Poudre School District update | Thursday, May 6, 2021
In this edition of the GHH newsletter, we celebrate the Class of 2021 as graduation nears, clarify guidelines for masks outdoors (they’re optional if you’re distanced), and share information about where to get a COVID-19 vaccine.
Springtime sprint to summer 
A short two weeks and a few days separate us from a summer break to rest and recharge. The PSD community’s collective perseverance and resilience has been a driving force to get through this challenging year. As we look forward to a more “normal” school year in the fall, we have confidence and pride in our communities. Enjoy these last weeks of school together with teachers, staff and classmates, as well as at your end-of-year celebrations. 
We can do this! #PSDtogether 
  
Don’t forget to extend a heartfelt thank you to your educators during this Teacher Appreciation Week May 3-7. Read more about five of our educators >> 
Check out the latest episode of PSD Now: Grads at a Glance; PSD graduation information; and Poudre High School students host a first-ever TEDx event. 
Have a story idea? Tag us @PoudreSchools or email us at news@psdschools.org.
Celebrating Grads at a Glance | Class of 2021 
This school year has been unlike any other – bringing forth new challenges that PSD's graduates faced with grit, determination and creativity. We have seen the graduates of 2021 adapt and overcome, channeling the idea that education and excellence comes not always from where you learn, but how open you are to learning. 
Your guide to graduation 2021: Ceremony details, livestream links and more 
We can’t wait to celebrate the Class of 2021! PSD will host in-person ceremonies in May, with health protocols. 
COVID-19 Updates: masks outdoors, vaccine clinics
Do we need to wear masks outdoors? 
With the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s recent guidance for masks outdoors, here is a reminder for our PSD communities: If individuals are NOT congregating with the potential for close contact, masks outside are optional. Masks will be required at all graduation ceremonies – including those outside at French Field – due to LCHDE protocols for large-event gatherings.
PSD still requires masks indoors and health protocols
For the safety of staff and students, PSD is NOT relaxing indoor mask and PPE protocols at this time. The health department continues to emphasize the importance of maintaining critical, preventative health safety practices: wearing masks, maximizing social distancing and washing hands. 

Meals: The district will provide free meals to PSD students (PreK-12) through the end of the 2020-21 school year. PSD Meals During 2020-21>>
 
Family Resources available for hardships during COVID-19: If you know of students, families or colleagues in need during this difficult time, be sure to check out the Family Resources web page >>
Return to Learn guidance DOES apply to vaccinated individuals 
As a reminder, all PSD staff and students must follow the Colorado Department of Health and Environment’s (CDPHE) Return to Learn guidelines for when they can come back to work and school after experiencing illness symptoms (not a COVID-19 case). This also applies to all individuals who have completed their vaccination.  
The Return to Learn guidelines are available on the PSD Protocols for COVID-19 web page >> 
CDPHE updated the guidelines in April and there is one significant change of note: Staff and students may follow regular return-to-school illness policies if major or minor symptoms resolve within 24 hours of onset. This duration has been shortened from 48 to 24 hours.  
LCDHE COVID-19 vaccine clinics available to ages 16 and older
Appointments are strongly recommended to guarantee that you will be able to be vaccinated and reduce the time needed for your vaccine visit. Walk-ins are available on a limited basis and based on availability. The following is an upcoming clinic: (schedules subject to change) 

Monday, May 10 
9 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
CSU Moby Arena
951 W. Plum St., Fort Collins 
A message of gratitude from Interim Superintendent Todd Lambert  
Teaching has always been dynamic and is core to who we are in PSD. It is a profession that draws people with a special place in their heart for children and a passion for lifelong learning. For years, PSD teachers have adapted their practices and grown alongside their students – making PSD one of the top-performing districts in the State of Colorado. Watch here >> 
PSD appreciates our educators! 

For this year’s Teacher Appreciation Week (May 3-7), PSD is celebrating the 1,784 teachers who educate our students. Let's give it up for our teachers.
In the spotlight: The story of five first-rate teachers 
PSD has a lot of appreciation for what you do, including your compassion, determination, patience and perseverance. Check out these four stories about Matt Moeller and Jo Dixon at Lesher Middle School, Norma Arroyo at Fossil Ridge High School, Sondra Lee at Bacon Elementary and Alex Pecilunas at Laurel Elementary (clockwise pictured above). Read more>>
Meet our amazing teachers
on #TeacherTuesday 

Community Advisory Committee (CAC) presents recommendation to school board 
At its April 27 meeting, the Board of Education was presented with the CAC’s recommendations regarding school resource officers, or SROs. Throughout 2020 and 2021, the CAC reviewed data, engaged in discussions and ultimately made recommendations to the board, which is determining the future of the SRO program and whether to renew PSD's contracts with the three law enforcement agencies that employ the district's current SROs. Learn more and review the final report on the CAC web page >> 
District piloting bias incident reporting tool for students, families 
Five PSD schools are piloting Poudre School District’s new bias incident reporting tool this May. They are Zach Elementary School; Boltz, Blevins and Lincoln middle schools; and Fossil Ridge High School. Read more >> 
PSD selects principal for Lopez Elementary   
Poudre School District is excited to announce that Cheryl Day has been hired as the principal for Lopez Elementary School. Read more >> 
PSD announces Top 10 district film fair finalists 
The Poudre School District film festival may have looked different this year, but it was still a success. PSD is proud of the 80 students who worked hard to submit their films this year. Read more >> The film fair was held May 4. Watch the event here >> 
PSD thanks school lunch heroes, nurses for their dedication
Between preparing healthy food, adhering to strict nutrition standards, navigating student food allergies and offering service with a smile, Poudre School District Child Nutrition professionals have a lot on their plates. To celebrate their hard work and commitment, PSD is recognizing School Lunch Hero Day on May 7. Read more >> 
What can we say? Our nurses have kept us afloat through this pandemic – being on the front line, keeping students safe and entering countless hours to assure our health protocols are met to stay open! You make us #PSDproud!
Poudre School District art students showcased in CSU exhibition 
The “Designs & Images Art Exhibition” at Colorado State University (CSU) has more than a 47-year long tradition showcasing the visual arts in Poudre School District. Over the decades, the exhibition and PSD art programs have adapted and changed to reflect the current state art standards and new learning strategies, and because of the global pandemic, this year has been unlike any other. Read more >>
College and career readiness in PSD 
Want to continue your career and college planning this summer? 
Find classes to try out different interests? Take the time to explore Xello, your tool to customize your education in PSD. In addition to connecting with your school counselor, PSD students in 6th-12th grades can access Xello year-round for the following activities: 
• Build resumes  
• Prep for the ACT/SAT 
• Create a 4-year high school course plan  
• Take career, skills and personality assessments 
• Research and apply for college 
• Identify and research in-demand careers 
• Find local scholarships  
• Connect with local businesses and organizations to find job shadow opportunities, internships and apprenticeships 
 
Did you know you can earn college credit in high school? 
A variety of programs offer students both high school and college credit for select courses, as well as other academic and financial benefits! Learn more about concurrent enrollment in PSD >>
 
Benefits of concurrent enrollment programs
The Colorado Department of Higher Education reports that, on average, participation in concurrent enrollment while in high school is associated with: 
• An increased likelihood of enrolling in college immediately after high school  
• A decrease in the likelihood of needing remedial education in the first year of college, and a higher credit hour accumulation, higher grade point average and greater retention in the first year of college. 

Career and Technical Education (CTE) options in PSD 
Students can learn about careers they are interested in through both school-based learning and work-based learning opportunities. College credit, industry certifications, student leadership and work-based learning are available in each CTE program area to ensure all learners are prepared for college and career. 
CTE and Work-Based Learning: Check out the CTE programs that are available at high schools, as well as at Front Range Community College and the Futures Lab. 
School Choice consideration period is open
The second application period for School Choice is open. Families have a wide array of PSD schools to choose from. 

Option for 100% virtual learning for
For the 2021-22 school year, Poudre Global Academy Virtual will offer 100% online option. For more information, visit PGAV's website >>
Kindergarten registration is available online 
Register for kindergarten online at olr.psdschools.org. Even if you opt to send your child to a school outside your neighborhood through School Choice, you must still register your child at your neighborhood school. Read more about Kindergarten options >>
Summer rostering and device availability and return  
Similar to last summer, students will have access to most district-contracted, and supported applications, used in their current grade level. On-demand applications may have varying access during summer months based on licenses and renewals. Rostering of staff and students in 2021-22 will begin July 15. After rostering has occurred, content from the prior year or student access to specific applications may change or be unavailable. 
Devices will be available at in-person summer programs through shared carts. All online and secondary- summer school students will have a device provided. All other student devices/technology, including MiFis, will be turned in for inventory and required setup for the next school year. More information >> 
The District Accountability Committee wants you!
Interested in getting involved in PSD? The District Accountability Committee consists of thoughtful parent and school representatives who provide guidance and recommendations regarding district spending priorities, the District Improvement Plan, and the district's charter schools to the PSD Board of Education.
Join the school board’s Student Advisory Committee (SAC)  

The PSD Board of Education is looking for students interested in joining a committee to share their experiences and ideas for the future. All students interested in being a part of the SAC for the 2021-22 school year should complete this form by May 21. Committee members will be selected through a random drawing to get broad representation and will be notified of their selection May 25. Questions can be sent to boe@psdschools.org. 
May 26 last day of school for 2020-2021 

To close out the 2020-21 school year, the last day of school – May 26 – is a half day for students. Students will be released 3.5 hours early, and no lunch will be served on that day. The last day for meals to be provided to the community will be May 25. View the school calendar, updated March 2021 >> 
PSD summer school and programming 2021 open

Registration for Poudre School District Summer School is now open to soon-to-be-ninth graders and all high school students currently enrolled in a PSD school. Summer school classes are free this year. PSD is offering summer programming for students.
Don’t forget your lunch money!
Please remember to check your senior’s lunch account balance, which can be transferred to a sibling, refunded or donated. All requests should be emailed to nutrition@psdschools.org and include your graduate’s name, sibling’s name(s) for transfers or address for refunds. Please call 970-490-3163 with questions.
Frequently Asked Questions: Answers to common questions about PSD. 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.