Poudre School District update | Thursday, April 8, 2021
Capturing our vibrant community
Local artist Armando Silva recently painted a new mural at Irish Bilingual Elementary. After months of planning and fundraising, this dual-language school now showcases a piece of art that represents its community.
We need help from every member of the PSD community to Keep Art Open for students. Wear a mask, wash your hands, and follow PSD’s health and safety and COVID-19 protocols. #Keep Schools Open >>
PSD Now: Check out the latest episode of PSD Now: Grads at a Glance; superintendent finalists; watch Armando Silva paint at Irish. Watch the April 8 episode of PSD Now >>
Have a story idea? Tag us @PoudreSchools or email us at news@psdschools.org.
COVID-19 Updates:
Vaccinations available to anyone who wants them, ages 16 and up
As of April 2, Colorado is currently vaccinating everyone eligible in previous phases of the vaccine distribution plan and the general public ages 16 and older. Larimer County Department of Health and Environment (LCDHE) reports there is currently more demand for vaccine than available doses so it may take some time to vaccinate everyone who is now eligible. The health department asks that residents please be patient as vaccine providers work to complete vaccination for those in previous phases and begin vaccinating the general public. Important note: Currently, those who are 16 or 17 years old can only receive the Pfizer vaccine, which has limited availability. Parents/guardians should check with a provider prior to their child’s appointment to confirm that they will receive the Pfizer vaccination. More information >>
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. Because Larimer County continues to see cases and has not reached herd immunity, the health department continues to emphasize the importance of maintaining critical, preventative health safety practices: wearing masks, maximizing social distancing and washing hands.
Spring 2021 Voluntary Shortened Quarantine Protocols Flier >>
PSD no longer taking busing requests as of April 16
This spring, PSD has been reviewing and approving some busing requests for students in need during Phase 4 in-person learning. To allow the Transportation Department the necessary time to plan bus routes for robust summer programming and fall 2021, the district will no longer accept requests for spring 2021 busing after Friday, April 16. More information >>
Know someone who would be a great bus driver? Want to support students during this challenging time and beyond? PSD is hiring bus operators and other positions! 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 and is a change from PSD’s previous protocols.
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 >>
Celebrating Grads at a Glance I Class of 2021
 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.
When COVID-19 hit, everything was shut down and everything looked different for Fossil Ridge High School senior Michael Dolgosh.
Poudre Community Academy senior Tia Randazzo learned this past year that it's okay to have bad days – on those days, you learn lessons and grow for the future. And with the right support, you can push through when things get hard.
Coming tomorrow: Rocky Mountain High School senior Elise Smets.
Read Michael and Tia’s stories on the 2021 Grads at a Glance webpage >>
PSD planning 2021 in-person graduations, proms with health protocols
Working with the Larimer County Department of Health and Environment, PSD intends to host in-person graduation ceremonies to celebrate our Class of 2021. We will post more information on the PSD website as plans are finalized. Read more >>
Some PSD high schools are also planning prom or prom-like events. Like graduation, staff are working with LCDHE and following state health department guidance to plan the events. Those with questions about schools’ specific plans should contact their school.
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 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.
Eco Week 2021: continuing outdoor education with local activities
Eco Week is an outdoor experience that elementary students anticipate with excitement as they enter 5th grade. In previous years, many schools chose to head to the mountains to engage students in outdoor education and many firsts: first time away from home, camping, and without a digital connection.
This year’s 5th graders will still have an opportunity to develop positive relationships with the environment through interaction with the natural world. PSD teamed up with NoCO BEET, a collaboration of community partners to explore topics aligned with the Colorado State Academic Standards. Personal skills will be emphasized through activities such as nature hikes, team-building projects, water ecology studies, observation skills, creative expression and journaling, geology, astronomy, life zone studies and more.
Although we will miss the mountains during Eco Week 2021, we will still capture the heart of Eco Week throughout our community. Check with your school for more details.
Dr. Traci Gile selected as new assistant superintendent of elementary schools
Poudre School District named Dr. Traci Gile as the new assistant superintendent of elementary schools. She has served as the interim in this role since January 2021. Read more>>
Go back and watch: Superintendent finalists present 100-day entry plans to school board
PSD staff and community members who may have missed the superintendent finalists’ April 6 presentations to the Board of Education can watch the recording, posted on the PSD Superintendent Search web page. Finalists Brian Kingsley, Heather Sánchez and Jonathan Cooper presented their plans for what they would do in the first 100 days, if hired as superintendent. (*PSD superintendent finalist Jonathan Cooper withdrew from the process on April 7) Read more >>
Meet our amazing teachers
on #TeacherTuesday 
Every Tuesday, we showcase one of PSD’s many dedicated educators on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. Meet service staff and Occupational Therapist Karri Fisher >>
#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>>   
Coming soon – Spring
P-EBT payments
School Nutrition is collaborating with the Colorado Department of Human Services to ensure that Pandemic-EBT (P-EBT) benefits are automatically issued to eligible students based on current student eligibility status and household data from sponsors.
There are two steps:
1. Apply for the Free and Reduced Meal Benefit program at www.myschoolapps.com/Application
2. Update your mailing address, phone number and email with your student’s school
2021 ACE Banquet
The Association of Classified Employee awards ceremony was held on Thursday, March 25. Did you miss the live stream? Watch the video on the PSD TV YouTube channel and check out photos on our Facebook page.
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.
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.
Student Tech Return
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 to your school now.
Summer school tech distribution (including MiFis) is being planned for each summer program and more details will be shared with those students and families after registration is more finalized.Visit techportal.psdschools.org >>
PSDV Tech Return/Drop-Off:
·      12:30-3 p.m. Wednesday, May 26: PSDV student’s home school or any school
·      9 a.m.-3 p.m. Thursday, May 27: PSDV student’s home school or any school
·      9 a.m.-12 p.m. Friday, May 28: ITC and Traut
·      PSDV staff will work with families that are unable to return May 26-28
Mental Health Matters
Join us on Monday, April 19 from 6:30-8:30 p.m. to learn about what your students are looking at online and how social media can create connection and inversely isolation. RSVP here >>
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 here or visit the PSD District and State Assessments web page.
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 >>
Second 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 >>
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 >>
PSD’s superintendent search: Follow the process on the PSD Superintendent Search web page >>
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.