Poudre School District update | Thursday, November 19, 2020
#PSDconnected and protected 
Let’s celebrate our impressive efforts in the face of adversity while going into fall break and Phase 1 remote learning next week. Our teachers, students, parents and staff have dedicated themselves to amazing endeavors to keep education driving forward, despite an ever-changing public health environment.  
Our schools have remained #PSDstrong, teaching through masks and face shields, smiling through eyes, air high-fives and air hugs, online group discussions, remote lunches and virtual spirit days. We will miss seeing you in-person, but let’s focus on what is important – keeping our PSD family safe and learning.  
What you need to know for Phase 1 
COVID-19 Prevention Starts at Home
PSD has partnered with the Larimer County Department of Health and Environment and other local organizations for the COVID-19 Prevention Starts at Home campaign. Read more >>
PSD’s shift to Phase 1, reaction to Colo. Gov. Polis’ Nov. 17 remarks 

Just days after Poudre School District announced the move to Phase 1, Colorado Gov. Jared Polis on Nov. 17 unveiled the state’s significantly revised COVID-19 risk dial and encouraged schools to keep K-5 students learning in-person. Some have inquired further about the rationale behind PSD's choice to move all students to remote learning through winter break, as well as the district's response to the governor’s remarks about educating students during the pandemic. Read more >> 
How COVID-19 case protocols shift in Phase 1   

Although PSD is shifting to remote education, some staff and some identified at-risk students will still be in our buildings. Our COVID-19 Response Teams will continue contact tracing assessments during this time, in accordance with the county and state health departments.
Poudre School District COVID-19 Case Dashboard 
PSD launched the COVID-19 Case Dashboard on Nov. 13. The dashboard is designed to give our community a transparent look at the prevalence of COVID-19 in PSD. Staff will consistently vet PSD's dashboard data to ensure they are as current and accurate as possible. 
PSD and the Food Bank continue distributing meals for free to students 
When PSD is in Phase1 Remote Learning, meals will be available for students to pick up at designated school and mobile sites. The USDA extended its school district reimbursement program through the end of the 2020-21 school year, instead of through December as previously communicated. The district will provide free meals to PSD students, and the Larimer County Food Bank is providing free meals to the community/non-PSD students 18 and under. See the full list of locations on  PSD Meals During 2020-21 >> 
Early Childhood Education shifting to A/B in-person model 
  • Nov. 23-24, preschool teaching team members will provide asynchronous remote instruction and communicate with ECE families to prepare them for the upcoming change to preschool schedules and class sizes.  
  • Beginning Nov. 30, all preschoolers will attend school in-person two days a week following an A/B schedule at their regularly scheduled time and in their regularly scheduled classroom.  
  • ECE parents/guardians can expect to receive their child’s A- or B-group designation from their preschool teacher soon.  
  • Continued in-person preschool aligns with PSD’s commitment to provide in-person support to enrolled children with high needs.  

PSD’s preschool program still has open spaces for the 2020-21 school year, and ECE’s compassionate and professional teachers can’t wait to work with the children in your lives. More families may qualify now than ever before. To learn more and begin an application online, visit the Early Childhood Education web page or call 970-490-3204. 
How is PSD supporting at-risk students during Phase 1? 
PSD staff have been working with community partners to provide our neediest students (academically and financially) with safe places to participate in their remote learning. Like they did in August and September, remote learning support centers (RLSCs) will be open at PSD schools.  
  • Identified students lack the resources at home to participate in remote learning; English Language Learners; and those identified as needing significant intervention for English or mathematics.  
  • At RLSCs, students will access meals, internet services and mental health support. 
  • Staff will supervise students in-person while they engage in remote learning with their grade-level or content area teachers.  
  • Supervisory staff do NOT provide in-person instruction or academic support.  
  • Expect to see buses at PSD schools as our students are transported to the RLSCs. 
How long will we be in remote education? 

We will update the PSD community about our plans for Jan. 5 and beyond as we monitor the situation through December. We understand that our students, staff and families would like to know more now so they can make plans, but we don’t yet know what community health conditions will be like later in December and beyond.
What is PSD’s current policy on school/ work – related travel? 

Due to the uncertainty of the COVID-19 pandemic and how public health conditions will look later this year and next, there will be no domestic or international school- or work-related travel through at least June 30, 2021. PSD cannot restrict personal travel.
How is PSD supporting students with disabilities during Phase 1? 
During remote learning, a student’s Integrated Services teacher and/or team will communicate with families about how services will be provided for their child. The services will address goals and objectives included in each child’s Individual Education Plan (IEP).  
The Integrated Services Department is planning to bring eligible students with disabilities, identified using rigorous criteria, into schools for “boost sessions” to problem solve any access challenges a student might be experiencing or to receive a boost with instruction. As an example, a boost session could be used as time to connect, work on a specific skill, learn to access the computer, or receive a boost with instruction. More information about PSD’s support of students with disabilities is available on this web page.
More info: PSD 2020-21 School Year FAQS
PSD Mission Moment: Learning about diversity through books and Play-Doh 
“Mrs. Carlson & Mrs. Rojas continue to address identity & diversity topics @HarrisBilingual. Last month, in collaboration with Poudre River Library District, their class met with the author @memoplastilina to discuss his book ‘Evasaurio’ and learn his art using playdough. #PSD” 
Share what makes you #PSDproud on Twitter and Facebook  
Help us celebrate Mission Moments
At PSD, your mission moments of how you support "Educate ... Every Child, Every Day" are important to us. Telling the positive stories about what is happening in the district during this challenging time is valuable not only for our staff but also for the community. We want to be able to display the good work that you are doing and know that it is appreciated! You're what makes us #PSDproud! Submit a Mission Moment today. >>
#PSDgives Turkey Roundup 
#PSDgives may look different this year, but that has not stopped the generosity of students, staff and families. Our community's generosity does so much to support others through canned food drives, giving trees, and of course the annual PSD Turkey Roundup. Look for more stories on our website as final numbers are tallied. The turkeys will be distributed to families in need in the community during the holidays.  
Tag us in your acts of kindness this holiday season #PSDgives 
November is Homeless Youth Awareness Month  
The PSD Board of Education formally recognized November as Homeless Youth Awareness Month. This designation acknowledges and raises the awareness of problems faced by youth, families and individuals who are at risk and experiencing homelessness, food insecurity, and economic hardship in our PSD community. Learn more >> 
Schools participate in C.A.N.S Around the Oval food and fund drive 

PSD students and staff are giving back to the community during these challenging times. This fall, several schools participated in C.A.N.S. Around the Oval, Colorado State University's 34th annual food and fund drive. All donations benefit the Food Bank of Larimer County. Read more >> 
Duncan named Colorado Psychologist of the year 

Congratulations to Danielle Duncan, PSD school psychologist at Kinard Core Knowledge Middle School and Werner Elementary School. She was named the Colorado Society of School Psychologists 2020 School Psychologist of the Year!
In this Q&A interview, Duncan shares her experience with School Psychology. 
PSD business class teaches entrepreneurial success
This month we will be featuring news items on how students can get involved in entrepreneurship during #NationalEntrepreneurshipMonth. This week PSD would like to highlight the business leadership class at Poudre High School. In this Q&A interview, PHS teacher Jeremy Johner shares his thoughts about the business leadership class and advice for those interested in business. Read more >> 
Mental health matters: the importance of gratitude
“Gratitude gives us an inner resilience, protecting us from the turbulence of this uncertain world.” 
-Tamara Levitt, Head Mindfulness Instructor, Calm  

The spirit and essence of Thanksgiving Day reminds us to attend to the positives in our lives. This year, Thanksgiving may look a little different due to the global pandemic and the many areas that are less under our control. However, we have control over the attention we pay to the things for which we are grateful. When we do that, our physical, mental, and relational health benefit. Practicing gratitude is a crucial strategy for enhancing resilience, which is essential for navigating “the turbulence of this uncertain world.” 

Ask for help if you are having a tough time and remember you are not alone. Mental Health Resources >>  
Widen your perspective about the importance of gratitude by having a new experience with it. Try something new:  
PSD refinances bonds, saving taxpayers more than $2M 

Poudre School District refinanced some of its bonds earlier this fall, saving taxpayers about $2.4 million they would have paid in taxes to the district over time. Read more >>
Bamford Elementary site tour
Take a quick look around the Bamford Elementary
site in this short tour video. 
Larimer County Wildfire Recovery; resources and information
Many families in our district were affected by the wildfires that destroyed nearly 400,000 acres of forests, homes and businesses over the last two months. Fortunately, evacuation orders have been almost completely lifted and our neighbors are starting to return home. United Way of Larimer County (UWLC) is co-leading the Larimer County Fire Long Term Recovery partner group made up of County and nonprofit organizations.  
For list of resources for those affected or displaced by the wildfires, please visit https://www.larimer.org/cameron-peak-fire. For more information, visit UWLC’s fire recovery frequently asked questions or https://uwaylc.org.
If you are looking for ways to support relief efforts, visit the Larimer County Fire Recovery Fund or www.nocovolunteers.org. UWLC will also be standing up a Donation Drive and drop off location for the community to support.  
PSD Community Tech Portal: Technical support information, how-to guides, documentation and more.  
Technical Support and Resources: General overview of tech support, teacher learning pages and links to Poudre River Library videos. 
Email: 
Phone: Family and Student Support Line at 970-490-3339 
Frequently Asked Questions

Answers to common questions are available on the PSD website. Read more >>
In case you missed it

Webber's Tricia Kearns named 2021 Colorado Teacher of the Year finalist Read more>> 
Translate
To translate the linked district web pages included in this newsletter, please click the linked text, then click on “Translate” in the top green bar, then click “Select Language” and choose your language. Once selected, the entire PSD website will be translated.
Traducción
Para traducir las páginas web del Distrito que están vinculadas a este boletín, hagan clic en el texto que contenga el enlace (por ejemplo, “hacer clic aquí”). Enseguida hagan clic en "Traducción", situado en la barra verde superior, después hagan clic en "Select Language” (Seleccionar idioma"), y hagan clic en el idioma que seleccionen (“Spanish” para español). Una vez lo hayan seleccionado, todo el sitio web del PSD se traducirá.