BULLDOG BRIEF
PERSONALIZED. INNOVATIVE. GLOBAL.
End of the 19-20 School Year Items
As we move into the month of May, we wanted to make you aware of some things to consider for the remainder of the school year as well as things to be thinking about for the 20-21 school year:
- We have plans for recognizing our seniors on the weekend of Sunday, May 17. We will be having a procession for the seniors that will be very similar to a parade with a social distancing appropriate event to honor our graduates. Once we get the time and details worked out, we will share the information. As we have discussed with the seniors and senior parents, we will have a date reserved in June and in July as possible dates to hold the traditional graduation ceremony.
- Personal items at school- Several students have items in their desks or lockers. We have bagged those items and will have a process for their return by the end of May. Look for emails later this month from the building principals.
- Grab and Go Lunches- unless guidance changes from the federal government, we are planning on providing grab and go lunches through June 30. If the federal emergency is lifted or if nutrition funds run out, we may have to end the program earlier. We will let you know ASAP but until then the grab and go lunches are available for all students in the Van Meter CSD.
- School Issued Devices- Students in grades K-11 can keep their devices until further notice. We plan to have learning opportunities available all summer and strongly encourage students to continue developing their skills prior to the next school year. Seniors will be notified of when and how their devices are to be returned.
- Prom- If social distancing restrictions are lifted, we will do all that we can to find a date for prom. If the restrictions are still in place through the month of July, we will more than likely not have the event.
- Limited School Facility Access- The closure means Van Meter School buildings and the playground are closed until further notice. We are allowing people to use the track, practice areas on the East Campus, and the batting cages. IGHSAU and IHSAA will give guidance on summer sports by June 1, but all spring sports have been canceled.
- May 22nd is the last day of school- Feedback or Grades will be reported out soon after the last day of school.
- Summer Learning Opportunities- The district strongly recommends students take advantage of any and all virtual summer learning opportunities to better prepare students for the 20-21 school year.
Guidance has been given from the IDPH and CDC that asks people to maintain social distancing practices through at least May 15. Please do your part to adhere to those recommendations from public health officials. As we all know, this is a fluid situation as guidance changes, we will adapt our practices and procedures accordingly.
Let us know if you have any questions.
20-21 School Year Registration
Thanks for getting your children registered for the next school year by Monday, May 18.
20-21 School Calendar
Thanks for your patience as we work to develop a calendar that most benefits student learning.
Continuous Learning Reminders
Our teachers, along with the help of parents, have been awesome in not only supporting students' growth and in meeting course and grade-level academic standards, but in keeping them connected with their classmates and teachers during this time of social distancing.
As you know, our online learning classes are required for students in grades 9-12. Students are expected to meet the standards outlined for the course to receive full credit. Teachers are planning on using a P/F or Incomplete format for grading purposes. This change is being made to ensure the credit students would be earning for the course is as close to the normal level of standards met as possible.
Grades for the 2nd semester will be due on May 22. If students meet the standards prior to that date, they will be given full credit and will no longer have to continue the course.
If your child is taking an online DMACC course or a concurrent DMACC course through Van Meter, the work for those courses needs to be completed as if nothing has changed.
For students in grades K-8, online learning supports are strongly encouraged. The learning that takes place now for students in grades K-8 will better prepare them for their next grade level. We will continue to provide feedback to help students and parents know what standards students are meeting and which ones they need more time and support to meet.
So far, our continuous learning plan seems to be going as well as it can during this unusual time. We appreciate all of the positive feedback we have received. No one knows how long exactly the shut down will last and if it will continue into the next school year, but we are prepared to provide a high-quality education for our students online for as long as needed.
With that said and though no decisions have been made for next year, there is the possibility that we may start the school year earlier than August 24 if it is deemed necessary by the District and the Board of Directors and if it is within the guidelines established by the CDC and the IDPH. We wanted to make you aware that starting earlier is being considered, but we are far from making a final decision. We are in the process of developing our return to school plan and the mitigation steps necessary to open back up our building. We are considering all possible solutions needed to best support student learning academically, socially, and emotionally. As we continue to develop our plans, we will keep you informed.
Our focus has been on supporting students where they are not just academically, but more importantly socially and emotionally. We know it is challenging to work from home and to support your kids' learning. Just keep the focus on what works best for your child and family. There is no pressure to get to a certain goal. We will support them and help them grow no matter where they are academically for the rest of this school year and when they return next school year.
Building principals and teachers have sent out information to help describe what learning supports are available for students at all grade levels. Most of that information can be found on the Van Meter Website, but there is a lot of information teachers are sharing via email as well. Please remind students to be checking their emails throughout the day.
If you have questions, please don't hesitate to contact your child's building principal at cody.tibbetts@vmbulldogs.com, adam.lamoureux@vmbulldogs.com or their teachers. If you have technology specific questions, contact Mr. Linde at mike.linde@vmbulldogs.com
Mental Health Support
We know and understand that these are challenging times. Everyone's lives have been altered and it is challenging for all of us. If what is being asked of students is requiring too much time, let us know and we will find ways to provide more support or make adjustments to what we are asking kids to do. We just really want to put them in the best position to be successful academically, but we ultimately want to make sure our students are healthy.
Please reach out if your kids are struggling mentally. We have a great team of counselors and they would be glad to provide support if needed.
Jayci Kuhns- Social Worker, jayci.kuhns@vmbulldogs.com
Sara Cook- Elem. Counselor, sara.cook@vmbulldogs.com
Melanie Hopkins- Sec. Counselor, melanie.hopkins@vmbulldogs.com
COVID-19 FAQ(April 20, 2020)
Q: What can I do to help prevent the spread of COVID-19?
A: Families and community members can help by following these simple, easy steps that help prevent the spread of ALL contagious viruses, including COVID-19. Practice the same routine hygiene used to help prevent the cold and flu.
- Regularly wash hands.
- Stay home, especially when sick.
- Cover your mouth with your upper arm or tissue when coughing or sneezing.
- Avoid contact with people who are sick.
- Clean and disinfect touched objects and surfaces.
Q: What types of activities are canceled outside of school?
A: VMCSD schools will be closed through the end of the school year. All activities scheduled during that time are postponed or canceled. Jr/Sr Prom may be rescheduled at a later date, but that won't be determined until later this year.
Given the severity of this situation, other events may be canceled at a later date. Here is the guidance from the IHSAA, IGHSAU, IHSSA, and IHSMA
Spring Activity Cancelations and Summer Plans To Date
Q: What is VMCSD doing during the closure?
A: VMCSD administrators are collaborating with state education and health officials to make the best decisions for our students, families, and staff in the coming weeks. We are also working to communicate timely information to help ease stress and answer questions during this difficult time.
Q: What is VMCSD doing to clean buildings?
- The buildings are being cleaned with a disinfectant that covers all surfaces.
- Disinfected sections will be taped off to prevent individuals from entering cleaned areas. Some areas will be cleaned regularly if they are used by essential staff or contractors.
- All activities and events have been canceled to prevent recontamination throughout buildings.
Q: Will students have to make up the school days missed during the closure?
A: Gov. Reynolds signed legislation waiving the instructional time requirement for school days missed through the end of the school year. This means students will NOT need to make up any of the days missed between now and May 22.
Since the waiver was extended through the end of the school year. Schools are expected to provide continuous learning supports for students. If schools chose not to provide supports, the school hours from April 13 to May 22 would have to be made up. We are continuing to provide learning support, so we will not need to make up the missed class time. More information about continuous learning can be found in the following two links.
Q: What does it mean for HS credit since we are not returning to school this year? Will this change how you determine graduation requirements or state requirements for students to move to the next grade level?
A: VMCSD is following the guidance of the IDOE. We are requiring HS students to complete courses to receive HS credit on a P/F grading system. We are strongly encouraging students in grades K-8 to continue working to meet standards outlined for their grade levels. More information about the courses can be found here.
It is important to take advantage of the online continuous learning opportunities that are being provided by the district. This will give students the best opportunity to meet the standards of their courses and grade levels.
Q: What if I choose to keep my student home beyond once school has resumed?
A: Families who choose to keep their students after school resumes should communicate directly with the school. Staff will work to provide resources just as they would if the student was absent for any other reason.
Q: Will staff or students be required to self-quarantine in the fall?
A: Local and state public health departments will determine if someone is at risk for coronavirus based on a list of criteria.
Q: What online/virtual learning options does VMCSD have available for students?
A: At this time online/virtual learning will be provided, but is not required for students K-8. It is required for students in grades 9-12. Access the remote learning site for more information.
Q: I want my children to have access to learning material so they don’t lose the momentum they’ve gained this year. What can I do?
A: VMCSD administrators and teachers have created a list of elementary and secondary online resources for students. These resources are available and students are encouraged to complete tasks provided by teachers.
Q: Will students still be required to take the annual statewide assessment (ISASP)?
A: We will not be taking any state or federally mandated assessments this school year. A waiver is being completed by the IDOE. More information can be found here.
Q: Can families get into schools to retrieve medicine, devices, books, etc.?
A: A scheduled pickup time of medicine was on Monday, March 23 from 1:00-3:00 p.m. If this date or times did not work for your family, please email your building principal. cody.tibbetts@vmbulldogs.com or adam.lamoureux@vmbulldogs.com
Q: What resources can families access for nutrition?
A: Starting Monday, March 23, the VMCSD Nutrition Services Department will provide free “grab-and-go” meals for children. Meals will be provided from 11:00 a.m. to Noon and can be grabbed at the East Dining Hall entrance and other locations identified above. Contact Barb Sandusky at barb.sandusky@vmbulldogs.com if you have questions.
Q: How do I talk to my children about COVID-19?
A: Below are listed some resources from the American School Counselor Association website www.schoolcounselor.org to help you and your student understand COVID-19 and discuss it together.
- Talking to children about COVID-19
- A short informational video from BrainPop
- Resources for stress and addressing unsure feelings of COVID-19
- This video gives many details about the virus, and it can be translated into any language
The Iowa Department of Education has an FAQ that is regularly updated. It is linked here.
COVID-19 Information
The primary goal of this communication and any future communication is to inform you our plans moving forward and to limit the spread of COVID-19.
We have a Crisis Response Plan in place for Van Meter Community School District. You can view the plan by clicking the link. We have followed the guidance of the Governor's Office to close school through Sunday, April 30. You can view the plan by clicking the link above.
Please be mindful and use best practices for remaining healthy and try to do all you can to prevent the spread of illness upon your return. Here is a link to CDC guidance to help mitigate the spread of COVID-19.
Please know that we continue to monitor the situation by working closely with the Dallas County Health Department, Iowa Department of Public Health, and the Centers for Disease Control. This is a very fluid situation and could change daily.
Stay informed and look for information on this virus and situation from reliable and trusted sources:
Thank you for your support and partnership as we work together to maintain a healthy learning environment.
Athletic Website and Schedules
Contact Us
Email: firstname.lastname@vmbulldogs.com
Website: www.vmbulldogs.com
Location: 520 1st Avenue, Van Meter, IA, USA
Phone: (515) 996-2221
Facebook: https://facebook.com/VanMeterSchools/
Twitter: @vanmeterschools