_eNews_
January 21, 2022
Blue Valley has always been committed to sharing exciting news and information with families about new and ongoing initiatives and offering a look into what students are learning in the classroom. The district remains committed to those efforts and will continue to do so in a new and innovative way through a new resource called The Learning Connection.
The Learning Connection is a resource for all families, from those with children entering early learning to those with graduating seniors. The resource allows Blue Valley to engage with the community on an ongoing basis and serve as an additional platform to expand families’ knowledge about the district’s learning and teaching initiatives.
Plans are being made to provide more information to families through behind-the-scenes glimpses into the learning environment, deeper dives on specific topics and increased transparency around strategic efforts to improve student learning. Content, including a video about the Learning Connection, can be found at bluevalleyk12.org/learningconnection.
The Learning Connection’s first story highlights Blue Valley’s Career Ready Programs and Blue Valley North junior Cameron King who is part of the welding program.
Read the full story about Career Ready Programs or check out the podcast below.
Topics that will be covered during the month of January will include digital citizenship and internet safety. Look out for stories on performing arts, social-emotional learning and more in February.
BVEF Receives Largest Donation That Will Benefit BV Students and Staff
The Blue Valley Education Foundation (BVEF) is thrilled to share that in late December, a Blue Valley Northwest graduate set up a fund to benefit the Foundation for years and years to come.
The initial gift to the Ferdowsi Fund Benefitting BVEF was $500,000. Arash Ferdowsi graduated from BVNW in 2004. Following graduation, Arash went to MIT where he studied computer science. While studying at MIT, Ferdowsi launched Dropbox (June 2007) with his business partner and fellow MIT student.
Ferdowsi’s father immigrated to the United States from Iran and once he was married and Arash was school-aged, the family decided that moving from Kansas City, Mo. to Overland Park was essential to access the incredible Blue Valley educational experience. Not only was the educational experience everything they had hoped for, they also always appreciated the kindness and inclusivity of our community. Arash’s generosity started at a young age when he volunteered time and as much money as he could afford to Literacy Kansas City, an organization supporting the vision of “literacy for all."
Now, Ferdowsi has very generously given back to the community where he was raised. BVEF will start drawing an annual percentage starting in December 2022. This fund further ensures Blue Valley students continue to receive the best educational experience. Thank you Arash Ferdowsi and BVEF for investing in our students!
New! Online Scheduling and Registration for COVID Testing
MAWD Labs offers a local COVID-19 testing option available through a Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) grant provided directly to MAWD Labs.
Location: 14950 Newton Drive, Overland Park, KS 66223 (Northwest of CAPS on the Blue Valley School District Campus)
Hours of Operation:
Monday-Thursday 8 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Friday 8 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Sunday 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Inclement Weather Schedule
Closed whenever school is canceled for inclement weather.
MAWD Drive-In Testing Clinic will operate on regular hours if there is an emergency closing for other reasons, such as high staff or transportation absences.
Step 1: Schedule Appointment(s)
Book an appointment online for a specific time for testing. Nasal self-swab and saliva PCR tests are available with results in 12-16 hours.
Each appointment time can support up to six (6) individual tests.
Step 2: Create an online account
Create an online account for parent/guardian. Please note that to login into the account in the future, username is the parent/guardian email address.
Within the link, complete the form regarding the child needing COVID-19 testing and submit.
Add additional family members by clicking Add Individual.
Receive a QR code via email for each family member needing testing. Keep this code as it will need to be shown upon arrival for each appointment.
Additional information about MAWD’s Drive-In Testing Clinic is available on the district website or by calling (913) 239-4371. Messages left outside of clinic hours will be returned in the order received. General COVID-19 resources can be found on the district website.