Poudre School District update | Thursday, February 11, 2021
Five months in, connections among staff, students abound 
Since January, we have seen teachers, students and staff learn with one another in ways that look different than during remote education. For example, nothing can quite replace testing scientific theories together in the lab. Help us #KeepScienceOpen by staying home when you are sick or experiencing COVID-19 symptoms. With everyone's commitment, we can build and maintain a shared culture of health and safety. Read more>> 
PSD Now: Teaching with tech, Mental Health Matters, Wellington site 
Check out the latest episode of PSD Now: see teachers teaching with technology, join us for the 6th annual Mental Health Matters event on Feb.18, from 6:30-8:30pm; and tour the Wellington Middle-High school site. Watch the Feb. 11 episode of PSD Now >> 
COVID-19 Updates: Spectator, volunteer changes
PSD schools will follow new state performing arts guidelines  
Staff, students and families can expect to see changes to how performing arts may look at school, after the state and county public health departments recently revised guidance for this area. Although the new guidance allows PSD to loosen some mitigation efforts, the district will enhance other efforts to maximize safety and minimize risk. Read more on the PSD 2020-21 Health and Safety web page, in the “Procedures for specific classes, school events and athletics” section and under the “Performing Arts and Music Classes” drop-down. 

Some spectators permitted at high school sports events  
PSD is allowing a limited number of spectators at high school sports, a change to the district’s previous protocols. The Athletics Department has worked with the county health department and athletics directors to implement a plan with strict guidelines. Thompson and Estes Park school districts are following the same plan. More information >> 

Limited number of volunteers allowed at each school  
PSD will soon allow a limited number of volunteers to work at schools. They will be restricted to roles where minimal close contact would occur for staff or students, such as outside traffic monitoring during arrival and dismissal, outdoor recess monitoring, and possibly clerical work such as shelving library books or making copies. Protocols are still being developed, but volunteers will be required to wear personal protective equipment, including masks, and pass a symptom screening before entering any PSD school or building. More details will be shared when they are available. 
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 web page >>
Transportation: The Transportation Department re-designed routes for the second semester. Due to current bus driver shortages and health guidelines, among other challenges, PSD is busing a limited number of students that includes those for whom transportation is legally required. More information >>
Upcoming secondary Phase 3 schedule
There is no school for all PSD students Feb. 15, which is President’s Day. Preschool and elementary students are in Phase 4 Feb. 16-19. The Phase 3 schedule for middle and high schoolers is as follows: 
Duane Daire: Drive-Through Retirement Celebration 
Duane Daire was a crossing guard at Dunn Elementary IB World School for 20 years. It was only fitting that Dunn threw a drive-through retirement celebration for him. The outpouring of support and love from our community was incredible. See for yourself >> 
Second School of Choice consideration period open
If you missed the first period of consideration to apply for School of Choice, the second application period is now open. Families have a wide array of wonderful PSD schools to choose from. More information >> 
Kindergarten registration is available online 
Register 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 >>
Option for 100% virtual learning for 2021-22
PSD Virtual will conclude with the end of the 2020-21 school year. Those interested in a fully virtual model for the 2021-22 school year have the option to apply through School of Choice to Poudre Global Academy Virtual (PGAV), which is offering a new K-12 model in addition to its current hybrid model. Families may apply now, during the School of Choice second-consideration application period. For more PGAV information, visit PGAV's website >>  
Eleven PSD district spelling bee winners headed to state competition 
The Poudre School District spelling bee may have looked different this year, but it was still a success. PSD is proud of the students who worked hard to qualify and participate in the written district spelling bee. Eleven students qualified to represent PSD at the 2021 Colorado State Spelling Bee. Find the eleven students here>> 
PSD hires principal for new Prospect middle-high school
Poudre School District is thrilled to announce that Jesse Morrill has been selected as the principal for PSD’s new middle-high school at the Prospect site, which is slated to open in the fall of 2022. Read more >> 
PSD superintendent hiring update: Search firm presents community input report to school board 
Learn what more than 2,300 parents/guardians, staff, students and community members had to say about what they want to see in our next superintendent. A search firm hired by the Board of Education captured feedback, from forums, focus groups, interviews and a survey, in a leadership profile report that was presented at a Feb. 9 meeting.  
Mental Health Matters  
Join us for night two of the 6th annual Mental Health Matters event. This event is open to all grade levels, parents, families and friends. Learn how you and your student can reframe stress, renew your resilience, restore your energy, and revive your relationships from 6:30-8:30 p.m. Feb. 18. Sign-up here (English/Spanish) >> 
Meet our amazing teachers, on #TeacherTuesday 
Every Tuesday we showcase one of PSD’s many dedicated educators on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. Meet Karrie Allen, a kindergarten teacher at Bennett Elementary.   

Find us on social!
Bennett Elementary teacher cycles to school every day 
Thomas Sweeney, a fifth-grade teacher at Bennett Elementary, bikes 20 to 25 miles to work every day, averaging about 120 to 150 miles per week. He has not driven his car to school since 2012, as part of a community of people who move around the world on two wheels. Read more >> 
Family Resources available for hardships during COVID-19
PSD staff and community partners recently compiled updated support resources for staff and families. If you know someone who needs help, check out the Family Resources web page >>
Frequently Asked Questions: Answers to common questions about PSD. Read more >>
#PSDConnected: Did you graduate from PSD? As an alumnus, we invite you to join our PSD Alumni group on LinkedIn to stay connected after you graduate. Join here>>   
Translate
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Traducción
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