Home Learning Plan

Dear Boulder Valley Families,

We recognize that this was likely a difficult weekend for many of our families as more cases of COVID-19 were confirmed in our community, emergency declarations were made by our community’s leaders and all of us have been struggling with the best way to protect our children and loved ones during what will likely be a long period of uncertainty.

Let’s Talk Education

As we begin the first full week of school closures, we wanted to provide you with some additional information regarding what our next steps will look like, if we are unable to return to our buildings following Spring Break. 

We, of course, are hoping for a quick return to school, but planning for every situation. It is possible that by taking early efforts to slow the spread of the coronavirus, things could significantly improve by March 29. Looking at how other communities have been impacted by this virus, however, we understand it could be far longer. 

Regardless, we know that resuming education and getting back into a routine as soon as possible is important for many reasons. We also know that in addition to helping our students learn and grow academically, school provides students with normalcy, structure, a place of belonging, and social and emotional support. This is even more important during a crisis when the world around us is filled with uncertainty.

That is why our teachers will be preparing to stand up Home Learning following the week of Spring Break, if necessary.

Home Learning Plan

Our district support team has developed a home learning plan to take effect on March 30, 2020, if needed. Schools will be reaching out to families to provide more information following Spring Break.  Instruction will be delivered digitally or through written materials, by BVSD instructional staff, and aligned with the Colorado State Standards.  Prior to Spring Break, all families will receive access to a web page including technology and home learning support materials to ensure students are well prepared to receive home learning if necessary. 

Academic focus:

• Grades PK-5: Students will receive home learning activity choices focused on literacy, mathematics and teacher-designed lessons through both digital and print materials based on the students’ access to online content. 

• Grades 6-12: Online courses focused on Core Content and courses needed for students to graduate will be the priority. Printed materials may be made available on a case-by-case basis. 

• Special Education: Special Education professionals will coordinate with general education teachers to provide support to students with disabilities. Students receiving special education services or supports will continue to receive these supports via phone, video conferencing or other mediums dependent on family resources. 

• Gifted & Talented: Staff will coordinate to provide support to students with Advanced Learning Plans.

Daily attendance/participation: Student attendance will be recorded daily by teachers in Infinite Campus (IC) based on the activity, lesson or unit completed. 

Contacting staff: Following Spring Break, teachers will reach out to students and families with their specific learning plan for their class.   

Technology: Technology self-help resources will be available on our district webpage and will answer many common questions around applications and technology. Specific questions regarding student assignments should be directed to school staff. 

We appreciate your flexibility and understanding. As this is a rapidly changing situation, information and circumstances may change at any time.  We will contact you again before Spring Break with more details.

Health and Wellness

Due to the increase in community spread being seen in our area and mountain communities, public health’s recommendations for social distancing and/or if you develop symptoms (fever, cough, and shortness of breath) is to follow these guidelines from the State.  They are also requesting visitors to Eagle, Summit, Pitkin, and Gunnison counties minimize social contact.  

These times are unsettling and scary for us and our kids. It is important to provide reassurance and support to our children by keeping shared information simple, age-appropriate and fact-based and by retaining schedules and routines.

• Consider developing a daily schedule to provide normalcy and routine. Some ideas for routines to help tweens and teens. 

• Remember to consider how your conversations and actions affect your children.  

  • If you don’t know where to start, click here for advice from the National Association of School Psychologists.

  • Additional resources for talking with kids about the situation can be found on the BVSD webpage Coronavirus FAQs

• Follow social distancing guidance.

  • New information for parents can be found at the state level here: School's Closed: Recommendations for Parents

  • Boulder County Public Health has also shared their social distancing recommendations

If you or anyone in your family is experiencing mental health concerns, please take advantage of mental health services available to you. Ask your health care provider for recommendations, or contact Boulder County Mental Health Partners.   If you or someone you know is experiencing a crisis, please call the Mental Health Crisis Line at 1-844-493-TALK, or by texting “TALK” to 38255. 

Additionally, BVSD has created a resource page on its website to help families with a variety of needs. Mental Health resources are under Health and Wellness. There are also excellent agencies on this page that can support families struggling with food insecurity and other challenges.

Food Distribution

As I mentioned in my last message, our Food Services department is working with our partners at Impact on Education to provide food bags to families who need assistance.

BVSD Emergency Food Distribution

Thursday, March 19
10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

• Creekside Elementary School

• Crestview Elementary School

• Columbine Elementary School

• Emerald Elementary School

• Louisville Middle School

• Nederland High School

• Pioneer Elementary School

• Sanchez Elementary School

• University Hill Elementary School

https://food.bvsd.org/programs/emergency-food-program
 

Identification or paperwork will not be required to receive food. In addition to serving students who are on the free and reduced lunch program, we understand that other families may also be struggling at this time.

Please help us get out the word to those that need the help. Here are the flyers in Spanish and English.

Let’s look out for each other

It has been amazing to see our community come together during this time of crisis. While there has been panic buying and some cases of coronavirus-related fraud, there have been far more stories of people supporting their neighbors and those in need.

I am exceedingly proud to be part of this community. Working together, we will get through this.
 

Rob Anderson

Superintendent

Boulder Valley School District