Elkford Secondary School - Stage 2 Return to School - April 9th, 2021 Update
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Elkford Secondary School
Stage 2 Return to School – April 9th, 2021 Update
How ESS is responding to new COVID Guidelines for K-12
Following the updated Ministry of Education COVID-19 Health and Safety Guidelines for K-12
Settings and SD5 Health and Safety Protocols, we wish to connect with our school community
and provide information regarding new policies and procedures being implemented. With
changes and updates, we are confident that our established plan will continue to provide our
students with a safe learning environment by following the four foundational principles
established at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic:
1. Maintain a healthy and safe environment for all students, families, and employees.
2. Provide the services needed to support children of our essential workers.
3. Support vulnerable students who may need special assistance.
4. Provide continuity of educational opportunities for all students.
Please take the time to read important information below. New or adapted information will be
highlighted.
HEALTH & SAFETY
• Elkford Secondary School will continue to follow the BC Centre for Disease Control Cleaning and
Disinfectants for Public Settings guidelines for Coronavirus COVID-19.
➢ General cleaning and disinfecting of building at least once every 24 hours.
➢ Clean and disinfect highly touched surfaces at least twice every 24 hours (e.g.,
doorknobs, light switches, cupboard handles, hand rails, etc.).
➢ Students will be provided disinfectant to self-clean work area under the supervision of
staff.
➢ Use of fogging machines and UV light will be used to help with cleaning practices.
• School District 5 and Elkford Secondary School have Health and Safety Committees (JOHSC) that
will meet regularly throughout the school year to review plans and protocols.
➢ JOHSC committee member will complete walk through of the facility to audit cleaning
and JOHSC committee will fill out H&S checklist weekly.
• School access will be limited to students, district staff and outside agencies that provide support
for students.
➢ Visitors must confirm that they have completed the requirements of the Daily Health
Check Form (See Appendix B) before entering Elkford Secondary School.
▪ A reminder form will also be placed at the sign-in station upon
entering the building.
➢ Any SD5 employees will be required to complete an in-service Health & Safety Training
video before entering site.
• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Guidelines:
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Elkford Secondary School
Stage 2 Return to School – April 9th, 2021 Update
➢ All staff and student are required to wear PPE inside the school.
➢ The guidance outlined above regarding mask requirements does not apply to staff,
students, and visitors in the following circumstances:
▪ To a person who cannot tolerate wearing a mask for health or
behavioural reasons;
▪ To a person who is unable to put on or remove a mask without the
assistance of another person;
▪ If the mask is removed temporarily for the purposes of identifying the
person wearing it;
▪ If the mask is removed temporarily to engage in an educational
activity that cannot be performed while wearing a mask (e.g. playing
a wind instrument, engaging in high-intensity physical activity, etc.);
▪ If the person is eating or drinking;
▪ If a person is behind a barrier; or
▪ While providing a service to a person with a disability or diverse
ability (including but not limited to a hearing impairment) where
visual cues, facial expressions and/or lip reading/movements is
important.
➢ PPE will be supplied by SD 5 for staff and students as needed.
➢ Prevent crowding and gathering; pay particular attention to the start and end of the
day, and transition times.
➢ Avoid close face-to-face contact whenever possible.
➢ Students have been taught proper Mask handling procedures (See Appendix C).
➢ Exceptions will be made for individuals who cannot wear masks for medical reasons.
▪ Medical documentation and advanced notice will be required before
a student can be enter the school without a face mask.
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Elkford Secondary School
Stage 2 Return to School – April 9th, 2021 Update
Considerations For Hand Washing and Hygiene:
GENERAL INFORMATION FOR PARENTS & GUARDIANS
• Review the SD 5 Daily Health Check Form (See Appendix B) to confirm that you understand how
it should be completed daily.
• Complete Daily Health Check Form (See Appendix B) prior to sending student(s) to school daily.
➢ If you answer “YES” to any of the questions and the symptoms are not related to a
pre-existing condition (e.g., allergies) your child should NOT come to school.
➢ Note: The Student Daily Health Check does NOT need to be submitted to ESS daily.
• SD5 is currently not providing facility access for community use.
• Transportation: Parents/Guardians are encouraged to organize transportation for their children
(e.g., driving, walking, biking).
➢ Students should arrive at school no more than 10 minutes before the bell.
➢ Parent/Guardians are required to stay outside of the building for drop off and pick up.
➢ Busing will continue to be available consistent with SD 5 transportation eligibility
policy.
➢ Busing schedule is determined by the Transportation Department of SD 5.
➢ Staff will be required to wear PPE on the bus.
➢ Students will be required to wear PPE on the bus.
▪ There should be no eating or drinking on the bus.
➢ Students who take the bus after school will have designated waiting areas throughout
hallways based on learning groups:
▪ Grade 7 – East Hallway near Room 116.
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Elkford Secondary School
Stage 2 Return to School – April 9th, 2021 Update
▪ Grade 8/9 – Lunchroom and Hallway near Room 112.
▪ Grade 10-12 – North Hallway near Gymnasium.
▪ Students will be required to wear face masks during this time.
➢ Upon entering the school in the AM, students will be required to wear PPE and answer
directly to their classroom and wait for the school day to begin.
▪ Students answering to the Foods, Technology or Computer Lab rooms
will be asked to sit out front of classrooms.
• Parents of children with complex medical conditions or underlying risk factors should consult
with their health care provider to determine their child’s level of risk regarding attending school.
➢ Contact the principal Mike Kelly (michael.kelly@sd5.bc.ca) if you have questions.
• Appointments/Absences: If your child has an appointment during the day, please communicate
this with their teacher and the office through SafeArrival.
• Phone Messages: Clerical staff can call into a classroom if there is a message for a student from
a parent. Please try to limit interruptions.
• All school-wide assemblies and other school-wide events will be held virtually (Zoom or Teams).
• Extra-curricular activities will be limited within learning groups and no interschool activities will
be provided (See Physical Education section for specific policies and guidelines).
TEACHING & LEARNING
In-class instruction will include the following:
• A Quarter system will be used for the 2020-2021 school year. This includes 2 classes at any
given time (one in the AM, one in the PM) with an alternating schedule.
• A focus on mental health and well-being supports for all students returning to school.
• Full-time instruction and the necessary supports for students with disabilities/diverse abilities.
• Greater emphasis on outdoor learning and cross-curricular activities.
• Provincial curriculum for all students at all grade levels.
➢ Please note that class offerings will be different than in previous years.
• Implementation of the BC Ministry of Education Student Reporting Policy for K-12.
• Provincial student assessments (Foundational Skills, Numeracy & Literacy) for K-12.
LEARNING GROUPS
• Students and staff will be organized into learning groups.
• Learning groups reduce potential exposure to COVID-19 and support contact tracing if there is a
confirmed case in a school community.
• The learning group will consist of classroom teacher(s), students, and whenever possible,
regularly scheduled Education Assistants.
➢ Learning group size guidelines: Grades 7-9 = 60 people; Grades 10-12 = 120 people.
• Building learning groups surrounding grade groups ensures students receive the courses
required while providing optimal opportunity for electives.
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Stage 2 Return to School – April 9th, 2021 Update
• Staff that occasionally support students and are not part of the learning group will maintain
physical distance (2M) and wear PPE, or use clear physical barriers.
CLASSROOM SPACE
• The goal is to prevent or limit crowding, gathering and direct face to face, close proximity
interaction as much as possible.
• Classrooms will be decluttered to allow for more space and limit shared materials.
• Desks will be oriented to minimize close face to face interactions.
• Consistent seating plans will be implemented.
• Students will be provided space to work independently when appropriate.
• Teachers will follow subject specific expectations when engaged in dynamic environments
(i.e. Home Ec, Industrial Technologies, Physical Education, Drama etc.).
• Air purifiers have been installed in specific rooms with consideration on class size, space and
access to an exterior door or window.
SHAPE OF THE DAY
• Students are expected to arrive to school on time.
➢ Am warning bell is at 8:30 am.
➢ PM warning bell is at 12:08 pm.
➢ School doors lock following bells for safety considerations (therefore it is important to
arrive on time).
• Students will enter the school through front doors, travel through the one directional hallways
and move directly to their classroom.
• Students will be required to wash/sanitize hands upon entering the school.
• Students will be required to have masks on as they enter the school.
• School Schedule: Quarter System - 4 quarters of 10 weeks per quarter (2 classes per quarter).
➢ Students will attend one class for the morning and one class for the afternoon.
➢ A quarter system schedule allows students to be organized into learning group sizes
that adhere to provincial COVID-19 health and safety guidelines.
➢ This ensures students will receive required courses while providing optimal
opportunity for electives.
➢ If required, online learning through ‘The Portal’ and ‘Microsoft TEAMS’ will be
available to support classroom learning.
am
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Stage 2 Return to School – April 9th, 2021 Update
pm
Sample Schedule:
Period 1 – 8:34am to 11:20am
Lunch – 11:21am to 12:09pm
Period 2 – 12:10pm to 2:56pm
*(See Appendix D) for further detail
• Students must stay in the classroom except to use the bathroom (one student at a time with
teacher permission) – no wandering the hallways.
• When in the classroom, students will have assigned seating.
• Students will disinfect hard-surfaced shared learning items, tabletops, and chairs.
• There is no evidence that COVID-19 is transmitted via textbooks, paper, or other paper-based
products as such there is no need to limit the distribution or sharing of these items.
• Green Spaces are open, and students will have opportunities to go outside for place-based
learning and outdoor education/exercise as much as possible.
• Students will move through the building according to one-way flow patterns (marked with
signage) during busy times and transitions between periods.
• Staggered dismissal will be implemented to limit hallway traffic.
• Lockers will not be assigned; a plan may be made once traffic flow can be assessed.
➢ Ensure your child has a backpack in order to travel to and from school and between
classes as lockers will not be available.
• Lunchtime Considerations:
➢ Students who choose to stay on site during lunch will be required to stay within their
designated sections arranged by learning groups:
▪ Grade 7 – East Hallway near Room 116.
▪ Grade 8/9 – Lunchroom and Hallway near Room 112.
▪ Grade 10-12 – North Hallway near Gymnasium.
➢ Students will be required to wear face masks during this time.
➢ It is important that students do not share food.
➢ Upon entering building following lunch:
▪ Students will gather in identified areas by learning group.
o Grade 7 (sidewalk along parking lot).
o Grade 8/9 (front steps).
o Grade 10-12 (wheelchair ramp).
▪ Supervision will be present to remind students to stay in zones and
consider physical distancing.
▪ Students who were in the building during lunch will be directed
through the one-way hallways, out the exit doors and back through
the front door to access opposite wings of school when necessary.
• Students are encouraged to bring reusable water bottles and limit sharing of personal items
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Stage 2 Return to School – April 9th, 2021 Update
• At the end of the school day, students will wash/sanitize their hands and leave promptly
through their assigned door (bus students will stay in their designated areas – see
transportation plan).
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Stage 2 Return to School – April 9th, 2021 Update
WHAT HAPPENS IF SYMPTOMS DEVELOP
If you have questions about whether or not you should be tested for COVID-19, use the BC Self -
Assessment tool at https://bc.thrive.health/
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Stage 2 Return to School – April 9th, 2021 Update
SYMPTOMS OF ILLNESS AND RETURN TO SCHOOL
• Students, staff, or other adults should stay at home when sick, as this is one of the most
important ways to reduce the introduction to and the spread of COVID-19 in schools. The
following resources provide guidance regarding specific symptoms of illness:
➢ Parents/caregivers and students can use the K-12 Health Check app.
➢ Staff and other adults can refer to BCCDC's "When to get tested for COVID-
19" (Appendix E)
➢ Staff, students, and parents/caregivers can also use the BCCDC online Self-Assessment Tool,
call 8-1-1 or their health care provider.
• When a staff, student or other adult can return to school depends on the type of symptoms they
experienced - as indicated in the K-12 Health Check app and BCCDC "When to get tested for
COVID-19"(Appendix E) resource - and if a COVID- 19 test is recommended. See COVID-19
Symptoms Testing & Return to School (Appendix F) for more information.
• Students or staff may still attend school if a member of their household develops new symptoms
of illness, provided the student/staff has no symptoms themselves. If the household member
tests positive for COVID-19, public health will advise the asymptomatic student/staff on self-
isolation and when they may return to school. Most illness experienced in B.C. are not COVID-19,
even if the symptoms are similar.
STUDENT EXPECTATIONS
Elkford Secondary Code of Culture & Conduct will continue to be implemented, as well as:
• Adhering to physical distancing (2M), hallway flow, staggered release, and entrance organization
expectations, and wearing PPE as directed.
• Minimizing physical contact when within and outside learning group.
• No sharing of personal items, including food.
*Students who cannot follow expectations and procedures will be asked to leave school property
and parents will be contacted.
STAFF PROTOCOLS
• All staff received training/orientation on September 8th and 9th.
• All K-12 staff are required to wear a mask or a face shield (in which case a mask should be worn
in additional to the face shield) indoors in schools and on school buses – both within and outside
their learning group.
• Staff who are required to go between learning groups will wear PPE and physically distance (2m)
from the learning group that they interact with.
• Unless staff members belong to the same learning group, they should maintain physical distance
(2m) from one another at all times. Masks are not a replacement for physical distancing
between staff from different learning groups.
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Stage 2 Return to School – April 9th, 2021 Update
➢ Teachers will make note of interactions with other staff for contact tracing purposes.
• Staff and other adults should seek to reduce the number of close, face-to-face interactions with
each other at all times, even if wearing non-medical mask. This includes during break times and
meetings.
Staff are required to wear masks when indoors, and a barrier is not present. WorkSafeBC guidance
for offices also lists measures that should be considered and implemented as applicable to the
workplace for staff in office environments (both inside and outside of ‘bricks and mortar’ schools).
• Staff will follow the Occupational Health and Safety Guidelines as outlined by the School District
5 Occupational Health and Safety Committee and by the ESS Health and Safety Committee.
• Teaching staff will implement curriculum and assess students in their courses as outlined by the
School Act.
➢ There is no change in the instructional requirements of teachers or the requirements
of communication of student learning to parents/guardians.
• Teachers will implement student seating plans to minimize close interactions and account for
student interaction for contact tracing purposes.
• Any specialist/itinerant teachers and support staff who work in close proximity with students
will be required to wear PPE along with those students.
• Students from different learning groups may be required to be together to receive beneficial
supports, programs, or services (@ ESS this may include Student Services, AbEd support, YCW
support and Counseling). Within these supports or services, it is expected that learning groups
are maintained, and physical distancing (2m) is practiced between learning groups, as much as is
practical to do so while still ensuring the support, program or service continues. PPE is required
during these times.
• Staff will be required to complete the Staff Daily Health Check Form online daily, before
entering Elkford Secondary School, and to stay home if sick.
TTOC & CUPE ON CALL
• Are required to wear masks when in the building at all times.
• Must sign in upon arrival, confirm Health Check and In-Service Video is completed, and Covid-
19 Information sheet is picked-up.
• On call staff are not considered part of any learning group.
CONTINUITY OF LEARNING
• Elkford Secondary will follow the Ministry of Education COVID-19 Health and Safety Guidelines
for K-12 Settings continuity of learning in the context of COVID-19.
• Work for missing students will be made available on ‘The Portal’ or ‘Microsoft Teams’.
Teachers and students in Grade 8-12 are familiar with these and have extensive
experience with each platform.
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Stage 2 Return to School – April 9th, 2021 Update
➢ This process will be followed if students are self-isolating or a learning group is
self-isolating (including staff members)
➢ If a teacher is sick and unable to work a TTOC would be asked to fill in where
needed
• In the event of a confirmed COVID-19 case, ESS will act upon the direction of Interior Health.
• If you have questions about classes via distributed learning please contact the principal Mike
Kelly (michael.kelly@sd5.bc.ca)
PHYSICAL EDUCATION, SPECIAL PROGRAMMING & EXTRA CURRICULAR CONSIDERATION
• K-12 staff and students in Grades 4 to 12 must wear masks while indoors. Masks can be
temporarily removed while engaging in an educational activity that cannot be performed
while wearing a mask (e.g., playing a wind instrument, high intensity activity), but must be
worn while singing.
• Create space between students and staff and encourage outdoor activities and programs as
much as possible.
• Teachers should plan physical activities that limit the use of shared equipment and:
o Do not involve prolonged physical contact (i.e., physical contact beyond a brief
moment) or crowding. For example, activities such as tag and touch football are low
risk, whereas activities like wrestling or partner dancing should be avoided. Teachers
are encouraged to adapt activities wherever possible to reduce physical contact.
• Shared equipment can be used, provided it is cleaned and disinfected as per the guidelines in
the Cleaning and Disinfecting section of this document.
• In middle and secondary schools:
o Students should be encouraged to practice proper hand hygiene before and after
participating in physical activity and equipment use.
o Disinfect teaching aids (e.g., clipboards, white boards, pens, plastic bins for
transporting materials, etc.).
• In middle and secondary schools, PHE and outdoor programs can proceed in alignment with
the guidance above and the following additional requirements:
HIGH INTENSITY PHYSICAL ACTIVITIES
o For high intensity stationary physical activities (e.g., exercise bike, weightlifting),
people and equipment need to be spaced 2 metres apart if indoors, including for
those within the same learning group. If 2 metre spacing is not available, and the
activity cannot be moved outdoors, then the activity must not take place and a
different activity should be selected.
o Masks cannot replace the need for 2 metres between students and/or fitness
equipment during high intensity stationary activities indoors.
o For high intensity physical activities that involve movement (e.g., basketball, soccer),
indoors or outdoors:
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Stage 2 Return to School – April 9th, 2021 Update
o Students within the same learning group are not required to maintain physical
distancing, but the activity must be delivered in a way that reduces the likelihood of
physical contact beyond a brief moment.
o Students from different learning groups are required to maintain physical distancing
(2m).
o Wearing masks during high-intensity physical activity (stationary or with movement,
indoor or outdoors) is left to students’ personal choice.
LOW INTENSITY PHYSICAL ACTIVITIES
o For low intensity activities, middle and secondary students are required to wear
masks when they are indoors, unable to maintain physical distancing (2m), and a
barrier is not present.
• Why are masks not required during high intensity physical activity in middle & secondary
schools?
o During high intensity physical activity, respiration rates are increased (resulting in a
wet masks) and the wearer is more likely to touch their face and adjust the mask
frequently. These factors lessen the protective value a mask may offer. In addition, a
wet mask is more difficult to breathe through; those wearing masks during high
intensity activities should change them as soon as they become wet.
o As a general rule, high intensity physical activities involve sustained heavier
breathing and elevated heart rates – most people engaged in these activities cannot
say more than a few words without having to catch their breath. In contrast, most
people engaged in low intensity physical activities can carry on a conversation
without having to catch their breath.
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Stage 2 Return to School – April 9th, 2021 Update
Appendix A: Summary of School-Based Control Measures
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Stage 2 Return to School – April 9th, 2021 Update
Appendix B: Daily Health Check Form
Self-Assessment
Please do not enter the school or district facility if any of the answers below are Yes.
Daily Health Check
1. Symptoms of Illness Do you have any of the following new key
Circle One
symptoms?
Fever (above 38 C) or chills Yes No
Cough Yes No
Loss of sense of smell or taste Yes No
Difficulty breathing Yes No
Sore throat Yes No
Loss of appetite Yes No
Extreme fatigue or tiredness Yes No
Headache Yes No
Body aches Yes No
Nausea or vomiting Yes No
Diarrhea Yes No
2. International Travel Have you returned from travel outside Canada in the
last 14 days? Yes No
3. Confirmed Contact Have you been notified by Public Health to isolate or
identified as a close contact? Yes No
If you are displaying symptoms consistent with COVID-19, refer to HealthLink BC at 811
Refer to the BC CDC Document “When to get tested for COVID-19” for further direction if you are
displaying the abovementioned symptoms
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Stage 2 Return to School – April 9th, 2021 Update
Appendix C: How to Use a Mask
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Stage 2 Return to School – April 9th, 2021 Update
Appendix D: Quarter School Schedule & Timetable
Time/Day Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday
8:34 - 11:20 AM - 1 AM - 2 AM - 1 AM - 2
Rotate Days
12:10 - 2:56 PM - 2 PM - 1 PM - 2 PM - 1
• Each student takes two classes per Quarter
• Classes switch between AM and PM
Quarter 1: 08/09/2020 to 12/11/2020
Quarter 2: 13/11/2020 to 29/01/2021
Quarter 3: 01/02/2021 to 19/04/2021
Quarter 4: 20/04/2021 to 24/06/2021
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Stage 2 Return to School – April 9th, 2021 Update
Appendix E: When To Get Tested for Covid-19
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Stage 2 Return to School – April 9th, 2021 Update
Appendix F: COVID-19 Symptoms, Testing and Return to
School
When a student, staff or other adult can return to school depends on the type of symptoms they
experienced and if a COVID-19 test is recommended. See the K-12 Health Check app and BCCDC “When
to get tested for COVID-19” resource for specific guidance. Staff, students and parents/caregivers can
also use the BCCDC online Self-Assessment Tool, or call 8-1-1 or their health care provider.
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