In person learning will remain suspended, at least through April 30

Dear Boulder Valley School District Families and Staff,

As you may have heard, this afternoon Colorado Governor Jared Polis announced in person learning will remain suspended longer than originally expected – at least through April 30.

We appreciate the Governor's leadership during this time of crisis. 

Of course, we and our families look forward to the day when we are able to reopen our schools, but we recognize the importance of putting the health and wellness of our students, families, staff, and the community first. 

This is the third day of Home Learning in BVSD, and while certainly not perfect, things are going well. We know that we are continuing to experience technical difficulties with Schoology. Our team has been in direct contact with the company and they are working on addressing the nation-wide issues.

We are prepared to continue Home Learning throughout the rest of the school year, if necessary, along with other ongoing efforts, including food distribution and technology access, to support our families. Please let your school principal know if you haven’t yet received a Chromebook, but need one.

Topics below include:

• Public Health Reminders

• BVSD Playgrounds, Tracks and Fields are Closed

• BVSD Emergency Childcare

• Siren testing on Monday, April 6

• Today is Census Day- Everyone Counts

 

Let’s Continue to Do Our Part
In the next couple weeks, according to our partners at Boulder County Public Health, it is likely that there will be a significant increase in the number of people in our community who test positive for the new coronavirus (COVID-19), including people who require hospital care for the illness. Now more than ever, it is vital that we all follow the Colorado Public Health order and stay at home as much as possible. The more we stay home, the more successful we will be at stopping the virus from spreading and causing illness and death in our community.

If you do need to go out, be very sure to stay at least 6 feet away from others who do not live in your household, and wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds as soon as you get home. It is also very important to continue keeping your home clean and disinfected according to the CDC guidelines.
 

BVSD Playgrounds, Tracks and Fields are Closed
To help encourage social distancing, BVSD is closing playgrounds, tracks and fields. In alignment with the recommendation of our public health experts, individuals and families may continue to walk through our grounds, but we felt additional measures were necessary to discourage team sports and other gatherings in violation of the Stay at Home order. 
 

BVSD Emergency Childcare

There are many in our community who need to continue to work outside their homes in vital positions, including healthcare and emergency workers. To help those who need it we have set up low cost, emergency childcare sites at 3 locations in the district. BVSD has requested to be registered as one of the Colorado Emergency Child Care Collaborative providers and is awaiting confirmation of acceptance, which may take several days. Here is a flyer with all the details about the program.

Food Distribution
The Food Services team has resumed the distribution of food bags this week. Food bags will be distributed on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 11:30am-1:30pm at 9 distribution sites for the remainder of the school closures.:  Sanchez Elementary, Creekside Elementary, Crest View Elementary, Columbine Elementary, Emerald Elementary, Louisville MS, Nederland Middle/Senior High School, Pioneer Elementary and University Hill Elementary

 Learn more on the website here 
 

Siren testing
On Monday, April 6, the City of Boulder and other communities in Boulder Valley will be testing their emergency sirens, as they normally do in preparation for the tornado season. Given everyone’s heightened state of alert due to the pandemic – please be sure to share information about the upcoming, routine test with family, friends and neighbors.
 

Today is Census Day

Even in the midst of an international pandemic, we do not want to lose sight of the Census 2020. Today is Census Day and we would like to remind our families to participate. It is incredibly important to BVSD and our entire community, because it impacts how much money is available for education, school lunch and much, much more. 
 

Everyone counts
The census counts every person living in the U.S – regardless of age or immigration status. It is important to know that participating in the census is confidential and data provided is protected, by law. LEARN MORE

It’s in the Constitution
The U.S. Constitution requires a census every 10 years. The census covers the entire country and everyone living there. The first census was in 1790.

It’s about $675 billion
Census data determine how more than $676 billion are spent. It determines how much money goes to vital local programs– including schools, like the Boulder Valley School District, new roads, and emergency services.

It’s about fair representation

Every 10 years, the results of the census are used to reapportion the House of Representatives, determining how many seats each state gets. Additionally, after each census, state lawmakers use the results to redraw the boundaries of their congressional and state legislative districts, adapting to population shifts.

Census During the Pandemic

Despite the crisis, the Census continues. Families can participate online, by phone or by mail from the comfort and safety of their home. More information about the Census is available on BVSD’s website.

 

Thank you again for all your hard work and patience this week. I’m proud of how we’ve all come together to support our students and community.

Rob Anderson
Superintendent
Boulder Valley School District
#AllTogetherBVSD