Parents, Guardians, Staff and Community Members,
{Please watch this short video and continue reading for important updates}
We sincerely hope the first 10 days of the new school year have gone extremely well for each and every one of our students and families. There is definitely a sense of excitement on each of our campuses as our students have returned to school this fall and we will continue to work through a few challenges to continue to provide a safe and caring culture for our students, staff, and community.
As we begin this school year COVID-19 continues to impact our schools and region, thus, many people are wondering if we will once again face changes to our learning model, including potential closures. We have already experienced positive COVID-19 cases, quarantines, and staff absences, but our team stays focused on doing everything we can to continue to provide a safe and caring culture within all of our buildings.
West Valley School District will continue to work closely with SRHD and monitor circumstances within our school district and across the region in order to ensure a safe learning environment for our students and our staff.
As a school district, our priority is to keep our schools safely open and not to have to pause in-person learning. There may be instances where closure of a classroom or school is warranted to stop transmission of COVID-19. The time period on such closures can vary, from initial short-term closures to allow time for local health officials to gain a better understanding of the COVID-19 situation and help the school determine appropriate next steps, to extended closures to stop transmission of COVID-19. Schools will work with SRHD to determine when it is necessary to close a classroom or school and when the classroom or school can reopen.
The following will be considered to determine when to close a classroom and switch to remote learning:
- The classroom experiences a rapid increase in COVID-19 cases.
- There is evidence of transmission of COVID-19 in the classroom.
- The classroom cannot function due to insufficient teaching or support staff.
The following will be considered to determine when to close a school and switch to remote learning:
- The school experiences a rapid increase in COVID-19 cases.
- The school experiences multiple classrooms or activities with students or staff who test positive for COVID-19.
- There is a prolonged transmission occurring in the school.
- The school cannot function due to insufficient teaching or support staff.
Although we continue to face challenges associated with COVID-19, I urge everyone to look for the positive opportunities to encourage our children, a family member, a staff member, or even a complete stranger. Our ability to focus on the many positive things occurring in our lives and schools and supporting one another is critical, especially during this time.
Thank you for your support of our school district and our students. We are very fortunate to have the opportunity to work with such amazing students, families, our dedicated staff, and the community in which West Valley School District is located. We continue our dedication to our team around providing a Safe and Caring Culture, Success for All, and Community Engagement.
As always, please contact your schools, our district office or email me at [email protected] if you have questions about any aspect of our school district.
Please read important back to school information listed below:
BrightArrow
We continue to use “Bright Arrow” to help communicate information pertaining to school updates, special events, and closure or delays. Using Bright Arrow helps us quickly send messages directly to your phone via phone call and/or text message. Please text the word “YES” to 87569 in order to opt in to receive text messages and notifications. We always send email messages as well through Skyward Messenger to email addresses listed in Family Access. Please make sure your updated information is accurate in “Skyward Family Access”.
Late Start Wednesdays
This year’s schedule provides 27 1-hour late start collaborations for our staff to continue working on grade level standards, district-wide collaboration, creating and monitoring district assessments, designing intervention and student supports, and continuing the strong tradition of providing our staff the tools necessary to focus on successfully supporting our students throughout the district. Please reach out to your child’s teacher if you have additional questions about the amazing gift this provides to their team. The late start schedule can be found here and on our district website in the calendar tab.
Staffing Needs
As stated above it takes all 491 district employees to create a successful experience for our students. If you know someone who would be a great addition to our team please have them visit our website. We are seeking staff to work in buildings throughout the district and in a substitute capacity. Please reach out to our Human Resources team if you have other questions.
Masking
As you know our campuses and busses require all students, staff, and visitors to wear approved (2-layer or greater) masks. As a district, we provided each student with a school logo cloth mask for their use as well as provide disposable masks as needed. Thank you for your help in maintaining a safe environment for our students and staff.
Kyle Rydell
Superintendent
West Valley School District
Office- 509-924-2150