Join us for the next Board of Education meeting on Monday, April 27th at 6:00 p.m. Time: Apr 27, 2020 06:00 PM Mountain Time (US and Canada) Join Zoom Meeting https://zoom.us/j/93981138558?pwd=cTl1NkpjbkVwS3ZRbkdod1FkNVRFQT09 Meeting ID: 939 8113 8558 Password: 015356 One tap mobile +13462487799,,93981138558#,,#,015356# US (Houston) +14086380968,,93981138558#,,#,015356# US (San Jose) Dial by your location +1 346 248 7799 US (Houston) +1 408 638 0968 US (San Jose) +1 669 900 6833 US (San Jose) +1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago) +1 646 876 9923 US (New York) +1 253 215 8782 US +1 301 715 8592 US Meeting ID: 939 8113 8558 Password: 015356 Find your local number: https://zoom.us/u/adkNvPgX62
over 4 years ago, BV Schools
Board Agenda 4-27-2020 pg. 1
Board Agenda 4-27-2020 pg. 2
over 4 years ago, BV Schools
Welcome to Kindergarten Flier
BV Schools COVID-19 District Response UPDATE 4.21.2020 On April 20, 2020, Governor Polis announced the Stay at Home Order for the state of Colorado would expire on April 27, 2020 and he provided guidance for a “Safer at Home” phase focused on continued protection while also moving to recovery. To view slides from the Governor’s press conference: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1qsnMs_bbLLMEqys0YlTnFHlpZy4xnQNv/view The Safer at Home phase gives guidance that education should remain closed to in person learning. The press release stated, “There are three levels of social distancing, which include: Staying at Home, Safer at Home, and Protect our Neighbors. On April 27, the state will be moving onto the Safer at Home phase. During this phase Coloradans will no longer be ordered to stay home, but are still strongly encouraged to do so. Vulnerable populations and seniors must continue staying home except when absolutely necessary and K-12 school districts and postsecondary institutions will continue to suspend normal in-person instruction until the end of the school year.” Governor Polis’ Executive Order related to school closing will be coming shortly. While we are saddened to know we will not be returning together, this was expected, and we will continue a high level of connection with all of our students. As well, we will continue to work with our local public health agency to create plans for phased, small groups of students to return to the building for pick up of personal items, eventual return of student devices and books, and other closing activities. We will do so with strict physical distancing practices in place and following all established protocols. We want our students to be able to end this most unusual school year with some visual closures and connections to the spaces where they have grown this year. Plans will be forthcoming. The end of in person learning also marks the end of our spring sports seasons. To our student-athletes, and especially our seniors, we are so very sorry you are not able to participate this year. Our hearts are heavy for you. The announcement of continued distance learning through the remainder of the school year was anticipated and likely not a surprise to most. However, with it now being a reality, we all need to pay attention to our mindsets regarding this extension. There will likely be new challenges ahead in the remainder of the school year; there i an immediate challenges I believe we need to address together: four additional weeks will take a toll on sustaining engagement for students, teachers, and families alike. Our teachers have already been working together to envision new and “fresh” ways of connecting with students to keep them inspired, positive, and excited during these last four weeks of school. Our driving question will be to ask ourselves, “How can we keep them coming back?” Families, keep encouraging your children, continue to give them space to explore their interests, and be assured knowing we will get back on track in achieving academic milestones in time. We will continue to provide opportunities and practice for your children through these four weeks and our promise is to build upon the growth from this entire year, both in person and distance learning, when we return so each student reaches the peak of success. We will continue our meal program at least through the school year and are evaluating the need to continue this program through the summer. Please see at the end of this update information about our new Grove Early School Director/Assistant Principal, Liz Barnaby and new BVHS principal, Jon Ail. As we continue to navigate our present reality, we look forward with excitement in welcoming these two new leaders to our district. Now, maybe more than ever, is the time to stay connected. There is a lament in this time and sharing in the loss, as well as celebrating our collective hope that it will not always be this way, is essential to living in community well. Please join our staff and families every Friday through the school year at 7:30 pm for Friday Night Lights parade. We will turn the lights on at our football stadium and baseball stadium (at the River Park) and staff will be lined up to wave and see you all. Take time to hop in the car and join us for this weekly connection. It is worth it. Take Care. Be Well. Lisa Yates Superintendent Buena Vista School District
over 4 years ago, BV Schools
4-21-20 COVID Update Pg. 1
4-21-20 COVID Update Pg. 2
The success of our Industrial Arts program has been catalyzed by many donations from businesses and individuals throughout the years. This outside support has brought our students many unique opportunities for hands-on learning in our wood and metal shops; opportunities that are increasingly rare in public schools. One of these generous contributions was a donation of personal protective equipment from FastCap last Fall to help insure our students’ safety. We are happy to announce that the Industrial Arts Program has decided to pay it forward and donate one hundred fifty N95 face masks that they received from FastCap to Chaffee County Public Health in this time of need.
over 4 years ago, BV Schools
N95 face masks
John Emilsson is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting. Topic: BVMS Parent Meeting Time: Apr 15, 2020 06:00 PM Mountain Time (US and Canada) Every week on Wed, until May 13, 2020, 5 occurrence(s) Apr 15, 2020 06:00 PM Apr 22, 2020 06:00 PM Apr 29, 2020 06:00 PM May 6, 2020 06:00 PM May 13, 2020 06:00 PM Please download and import the following iCalendar (.ics) files to your calendar system. Weekly: https://zoom.us/meeting/tJEvcu2qqDgsG9xAloJMWFO69N7W6NA7lOX7/ics?icsToken=98tyKuCtrD4uGNKWthiPRowMAI_4LOrwpnZdjfpFvRPqKQ1kRCygb8wVBeRRMY_c Join Zoom Meeting https://zoom.us/j/95254263618?pwd=K1FYVkIxTDE0VkRWRE4rYmNSUVNFdz09 Meeting ID: 952 5426 3618 Password: 2ae54m
over 4 years ago, Cheri Dey
Chaffee County Shuttle - Senior Shopper Program Launches Mon. April 13th The citizens of Chaffee County, in combinations with The Chaffee Shuttle, (Grant from Chaffee County Community Fund CCCF), Home Health & Hospice (HRHHH) and the Chaffee County Government have launched a senior grocery shopper program. Purpose: Provide grocery delivery services for senior citizens (or citizens in need). These people do not need to leave their home. 1. Seniors in need of grocery’s call Tambra Stutes at Heart of Rockies Home Health & Hospice (HRHHH) at 314-201-1450 to put in their request for groceries. 2. Volunteer shoppers needed! Please call Chris Martin 719-239-0023 or cmartin@netzero-usa.com with name, full address and phone number. 3. Shopping will be done for Salida/Poncha on M & W; Buena Vista on Tu & Th. 4. Shopping day… Chaffee Shuttle will pick up the volunteer shopper, drop them off at the grocery store, shopper will purchase groceries on their list with a pre-paid gift card to pay for the groceries. Shopper will be driven to the senior’s home for delivery inside or at the front door. The citizen will be encouraged to pay for the groceries with a check payable to Chaffee County Community Foundation. The monies will be deposited back into CCCF’s Senior Shopping account as a donation.
over 4 years ago, BV Schools
Chaffee County Shuttle Logo
Join us for a virtual Board of Education meeting on Monday, April 13th at 6:00 pm. Please join the meeting by using Google Meet. Join Hangouts Meet meet.google.com/qoc-mxat-gfd Join by phone ‪+1 929-336-0258 PIN: ‪899 337 736#
over 4 years ago, BV Schools
4-13-20 School Board Agenda
Please join the Buena Vista Board of Education for a community linkage on April 13, 6:00 pm by Google Meet. The Board would like to hear from the community any responses regarding distance learning and receive any questions about the school district currently or in the future. Join Hangouts Meet meet.google.com/qoc-mxat-gfd Join by phone ‪+1 929-336-0258‬ PIN: ‪899 337 736‬#
over 4 years ago, BV Schools
Distance Learning-Laptop Image
BV SCHOOLS UPDATE COVID-19 4.3.2020 In response to Governor Polis' executive order on April 2, 2020, the Buena Vista School District will extend its closure to in person learning through April 30, 2020. Distance learning will continue at least through April 30 and families should now have access to learning opportunities from teachers beginning on March 31. The district will continue to follow orders from the Governor, as well as guidance from our local public health department, in determining how learning opportunities to students will be provided after April 30th. Some districts in Colorado in densely populated areas may move beyond the Governor's order and close school to in person learning for the remainder of the year. Others, including Buena Vista, will use April 30th as the guidance, leaving May open to possible individuals or small groups return for in-person assessments or culminating experiences. The district is working on plans to provide culminating experiences, especially for our graduating class of 2020. The school year will not extend past May 28 for all students. The district is considering how summer school might be used in supporting some students in preparing for the coming year, again, dependent on the rate at which social distancing can be lifted. We are confident and prepared in meeting the needs of students in the coming year, with grade promotion, even with this alternative distance-learning during these weeks. We fully understand the learning at home will vary from family to family depending on individual circumstances, and we are committed to working now and in the coming year with each individual's learning needs to ensure continued growth. Principals are hosting parent/guardian virtual meetings during the week of April 6 to support you in your new role as teacher/facilitator for your children. Please refer to building emails for specific information. You are doing great! Somedays are better than others - for you and for your children. You, or your children, are not meant to have this figured out or do it well all the time or even most of the time. Just keep doing the next best thing. Your teachers, principals and entire staff are here for you. When you see the lights turned on our fields, remember, we see you, we are here, and all will be well. Take care, Lisa Yates Superintendent, Buena Vista School District
over 4 years ago, BV Schools
4-3-20 BV Schools Letter
The Buena Vista Board of Education will have a special board meeting on April 6, 2020. Public may participate virtually. Access information is included below: Topic: BV Schools Board Meeting April 6 Time: Apr 6, 2020 07:15 PM Mountain Time (US and Canada) Join Zoom Meeting https://zoom.us/j/538766355 Meeting ID: 538 766 355 One tap mobile +13462487799,,538766355# US (Houston) +14086380968,,538766355# US (San Jose) Dial by your location +1 346 248 7799 US (Houston) +1 408 638 0968 US (San Jose) +1 669 900 6833 US (San Jose) +1 301 715 8592 US +1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago) +1 646 876 9923 US (New York) +1 253 215 8782 US Meeting ID: 538 766 355 Find your local number: https://zoom.us/u/adkNvPgX62
over 4 years ago, BV Schools
April 6, 2020 board meeting agenda
To our students: we see you, we honor you, and we are still here during this time of separation! #BeTheLightCO #bvstrong #bvschoolsthepeak
over 4 years ago, BV Schools
Baseball and football fields from midland with lights
Good Morning, BV Schools Families, While we cannot welcome you all back from Spring Break in person, we are sending a warm and very special welcome as we embark on a unique opportunity for distance learning in BV Schools! Together, let's embrace this challenge to create meaningful and lasting memories and experiences in new ways for our students. I know I speak for all of the staff, we miss you and so look forward to the day when we can come together again. And it will come. Until then, let's get started, set up, and organized for distance learning! Today begins pick up of materials at preschool, middle and high school. Tuesday will be pick up at elementary and again for high school students. Check emails from your student's school for specific times and details. Our schools have been sanitized over last two weeks so materials coming out have been disinfected. In addition, our staff will be wearing gloves and masks to distribute materials today. Meals will continue, at no cost, and can be picked up between 11-1 each day at Avery Parsons. If you need help getting materials from your school, please email your principal or any staff member. We can make arrangements to deliver - and if you or anyone in your family is ill, please contact us so we can drop materials outside your door rather than you coming to the school. As a reminder, distance learning at home is much different than in person learning. It will likely take between 1-2 hours per day with room for physical activity, instrument practice, and other creative projects. If you need something, please ask. This week is a slow start to our distance learning so staff, students and families can get settled into new routines. I will continue to send out updates about the district overall each week. Your principal and teachers will be in communication about all the learning logistics. Encourage your children often. Marvel at their adaptablity. Consider their anxiety in all that is different and unknown, and hold them closer. Welcome back and here we go! Lisa Yates Superintendent, Buena Vista School District
over 4 years ago, BV Schools
BV Schools Families, As you are well aware, Governor Polis issued a Stay at Home order for the state of Colorado beginning March 26 and extending through April 11. Critical operations are exempt from this order. Schools are defined as critical operations. Schools, including meal distribution and delivery/pick up of instructional materials, will continue during this time. Please see the bulleted points below for clarifications. • Daily meal pick ups will continue each week day at Avery Parsons Elementary between 11-1:00pm. Delivery is available as well as volunteering to help with handing out meals by contacting emily@cornerstonechurchbv.com • The district will be working with other community partners to provide weekend and evening meals for families who have needs. If you are in need of meals beyond what the school is providing each day, please contact your school counselor, a teacher, or leave a message at 395-7099 and we will contact you with support. Our Board of Education pledged at least $5000 to support this evening meal program for our community. • Learning opportunities will begin the week of March 30. Teachers will be reaching out with students/families by end of day on Monday, March 30 with information for the week’s learning. • Pick up of materials will begin on Monday for middle and high school and continue on Tuesday for elementary, as well as a second pick up for high school. Specific information from building principals will outline this distribution. Stay well! Lisa Yates, Superintendent lyates@bvschools.org
over 4 years ago, BV Schools
3-26-20 BV Schools Letter
The Buena Vista Board of Education will have a meeting on March 25, 2020. Public may participate virtually. Access information is included below: Lisa Yates is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting. Topic: BV Schools Board Meeting 3.23.2020 Time: Mar 25, 2020 06:00 PM Mountain Time (US and Canada) Join Zoom Meeting https://zoom.us/j/107030565?pwd=WGFsSXYyTHdUSFR6T1N3dzhkR054Zz09 Meeting ID: 107 030 565 Password: 131562 One tap mobile +13462487799,,107030565# US (Houston) +14086380968,,107030565# US (San Jose) Dial by your location +1 346 248 7799 US (Houston) +1 408 638 0968 US (San Jose) +1 669 900 6833 US (San Jose) +1 646 876 9923 US (New York) +1 253 215 8782 US +1 301 715 8592 US +1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago) Meeting ID: 107 030 565 Find your local number: https://zoom.us/u/adkNvPgX62
over 4 years ago, BV Schools
3-25-20 School Board Meeting Agenda
BV Schools Update COVID -19 March 23, 2020 BV Schools Families, This correspondence does not include any new information regarding the status of school, only reminders and encouragement. School is closed to in person learning through April 17 by Governor Polis' executive order. We will update you if that date is extended. This week, March 23-27 is a scheduled SPRING BREAK. This means there will not be specific learning opportunities provided to students during this week. Meals will be provided again this week through a "Grab n Go" service at Avery Parsons Elementary between 11-1:00 pm. Many thanks to our food service staff for their tireless preparation as well as community volunteers who are handing out and delivering the meals as needed. You can volunteer to help or provide an address for delivery by contacting Emily and emily@cornerstonechurchbv.com. Learning opportunities will begin the week of March 30 and will continue through the school closure. In coming days, you will receive specific information from your school principal and teacher/advisor about instructions for pick up of needed materials and supplies next Monday or Tuesday. K-5 learning will not use technology to deliver; 6-12 grade will use technology for delivery of learning opportunities. We will work with each family to gain access to these learning opportunities. While we cannot replicate the quality instruction that happens each day when school is open, our teaching staff have been working over the last weeks to develop prompts, practice, thinking, and experiences that will continue a path of growth in grade level learning outcomes. Do we have all the answers to distance learning that is guaranteed to work right away? No, we do not. Do we have a good plan that will be continually reviewed and adjusted to meet our needs as we implement? Absolutely! Again, more information will be provided from each building principal as we start up on March 30. In the meantime, enjoy these Spring Break days! As together we move along in these unusual days, a reminder that experiencing a range of emotions is normal. As the novelty wears, it can be tempting to look ahead at the calendar and a return to our routines or even school, seem far away. I encourage us all to stay in the present. Today is enough and trying to hold tomorrow's worry, too, can lead to overwhelm and even despair. Finding ways to celebrate the good in these times is a simple way to stay in the present. Several people I know are documenting a highlight or two of each day through a phone photo or a sentence on a post it on a wall of their house. Again, it is to be expected to experience a range of emotions. Boredom and anxiety can lead to being annoyed with our children, spouses, interactions with others at the store, officials making decisions, and more. If we lose our gratitude and begin to focus on the inconvenience and worry of how long this will be, we can turn to blame and criticism of those endeavoring to do the best on behalf of all. If you find yourself overwhelmed, you are not alone. We are in this together. As a reminder, our school counselors and Sol Vista staff who work with our school are available, as are other school staff if you feel more comfortable. We encourage you to reach out as you need, even if it is just a check in for ideas as you care for your children at home. We have experts who do this for a living and are ready to help! Again, please reach out to others as we navigate this together. You can email directly to staff or call 719.395.7099 to speak with someone and someone will call you. Take care of each other. Be well. Lisa Yates, Superintendent Buena Vista School District
over 4 years ago, BV Schools
BV Schools COVID-19 District Response UPDATE 3.19.2020 11:00 am BV Schools Closure extended through April 17, 2020 To help mitigate the spread of the COVID-19 virus in Colorado, on Wednesday, March 18, 2020, Colorado Governor Jared Polis ordered that all public and private schools across the state suspend in-person learning from March 23 to April 17. The executive order directs Colorado school districts to make every effort to provide alternative learning opportunities during this time while taking into account the needs of local communities. This order also directs the Commissioner of Education to issue guidance to support school systems in developing and implementing plans to assist families and students in accessing alternative learning, providing free and reduced lunch and breakfast, and offering waivers for instructional time as appropriate. “Protecting the health of all Coloradoans is our top priority, and moving to online learning and other ways to support learning at home is absolutely the right thing to do,” said Education Commissioner Katy Anthes. “We know school leaders, educators and families will have a lot of questions about how to support their students’ learning at home during this unprecedented time. The department is working on guidance and developing resources to support our schools and students, and it will be available very soon.” The Governor made this order via press release this evening. Read it online here: https://www.colorado.gov/governor/news/colorado-takes-further-action-address-public-health-threat-covid-19 The Buena Vista School District had already closed school buildings with an extended spring break through March 27. This order will extend that time-frame through April 17. Educators and leadership in the Buena Vista School District have already started working on how to provide educational resources for students and families. To emphasize, this is a new reality for all and it will require all of us working together in support of children in the Buena Vista School District. Our leadership understands this information brings both certainty and uncertainty for the weeks ahead. I ask we allow each other a measure of grace as we develop plans for what learning looks like during this time away from school. Now, more than ever, we must work together for the benefit of our children and our community. We thank you for being patient as we navigate this new reality. You will continue to receive updates in coming days regarding alternative learning options for students that will begin after spring break, during the week of March 30. In the meantime, reassure your children all will be well, give them appropriate facts about COVID 19, find ways to help and ask for help, and keep your head up. The good is around you. Our children, of all ages, need to see us seeing the good. Take Care. Be Well. Lisa Yates Superintendent Buena Vista School District
over 4 years ago, BV Schools
3-19-20 BV School Update
Grab and go lunches will continue during Spring Break (March 23-27)!
over 4 years ago, BV Schools
Grab and go lunch flier
How to speak to your children about COVID-19: Steve Gross, a researcher and leader in this area brain science and health, and who has provided professional training for our staff, recently posted a short video as a guide to parents in talking with your children about the pandemic. It is simple and for many, will reassure you that what you are doing is right on track and enough. https://vimeo.com/398256226
over 4 years ago, BV Schools
BV Schools COVID 19 UPDATE 3.18. 2020 11:00 am BV Schools Families, Please see below updates: The Colorado Department of Education has canceled state standardized testing and accountability for the 2019-20 school year. These tests were scheduled for April and will not be administered this year or used for accreditation for school or districts due to COVID 19 closures and uncertainties. I have been notified that by the end of this week, Governor Polis will be making a statewide recommendation or directive for school districts regarding extended school closures. To date, 98% of school districts in the state are closed due to an extended spring break. The Buena Vista School District is awaiting the Governor's announcement to determine the extent of its closure. Once a closure time is determined, the school district will be in contact with families regarding provision of educational services. There are many considerations of what education will look like outside of school walls and ensuring access for all. We will work through this and will follow guidance provided from our state. We are fully expecting waivers for instructional time and required school attendance. We are also expecting latitude in credit requirements and graduation guidance for our seniors. I ask our district community to be patient and understanding as we navigate the coming days. We will support families in providing learning opportunities throughout any extended closure. More information will be provided in coming days. The district leadership team is meeting regularly to prepare for these unprecedented days ahead. As of now, we are on an extended spring break and encourage you to enjoy the time from school with your family. One of the district's priority areas is "creating spaces of optimism." Brain research provides evidence that deeper learning occurs when students (all humans!) are in state of safety, belonging, and joy. For this reason, as a staff we continually learn together about how to best create these spaces of optimism when students are together. Our commitment to academic growth cannot be separated from our ability to create such spaces of optimism. Steve Gross, a researcher and leader in this area brain science and health, and who has provided professional training for our staff, recently posted a short video as a guide to parents in talking with your children about the pandemic. It is simple and for many, will reassure you that what you are doing is right on track and enough. I encourage you to take a few minutes to view. You can find it here: https://vimeo.com/398256226 or from our website. The district will continue "grab and go" lunches during Spring Break (March 23-27). Pick up will continue at Avery Parsons between 11:00-1:00 pm, Monday through Friday. Delivery is also available by emailing: emily@cornerstonechurchbv.com or leaving a message at 719-395-7099 with your address. Meals are available to all age 18 and under. Keep looking up and see the good. It will not always be this way. Staying open to all this circumstance has to shape us, restore us, and bring us together will lead us to the good. Ask for help when you need.
over 4 years ago, BV Schools
3-18-20 COVID Letter
Bagged Meals: Just a reminder that the district is providing a bagged meal every day through this Friday, March 20th. Families/students may pick up a meal by driving/walking to the Avery Parsons Elementary drop off loop on Main Street between 11am and 1pm. This is available to all families; there are no qualifiers. If you are unable to get to Avery Parsons during this time and are in need of the meal for your children, you can email: emily@cornerstonechurchbv.com who is coordinating meal delivery for families.
over 4 years ago, BV Schools