, a safe school is always more important than a perfect attendance record.

6.8 Are all students and staff required to wear masks?

• Students in JK to 8 will be required to wear a non-medical mask or face covering while indoors.
• All visitors to the school must also wear a mask.
• Faculty and staff will be required to wear a mask and/or face covering.
• Reasonable exceptions on the requirement to wear masks will apply (e.g., staff or students with sensory or breathing difficulties).
• Masks are not required when students are outside but physical distancing must be maintained.
• Students participating in moderate or vigorous physical activity should not wear a mask but must maintain physical distancing from other students.
• Students should have multiple spare masks in their backpack.

6.9 How do I seek a mask exemption for my child?

Schools will work with families on a case-by-case basis, giving due consideration to exemptions mentioned by the Ministry (sensory and breathing difficulties). We appreciate there may be other circumstances. Families are asked to contact the school at their earliest convenience for mask exemptions.

6.10 Will schools provide masks to students?

Families are required to purchase non-medical masks or face covering for their child. Please ensure that your child has multiple spare masks in their backpack.

6.11 What happens if my child becomes sick or has COVID-19 symptoms while at school?

Students experiencing COVID-19 symptoms will be supported by faculty and staff. They will be accompanied to an isolation area at the school and parents will be asked to pick up their child as soon as possible. Parents/Authorized pick up persons are required to come to the school immediately. Parents/Students will also be advised to get tested for COVID-19 at a local Assessment Centre.

6.12 What happens if a student or staff member tests positive for COVID-19?

MCA will follow current provincial testing guidance, and will follow public health guidance when an individual tests positive for COVID-19.

If the school is aware of a student or employee who tests positive for COVID-19:

• The Principal will work with MCA Administration and Peel Public Health to conduct contact identification and follow-up with identified contacts.
• Peel Public Health will require student attendance records, class and contact information, classroom seating plans, and essential visitor sign-in records.
• Communication will be provided to impacted families and/or staff in collaboration with MCA Administration and Peel Public Health. Contacts will be determined and informed by public health that they have been exposed and will be provided with guidance by public health.
• Contact tracing should occur within the first 48 hours of a new positive case. Public health will determine any additional steps required, including but not limited to, the declaration of an outbreak and closure of classes and/or schools.​

6.13 If a student or staff member tests positive for COVID-19, will the entire classroom be required to quarantine or the entire school?

MCA will follow public health guidance when an individual tests positive for COVID-19. Public health will determine any additional steps required, including but not limited to, the declaration of an outbreak and closure of classes and/or schools.

6.14 Do I need to report my child's absence?

Regular school attendance procedures will be followed. Students who are participating in the At-Home Learning Model do not need to report their absences to the school, although students/parents should notify the At-Home Learning teacher.

6.15 Will there be staggered entry times to spread out students entering?

Entry will be designated by grade and the school will determine a model that promotes physical distancing.

6.16 What measures are being taken to improve ventilation in classrooms?

HVAC system settings will be adjusted to increase the amount of fresh air. Teachers will also open windows to increase natural ventilation where possible. We are also exploring air purifiers for classrooms.

6.17 If a student requires ​medication, how will it be administered?

The administration of medication will follow MCA school policy and continue with protocols already established, including physical distancing from others while waiting for medication.

If necessary, students should report to the Main Office to see the receptionist for administration.

6.18 How will you manage students who do not abide by restrictions related to COVID-19?

The safety of our students is of paramount importance. MCA students will have an opportunity to learn more about the day-to-day requirements of our return to campus on the first day of school. The consequences of not adhering to any of the requirements will be addressed based on our progressive discipline model outlined in our handbook. We have a commitment from all faculty to enforce the COVID-19 restrictions. If any student persistently falls short of expectations and is deemed a risk to the safety of other students, that student will not be permitted on campus and/or parents will be asked to pick their child up.

7. Child Care

7.1 How often will the spaces be cleaned for before- and after-school programs?

The cleaning of before- and after-school classrooms will take place before the change in cohorts. Every effort will be made to place before- and after-school programs in empty classrooms. If an occupied classroom or multiple classrooms are used, cleaning of each will be required prior to, and after day class use.

8. Specialty Programs

8.1 How will international students participate in learning?

The decision of whether to admit international students for the coming school year rests with the federal government. Should the federal government decide to admit international students, MCA will follow all federal guidance with respect to their admission. International students would be assigned a homeroom.

9. Transportation

9.1  Will transportation be provided to students?

No, transportation will not be provided during this time.

10. Other

10.1  Will field trips and extracurriculars still take place?

During this time, field trips, clubs and organized sports are placed on hold. This will be reevaluated under the direction of Peel Public Health and our school affiliations.

It is our intention to offer a co-curricular program that is as full and varied as possible given physical distancing and cohorting measures and adheres to current health guidelines. Our programming in the fall will reflect the most current guidance from the Ministry of Education, public health authorities and relevant sporting and artistic organizations.

10.2 Can I still volunteer at my child's school?

Parent volunteering will not take place at this time. To minimize health and safety risks, individuals entering schools will be limited to staff, students and essential individuals.

10.3 Where can I get more information on MCA's return to campus plans?

Please visit the school’s website at http://mcalearn.com/

Families will also receive regular communication by email during the school year.

10.4 What is the best way to contact my child’s teachers?

Email is the best way to connect with your child’s teachers. Please allow faculty 48 hours to respond to your inquiry.