Coronavirus Updates

Dear Families,

We have made it through this first week. I sincerely hope you are able to take the weekend, and Spring Break, to recharge, get some fresh air, and take a break. I know that it has not been easy and that it will take all of us working together to get through this.

Below are some important updates:

1. Technology device deployment plan

With the move to home learning, we are working to distribute devices to the students who need one. Our team has created a plan to distribute devices at each school next week. Parents will be hearing from their principals regarding pickup times and process and will receive a device contract prior to pickup. 

2. Paper Resource Pickup

Our team is also working on a plan to ensure more families have access to internet at home. In the meantime, we will distribute backpacks with printed materials and books for elementary students that need it. We will provide details regarding pickup of these materials early next week. We will have a limited amount of paper resources for those families that don't have access to a digital device. If you do have access to a device, we ask that you don't pick up the paper materials.

3. Free and Reduced Lunch Application

In this unprecedented time of need, we understand that many families have circumstances that have drastically changed. We encourage families in need to apply for free and reduced-price meal benefits for the 2019-20 school year, so they are in place when school resumes. Click here for the instructions on how to fill out an online application

4. Food Resources for next week

Since we now know that schools will be closed through April 17, our Food Services team will be working over Spring Break to secure additional food items, do a thorough cleaning of the kitchen and ensure the health and safety of the food staff. Starting March 31, the team will be prepared to distribute food each week for as long as the need remains.

Since our BVSD pick up locations will not be available next week, here is a list of partner agencies where families can access food. 

If your family is in crisis and you need immediate help, please reach out to the Family Help Line so calls can be routed to our community liaisons who can offer assistance. (Family Help Line / Linea de Ayuda Familiar: 720 770 0102)

If you want to help support these efforts, volunteer and donation information is available at www.impactoneducation.org/covid19.

5. Food Plan for after Spring Break

After Spring Break the Food Services team will resume the distribution of food bags on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 11:30am-1:30pm at the same 9 distribution sites for the remainder of the school closures. Learn more on the website here 

6. Home Learning Plan- Starting Monday, March 30

We are poised and ready to launch home learning after Spring Break on Monday, March 30. You can find details about the plan on our website, which you can access in the links below. 

Elementary Home Learning

Secondary Home Learning

7. Boulder Public Health Update

We understand that many people are hearing reports of people with COVID-19 who may have been at our schools or who have family members that may have been at schools.  Because our area is experiencing community spread of coronavirus, BVSD, in coordination with our local public health agencies, is encouraging the following guidance: 

Regardless of your possible exposure, all residents need to diligently follow the social distancing and hygiene practices; most importantly, staying home if you are sick. It has now been confirmed that we have community spread of COVID-19 in Boulder County, meaning that there has been unknown exposure so there are likely many people in the community with the illness. Do not wait for a test; if you or someone you know has flu-like symptoms of any kind, they should stay home in order to prevent spread to the wider community.   

We have compiled COVID-19 health and wellness resources on our webpage here.

8. LLL Virtual Learning

BVSD Lifelong Learning is offering a variety of virtual learning opportunities over Spring Break next week. Each class is $50 for a weeklong session. Options are available for kids, adults, and families. See here for more information.

9. Refunds and Cancellations

District staff are working with schools and departments to initiate and process refunds for the variety of payments made by families. We ask for your patience and understanding as each type of payment may require different processing, action by individual school staff, coordination with trip sponsors and entry into the district’s accounting software. 

District staff will begin processing refunds for Lifelong Learning and Childcare through Community Schools and the district’s comprehensive Preschool starting the week of March 23rd. 

Whenever possible, refunds will be made in the same manner they were made, eg. credit card payments will be refunded to the credit card.