Buena Vista School District

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#

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#

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

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

To our students: we see you, we honor you, and we are still here during this time of separation! #BeTheLightCO #bvstrong #bvschoolsthepeak

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

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

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

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

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

Grab and go lunches will continue during Spring Break (March 23-27)!

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

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.

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.

The district continues to monitor the very dynamic COVID -19 situation in our country/world. It is understandable we are all wondering what the days ahead might hold. As a reminder to families, the district's response to the outbreak was to close school by extending an already scheduled spring break, in an effort to slow the spread of the virus. Should it be determined to extend this closure beyond March 27, educational services will be provided to our students at that time. During this extended spring break (March 16-27), we want to assure families learning is not lost. We all know our children learn valuable lessons from experiences and conversations outside the school walls. While our teachers excel in providing high quality and critical instruction, this time and space away will not lessen their academic growth. The school district will continue to plan for educational access after spring break; in the meantime, our children will enjoy (and learn!) with a little longer spring break! Beginning immediately the school district will provide meals and connection to community resources as needed. Meals will continue to be available between 11-1:00 pm each day at Avery Parsons and delivery is available by contacting emily@cornerstonechurchbv.com. Our school counselors and Sol Vista are also available to support families. Please see the information below from our counselors. From your district school counselors: During this next week, we would like to let our families know that we are available to offer support. Please feel free to contact us directly through our school emails. Jeanne Shane BVHS at jeannes@bvschools.org Natalie Moore CCHS at nataliem@bvschools.org Amie Urbine BVMS at amieu@bvschools.org Michelle Cunningham APES at michellec@bvschools.org Shaundra Moss The Grove at shaundram@bvschools.org Or you may call 719.395.7099 to leave a message and you will be connected with a school counselor. Also, please note these additional resources and let us know if you need further information: -SolVista Mental Health 719-539-6502 or https://solvistahealth.org/ -Colorado Crisis Services number is 844-493-8255 or text TALK to 38255. -Chaffee County Resources for Health and Wellness at www.chaffeeresources.com We all share uncertainty about the future, our health, the health of others, our finances, the finances of others, and more. Continue to care well for yourself and others. It will not always be this way. Remember to reach out for help as you need. Sincerely, Lisa Yates Superintendent Buena Vista School District

BV Schools COVID-19 District Response UPDATE 3.15.2020 9:00 am The district will continue to provide updates regarding the response our schools will be taking during the current COVID-19 (Coronavirus) outbreak. We will use our district website (https://www.bvschools.org), email, our alert system, and district-produced social media. The district will be providing a bagged meal beginning Monday, March 16- Friday, March 20. Families/students may pick up a meal by driving/walking to the Avery Parsons Elementary drop off loop on Main Street between 11-1:00 pm each day. People will be outside to deliver the bag to individuals in their car during this time. We are doing our best to estimate the number of bags to prepare and will do what we can to have enough ready for all who need. As the week moves along, we will have a better idea of quantity needed. 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 who need. You may also use the same email to volunteer to hand out or deliver meals. The district will announce at a later date if meals will extend through spring break. Our kindness, our gratitude, our positive presumptions, our patience, our ability to "see the good" in the midst of uncertainty will serve us all well in walking through this together. This mindset of lifting up is the assurance our children need, especially during times of uncertainty. Behind each food bag is district food service staff who are arranging to safely leave their homes to prepare on behalf of others. And for our staff to have the food to prepare, there are food producers, packagers, and delivery drivers who have had to manage and coordinate new safety systems to continue such provision. District custodial and maintenance staff are working during this closure to continue and expand deep disinfecting. Our community healthcare providers are working tirelessly to evaluate and care for our health needs and questions. Local businesses are navigating impacts and making difficult decisions daily. Public Health in our county has provided timely and important information and guidance throughout the ongoing developments of this outbreak. I am grateful for the positive contributions of each of these people and more in making decisions and taking action on behalf of our community. Our response of helping over criticism and love over fear could be the legacy of this situation for our community. The district will continue to work with the Chaffee County Public Health and Colorado Department of Education and Health as we monitor the situation and make decisions about additional responses. Each of us can help slow the spread of this virus by limiting our contact with others to only essential needs. Checking in on those most vulnerable is another way we can help. We are all in it together! It will not always be this way. In all things, there will be good for us. Take care. Lisa Yates Superintendent Buena Vista School District

During the emergency closure BV Schools will have bagged breakfast and lunches for families Monday through Friday next week between 11-1. Pick up will be at Avery Parsons. Drive thru the drop off circle and people will be waiting outside to deliver the bag to the car. The district will announce at a later date if meals will extend through spring break.

The Buena Vista School District will have an emergency closure due to COVID-19 (Corona Virus) for student instruction from March 16-19 and extending through Spring Break on March 30. Please see the attached information. For additional information on COVID-19, please contact Chaffee County Public Health.

March 12, 2020 Dear BV Schools Families, Buena Vista School District has made the difficult decision to cancel all school- and district-sponsored out-of-state travel for students due to the ongoing coronavirus (COVID-19) situation. This includes all international and domestic trips. District leaders made the decision to cancel student trips for the remainder of the school year and until further notice due to the evolving nature and surging impact of COVID-19 on communities and schools across the country and the world. At the time the decision was made, multiple states and cities across the country had declared formal states of emergency due to the spread of the virus, and that number is growing. At this time, we cannot as a school district ensure the safety and well-being of students traveling out of state. We realize that this decision is disappointing, but when it comes to the health and safety of our students and staff, we will always err on the side of caution. This includes the long-anticipated band trip to California over Spring break. We encourage you to review your contract and reach out and contact your travel company with any questions or concerns you may have. They are best positioned to answer questions about refunds, vouchers, rescheduling travel and other topics. Though we are advocating for our families, please know, the decision about whether to offer refunds or rescheduling opportunities ultimately sits with the travel companies. We apologize for the impact the district decision has made on spring travel plans for students. It is our utmost responsibility to ensure the safety of our students and staff, and at this time, we are unable to uphold that responsibility for students and staff who travel. We will provide further communication regarding any other restrictions, cancellations or closures with other school events. We are following school closure restrictions provided by the Colorado Department of Health. Sincerely, Lisa Yates Superintendent Buena Vista District School District

All 6-12th grade parents are invited to join us tomorrow, Wednesday, March 11th at 6:00 p.m. for good to knows, and details about the BVHS principal search.