We have used the plexiglass barriers this year to create an environment where there was an added layer of separation between individuals. We are thankful for everyone's commitment to using these barriers this school year.

Our district’s COVID Response Team meets daily, and we are consistently reflecting on and reviewing our practices. The usage of masks continues to be the primary tool for creating a barrier, in conjunction with physical distancing when possible. That being said, our team has determined that the usage of barriers are now at a place where we can phase them out of the school day.

· Some teachers may want to continue to use the barriers in their classes, which is okay.

· Some parents and students may want to continue to use the barriers. This is also okay.

If you would like your student to continue to use a barrier in class, please contact your school’s front office. Any child will be able to continue to use a barrier without explanation.

If your student's teacher wants to continue to use barriers in their classroom, all students will need to continue to use barriers in that class.

There are many different reasons that a child or teacher might want to continue to utilize these plexiglass barriers, and we want to be respectful of those individual reasons when it comes to this matter.

In summary:

• Plexiglass desk barriers will become optional for students on Monday, April 12.

• The use of plexiglass barriers on a child’s desk is now the child and child’s family’s decision across the Manitou Springs School District. If you or your child wishes to continue using this additional safety feature, please contact your child’s teacher directly.

• We will follow up with any support for any child and family who may feel uncomfortable with the discontinuation of this protocol.

• All other Covid safety protocols will remain rigorously in place at Ute Pass Elementary. This includes

• Our expectation that all children and staff wear masks to keep each other safe.

• Frequent hand washing

• Physical distancing when possible.

Thank you for your understanding, graciousness, and cooperation.

Sincerely,

Mr. Chris Briggs-Hale

Chris Briggs-Hale, Principal

Teacher Appreciation Week: May 3 - 7

Dear Parents, Community and Friends,

I am so proud of the whole Ute Pass Elementary School Community for our collaborative work to keep school open this year. Our journey together has been one that could fill a bestselling, nonfiction book. All the changes that Covid required us to make created a lot of extra work for everyone.

For the staff at UPE, this year required a lot of personal sacrifice. From long hours to accommodate different types of lesson planning, extra cleaning, and too many extra duties to name here, each of them rose to the challenge with a “can do” attitude that I will never forget.

I am so appreciative of the part they played in our community-wide effort to ensure Relationships, Deep Learning, and Opportunities for our students all year long.

Teacher Appreciation Week will be celebrated May 3 - 7.

Please indicate your interest in helping us organize, plan, and execute an amazing celebration in the link here: https://forms.gle/7qdCX1Cwpv1azYLV6

With Gratefulness,

Third grade learned all about Kandinsky Circles. What is a Kandinsky Circle you ask? Check out the video below!

April 13 - a.m. and p.m.

April 14 - a.m. only

* 3rd and 5th - ELA

* 4th and 6th - MAT

Opt In CMAS schedule:(for those students who are taking the alternate CMAS test)

April 19 - a.m. and p.m.