Rainy River District School Board

Questions:

Responses:

Access to Schools/Distribution of Learning Resources

Should we be sending home student medication that is presently stored within a school?

My child has specialized equipment to support their learning – how can I get this from the school?

Schools were in contact with parents as to the imminent need for medication and/or specialized equipment at the school and provided a safe way for these families to collect these resources during the school closure period.

How can parents/guardians retrieve their child’s belongings from the school?

We are currently finalizing plans to return belongings to students, while also collecting resources (e.g., musical instruments, textbooks, etc.).

The school nutrition program has food - can we access the school to send this food to our local food banks, etc.?

Food has been distributed to various community food banks and any funding remaining for student nutrition programs has been redirected to food banks.

Students have forgotten their Chromebook and/or musical instrument. How can they access these learning resources?

Our priority is staff, student, and community safety. All schools distributed the necessary resources to students in March and early April. If students require a learning resource, they are to contact their teacher.

What is the process for the Secretary to go in to pay bills, issue reimbursements?

We recognize that reimbursements to students (i.e., students who had paid deposits for excursions now cancelled) is needed as many families have been impacted financially by this situation. A plan has been put into place to return deposits to parents.

Will the school be open to teachers a day or two before they return to work so they can prep materials/lessons rather than only being allowed to return the day of classes?

A protocol has been provided to all schools, to facilitate staff accessing the buildings. Caretakers are working now within our buildings.

Can teachers be able to physically deliver the resources (books) to their students?

No. Resources are being distributed through pick-up/delivery by buses or parents/guardians.

Can I work out of the office or my classroom to prepare each week?

Yes. We have recently updated our protocol to allow staff to enter to work for short periods of time throughout the week, once scheduled with their supervisor and after following our protocol for accessing schools.

Are RRDSB playgrounds and structures still available for use during the school closure?

While playground equipment is still closed to the public, our playgrounds and sports fields are open, provided that visitors follow the guidelines shared by the Northwestern Health Unit. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation as we work together to maintain the health and safety of our communities.

Is the Community Use of Schools Program still running?

No, all permits have been cancelled for the remainder of this school year.

Student Programming

What is the focus on teaching and learning during the school closure period?

Students are being provided with instruction in two ways, by distance once a week, or by online, depending on their individual circumstances (i.e., access to Internet) and their grade.

For students in K-Gr. 3, there will be 5 hours of work/week, focusing on literacy and math.

For students in Gr. 4-6, there will be 5 hours of work/week, focusing on literacy, math, social studies, and science.

For students in Gr. 7-8, there will be 10 hours of work/week, focusing on literacy, core math, Geography, History, and Science.

For students in Gr. 9-12, there will be 3 hours/week per course.

Please visit Learn at Home at https://www.ontario.ca/page/learn-at-home#section-0 for more programming, resources, and supports for students.

As well, we have worked with our partners to provide additional opportunities for students; please visit our webpage: https://www.rrdsb.com/programs___learning/learning_resources

Will the OSSLT scheduled for March 31 be cancelled? What about Grades 3 and 6 EQAO assessments in the spring?

The Minister of Education has cancelled all EQAO assessments for the remainder of the 2019-20 school year. Students who were on track to graduate this year and who still needed the literacy graduation requirement are exempt for this year only.

Will students be expected to complete the entire course now within a shorter time period?

Teachers, under the guidance of their principals, will be adjusting the secondary course expectations or elementary long-range plans. Students will not be expected to make up the lost time during the two-week closure.

Are students expected to progress in their learning or is this to be used to review what has been taught to date?

The expectation of the Ministry of Education and the Board is that students continue in their learning, hence the requirement for all boards to have a continuity of learning plan. Teachers may review previously taught concepts as an introduction to new curriculum expectations; however, teachers should be looking at what remains in their course outline/long-range plan, the overarching or big ideas, and adapting a plan for continued instruction, to continue the school year.

When do half credit courses change?

If your child is in Civics and Citizenship or Career Studies, these courses changed over during the week of April 6, 2020.

How can my child/student who is working on an alternative program still participate in their learning, during this time?

All alternative education programs resumed the week of April 6, 2020.

Will this impact college and university applications?

The Ministry of Education is working with the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities to keep the process on track, without impact to students and their future pathways. All students in Gr. 12 will receive their mid-term marks by April 23, 2020.

Scholarship packages: how will these go out to students? Can they be done online and emailed?

Guidance staff are working to support students in applying to scholarships and bursaries. Please contact the Guidance department at your high school.

How will Grade 8 students complete course selection and be supported in transitioning into high school?

Arrangements have been made to facilitate Grade 8 students completing their course selection during this time. For more information and any additional support, please contact your child’s teacher.

Will school athletic and school events (e.g., musical) continue?

All school events and activities (e.g., field trips, athletic events, performances, prom, etc.) are cancelled for the school year.

Will my child still have a graduation?

Each school is working within its usual planning processes to organize a celebration of this important milestone. More information is available at each school.

Will eLearning courses continue?

eLearning courses resumed on Monday, March 30, 2020.

Will Co-op placements continue during this time? Will students continue to participate in Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Programs (OYAP)?

While work placements are suspended at this time, schools have arranged for alternate work to be done to support students in completing the school portion this program.

SHSM students: will students have to complete all components, or will they be granted SHSM credentials if they are unable to attend school?

The SHSM program has an override request process already in place for school boards. Graduating students in the SHSM program unable to complete their requirements due to extenuating circumstances such as the impacts from COVID-19 will be supported through the override process.

What will be done for programming in hands-on courses? How can students participate in technology courses (e.g., automotive, manufacturing, construction, hospitality) without access to the tools/learning resources provided within the schools?

We recognize that this is not a normal time and are supporting student learning in these experiential courses now in a different way.

What will this next step look like for students in Supervised Alternative Learning (SAL) and those learning in alternative environments? Are we able to send out booklets? Set up for online help? Have various ways for handing in work?

We resumed supports for students in the Supervised Alternative Program during the week of April 6, 2020. Students are being contacted by Attendance Counselor and or Student Success personnel.

Will the school year be extended into the summer months?

The school year has not been extended. However, the Board is offering summer learning opportunities for students. Please visit the Board's website www.rrdsb.com/summer_learning_2020 for more details.

How will this look for students who have not yet learned to read (e.g., Kindergarten students)?

We are continuing our work, now by distance, with students, to reinforce and build on the concepts attained so far.

Will preplanned trips be cancelled?

All trips/excursions are cancelled this time, including Toronto trips.

Are we to continue with updating IEPs and holding IPRC meetings and other meetings related to supporting students with special needs?

Boards are expected to continue to conduct annual reviews by IPRCs as set out under Ontario Regulation 181/98. As such, we are conducting IPRC meetings remotely. Please note that per the regulation, a parent can give written notice dispensing with the annual review.

To support access to learning for students with special education needs, IEPs should continue to remain in effect as continuity of learning strategies are implemented. In situations where existing accommodations, modifications, or alternative programming are not feasible, schools have been working collaboratively with students and families to determine workable solutions on a case by case basis.

Meetings to plan supports for students with special needs are occurring virtually. Please contact your child’s classroom teacher, principal and/or Special Education Resource Teacher for more information.

What is being done to support second language learning?

FSL and NSL courses are running at the secondary level as per each secondary school’s course offerings. In following the Ministry of Education’s focuses for distance learning, we have focused on second language teachers working with classroom teachers and supplementing/enhancing program delivery.

Assessment, Evaluation, and Reporting Questions

Will this impact mid-term marks? Will mid-terms be postponed?

Students will not be penalized for missed work or assessments. At this time, mid-term assessments are cancelled.

Mid-term marks will be provided for Gr. 12 students on track to graduate, by April 23, 2020. These marks will be based on work up to March 13, 2020; any further work completed from then will be assessed with a Do No Harm philosophy, whereby students can improve their marks.

When is the deadline for full disclosure on Gr. 11 and 12 courses now?

The Ministry of Education has waived the full disclosure for this semester due to school closures. Students who were not passing prior to March 13^th and who have not completed work since the school closure to improve their mark will have the opportunity to achieve the credit by Credit Recovery or retaking the course.

Will mid-term report cards be cancelled or set back?

Mid-term report cards are cancelled for all students, with the exception of students in Gr. 12 who will be provided with a mark only, for each course.

Will students be at risk of not graduating?

The Minister of Education has indicated that anyone who is on track to graduate will not be impacted by the school closure.

As well, the Minister of Education announced on March 31, 2020 that the 40 hours of Community Service requirement is waived for all students who are on track to graduate this year.

What will be the standard for secondary students earning credits?

See above, the number of hours, per grade, per week, and the subjects of focus for each grade.

Marks for courses will be based on achievement up to March 13^th, as well as any further demonstrated achievement of course expectations from then on, with an eye to support students in improving their marks only.

For students who began Gr. 10 Civics or Careers during the school closure period and who could not participate within the course, these students will receive an ‘I’, allowing them to take the half credit course again or access Credit Recovery (where applicable).

There will be no final examinations in June 2020.

A student’s mark is low, and there were plans to support the improvement of the mark before the mid-term marks are in. Will this closure impact my marks?

Teachers will ensure that there is no negative impact to students. In completing work during the closure period, we are approaching assessment and evaluation from a concept of Do No Harm: students will be able to improve their marks only, as we recognize the challenges that may be faced by students in this new teaching and learning environment. However, some demonstration of learning is needed by a student during the school closure in order to improve their marks.

Should students in Dual Credit programs attend their college/university classes?

We have worked with our partner, Confederation College, to resume this program. However, please note that the college assessment policies are different than our assessment practices and while students may obtain the high school credit, they may not be granted a college credit.

Will there be any changes to reporting timelines in June and examination days?

The Ministry of Education has updated the 2019-20 school year calendar. June 12^th is no longer a PD Day.

Reporting will still occur, with elementary teachers unavailable to students and to parents/guardians on the afternoons of June 18^th and 19^th, in order to work on report cards.

Secondary students are expected to complete all assignments and learning activities as per the following deadlines:

Gr. 12 students – June 19^th

Gr. 9-11 students – June 22^nd

There will be no examinations in June 2020.

What if my child did not complete any work during the school closure period and was not passing as of March 13^th?

Students who have not improved their marks since March 13^th should contact their teacher(s) to see what work is needed to improve their mark prior to the assignment deadlines of June 19^th (for Gr. 12 students) and June 22^nd (for Gr. 9-11 students). If progress has not been demonstrated by the student, an ‘I’ will appear on the report card. The school, in consultation with student and their parents/guardians, will determine which program would best enable the student to meet the expectations and earn a credit for the course. These options include possibly Credit Recovery and retaking the credit.

What is the June elementary report card based on?

For Kindergarten students, the Kindergarten Communication of Learning is based on observations of key learning and growth from the beginning of Term 2 to March 13^th. Similarly, for students in Gr. 1 to 8, the June report card is based on observations of key learning and growth from the beginning of Term 2 to March 13^th. Teachers will use their professional judgement to consider other evidence of learning when assigning a final mark or grade, including consideration of a student’s most consistent level of achievement.

When in the best interest of students and when this serves to increase a student’s achievement, teachers are to include evidence of learning completed during the school closure period when reporting.

Technology Questions

Is it safe to download programs onto our personal devices?

If you are downloading from the Board website to access programs from your home devices, yes. Please email [email protected] or call 275-4998 or 1-800-214-1753 extension 4998 if you have any questions or concerns.

I want to sign up and/or sign up my child for a great application.

We have advised staff that before they enroll in any free applications or online programs, they need to ensure that this is an approved resource to be used.

There are concerns with privacy, of both students and staff. All applications/programs that require student information must have a completed Privacy Impact Assessment first; this Assessment must have an all-clear prior to any use to protect both students and staff. Staff are asked to please contact the Board Privacy Officer for more information at [email protected]

My Chromebook is not working – what do I do?

Please let your principal know. Please email [email protected] or call 275-4998 or 1-800-214-1753 extension 4998.

I’m a student and I have forgotten my login and password – what do I do?

Please contact your teacher for assistance.

When are we receiving the iPad and Internet access, as announced by the Minister of Education?

Unfortunately, the resources negotiated provincially are not available within our region. Instead, we have secured Samsung phones to act as tethering devices to provide access to the Internet for families with some cellular coverage. Please contact your child’s administrator for more information.

Support for Students and Families

I’m worried about my child’s mental health during this situation. What can I do?

Supports are in place both at the District and provincial levels. The Kids’ Help Phone and our own KRRCFS Counselling Services are available to support children and youth in need. Our Learning Resources page has a link to several supports for parents: https://bit.ly/2Urx5bl

Parents/guardians are welcome to contact the school administrator should they feel that support is needed for their child.

How am I to balance helping my child complete their schoolwork while also trying to do my own work from home?

We recognize that this is a challenge for families and as such, the Continuity of Learning Plan, based on the guidelines from the Ministry of Education, looks to have an abbreviated amount of work completed by students based on grade level, per week. This work should not be all paper and pencil tasks but a combination of activities to facilitate the teaching and learning at home during this exceptional situation.

We all are trying to access the Internet and only have one device within our home. What supports are available?

All students in Grades 4 to 12 have a Chromebook assigned to them. We have distributed the Chromebooks to students in Gr. 1-12 and iPads/Chromebooks for students in Kindergarten.

I can’t afford Internet access/increased Internet access. What can I do?

We have worked with providers to see what supports/programs/reductions in plan costs are available to families experiencing this challenge. For families with little to no access to the Internet, please contact your child’s administrator.

Can I still contact my child’s Vice Principal, Principal or Superintendent?

Yes. While schools are closed, Vice Principals, Principals and Superintendents will still be available by email should you have any urgent questions or concerns. Please visit https://www.rrdsb.com/our_board/administration for contact information. While messages can be left on the school general voicemail, please note that these messages are not regularly checked.

Other Questions

Will external vendor payments continue to be processed during this time?

The RRDSB is committed to supporting our vendors through prompt payments. Vendor payments will continue to be processed, but with some limitations. To avoid delays, all vendors are advised to submit their invoices to [email protected]

Are Board and committee meetings still occurring?

All committee meetings in March and the April regular Board meeting were cancelled.

We have resumed our meetings now of all standing and advisory committees. School council meetings are also being held so that schools can meet the minimum number of meetings per school year (i.e., 4 meetings as per Reg. 612/00).

These meetings will be virtual. Information on how to view the meeting is posted on our Board webpage.

Are childcare centers within RRDSB schools open?

Childcare centers are in the process of reopening with the announcement from the Minister of Education on June 9^th. While childcare centers may be located within schools, these centers are operated by the Rainy River District Social Services Administration Board. Please contact the DSSAB to learn more about the approximate date for reopening.

How are student absences to be coded from March 23 onward?

Attendance from March 23 to the end of the school year is to be recorded as a General Absence or G day, when a school is closed to all students due to weather or any other reasons, including “the school is closed for the day by the Lieutenant-Governor or Minister.”