We've officially made it past the first quarter mark of the strangest school year in my career. After more that 25 years, that's saying something! While we've had unprecedented challenges to overcome, I couldn't be more proud of our students, staff, and families for rising to the occasion! Whether your child is attending in-person, virtual, or appointment-based services, I hope you'll agree that our staff has found ways form effective relationships and provide excellent experiences for your student.
We've even found some new practices that leave us wondering why we haven't been doing them all along. Conferences where you don't need a sitter and can wear your jammies? Yes, please!
Please see below for updates relating to our entire program. You can expect program-wide news about once per quarter.
Best Wishes,
Kendall Burr
Principal of Early Childhood Programs
Upcoming Calendar Items
December 23 - January 1 -- No School -- Winter Break
January 15 -- NO EC -- End of Quarter
January 18 -- No School -- MLK Day
Be sure to check out the updated Blue Valley School Calendar by clicking here or on the image!
Staying Safe
We place a high priority on the health and well-being of our students and staff. At school, we continue to use strategies to create a safer learning environment during the pandemic. Some examples include consistent mask wearing, frequent hand hygiene, diligent cleaning protocols, and careful cohort procedures.
Outside of school, you can help keep our school communities safer by:
- Following health department guidance including mask wearing, social distancing, and hand washing, and
- Keeping your child home and notifying your child's teacher/school nurse if he or she is ill or has been exposed to someone who has tested positive for COVID-19.
The holidays can pose special challenges as families naturally want to gather and experience traditions together. The CDC has advice for a safer Thanksgiving.
We know that mental health and well-being is just as important as physical health. Coping with the the pandemic can bring added stress to children and adults alike. Click here for some tools from one of our favorite resources!
Want more information about the district response? Click here for the Blue Valley COVID-19 dashboard.
Masks
We have learned a lot about masks in the past few months! Here are some tips to keep your student safe and in school:
- Check the Fit -- Ensure your student has child-sized masks that fit well. Try them out at home to make sure that they go on well and stay on well. Masks that are too large are difficult to wear correctly and become uncomfortable.
- Send spares -- We are happy to store a few extra masks with your child's spare clothing so there there is always a clean one ready.
- Wash frequently -- When masks are in high use, daily washing keeps both sides clean and safe.
- Give your child choices -- Fun colors and patterns or favorite characters can help!
Luckily, there are many options for inexpensive child-sized masks in stores and online. It may take a little experimentation to find the style that fits well and that your child finds to be comfortable.
If your child is still struggling with mask wearing, here are some ideas to help:
- Four Ways to Help with Mask Wearing from Conscious Discipline
- Scripted Story from the Pyramid Consortium
Thanks for working together to keep everyone safe and in school!
Snow Day Planning
If a Delayed Start is used, AM students will NOT report to school, and PM students will report at the regular time. AM families can expect activity choices via SeeSaw.
There may still be instances in extreme weather conditions when a traditional "Snow Day" is announced, meaning no school for all students.
Weather or emergency related changes will be communicated via the district website, text alerts, email, and social media.
