Poudre School District update | Thursday, May 20, 2021
In this last edition of the GHH newsletter for the 2020-21 school year, read more on graduation celebrations, student projects to wrap up the year, a clarification about mask guidance and summer resources.
Enjoy your summer break!
We can’t wait to see you in the fall.
Whew! We made it. Together. Your resiliency as families, students, educators, staff and community has kept schools open. Looking out for each other is one of our points of pride in our district. We look forward to respite this summer and returning to a new normal in the fall.
We are #PSDproud #PSDtogether
Reminder: the last day of school – May 26 – is a half day for students and no lunch will be served. View the school calendar, updated March 2021 >>
Congratulations, Class of 2021!
Way to persevere, PSD graduates! Each and every one of you has worked hard for this moment – the big finale for our seniors but also a new beginning. It's what we strive for, and what makes us #PSDproud. After celebrations, find photos from the ceremonies, a video recap and social posts on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and the Graduation 2021 web page >>
Explore PSD students' perspectives on the burred line between school and home with videos and stories.
COVID-19 Updates: masks through the end of the school year
Updated mask guidance; PSD still requiring face coverings indoors: The recent changes in federal and state mask guidelines have prompted many questions. To that end, we want to confirm that staff and students are still required to wear masks through the end of the school year. This decision is rooted in a desire to remain consistent with the health and safety protocols we have collectively followed this year for the few remaining days of school. It also aligns with other school districts in our area and along the Front Range.
Staff are evaluating updated guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and State of Colorado to determine what it may mean for district operations this summer. As with all aspects of the pandemic, PSD continues to consult with the Larimer County Department of Health and Environment in its COVID-19 response planning.
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.
2021 Quarantine Flier >> عربي >>  Español >>
Outdoors vs. indoors: As we’ve communicated previously, masks are not required outdoors but are encouraged for individuals who are not vaccinated.
LCDHE COVID-19 vaccine clinics: Colorado is vaccinating the general public ages 12 and older.
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 >>
Need busing in 2021-22? PSD bus request process now open 
· Students who currently receive transportation services for the 2020-21 school year will be prioritized for busing for next school year. Their families do not need to take any action steps at this time unless the following changes apply: If a current rider will have a change in addresses, change in schools or is moving from Early Childhood Education to kindergarten, they need to submit a bus request to be considered for services. Transportation will notify families of route information sometime after Aug. 1 and before the start of school.   
· Students who did NOT receive busing in 2020-21 must submit a request.  
· Requesting transportation is not a guarantee of service. 
Click here to go to the Bus Request form online. Families will receive a pop-up confirmation notice on the bus request site. Changes can be made to an application in ParentVUE up until the June 30 deadline. More information is available on the Transportation web page >> 
Meals will be free again in 2021-22
Thanks to an extension of the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s school district reimbursement program, PSD will once again offer free meals to any enrolled PSD student during the 2021-22 school year. Families are encouraged to apply for Free and Reduced meals for the coming year. Those who qualify for benefits are eligible for school fee/charge waivers. School Meals web page >>
School board votes to continue SRO program in PSD
At the May 11 meeting, the PSD Board of Education voted to direct district staff to continue the SRO program in PSD schools. As part of this decision, staff were asked to draft agreements between the district and the three law enforcement agencies – Fort Collins Police Services, Larimer County Sheriff’s Office and Timnath Police Department – that employ the SROs who serve PSD schools. The board also gave staff directions to update the Standard Operating Procedures, or SOPs, that outline the scope of work of a school resource officer in PSD schools. Read more on the Community Advisory Council web page >>
Meet our amazing teachers on
#TeacherTuesday 

Every Tuesday, we showcase one of PSD’s many dedicated educators on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. Meet Rebecca Avery, English Language Development teacher at Johnson Elementary.
National School
Nurse Day
Wednesday, May 12 was #NationalSchoolNurseDay. PSD was proud to recognize our school nurses. They play a vital role in providing necessary health services for students and families. Thank you for your continued dedication to the health and safety of our PSD community!
PSD celebrates Eco Week in a fresh new way this spring
Although they didn't make the traditional treks to the mountains, PSD students still got their hands dirty and dug into outdoor learning during alternative 2021 Eco Week activities. Read more >>
Lincoln Middle School’s Global Leadership class raises funds to support other students
With the help of Lincoln Middle School’s parent teacher organization, the Global Leadership class completed a service project aimed at raising money to create a laundry room on the school's campus for families in need. Read more >>
Livermore paraprofessional becomes Colorado State University graduate
A self-described high school dropout, Krista Fuller is now getting her bachelor's in education at Colorado State University. Fuller is a paraprofessional at Livermore Elementary, whose community recently came together to celebrate her well-earned achievement. Read more >>
PSDV students get big returns in Colorado stock market competition
Fourth-grade Poudre School District Virtual student Madelyn Scribner took first place in the spring state Stock Market Game competition. PSDV fourth graders Lillian Buse and Bri Colburn took second place and Jack Norris was third. Read more >>
Summer Resources
Customize your college and career readiness in PSD through Xello

Want to continue your career and college planning this summer? Find classes to try out different interests? 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 to prep for the ACT/SAT, take personality assessments, research colleges, find scholarships, find local 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. Participating in concurrent enrollment in high school increases student success in college, earning more credits and higher grade point averages. Learn more about concurrent enrollment in PSD >>

Career and Technical Education (CTE) options in PSD 
Students can learn about careers through both school-based learning and work-based learning. College credit, industry certifications and student leadership are available in each CTE program to ensure all learners are prepared for college and career. Check out the CTE programs available at high schools, as well as at Front Range Community College and the Futures Lab. Learn more about CTE and Work-Based Learning in PSD >>
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 
Did you know full-day kindergarten is free and will be in-person next school year? PSD has 33 elementary schools with kindergarten classrooms. Children must be 5 years old on or before Oct. 1 of the year they will attend school. 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 >> 
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. Read more >>
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.
Emergency Broadband Benefit provides discount for eligible families
The Federal Communications Commission has launched a temporary program to help families struggling to afford Internet service during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Emergency Broadband Benefit provides a discount of up to $50 per month toward broadband service for eligible households. Eligible households can also receive a one-time discount of up to $100 to purchase a laptop, desktop computer or tablet from participating providers.
Enroll through a participating broadband provider or directly with the Universal Service Administrative Company using an online or mail in application. To learn more about the benefit, including eligibility and enrollment information, visit www.fcc.gov/broadbandbenefit, or call 833-511-0311.
PSD IT Department support over the summer
For technical support information, how-to guides and more, visit the PSD Community Tech Portal website >> Note: The Family and Student Support Line at 970-490-3339 will only be available until noon Friday, June 4. Summer school staff will work through the internal support line to assist families with technical issues and needs. Families can work with their student’s school for device maintenance.
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 >> 
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.
Option for 100% virtual learning for 2021-22
Poudre Global Academy Virtual will replace Poudre School District Virtual (PSDV), the district’s current 100% online option that ends this school year. PGA Virtual is part of PSD’s existing Poudre Global Academy, which has an existing hybrid option and a new 100% online option. Read more >> Families may apply until the first day of school, during the School of Choice second-consideration application period. For more PGAV information, visit PGAV's website >>
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.