_eNews_
November 17, 2022
"We try to make all our security measures work together - put them together like a puzzle - so they offer the best protection for our students and staff." - Dan Carney, Director of Safety and Security
In the second of three 15-minute podcasts about Bond 2023, we learn about safety projects including, updated safety systems and upgraded emergency communication systems. Learn more about Bond 2023 by visiting www.bluevalleyk12.org/bond.
Inclement weather reminders for famlilies
When extreme weather conditions exist, the district may cancel school for all students. When possible, inclement weather announcements will be made the day before so staff and families can plan. If no announcement is made, classes will take place as scheduled. The superintendent makes the final decision by 6 a.m.
HOW WE MAKE OUR DECISION
- Weather service information - The district consults with a private weather service for information on weather conditions and forecasts specific to the Blue Valley area.
- Bus company information - District Office administration talks to the bus company to learn more about road conditions and access to neighborhoods and streets that are more challenging during inclement weather.
- Amount of snow and ice accumulated.
- Whether snow/ice is continuing.
- Building conditions - Schools are checked to make sure electricity and heat are working properly.
- Parking lot and sidewalk conditions - Administrators talk to maintenance and custodial staff who are responsible for clearing and treating school parking lots and sidewalks.
- Temperature and wind chill.
- Discussion with city and county officials about snow removal status for city and county roads.
- Discussion with other Johnson County school districts.
For more information on inclement weather days, including how families are notified, visit the district's website.
Blue Valley families are invited to share thoughts to help inform the development of future school year calendars. Through a short six-question survey, families can rank preferences around professional learning days, spring break and other calendar priorities. The survey will close on Friday, Nov. 25.
The Blue Valley calendar committee meets annually to design future year calendars that balance instructional time for students, professional learning needs of staff, and family and community priorities. Survey input will be considered when creating the draft 2024-25 calendar, as well as future school year calendars.
Blue Valley’s Board of Education held its regularly scheduled monthly meeting on Monday, Nov. 14. Check out highlights from the meeting in this month’s edition of Board Briefs. The Board honored several educators, programs and staff members:
- Polly Blair, visual arts teacher at Wolf Springs Elementary, was named the 2022-23 Outstanding Elementary Art Educator of the Year by the Kansas Art Education Association.
- The Center for Advanced Professional Studies (CAPS) Network was named one of 10 organizations from the United States that made the 2023 HundrED Global Collection.
- Kaci Brutto, director of communications, was named the 2022 Distinguished Service Award Winner by the Kansas School Public Relations Association.
- Julie Metcalfe, Access House job coach at Blue Valley Academy, received the Distinguished Service Award.
- Bill Baker, social studies teacher at Lakewood Middle, received the Excellence in Education Award
First Community Connection Point with the BOE set for Nov. 29
Blue Valley community members have a new opportunity to engage with the Board of Education at 6 p.m. Nov. 29. The first Community Connection Point with the BOE will provide opportunities will provide attendees to:
Connect with board members
Learn about bond elections
Engage in conversation
A sign-up is available for patrons who have questions for board members, but no sign-up is required to attend. More information about Community Connection Point with the BOE is available on the district’s website.