Home Learning Kickoff on Monday

Dear Families and Staff,

Spring Break (as unconventional as it has been), is nearing an end. We resume learning on Monday, and I know that our teachers and staff are excited to reconnect with your students.

With Governor Polis’ stay at home and school closure orders in place through mid-April, we know that it will be some time before we return to our buildings. 

We fully support the governor’s decision, knowing that the actions we are taking now, avoiding all non-essential activities, will save lives. We committed to being there for students so they can learn and be supported for however long this lasts.

Here is some important information as we head into next week:

Home Learning launching

Over the past several weeks we have been preparing to launch home learning. While we have contingency plans for emergencies – we never anticipated this. Our teachers have done a great job of getting up to speed with the tools and resources we have available and we are ready to resume instruction on Monday.

This is new for everyone, so please have patience with your kids and the teaching staff as we work through this new method of learning together. 

You can also find information and resources for home learning on our website through the links below (including some important technology support information). More specific schedules and guidance will come from your student’s teacher next week. 

Elementary Home Learning

Secondary Home Learning

Additionally, check out the video of our livestream this morning that answered questions about home learning.

Elementary school paper materials pickup

In an effort to support Home Learning,  BVSD will also be providing one backpack per family with print learning materials, books, and activity menus for preschool-5th grade students who do not have access to a digital device.

These backpacks will be available for pickup:

Days: Monday March 30 and Wednesday April 1
Time: 10am - 1pm

Locations:  Sanchez Elementary, Creekside Elementary, Crest View Elementary, Columbine Elementary, Emerald Elementary, Louisville MS, Nederland Middle/Senior High School, Pioneer Elementary and University Hill Elementary

For parents who do have devices and internet but wish to have paper materials for their elementary student, you can access the printable materials on the website here
 

Food distribution resuming next week

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 

Health and safety during distribution events

It is our goal to ensure all students are prepared for the start of home learning, while also protecting those in our community from potential exposure. Therefore, we insist that you do not come to schools to pick up devices/materials/food if you have any symptoms of COVID-19 or have been in contact with someone who has or is suspected of having COVID-19.

We thank you in advance for following all protocols put in place to ensure the safety and wellbeing of our community during these events.

 

High School Information

We realize that this situation is particularly challenging for high school students, especially our seniors. Our goal is to be as flexible as we can be, while ensuring that our students remain on track to earn the credits needed to graduate.
 

Grading

Our high school teachers will continue to provide instruction, so that students can continue to learn and progress towards the accomplishment of state standards. There will be some flexibility in terms of attendance and timing of project completion during this unprecedented time. Students, however, will still be expected to show their mastery of knowledge and skills to earn credit. As a result, high school teachers will continue to give grades, while also working to meet the individualized needs of each student.

Prom

Regretfully, knowing that constraints on social distancing are not expected to be lifted until mid-April, BVSD is canceling all proms this year and we are strongly encouraging families against holding alternative gatherings for teens – knowing that this could create additional exposure to the coronavirus – undermining efforts to slow the spread of the disease.

Testing

We will contact you soon with more information about AP, SAT and ACT testing.

Graduation

We are monitoring the situation and will make a decision about in person graduation ceremonies soon and also look at other possible options.

 

I hope you are able to have a relaxing and safe weekend at home. We look forward to resuming learning again on Monday.

 

Rob Anderson

Superintendent

Boulder Valley School District