BUE Parent Newsletter
Aug 14, 2020
Its Back to School Time!
The first day of school is September 1st, 2020.
Please ensure we have accurate contact information as all newsletters and school communication will be done through text, all calls, and emails this year.
Our district website is www.garfield16.org and has a wealth of resources and communication points for families. The BUE website has additional information specific to BUE and can be accessed from www.garfield16.org by clicking on the "Schools" tab in the red banner at the top of the district's home page. Or you can use this link to access it directly.
Teachers have been hard at work getting ready for the school year. We know this is a strange time in world history, however we are dedicated to return to school as normal as possible. We believe in-person learning and socialization are key in developing a great education. We will follow all local and state level mandates to ensure student and staff safety and we are looking forward to a fabulous school year!
(Please scroll down for more information.)
Frequently Asked Questions
A: September 1, 2020
Q: What are school start and end times
A: 7:30 a.m. to 3:40 p.m.
Q: Who will my child's teacher be?
A: In the past, we have co-taught with 2 teachers - one teacher for literacy and one teacher for math. This year we decided it is best for children to have one teacher for both literacy and math. This means children will stay with their homeroom teacher all day this year, except for during during specials. Your child's teacher will be reaching out to you the end of this week and the start of next week to introduce themself to you. Some placements have changed over the summer, so teacher names may be different than what were posted on last year's end of the year report card.
Q: What school supplies will my child need to provide?
A: None! This year our school district is able to provide all elementary students with their own, individual school supplies. That said, please do provide a backpack and tennis shoes. Students will have PE three days a week and will go outside for recesses and breaks.
Q: Can my child ride a bus to school.
A: Yes! We have bus routes for BUE which can be found online using this link: Bus Routes. All families must submit a GCSD16 Covid-19 Activity Waiver form to ride the bus. These forms can be found online using this link: GCSD16 Covid-19 Activity Waiver. Also, all students must wear masks on buses, regardless of age as we cannot physical distance on buses. Please contact our director of transportation, Steve Gardner, for any questions or for more information at (970) 285-5700 ext 5130.
Q: How much are school lunches?
A: We provide BOTH breakfast and lunch at school. Even better, breakfast and lunch are free to ALL BUE students regardless of family income. All families will receive a Free and Reduced Lunch application on the 1st day of school. Please, we need all families (regardless of income) to fill this application out every year as this is how we receive our funding for our free breakfast and lunch programs. Again that is all families regardless of income!
Q: What kind of technology will my child have access to?
A: All students at BUE will have their own Chromebook. They will be able to take their Chromebook home with them. We highly encourage you to purchase Chromebook insurance to protect you in case of accidental damage. Technology insurance forms will be sent home in the packet you receive on the 1st day of school.
Q: What safety measures are you taking during the COVID-19 Pandemic?
A: Our school district has published our Plan for Reopening Schools, which contains our safety procedures for the year (En Espanol). Also, all staff and students will have a temperature check and symptoms questionnaire every morning. If you have questions after reading through the Plan for Reopening Schools, please reach out to our Principal, Mrs. Clark, who is always willing to visit and share information - (970) 285-5703.
Q: Will students be required to wear masks at school?
A: Yes. All 4th and 5th grade students are required to wear masks at BUE. All staff members are required to wear masks too. We highly encourage ALL students to wear masks, however 2nd and 3rd grade students are not required to wear masks.
Q: Will there be a back to school event this year
A: Unfortunately no. We will not be hosting a back school event, which we are very sad about.
Q: Will parents and volunteers be allowed in the building this year?
A: Unfortunately no. In an effort to keep our building as healthy as possible, visitors and guests will be limited to the entryways and not permitted in the buildings. As the pandemic diminishes, visitors will be welcomed back inside our school. Our vision is to always create a welcoming environment and please know we will work to develop strategies that encourage family participation during the pandemic. As always, we encourage families to reach out to their child’s teacher with any questions. Teachers will also be reaching out to families on a regular basis.
Q: What if I do not feel comfortable sending my child back to school right now?
A: We understand every family is impacted by the pandemic and encourage you to please call our Principal, Mrs. Clark, to visit about options.
Q: Where can I find more information about BUE?
A: BUE has a school website with lots of information about our school including our student handbook, information for families, and teacher contact information. You can access our Student Handbook using this link: Handbook. You can access our school website using this link. If you cannot find the information you need, please reach out to us as we love to be helpful! (970) 285-5703
Q: I didn't see my question here, who do I ask?
A: Your homeroom teacher will be able to answer most of your questions. You are always welcome to call our office at (970) 285-5703. You are also always welcome to reach out to our school principal Mrs. Clark via email (aclark@garfield16.org) and she will get back to you as soon as possible.
From the Principal's Desk
Dear BUE families,
Let me begin by saying, we miss seeing all of our students and are very excited to welcome them back to school on September 1, 2020! Also, we would like to thank everyone for their outstanding support for our school as we are are dedicated to return to school as normal as possible.
As you know, there are specific guidelines and recommendations on how we open up schools during the COVID-19 Pandemic. These guidelines and recommendations impact all our students and families, yet we are determined to provide high quality learning opportunities for all students.
BUE teachers will be reaching out to all families this week and the start of next week. Some of you may have already received a phone call, and some will receive a phone call soon. Teachers will share information, answer questions, and help you get ready to send your student back to school. As teachers reach out to you, please double check your email and phone numbers with them as all communication will be done via email, text, autodialer, and phone calls.
As we support our students and families in returning to school, we hope you will be patient with us as we work through kinks and issues that will inevitably pop up. I think the most important word for this time in history is GRACE. We ask for your understanding as we travel this new territory with you. If you have any questions or concerns at all, please reach out to your homeroom teacher, our wonderful Assistant Principal Mrs. Frees, or me.
Many thanks for your understanding during this unique time,
Mrs. Clark
Principal Bea Underwood Elementary School
(970) 285 - 5703