_____Blue Valley_____
Last Day • Summer Programs • Grab-and-Go • Playgrounds
Message from Superintendent Todd White
As efforts concerning the containment of COVID-19 expand and evolve in Kansas City and around the world, we want to assure you that we are focused on four things:
Providing needed information for our staff, students and families
Encouraging each other to take care of ourselves physically and mentally
Supporting local efforts to limit the spread and impact of COVID-19
Engaging with students through our Continuous Learning Plan
Thank you for doing what you do and for inspiring us to persevere in times of hardship. As always, we deeply value your support, and you can be certain that Blue Valley Schools is here to support you.
Last Day of School Announced
The last day of school has been determined for 2019-2020. The last day of classes for seniors will be Friday, May 15. The last day students in grades K-11 will be on Friday, May 22. Students in the early childhood programs will have their last day on Thursday, May 21.
The last day for school building staff is still being determined. For more information, or to subscribe to the district calendar, visit www.bluevalleyk12.org/calendar.
Best practices when using Zoom
Keeping students and staff safe while navigating continuous learning is a top priority. With increased numbers of staff and students using Zoom to communicate, Blue Valley has taken the following precautions:
Provided teachers with a guide to best practices for Zoom.
Encouraged the use of Zoom through Canvas whenever possible as this method provides the highest level of security.
Recommended the use of passwords for Zoom meetings.
Discouraged sharing Zoom meeting invites through social media. Sharing meeting invites through Canvas or email is preferred.
Suggested the use of Zoom’s “waiting room” for non-Blue Valley guests. This means that teachers can screen who is trying to enter the meeting and keep out unwanted guests.
Provided teachers the ability to manage screen share, lock meetings, mute participants, stop participant video and remove unwanted participants.
Thank you for supporting Zoom best practices as we work to create a safe and secure experience for all.
2020 Summer Explorations enrollment deadline extended to April 6
Looking for engaging summer enrichment opportunities for your child? Check out Blue Valley’s Summer Explorations program, which features a wide array of one-week hands-on experiences for students of all ages, as well as virtual courses for high school students. Summer Explorations puts fun at the forefront of learning! Enrollment closes at 4 p.m. on April 6. Information about the summer explorations programs can be found online at www.bluevalleyk12.org/summerprograms. Blue Valley Schools will make a final decision about summer exploration programs in May after consulting with county and state health departments.
Technology Help Available for Families
The Blue Valley ITS Department is committed to providing the best technology support possible to Blue Valley families during this period of Continuous Learning. Our dedicated support team will be available to provide support Monday through Friday, during the hours of 8:00am to 4:00pm.
There is no telephone support during this period. All help for technical issues must be requested through the BV CARE online technology help system.
Parents can submit a BV CARE “Technology Help” form by going to the Continuous Learning website page, www.bluevalleyk12.org/continuouslearning, then click on “Technology Help” under Useful Links. It is also available under the “I would like to…” dropdown menu at the top of the page.
New Hours for Grab-and-Go Breakfasts and Lunches
Beginning Monday, April 6, free grab-and-go hours will change. Breakfast and lunch service will now be available weekdays from 11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. at four locations across the district. Visit the district website, download the Nutrislice app or check out the BV Schools app for more information. www.bluevalleyk12.org/grabandgo
Blue Valley playgrounds remain closed
As the district continues to navigate and adjust to COVID-19 guidance, the need to work together as a unified community is more important now than ever. In order for school facility closures and social distancing recommendations to be most effective, we must adhere to all restrictions and preventative actions recommended at the local, state and national level.
We know it is important to incorporate exercise and outdoor activity to support balanced health and well-being during this time. However, we ask that families refrain from using district playgrounds. District playgrounds remain closed to help prevent the spread of the virus through playground equipment surfaces. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has shared the virus can spread quickly and may remain viable for hours to days on surfaces made from a variety of materials. District outdoor fields, tracks, courts and grounds are open to limited use. Users must adhere to social distancing guidelines and group size limits (10 or less).
Blue Valley Schools
Email: bvinfo@bluevalleyk12.org
Website: www.bluevalleyk12.org
Location: 15020 Metcalf Avenue, Overland Park, KS 66223, USA
Phone: 913-239-4000
Facebook: www.facebook.com/BlueValleySchoolDistrict
Twitter: @BVSchools