September 8th, 2020
Everything students need to know about Huron Heights Secondary School’s return to school plan
We know that school at HHSS will look a lot different this year. At HHSS, we have undergone significant change to help support our commitment to health, safety, and wellbeing. Every facet of our system has been examined and re-imagined to prioritize the safety of all those who enter our building and to ensure that Human Rights and Equity is at the forefront of everything we do.
We want all of our families to know that they are a valued partner in their child’s education and we will be making every effort to stay connected as the year unfolds.
We have tried to compile all of the HHSS specific return to school information we can share at this time in this FAQ doc. This is a living document so we encourage you to reference this document on an ongoing basis as it is subject to change based on evolving COVID-19 information
Important Links for Students & Families
Returning to School: A Guide for Families
Student Daily Self Screening Tool
Quadmester 1 Schedule
In September, secondary schools will experience a quadmestering format, which involves a four-semester school year, with each semester offering two credits. Each quadmester is approximately 9.5 weeks and ensures students are still engaging in the required 110 hours of learning.
Daily Schedule
Please review the HHSS daily bell schedule as our start time is 8am. Classrooms will be open at 7:45am.
HHSS Adaptive/Hybrid Model
In this model for secondary students who choose to attend in person, there will be two cohorts (groups): Cohort A & Cohort B.
Each class will be divided into two cohorts with approximately 15 students in each. A combination of face-to-face instruction and distance learning, delivered through asynchronous (independent learning with online resources) will make up the learning experience for our students.
Timetable Changes
Student timetables are finalized for the first quadmester.
The remaining quadmesters are not finished and likely will not be until right before the start of each quadmester. Although you may be able to see your timetable on MyWay there will be many more changes that are made.
If you are interested in changing courses please email your guidance counsellor directly with what changes you would like to request. Course changes will be considered in the order they are received. Course change requests are not guaranteed at this time.
We understand that this is a very stressful time for all of you and we are working hard to solve all issues.
Please note we will begin virtual appointments starting Monday September 14th.
Student Arrival & Entrance:
All students are required to complete a daily COVID-19 Self Assessment Screening (Self Screening Tool). If one or more signs or symptoms exist, students should not attend school. Families should contact the Region of Waterloo Public Health Assessment Centre or a Health Care Provider for guidance about return to school.
HHSS Students will not be permitted to enter the school building until 7:30 am when doors will be unlocked for student entry. Students should dress appropriately for the weather each day, as there may be varying wait times outside as we work to move students safely into the building to begin the school day.
- Students must be wearing a mask in order to gain entry into the building. If a student forgets their mask, staff will supply one for them at their designated entrance to the school.
- Upon entering the building students must sanitize their hands at the sanitation checkpoint following proper sanitation procedure.
- When a student is masked and has sanitized their hands they may proceed directly to their classroom via the designated route. Individual classrooms will be open at 7:45am. If a student arrives before 7:45am, they may sit at one of the desks/chairs that are set up in the cafeteria (desks/chairs are appropriately spaced for social distancing).
- Students should practice social distancing and follow all posted signage/floor markings as they move through the halls. Congregating and socializing in the hallways is not permitted at this time.
Student Entry Points:
- Students who take a school bus to school will enter the building through the main entrance at the front of the school. Students will make their way directly to their classroom once they have entered the building.
- Students who walk or take Grand River Transit to school will enter the building through the Strasburg Road entrance. Students will make their way directly to their classroom once they have entered the building.
- Students who drive themselves or are dropped off by a parent/guardian will enter the building through the back parking lot entrance (library). Students will make their way directly to their classroom once they have entered the building.
Student Dismissal and Exit:
Upon dismissal, classes will be supervised by their teacher on a staggered schedule. Students will exit the building using the same door that they entered the building i.e. walkers will use the Strasburg Road doors, bus students will use the main entrance, etc.. Students will follow hallway signage, continuing to social distance as they make their way through the halls, possibly down a set of stairs and out the door.
Washroom Access and Flow:
Washroom Distancing:
- Washrooms will have posted occupancy
- Bathroom stalls and urinals will be physically distanced
- Markers will be placed around sink areas to encourage social distancing
- There will be social distancing markers on the floors outside of the washrooms for students to wait when occupancy is at its maximum.
- If a student sees that the washroom is at capacity upon entering, they should exit the washroom and wait on the social distance marker until the washroom is free.
Use of Washrooms:
- Students must use the washrooms that are located closest to their classrooms.
- One student per class is permitted to use the washroom at a time.
- Students must follow the washroom capacity guidelines in order to maintain physical distancing.
- Students must wash their hands after using the washroom and returning to class immediately as congregating in washrooms/hallways is strictly prohibited.
Nutrition Breaks
Students will eat lunch in their classroom with their cohort to ensure chances of contact and transmission are minimized. Students should bring food in their own containers and take those containers home with them at the end of the day. Neither the cafeteria nor the servery will be open. Food, drinks, dishes and cutlery are not to be shared by students. Students will not have access to microwaves.
Students will perform hand hygiene prior to and after eating. Students should take home all food waste and containers at the end of each school day.
Nutrition for Learning prepackaged snacks will be available for students each day upon entry into the school.
Water Fountains and Bottle Fillers
Students are required to bring their own water bottles. Water fountains will not be available for use; however, no-touch, bottle-filling stations can be used to fill individual water bottles.
Attendance Procedures
Late Entry:
- If a student arrives late between 8:00 – 8:30 am they should proceed to their designated entrance and proceed directly to their classroom.
- After 8:30 am all entrances and exits will be closed so students arriving after 8:30 am should proceed to the main entrance where there will be a contactless late desk (no late slip will be given to the student).
Signing Out:
Students are encouraged to schedule appointments outside of the school day. Students who must leave the school during the day, should have their parents call or email the main office ahead of time, and then sign-out with the main office. Once a student has left the building, they are not to return until the following day.
Illness:
Students who exhibit symptoms of illness while at school will not be permitted to enter or stay in their classroom, and will be moved to a designated isolated waiting area. Parents, guardians, and/or emergency contacts designated by the family, will be called immediately, and asked to pick up their child as soon as possible.
Visitors to the School
Parents and guardians will not be allowed to enter the building, including to sign-out students for appointments, to talk to a staff member, or to drop off forgotten items. In extenuating circumstances, if approval to enter the school is granted by an administrator, a face covering must be worn before entering the school. Please call the telephone number posted on the doors and a staff member will assist you.
Student Drop-Off, Pick-Up and Parking
Parents and guardians must remain outside the school (preferably in their vehicles) when they drop-off or pick-up their children, and should not be congregating anywhere on school property.
Health and Safety Protocols
We know that parents have a lot of questions about the upcoming school year and we also know that schools and classrooms will look different when we return. The health and safety of students and staff is our top priority as we prepare for the upcoming school year. We will have increased health and safety measures that operate in conjunction with the Ministry of Education and Public Health requirements.
Mask Use
Mask use or face coverings will be mandatory for all HHSS students. Students may wear their own, or school-provided, non-medical masks. It is important that the mask fits properly and covers both the nose and mouth and that all best practices are followed when wearing and removing the mask. Masks may be removed during nutrition break to eat lunch.
Signage and Wayfinding
Appropriate signage will be posted throughout our school and hand sanitizer will be available in classrooms and offices. Our school buses and classrooms will be thoroughly and frequently cleaned. In addition, HHSS will have designated entrances and exits. Stairwells will be designated for one-way flow and physical distance reminders will be placed throughout the building. Health and safety is at the heart of every element of our return to school planning.
Hand Hygiene
Staff and educators will regularly remind students of the importance of proper hand hygiene and assist students as needed. Staff will also incorporate frequent hand hygiene into their daily classroom routines. Signs will be posted at all sinks to remind students of proper handwashing techniques. In addition, signs will be placed throughout the school to indicate the nearest hand washing facility. Students MUST wash their hands:
- when they arrive at school and before they go home;
- before eating and drinking;
- after using the washroom;
- after sneezing or coughing into hands or tissue.
- after using any common supplies, equipment or devices
- whenever hands are visibly dirty;
- when moving between different learning environments or centres(e.g., outdoor-indoor transitions)
In addition to hand washing, hand sanitizer will be placed throughout the school.
Physical Distancing
It is important to try and maintain at least 2 metres of distance between yourself and other people. Many classroom and school procedures have been put in place to support physical distancing of staff and students.
Students are required to comply with all physical distancing measures that include, but are not limited to:
- Use of specific entrances and exits (both into and out of the school and classroom).
- No use of lockers – students are to carry their belongings with them to class.
- Smaller class sizes (cohorting) and seating plans.
- Minimizing the number of students in hallways and washrooms.
- Virtual meetings whenever possible (e.g. guidance counsellor).
Students are not permitted to congregate in hallways, common spaces, or washrooms. Students should follow physical distancing cues – floor markings and signs – when lining up to use facilities.
HHSS HVAC System
The HHSS HVAC system will be on a schedule with fans running 7am to 6pm, There will be 100% fresh air being brought into the building and no air will be recirculated through the building. This means temperatures will more closely reflect outside conditions so students are encouraged to dress appropriately for the weather.
Personal Belongings and Lockers
Lockers will not be available for student use at the start of the school year. Students will be required to limit the number of items they bring to school. Students should leave valuable items at home. Gym change rooms are not secure areas and no valuable items should be left in change rooms. The school is not responsible for any lost or stolen items.
Smoking and Vaping
No smoking or vaping (use of e-cigarettes) may occur in the school building or on school property; it’s the law. Failure to adhere to this regulation will result in a school suspension and may result in a fine issued by the Waterloo Region By-Law Office.
Student Activities
Student Cards
- The purchase and issuing of student cards for the 2020-2021 school year will be postponed due to Covid-19 restrictions until public health and the WRDSB have provided clearance for student activities, clubs and athletics to resume in person.
Student Photos
- Student Photos & Grad Photos for the 2020-2021 school year will be postponed due to Covid-19 restrictions until public health and the WRDSB provide clearance for these services to resume.
Clubs & Extra Curricular Activities
- At this time in person clubs, committees and extracurricular activities are not permitted to proceed due to Covid-19 restrictions.
Yearbook
- The 2019-2020 school year book will be delivered later this fall to students who purchased one.
For important updates and information please follow;
Website- https://hrh.wrdsb.ca/
App- Go to the app store on your mobile device. Search ‘myschoolday’, then select HHSS.
Twitter– @HHSSHuskies
SchoolDay- https://www.wrdsb.ca/our-schools/using-school-day/#signup
Categories: Husky News