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The countdown is on to the first day of the 2021-22 school year, Aug. 18! We know that families likely have many questions about what this school year will look like, where to find important Back to School resources and more. Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. In this edition of eNews, you will find answers to your FAQs, information about COVID-19 protocols, a Back to School web page and more!
2021-22 COVID-19 Protocols
Blue Valley remains committed to providing in-person learning in the safest manner possible. This is an ever-evolving and fluid situation. Below are answers to the most frequently asked questions you have sent our way. Want more info? Check out the COVID-19 protocols web page.
Who has to wear masks?
Following the Public Health Order issued by the Board of Commissioners of Johnson County on August 5, Blue Valley Schools will require all early childhood and K-8 students, staff and visitors to wear masks inside school buildings beginning August 9, 2021.
Masks inside high school buildings are highly recommended for all high school students, staff and visitors.
Unless otherwise required, children, faculty, staff and visitors of all ages do not need to wear masks when outdoors on school property.
In addition, all individuals must wear a mask when utilizing district-provided transportation (including buses and vans).
There may be specific situations where a student may have a medical reason to avoid mask usage. This form is available online. The district will honor all Mask Exemption forms that were submitted and approved during the 2020-21 school year.
Is Blue Valley requiring vaccinations for eligible students and/or staff?
COVID-19 vaccination is not a requirement for school enrollment or attendance.
Blue Valley School District will not be collecting COVID-19 vaccination information for students as part of the school enrollment process.
As appropriate, the district will inform parents/guardians of COVID-19 vaccination opportunities for eligible students.
What happens if a student tests positive or is exposed to COVID-19?
When the district is aware of a positive COVID case, the district will work in cooperation with JCDHE to gather the necessary information so JCDHE can make public health decisions.
If my child is vaccinated will they still have to quarantine?
No. Per guidance from the CDC, asymptomatic individuals who are fully vaccinated or have had a positive lab-confirmed molecular (PCR) test within the previous 180 days will not be asked to quarantine.
Will I be notified if my child has an exposure to COVID at school?
JCDHE will communicate their recommendations to students, staff, and families around quarantine and returning to the school environment.
Elementary families will receive a low risk letter if a positive case is identified in their class.
Will students still have cohorts in classrooms and at lunch?
Students will remain part of cohorts that are reasonable to maintain at each school level.
Will any students have to learn remotely this school year?
Schools will not have the flexibility of allowing students to Zoom into class for instruction under the current state guidance.
Teachers at each level will work to make work available in the event of student absences which may occur for COVID-19 or a variety of other reasons.
What about activities & athletics?
Activities and athletics will follow KSHSAA guidelines.
No restrictions for fan attendance are currently in place.
Will these COVID-19 protocols change?
This is an ever-evolving and fluid situation. Guidance from local, state, or national agencies influences these measures and could result in revisions to these practices.
Back to School resources page
The Back to School resources page includes helpful links and information to ensure that you and your child are ready for the first day of school. From registration, back to school night dates, food and nutrition, transportation, COVID-19 protocols and more. For school supply lists and other school specific information, visit your child’s school website.
Apply to join our BV support team and make a difference in your community
“How can I help?”
It’s one of the most common questions we hear from our Blue Valley community these days and it is what makes our community so special: your willingness to lend a helping hand and provide support during difficult times.
We are asking you to join us in the classroom, in the lunchroom and in our schools to help us provide the best in-person learning experience for our students. Blue Valley is seeking applications for the following support roles within our district:
- Paraeducators
- Custodians
- Food Service workers
These positions offer flexible schedules, full benefits and retirement plans. If you are looking to make a positive impact in your community and in the lives of our children, we encourage you to apply for one of these support opportunities in the district, or share this information with someone you think would be a good fit to join our team. For more information and to apply for school-level openings, visit the Blue Valley employment website.
August Board meeting and open forum information
The Board of Education will host its regularly scheduled August meeting on Monday, Aug. 9 at 6 p.m. at the District Office. Patrons are invited to tune in virtually through the district’s livestream or attend in-person (very limited capacity seating). Patrons who would like to address the board may do so through Open Forum. Open Forum occurs at every regularly scheduled monthly board meeting and provides one hour (approx. 20 participants; 3 minutes each) of allotted time on the agenda for individuals to address the board in-person. If you would like to address the board, you must complete the Open Forum Request Form. Request forms will open at noon one business day prior to the scheduled meeting and will close at noon on the day of the board meeting or before if speaker capacity has been reached. Please note speaker substitutions are not permitted. A speaker may not yield their time to another individual during their remarks. Masks are strongly encouraged per Johnson County Board of Health Order #001-21. Please note, due to social distancing, in-person seating will be extremely limited.
The online Open Forum Request Form for the Aug. 9 meeting will be posted on the district website at noon on Friday, Aug. 6. For more information, visit www.bluevalleyk12.org/BOE.
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