Poudre School District update | Friday, February 26, 2021
Together, we can Keep Schools Open! 
We are excited to welcome back our middle and high school students to full-time in-person learning on March 22. Building a solid health and safety foundation together, we can keep experiential pursuits open.
For example, as a part of career and technical education protocols, students clean and disinfect materials and equipment between uses. To minimize the sharing of high-touch materials, lab supplies and equipment are provided to individuals or one group of students at a time. Only together can we Keep Tech Open!
PSD Now: Second-grade principal, PGA Virtual, District Spelling Bee
Check out the latest episode of PSD Now: Meet a second-grade future principal at Linton Elementary, learn about next year's Poudre Global Academy Virtual option, and celebrate the 11 district spelling bee winners. Watch the Feb. 24 episode of PSD Now >>
COVID-19 Updates: FAQs for shifting to Phase 4
Frequently Asked Questions: Check out updated FAQs following Thursday’s announcement about middle and high school students shifting to Phase 4. More information >>

PSD volunteers return to schools: As of last week, schools could decide whether to engage volunteers in-person again. Sites and volunteers are expected to follow district protocols. More information >>

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 >>

Athletics: High school sports are underway, and middle school athletics with health protocols begin March 1. More information >>
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 >>
Feature: Alumnus builds up where he grew up
Brett Robinson is a senior project manager for JVA, Inc. helping to construct PSD’s new Bamford Elementary. He graduated from Rocky Mountain High School and attended Blevins Middle School and Moore Elementary School. Check out this PSD alumni feature >>
Option for 100% virtual learning for 2021-22
For the 2021-22 school year, Poudre Global Academy Virtual will replace Poudre School District Virtual (PSDV), the district’s current 100% online option that sunsets at the end of this school year. PGA Virtual is one of two tracks – the existing hybrid and 100% online -- offered through Poudre Global Academy. Read more >> Families may apply now, during the School of Choice second-consideration application period. For more PGAV information, visit PGAV's website >>
State assessments update
Assessments are an important part of monitoring and improving student learning. They measure student progress toward the Colorado Academic Standards, help teachers identify each student's instructional needs and progress, and monitor the effectiveness of instructional strategies. Pending any changes from the U.S. Department of Education, PSD is currently planning to administer spring state assessments. Information about which grade levels will take assessments and testing content areas is available on the Poudre School District website as well as guidance for excusing students from state assessments. Please reach out to your school for detailed test schedules and plans.
State-mandated vaccination, exemption information
The week of Feb. 15, PSD sent all parents/guardians information from the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment about immunizations. Colorado law requires students who attend a public, private, or parochial kindergarten through 12th grade school to be vaccinated against many diseases vaccines can prevent, unless a certificate of exemption is filed.
Second School Choice consideration period is 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. 

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. 
In case you missed it: Feb. 10 district update on equity, diversity and inclusion
PSD is a learning organization that stands for human dignity and we, the collective leadership of PSD, promise to honor the students and staff we serve for who they are. We also promise to create and uphold equitable, inclusive educational opportunities for all PSD students. Read the full update >>
Lesher teacher fondly remembers time on quiz show
The experience of being in the "Jeopardy! classroom” and the perseverance it took to get there, has had a lasting impact on Lesher Middle School teacher Stephanie Sumulong. It is one she takes into her own classroom to inspire her students to reach for their dreams. Read more >>
Preston comes out on top at National Science Bowl regionals, securing spot in finals
The Preston Middle School team won its qualifying regional competition for the 2021 National Science Bowl® (NSB) and will compete in the NSB National Finals this spring. Read more >>
Poudre High School becomes PSD’s first Pathway in Technology Early College High School
Poudre High School was recently certified as a Pathway in Technology Early College High School (P-TECH), making it the first P-TECH in Poudre School District. Read more >>
Connect with us ...
Meet our amazing teachers, on #TeacherTuesday
Every Tuesday, we showcase one of PSD’s many dedicated educators on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. Meet Andrew Funk, band teacher at Blevins Middle School.
At PSD, we love our furry friends. Thanks to all the district staff who submitted photos of their fur friends for #LoveYourPetDay. Check them out >>
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.

Family Resources available for hardships during COVID-19
PSD staff and community partners 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
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.