Remote Learning, Graduations, Grading

Dear Boulder Valley School District Families and Staff,

It is Day 2 of remote learning and I want to thank everyone for their flexibility and support. We know it has been a big lift for our educators and parents alike. Outside of some technical difficulties with Schoology, we are largely hearing positive reports from our schools and families. Thank you to everyone for helping to make home learning a success.

As we have shared before, we know that this is a completely new world and we ask that we all continue forward with grace and understanding. Ultimately our goal is to help our students continue to learn and be supported.

Topics in this message:

• 2020 Graduation Update

• Grading and Attendance for each school level

• Food and Materials Distribution Information

• Technology Support

• Next episode of “Let’s Talk Education: Social-Emotional and Academic Support” live streaming tomorrow

2020 Graduations
We recently learned that the University of Colorado has canceled all public events at its facilities through May 31, including planned graduation ceremonies. We expect other venues will soon follow. 

While this is not a surprise given current estimates regarding the projected timeline of the pandemic crisis, we are saddened by the continuing impact of this health crisis on our students – especially our graduating seniors.

We acknowledge the importance of high school graduation and are dedicated to finding a way to have graduation ceremonies for the Class of 2020. 

We are continuing to be in close consultation with our partners in public health and are considering a number of options.

Our hope is that because of our united actions, we are able to flatten the curve and that things return back to normal this summer – potentially allowing us to gather with our community to celebrate our outstanding young people who have worked so hard to earn their diplomas.

It is a bit soon to provide specific plans. Every option remains on the table. Right now we are looking at postponing events, but it is important that everyone realize that the events may need to look different, based on the circumstances. Public health expects to have a lot more data in the next few weeks, which will help inform our decisions regarding the potential resumption of school and other activities.

We will continue to provide updates. Thank you for your patience.

Grading and Attendance
We understand the need for flexibility with regard to attendance. Grading will vary based on level. Below is some guidance for each school level regarding grading and attendance for students.

Elementary

• Attendance: We understand the need for flexibility with attendance. Please make sure to connect with your teachers in these circumstances.  They will be tracking student engagement to ensure participation and will check-in with students as often as possible. Students will not be penalized if they are unable to access content or technology.  

• Grading:  Standards-based report cards in IC are NOT required while schools are operating in home learning mode.  Teachers will be providing feedback to students and families about each student's progress towards standards.  

Middle

• Attendance is based on completion and will be determined by your teacher. You will be marked present when you turn in completed work. This could look like:

  • Complete a task
  • Check-in with your teacher
  • Attend a live whole class video conference
  • Post information in Google classroom or Schoology

• You will receive flexibility with attendance if you are unable to connect to online materials, have family responsibilities to attend to, etc. Please make sure to connect with your teachers in these circumstances.

• Grading: You are expected to complete assignments. If you are having difficulty completing, please reach out to your teacher to receive support. Your teachers will lead with grace and understanding for assignment completion. An acknowledgment will be given to most assignments.

  • If an assignment will be used for a grade, the teacher will indicate that in the task/assignments and provide an explanation of how you will be graded.

High

• Attendance: Attendance is based on completion and will be determined by your teacher. You will be marked present when you turn in completed work. This could look like:

  • Complete a task
  • Check-in with your teacher
  • Attend a live whole class video conference
  • Post information in Google classroom or Schoology

• You will receive flexibility with attendance if you are unable to connect to online materials, have family responsibilities to attend to, etc. Please make sure to connect with your teachers in these circumstances.

• Grading: You are expected to complete assignments. If you are having difficulty completing, please reach out to your teacher to receive support. Your teachers will lead with grace and understanding for assignment completion. An acknowledgment will be given to most assignments.

  • If an assignment will be used for a grade, the teacher will indicate that in the task/assignments and provide an explanation of how you will be graded.
     

Elementary Materials Distribution
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: 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
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 the same 9 distribution sites for the remainder of the school closures. Learn more on the website here 
 

What to do when your device has an issue
As we move to home learning with all students using devices regularly, at some point your device will have an issue (like all computers do). Don’t panic! The five steps identified in this flyer will solve many of the issues you will experience. If these steps do not resolve your issue, call 720-561-HELP.
 

Let’s Talk Education: Social-Emotional and Academic Support
We will be hosting another Let’s Talk Education show and the focus will be how to support students social-emotionally and academically during this challenging time. The show will be broadcast live on BV22 (Comcast Channel 22 and online at www.bvsd.org/bv22). If you have questions for our Student Support team or counselors on this topic, reply to our posts on social media or submit questions here.