Buena Vista School District

Happy Teacher Appreciation Week! Don't forget to #ThankATeacherCO by sharing a photo or video. Tell us how your child's teacher has gone above and beyond to support their students during #COVID19Colorado or share something you learned from a teacher that you will never forget.

COVID UPDATE 5.01.2020 BV Schools Families: There is limited information to share at this time, so this message comes as connection to our community and encouragement to stay the good course with remote learning. We understand the mixed and changing emotions this disruptive time evokes. Our natural desire is to know with certainty what the days ahead will be, including as far reaching as the fall. Our best foot forward is to stay grounded in today. Our district is full of hope for a return to school in the fall. We know this is the best for the academic and overall growth of our students. This time has also highlighted the critical role schools play in the economic and psychological health of our communities. Our district team energies are being invested in how to return safely. We are working closely with our county public health. I am on several state level education committees with our Commissioner of Education and Governor regarding the re-opening of schools and our labor and workforce overall. I meet weekly with area superintendents to navigate the changing environment. As well, I serve on the Board of the Rural Alliance, meeting weekly with other rural Colorado districts regarding the impacts of COVID on our schools. Please be assured I am studying, collaborating, and remaining very connected to other leaders to create the guidelines and opportunity for our staff and students to return to the strong, flourishing and challenging learning environments of our BV Schools. Please find below some highlights of upcoming activities and supports from the schools: • Friday Night Lights – tonight at 7:30 pm! Seeing faces and giving and receiving waves is good for the soul. • Two of our BV Staff, Michelle Cunningham and Robin Fritsch, represented our staff in a special segment produced by Chalkbeat (Jan Wondra of ArkValley Voice the contributing journalist), COVID Diaries Colorado: Education under coronavirus. Truly, they represent how staff are showing up in new ways and highlighting what it means to be an educator and parent, spouse, friend, caregiver, during this time. What a beautiful testimony. Thank you to Michelle and Robin for being who you are for our district. The public has an opportunity during this time to see what public schools are doing all the time…just more poignant and noticeable during this time. https://co.chalkbeat.org/2020/4/26/21235412/covid-diaries-colorado-education-under-coronavirus • We will have closing activities at each of our schools the week of May 18-21. Our seniors will have the first and special closing on May 15. Your child’s principal and teacher(s) will be sharing these plans with you in coming days. The purpose is two-fold: 1. Practically, we need to collect devices and other materials and students need to gather any personal belongings still in the schools; 2. Safe, in-person gatherings, seeing some of the people and spaces that were formative for your children this year is important in ending well. We understand not all families will be comfortable with this yet, and that is absolutely ok. We will get items to you through a drive up or delivery model. We will have either small groups or individuals come to classrooms/lockers. We will use the large spaces like practice fields and lawns for outdoor staging and the opportunity for kids to see some of the masked faces of their peers! More to come from your principals. These plans are being developed in collaboration with Chaffee County Public Health. We are also in communication with Sol Vista Health who is supporting us as we welcome and walk together as community through smaller returns to school. • Graduation ceremony plans and other ways to celebrate our seniors are in the works. Our principals and staff have been planning new ways of honoring the Class of 2020 in light of them missing so many traditions. Look for banners, signs, parades, and a hopeful outdoor ceremony (for only students and hopefully families) coming soon. These plans are being developed in collaboration with Chaffee County Public Health. • Our local businesses are slowly re-opening! This is such good news for so many who have been enduring this Great Pause with a burden we cannot imagine from our positions. Our county has done a tremendous job of collaborating and communicating to make this possible. Cheer them on with me. • And to end, a message of hope from amazing talents including our SoundScapes students. Whatever you do today, let it include enjoying this. Don’t miss it. A project requiring incredible commitment from music director, Tanner Ohara, that will be memorable for our students while inspiring each of us. Spring is here… there is hope. https://youtu.be/1pUYMa2cD4c We are with you all in holding up hope for our future together. Stay connected to one another. Ask for help when needed. “We must accept finite disappointment, but we must never lose infinite hope.” Be well. Lisa Lisa Yates, Superintendent

The Buena Vista High School Soundscapes and Friends virtual choir performance of "We Sing of Golden Mornings" composed by Neil Ginsberg and text by Ralph Waldo Emerson. https://youtu.be/1pUYMa2cD4c

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

Kindergarten registration forms can be found on the website, here: https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/documents/asset/uploaded_file/675465/Kindergarten_Registration.pdf

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

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.

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

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.

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)!