Musqueam K-12 learning on reserve during COVID-19

Musqueam’s education department worked closely with the Vancouver School Board (VSB) to determine how best to accommodate Musqueam students during COVID-19. VSB understands that Indigenous communities need to be extremely cautious to protect our Elders and vulnerable members living on reserve.

At the online information session on September 3, Councillor Tammy Harkey and Education Manager Faye Mitchell outlined how Musqueam will support its K-12 students to learn in a safe environment on reserve this school year. A recording of the information session is available on Musqueam’s Vimeo page and on Musqueam’s official Facebook Page.

On this page is current information on the new Musqueam Learning Pods initiative.

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Musqueam Learning Pods

Similar to the student learning groups at all BC schools this year, Musqueam will have K-12 learning pods made up of on-reserve students registered to Vancouver schools. Elementary pods will be made up of two grades (about 10-12 students) in one classroom. High school students will be together in one pod.

Classes will be Tuesday to Thursday from 9am-3pm. Each learning pod will have its own instructor and classroom assistants to support students to work through a weekly learning package. All instructors are certified teachers in BC, and all learning pod staff are Musqueam community members. There will be a qualified administrative lead for the overall coordination of the learning pods, similar to a school principal.

The intent of these learning pods is for students to receive assistance in completing their studies from home, alleviating the pressure on parents to support full-time learning remotely. Students maintain their spots at their registered schools and grades will be submitted to their school’s administration.

This is an optional opportunity for students and parents who are not comfortable sending their children to school during COVID-19. Students have the option to start the school year in the learning pod and return to in-class instruction later in the year, if they are comfortable, or can stay in the learning pod for as long as needed.

Learning Packages

Each week, schools will provide an individual learning package for the students enrolled at their school. On Tuesdays, the printed learning packages will be provided at the start of class. With the assistance of their learning pods, peers and parents, students will complete the workbook and submit it to their learning pod instructors at the end of the week, which is then submitted to the student’s school.

If students complete their work by Thursday, they can submit the learning package before going home for the weekend. If students need an extra day, they can schedule a Friday morning tutoring session (see details below). Parents are expected to coordinate with the instructor for a safe delivery of the package by end of day Friday.

In addition to the learning packages, students will have assignments over the course of the term to work on at home on Mondays and Fridays.

Registration

Parents must register their children by end of day Tuesday, September 8 to ensure we can safely accommodate all requests for a spot within a learning pod.

To register, email Faye Mitchell, Education Manager, at [email protected] or call the band office at 604-263-3261 and ask for the education department.

Documents for Parents

Parents will sign a Learning Agreement to confirm their children’s participation in the Musqueam Learning Pods. Parents will need to complete a Consent Form so MIB can access school files and Individualized Education Plans. There will also be a Classroom Conduct Form, including a commitment to maintain a limited social bubble for the safety of everyone in the learning pods and community.

Student/Parent Learning Pod Orientation

On Friday, September 11, parents and students will be invited to meet with their learning pod instructor and classroom assistants. These will be small group sessions to learn more about the pod, see the classroom and ask questions to staff. Instructors will directly contact parents to confirm details.

Classroom Supplies

All students will be provided their own laptop or iPad to support their learning in the classroom and at home. Education supplies (such as notebooks, pens, etc.) will be provided on the first day of school.

Health and Safety

Each of the classrooms will be deep cleaned and sanitized prior to the launch of the learning pods. Every night, the classrooms will be full sanitized. Personal protective equipment will be available in each classroom.

Lunch Provided

All students will be provided a lunch. The breakfast club will not be occurring this year, but breakfast options will be available in each classroom.

One-on-One Tutoring on Fridays

On Fridays from 9:00 to 11:00am, MIB is providing optional tutoring sessions for learning pod students. There will be 20 spots available each week for students to sign up for. To maintain COVID-19 health orders, each tutoring session is one-on-one, with one student per adult at each table adequately spaced out in the gymnasium.

Questions? Contact Faye Mitchell at [email protected] or Councillor Tammy Harkey at [email protected]