Poudre School District update | Thursday, April 22, 2021
In this edition of the GHH newsletter, you will find information about PSD’s next superintendent, vaccinations for people 16+, what happens when a school reaches a 1% case percentage (not an automatic closure) and more. 
Celebrating Grads at a Glance I 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.
Read more stories on the 2021 Grads at a Glance webpage >>
PSD Now: Check out the latest episode of PSD Now: Grads at a Glance, PSD’s new superintendent and PSD’s appreciation for our dedicated volunteers. Watch the April 21 episode of PSD Now >> 
Have a story idea? Tag us @PoudreSchools or email us at [email protected].
COVID-19 Updates:
PSD still requiring masks, other PPE and health protocols 
We continue to celebrate the significant number of PSD employees who have received one or both doses of the COVID-19 vaccine. Some in the community have asked whether this will impact the district’s current safety practices. For the safety of staff and students, PSD is NOT relaxing 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. 
Vaccinations available to people 16+ in Colorado 

If no appointments are available, please check back soon. If you need assistance signing up, call the health department from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday-Friday at 970-498-5500. Colorado is currently vaccinating anyone who would like a COVID-19 vaccine and is 16 years old or older. Note that 16 and 17 year olds can only receive the Pfizer vaccine at this time. Students who are 18 or older can receive the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine. More information on LCDHE website >> 
The state’s dial is sunsetting. What does that mean? 
The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment’s COVID-19 dial framework is now gone and pandemic response has shifted to local health departments. What does this mean? PSD will continue to follow its health protocols, including wearing masks, which are still required by the county’s new order. LCDHE has also increased the number of attendees at events. Read LCHDE’s update here >> 
When a school reaches the 1% threshold  
When a school has a COVID-19 case percentage that is at or over 1%, district leadership will monitor the location closely and consult with school administrators to determine whether a partial- or whole-school temporary closure is necessary. There are NOT hard criteria that will result automatically in a partial or full closure; rather, various factors are considered and dependent upon the unique circumstances of the school. 
PSD no longer taking busing requests as of April 16:
PSD has been reviewing and approving some busing requests for students in need during Phase 4 in-person learning. To allow the Transportation Department time to plan bus routes for summer programming and fall 2021, the district is no longer accepting requests for spring 2021 busing, as of April 16. More info >> 
Know someone who would be a great bus driver? Check out the PSD Careers web page >> 
Updated policy: PSD allowing asymptomatic students, staff option of voluntary shortened quarantine: PSD believes access to education is critical to student success. As allowed by county and state public health guidance, asymptomatic staff and student close contacts can voluntarily complete a shortened, 7-day quarantine if they meet strict criteria and are approved by PSD COVID-19 Response Teams to do so. The protocol went into effect March 22. More info >> 
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 >>
Share your memories, photos of past PSD superintendents 
Help us dig into our PSD history and share photos, stories and newspaper clippings of past superintendents for our timeline project to be featured on our website. Send digital copies of your memories by May 31 to [email protected].
Brian Kingsley appointed new PSD superintendent 

Following a months-long national search, the Board of Education is excited to name Brian Kingsley as Poudre School District’s new superintendent. The board voted 7-0 to approve his appointment. His lifelong passion for education, depth of classroom and leadership experience, commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion, track record of working with community partners, and talent as a systems thinker were among the many reasons the board selected him as PSD’s next top leader. Read the announcement >> 
Celebrating Grads at a Glance I Class of 2021
Your guide to graduation 2021: Ceremony details, livestreams and more 
We can’t wait to celebrate the Class of 2021! PSD will host in-person ceremonies in May, with health protocols. Check out the Graduation 2021 web page >> 
As part of the 2021 Grads at a Glance series, we asked soon-to-be graduates to share two words: one that describes their school-home experiences during the 2020-21 school year and another that represents what they see for their futures. 
PSD appreciates our volunteers! 

PSD volunteers inspire and serve our students. We cannot thank them enough. PSD appreciates our community that rallies together to build a strong community that can change the world. Read more >>
PSD Science and Engineering Fair 

The Science and Engineering Fair took on a different look in 2021. Three schools from across the district hosted a school fair, including a virtual fair at PSD Virtual. Read more >> 
PHS students host first TEDx night 

To empower is to give someone power or confidence. That is what Poudre High School did for its juniors and seniors this year when it allowed its students the opportunity to host the school’s first-ever TEDx night. Read more >> 
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. Read more >>
PSD is offering summer programming for students.
Integrated Services recognizes exceptional staff with Mary Hull awards tonight 
Congratulations to outstanding staff nominated and selected for PSD's Integrated Services 34th annual Mary Hull awards. Read more >> The awards ceremony is at 5:30 p.m., Thursday, April 22. Watch live on PSD TV YouTube >>  
Meet our amazing teachers
on #TeacherTuesday 
Every Tuesday, we showcase one of PSD’s many dedicated educators on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. This week meet Laura, an Integrated Services Teacher and Opportunities Unlimited teacher at Fort Collins High School >>
#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>>   
School Choice consideration period is open
If you missed the first period of consideration to apply for School Choice, the second application period is 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. Read more about Kindergarten options >>
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 [email protected]. 
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 >>
Federal government approves Colorado waiver to reduce CMAS tests in spring 2021

On March 26, the Colorado Department of Education announced that the state legislature and U.S. Department of Education reduced the Colorado Measures of Academic Success (CMAS) tests that students will take in spring 2021 due to the unique circumstances Colorado schools and districts are facing as a result of the pandemic. Parents have the options to opt their students out of testing and opt into tests (deadline by April 9) that are optional this year. They may do so by completing the necessary forms digitally by logging into ParentVUE and accessing Services Tracker. Instructions are available here >>
Please contact your school for information about the school’s testing schedule. For more information about state assessments, visit the Colorado Department of Education website or visit the PSD District and State Assessments web page >>
EdTech Digital Tools Grant winners 
Three times a year, the Professional Learning department, in collaboration with IT department, awards educators with grants to purchase digital tools to enhance their classroom instruction. Congratulations to educators Tony Gezzi, Tiffany Babcock, Kristen Graber, Joelle Marzolf, Julie Monks and Brian Faulkner for winning during the March deadline. We look forward to seeing what students can do with this technology as educators transform learning experiences.  
Student technology return this spring 

All student devices/technology will be turned in at the end of the school year for inventory and required setup for the next school year. If your student(s) no longer requires a MiFi to ensure reliable internet for homework or a shift to remote learning, please return it to your school now. Summer school tech distribution, including MiFis, is being planned for each summer program; more details will be shared with those students and families after they are finalized. Visit techportal.psdschools.org >>
Have a senior graduating in May? 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 [email protected] 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.