MAV Weekly September 10th, 2021
Mountain View High School
Mountain View Mavericks
Main Office- (208) 855-4050
Attendance Line- (208) 855-4063
Transportation Questions- (208) 229-8500
THANK YOU & SHOUT OUT!
Thank you, students! You are amazing and we appreciate you!
Mask Requirement Update
West Ada School Community,
The introduction of the COVID-19 pandemic into our schools has forced West Ada School District to be agile in our planning and safety protocols. Going into the current school year, our goal was to begin as normal as possible, with flexible mitigating measures in place that allowed our students to stay in-person learning five days per week. Unfortunately, the Delta variant is wreaking havoc on our state, local community, and is substantially disrupting our daily operations. As cases and hospitalizations are near record levels, West Ada has deemed it necessary to review our current COVID-19 safety plan and make the following change:
- To protect staff and students from the spread of the highly contagious Delta variant of the coronavirus, West Ada School District is temporarily requiring all staff, students and visitors to wear masks when in a classroom and/or when social distancing is not possible, thus suspending all mask opt outs.
- Why is WASD implementing a mask requirement?
- The CDH and Ada County Health officials have identified the COVID-19 transmission alert level in Boise and Ada Counties as red (high community transmission) and report that hospitalizations are rising at the fastest rate since the pandemic began, among all age groups, including youth.
- Our local hospitals expect to face a crisis standard of care in the coming days. Northern Idaho hospitals and the Panhandle & North Central Health Districts have moved to a “crisis standard of care” due to a severe shortage of staffing and available beds in the northern area of the state caused by a massive increase in patients with COVID-19 who require hospitalization.
- Student quarantines throughout the district are increasing in number at various school sites. As a result, school administrators and nurses district-wide are dedicating a large portion of their time to contact tracing, diverting them from their daily obligations and instructional leadership. Thus, a universal mask requirement, as opposed to a school-by-school requirement, has been put in place.
- A significant shortage of qualified substitute teachers is being experienced nationwide. As an organization, West Ada experiences an average of 35% unfilled substitute jobs daily.
- Who does the mask requirement apply to?
- The mask requirement applies to all students (Pre-K-12), staff and visitors.
- How long will the mask requirement be in place?
- While an exact timeframe has not been determined, a temporary mask requirement will be put in place from September 10 through September 24 (two weeks).
- How do I properly wear a face mask?
- A face mask should cover the chin, nose, and mouth, whenever in the classroom and/or where social distancing is not possible.
- What if I submitted a mask opt-out form for my student?
- West Ada School District will be temporarily suspending all mask opt-outs received from families and implementing a mask requirement for all students and staff beginning Friday, September 10.
- What if my child has a medical mask exemption on file with the School Nurse?
- Medical exemptions on file with a student’s School Nurse or with Special Services in the form of a 504 Plan or an IEP will remain in place.
- Please note: Students who have a medical mask exemption on file and who wear a face shield or do not wear a mask in the classroom and/or when social distancing is not possible, will not qualify for the Quarantine Release Program (QRP).
- When will the mask requirement be re-evaluated?
- WASD will review the mask requirement on September 22 to determine whether the mask requirement can be lifted, and opt-outs restored, or if an extension in the mask requirement is necessary.
- What information will be used when re-evaluating the mask requirement?
- West Ada School District will evaluate conditions and look at data before the mask policy is set to expire as we make decisions for the remainder of the first semester. The determination to lift or extend the temporary mask requirement policy will be based on COVID-19 data from the school district and local health care system.
- How will this affect students involved in extracurricular activities?
- Student athletes, band members and all students involved in indoor and outdoor extracurricular activities, including coaches, should social distance as much as possible and are encouraged, but not required, to wear a face mask when actively engaging in physical activities.
- Will staff be required to wear a mask in their office/classroom?
- As per the guidance sent out earlier this week, all staff are required to wear a face mask in the classroom.
- Will the district provide masks to students and staff?
- West Ada will continue to provide supplemental masks and sanitizer at district schools and facilities.
- Will WASD continue with contact tracing?
- WASD will continue with contact tracing during the 2021-2022 school year. If there is a positive case identified at a campus, the school’s COVID-19 Response Team will identify and notify close contacts. The district will also continue collaborating with local and county health officials as needed.
As one of the largest organizations in the Treasure Valley, as well as the State, we believe that we have a public health obligation. The virus has evolved, and so must we. Implementing a mask requirement for students (Pre-K-12) and staff is one way that West Ada can make a positive contribution to the community. While we are not convinced that this will solve the COVID-19 pandemic, as leaders, we feel obligated to do our part.
We are committed to working with our families, students, and staff to keep schools open, while prioritizing the health of our school communities. Your support and encouragement for our children during this challenging time as well as your compassion and respect for one another is greatly appreciated. We appreciate your commitment to your children and thank you in advance for your support of the temporary mask requirement while we make every effort for our students to remain in school.
As a school community I know we are all dedicated to providing the best for our children. I thank you for your continued encouragement, love, acceptance and open-mindedness as we tackle these challenging times together.
When we are in a high category for community transmission it means that if you have Covid-19 symptoms then you will need to quarantine yourself for ten days from the onset of symptoms. You can return earlier with a healthcare provider note indicating you can return to school/work.
Please note that the Centers for Disease Control currently has Ada County in the high category for community transmission.
Self-Care For Students
Sources of strength is a school wide program, the mission of this program is to spread hope, help, and strength to every individual in our Maverick community! We believe that many strengths are more powerful than one, and our united goal is to activate and mobilize these strengths in ways that positively change individuals and communities. Click here to learn more.
We are excited to offer two group counseling options for students to participate in. These groups will offer students support managing stress and anxiety in relation to school, home, and friends. The group counseling sessions will run once a week (approximately 1 hr.) for 6 weeks during school hours. Students can choose from one of the two groups:
Stress Management Group: Help students identify stressors related to school, home, and friends. Student will be able to explore how stress impacts their bodies and positive coping strategies to reduce stress.
Anxiety Group: This group will help students identify factors that contribute to feeling anxious, student will also learn and explore ways to reduce anxious feelings and find coping strategies. Students will be encouraged to explore positive and negative self-talk in relation to anxiety. Student will also work on goal setting and exploring mindfulness activities.
If your student is interested in participating in one of these groups, please click on the interest form link here. We will contact your student to give them details of the meeting dates, times, and location as well as a permission slip. We do require a signed parent permission slip for your student’s participation in group.
For questions, please contact Jade Gough, MVHS Counselor, at gough.jade@westada.org.
Student Badges Are To Be Worn Daily
Athletics
Wrestlers:
There will be a meeting Tuesday September 14th at 7:00 p.m. in the lecture hall. Both students and parents are encouraged to attend. Information will be provided regarding the upcoming season.
Attending a game in the Boise School District?
Please be respectful of other school districts’ COVID protocol. The Boise School District requires masks for both indoor and outdoor events, regardless of vaccination status. Please adhere to this so the games can be played.
For more information on athletics please visit our website *Athletics Home / MVHS Athletics Homepage (westada.org)
PSAT
Homecoming
Homecoming is scheduled to be the week of September 20-24.
The homecoming dance is subject to change but is currently scheduled for Saturday, September 25.
See next week's MAV Weekly for more info.
Student Handbook
Parents and student digitally sign-off on handbooks via PowerSchool each year. Please review the Handbook with your student. It is an expectation that students follow handbook policies.
Please note the dress code:
DRESS CODE The purpose of dress regulations is to help each student set a standard for his/her personal appearance that is appropriate within the accepted standards of West Ada School District High Schools. Students are expected to demonstrate pride in their personal appearance for it reflects individually on them and collectively on the school. The Board of Trustees recognizes that a student’s mode of dress and grooming is a manifestation of his/her personal style and individual preferences. The Board of Trustees will not interfere with the right of students and parents to make decisions regarding appearance, except when choices affect the educational program of the schools. Any apparel that draws undue attention to a student tends to detract from the educational process and is therefore inappropriate. It is a mark of maturity when students can freely choose apparel that demonstrates individuality without deviating from the standard of appropriateness. A degree of modesty is expected. The Board of Trustees authorizes school regulations that prohibit student dress or grooming practices which:
• Present a hazard to the health or safety of the student himself/herself or to others in the school;
• Materially interfere with schoolwork, create disorder, or disrupt the educational program;
• Cause excessive wear or damage to school property;
• Prevent the student from achieving his/her own educational objectives because of blocked visions or restricted movement; and
• Any attire that has been identified as gang related or may contribute to the intimidation of others. Any article of clothing, jewelry, or make-up which draws undue attention, is unsafe, or is disruptive to the educational process will be considered inappropriate. Examples include but are not limited to:
• Clothing that is sheer or does not cover the stomach, back, chest/cleavage, or undergarments
• Tank tops, spaghetti straps, tube tops, off-the-shoulder shirts - shoulders must be covered
• Spiked clothing, belts, or jewelry
• Any attire shorter than mid-thigh length – any attire with holes/tears/frays above mid-thigh
• Chains connecting the wallet to a belt loop or worn anywhere on the person
• Boxer shorts worn as outerwear
• Hats, hoods, bandanas, or other head covering
• Clothing, jewelry, or tattoos advertising or depicting alcohol, tobacco, drugs, gang affiliation, or sexual innuendoes
• Hanging belts
• Inappropriate tattoos must be covered at all times
• Sunglasses
In addition:
• Footwear must be worn at all times
• Participation in certain classes may require specific clothing and footwear for safety purposes
• Athletic/Activity uniforms worn during the school day must adhere to the dress code policy Exceptions to the dress code may be made for special days or special events. These days and events are announced in advance.
District Guidelines for PE Clothing Requirements:
Students will need to wear attire that will allow them to safely and appropriately participate in physical activity while following dress code guidelines. Clothing such as shorts, T-shirts, sweats, and athletic style footwear is needed in order for students to participate to the fullest and safest extent possible. Schools should not require specific styles or colors of clothing. If a school or PE department would like to sell a specific uniform, they are welcome to do so. However, the amount charged to students must be the actual cost of the uniform and students should not be encouraged to purchase a uniform.
Violations of the dress code will lead to disciplinary action.
Writing Center
Need help cleaning up a paper? Come visit the writing center!
Bus Information
At the end of the school day, when buses are ready to exit, student traffic will be held in order to allow buses to exit as quickly as possible. The reason being that buses need to stay on schedule as they need to be on time for their middle school and elementary school routes. We will get the buses out as swiftly as possible and then let student traffic resume as normal.
Buses will go down Millennium to Overland.
Thanks for your understanding.
Public transportation requires masks to be worn on the buses.
Please note that the opt-out does not apply to students on the school bus, as the Centers for Disease Control has issued a public health order requiring masks to be worn while on public transportation, this includes school buses. We must comply with a public health order. The West Ada School District reserves the right to terminate the opt-out option (medical exemptions will still apply) based on school-based health trends.
Bus information can be found on the West Ada website at www.westada.org. Click on the bus icon in the top right hand corner of the screen.
Substitutes Needed: Parents, Please Consider Subbing for MVHS
We are in a district wide sub shortage. Please consider signing up to be a substitute teacher for West Ada School District. If you want to make arrangements to sub for MVHS, this can be worked out.
Check out substitute information here.
A bonus will be given each month if you work 10 full days or more.
$100 for 10-14 full days worked; $200 for 15 full days or more worked.
Synchronous Instruction- Students on Quarantine
The high school principals and the school district have determined that we would provide the following consistent practices in all of our buildings when a student is on quarantine.
- All assignments / resources on TEAMS - TEAMS structure is consistent within each building
- Synchronous learning opportunities are provided for students during direct instruction
- Assessments will be taken in the building
Lunches
Freshman will eat lunch on campus this year, with a closed campus.
Sophomores, Juniors & Seniors have open campus lunch.
School nutrition is once again providing free breakfast and lunch for all students enrolled in brick-and-mortar buildings. Curbside meal service is not offered while students are attending in-person school.
Lockers & Backpacks
Backpacks will be allowed this year, throughout the school day.
Lockers will be assigned for all freshman because of closed campus lunch.
Lockers are available upon request for sophomores, juniors and seniors, they will be available after Aug. 26.
A suggested strategy for freshman is to pack their backpack for 1st & 2nd period, use their locker at lunch, and pack their backpack for 3rd & 4th period. This strategy should prevent them from being tardy.
Drivers Ed Information
Deadline for session 1 registration- 3:00pm Friday August 27
Mandatory Parent Meeting- Wednesday Sept 1, 6-7pm MVHS lecture hall Drivers Ed
Here is an informational sheet with more details.
Questions? Contact Kristin Galloway
Calendar
September 20-24 Homecoming week
September 25- Homecoming dance (subject to change)
October 4- Collaboration- No School
October 5- Picture Retakes
October 13- PSAT Testing- All 10th Graders and Juniors Who Sign Up
October 20- Parent Teacher Conferences- 5:00-8:00
October 21- Parent Teacher Conferences- 5:00-8:00
October 22- No School- End of 1st Quarter
OPTIONAL SCHOOL FEES
Make sure to pay any optional school fees before the first day by going to myschoolfees.com. You will be able to pay for the following:
Pay to Participate: $110
Required to participate in all IHSAA/West Ada sponsored sports – currently only taking payments for fall sports
ASB Card: $44.52 (tax included)
ASB membership required for participation in all IHSAA/West Ada sponsored sports
Parking Permit - $10
Parking permits must be picked up in the security office and displayed in your vehicle. Citations will not be issued the first two weeks of school to give our students an opportunity to pay for and obtain the passes. Permit applications are available here.
A 4% transaction will apply when using myschoolfees.com. If you prefer to pay with cash, you can pay the bookkeeper. If your student owes any fines, those will need to be paid before they can pay for any of the above fees. If you have questions, contact the Bookkeeper at (208) 855-4050.
Optional Device Protection Plan
West Ada School District will offer optional device protection to families to cover the accidental breakage or damage that might occur to your child’s iPad or laptop. This voluntary protection plan is available for $25 per device and covers repairs or replacement due to accidental damage from drops, spills, vandalism, loss, theft, and incidental damage to another student’s device. Device protection does not cover intentional damage to a device, or damaged or lost accessories such as district provided cases, chargers, pens, or hotspots. Please see the Parent Student Device Handbook or Optional Device Protection Plan in the Student Handbooks for detailed information on the District’s Optional Device Protection Plan.
The optional device protection plan enrollment period is August 16-October 31. Families may sign up and pay for optional device protection through the Payment Portal located in PowerSchool starting August 16.
Families are responsible for the repair or replacement of devices which are damaged, lost, or stolen outside acceptable use guidelines published in student handbooks. Device protection is a voluntary, non-refundable, yearly cost for each device. Families may be able to add devices to their homeowner’s or renters’ insurance plan and may consider these alternatives prior to purchasing optional device protection.
Here are instructions for how to purchase your device protection.
Delivering Items to School
Attendance
- If you need to check your student out, please do so by calling the attendance office ahead of time. To get your student out of class, please call 45 minutes prior to the time you will be here to pick them up. If your student has an appointment in the morning, please call the day prior to the appointment. We appreciate your support!
- If a student is absent please call the attendance line to report their absence.
- Students that are in quarantine will attend school remotely and will not be marked absent.
- Our school funding this year is based on attendance. Absences = less money for Mountain View High School. Please be in class. Teachers will be instructing bell to bell for maximized learning opportunities.
- Attendance Line- (208) 855-4063
Newsletter Location
Follow us on social media
Website: https://www.westada.org/mvhs
Location: 2000 South Millennium Way, Meridian, ID 83642, USA
Phone: 208-855-4050
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mvhsmavs
Twitter: @MountainHi3