Parents/Guardian Information Update September 2nd, 2020

This is an update containing important information for Joe Howe families, as we prepare for starting the school year next week. We know that many of you are wondering about the new routines and procedures that will happen at Joseph Howe because of the Covid 19 Pandemic. We have been working with the Province and the Nova Scotia Health Authority to make sure that we are keeping everyone safe. We as Nova Scotians are all responsible to do our part in keeping all Nova Scotians safe! We are excited to welcome all of our students back after such a long time away!

You will receive contact from your child’s teacher by the end of the day on September 4th. The teacher will provide details on arrival and dismissal locations, new Lunch procedures and ways to communicate with them. On Friday September 4th, you will receive a September 8th Plan that includes a map and details you will need to know for this exciting day! Keep checking your email and the school website for these important updates.

Social Distancing (2meters-6feet)

One of the best ways to slow the spread of Covid 19 is through Physical Distancing from others as much as possible. This year class cohorts will maintain appropriate social distance as much as possible in the building and on the playground. This means that students will remain with their class cohort for the entire school day. Social distancing between cohorts will be required on the playground, in the hallways, bathrooms or other areas in the school. Staff and parents will also be asked to remain socially distanced as much as possible and avoid gathering in groups. We have to model behaviors that we expect from students and protect ourselves as well.

Nutrition

Lunch will be different this year.Students need to bring their own lunch, full water bottles and snacks. They cannot leave the building to purchase food at a store. Any parents wishing to deliver lunch will be asked to label it with their child’s name and class and place it in labelled bins outside the front door on Maynard St. They will be delivered to your child by staff. Students cannot eat in hallways and sharing of food will not be permitted. Students will eat in their classrooms. Lunch will include a playtime and will  be broken into three staggered 40 minute blocks beginning at 11:30am and ending at 1:30pm.
Breakfast Program will continue but items will be individually packaged and delivered to each class at the beginning of the school day. Start date September 9th.

Curriculum

In September the focus will be on learning new routines for safety and movement in the school, social-emotional well being and assessing students in Reading, Writing and Math. Teachers will be using a variety of activities to gather information about your child. They will determine each student’s strengths, interests and preferred learning style so they can plan what and how to teach your child best. The usual specialist subjects will also be taught but may look different than in the past. Music, French and Library will all come to the class to conduct classes. Phys-Ed will be a combination of outdoor and gym based activities that respect the health protocols for Covid 19.

Digital Learning

We will be working with students to digitally connect and learn daily. These skills are essential for students' success in the future and will improve student engagement should they have to return to online learning at any time this year. Students in grades 2-6 will be using Google Classroom. Students in P-2 will be using alternate programs like Seesaw or Class Dojo. Students who have their own devices (laptops or ipads) are allowed to bring them to use for learning purposes at school. Devices must be used in accordance with digital acceptable use guidelines.  Students will be responsible for personal device care and maintenance. The school will not replace or repair lost, stolen or damaged devices.

Daily Health Screening

Please use the COVID 19 screening checklist with your child(ren) every day before school. If your child is unwell and is exhibiting symptoms on the list they are to remain home. You are advised to call 811, follow their advice and keep your child home until they are symptom free. Students who have signs of illness at school will be masked, isolated and supervised; then parents/guardians will be contacted to arrange pick up of the student.

Entering and Exiting building

Please be mindful of the fact that we have been directed to limit the number of people in the building and prevent groups from gathering on school grounds. After school, Please wait for your child outside the fenced areas nearest to your child’s exit door classes will enter and exit the building through designated doors. Your child’s teacher will indicate which doors will be used in their contact. Unfortunately, parents will not be able to enter the building or the grounds as in the past. Parents can communicate regularly with their child’s teacher using email and are able to call and make appointments to enter the building when it is required.

Arrival of Students in Morning

Students should not arrive at school until 8:40am. If they arrive prior to this time they need to gather at the location that will be identified on school grounds for their class cohort to meet.They should remain in that space with any other students in their class until their teacher or other staff indicates they are to enter the building. Students arriving before 8:40am will not be supervised but will be expected to wait with their class cohort and respect social distancing requirements for school. At 8:40am, Teachers will meet classes at 8:40 and bring classes in. Students who arrive later than 8:40 will be let into the building and directed to their classroom. Students arriving late, after 8:50am will have to ring the bell at the front door on Maynard Street and report their arrival to Mrs. Gillis in the office prior to their classroom.

We know that COVID 19 has changed all of our lives, and this includes the way we go to school. We are excited to begin learning with your children again! We must work as a team to keep your family, our staff and all Nova Scotians safe. We appreciate your ongoing support as we all navigate these uncharted waters together!

Thank-You

Mr. Hutchins/ Ms. McKenzie