5.14.20

Parent Distance Learning Survey

Dear Parents:

As this unusual school year comes to a close, planning for next school year has taken on a different significance. Although we believe that a traditional, face-to-face experience with a teacher and peers in a classroom setting is the best learning environment for students, we know we must be ready to adapt to other models should the need arise to keep our students and community safe.

We are seeking input from families so we can improve distance learning in the future.  The information will be shared with administrators, teachers, the school board, and the public. With this goal in mind please complete the following survey by Friday, May 22:

surveys.panoramaed.com/blaine/springfamily20/surveys

Thank you,

The BCSD Teaching & Learning Team

ENCUESTA PARA PADRES DE FAMILIA ACERCA DEL APRENDIZAJE A DISTANCIA

Estimado padre de familia:

A medida que este inusual ciclo escolar llega a su fin, la planificación para el próximo año escolar ha adquirido un significado diferente. Aunque creemos que una experiencia tradicional y presencial con un maestro y sus compañeros en un salón de clases es el mejor ambiente de aprendizaje para los estudiantes, sabemos que debemos estar preparados para adaptarnos a otros modelos si surgiera la necesidad de mantener seguros a nuestros estudiantes y comunidad.

Estamos buscando el aporte de información proveniente de las familias con la finalidad de poder mejorar el aprendizaje a distancia en el futuro. La información se compartirá con administradores, maestros, la junta directiva escolar y el público en general. Con este objetivo en mente, por favor complete la siguiente encuesta más tardar para el viernes 22 de mayo.

 surveys.panoramaed.com/blaine/springfamily20/surveys

 Gracias,

Equipo de Enseñanza y Aprendizaje del BCSD

5.7.20

The District guidelines for the re-opening of school on August 17 can be found in the Fall Re-Entry Plan.  The guidelines are based on recommendations from the CDC, Idaho Department of Health and Welfare and the State of Idaho Stages of Re-opening.  Each school will use these guidelines as they plan their individual school schedules, classes, etc.  The Board of Trustees will review the plan at their regular May 12 meeting.

4.27.20

Looking for information in Spanish and English on Distance Learning?  Check out the Facebook Live interview with Assistant Principal Stephanie Wallace (Hailey Elementary and Hemingway STEAM School) and Luis Alberto Lecanda (Sun Valley Institute) here.

4.24.20

When Chromebooks were distributed, students and parents received set-up instructions in English and Spanish.  Once connected to the Internet, it is critical that students use Chrome as their browser so that all applications that their teachers might ask them to use will function properly.

The instruction sheet also has contact information for students that need further assistance. The contacts are repeated below. All BCSD students in grades K to 12 use Chromebooks in schools so students will have more familiarity with the devices than most adults.  

Alturas 208-578-5090 Extension 2916 HBrown@blaineschools.org

Bellevue 208-578-5080 Extension 2832 BSmith@blaineschools.org

Carey 208-578-5040 Extension 2423 BPeck@blaineschools.org

Hailey 208-578-5070 Extension 2758 RWalker@blaineschools.org

Hemingway 208-578-5050 Extension 2511 SStavros@blaineschools.org

Silver Creek HS 208-578-5060 Extension 2606 CKoch@blaineschools.org

WRHS 208-578-5020 Extension 2266 MLoosli@blaineschools.org

WRMS 208-578-5030 Extension 2324 CKramer@blaineschools.org, Extension 2327 CFieguth@blaineschools.org

If you need more help with using Chrome, Google Classroom and Hangouts Meet you can find tutorials on the BCSD Technology Department’s Webpage.

4.23.20

Internet Safety at Home

Are my kids protected while using their Chromebooks at home? 

Blaine County School District´s Chromebooks have the same protections at home as they do at school. This includes a content filtering service called Securly. This helps restricts access to objectionable material on the Internet. Gaggle is a service used to monitor the Google Suite for inappropriate material posted in gmail and Google Drive documents. This alerts the school staff when there is a concern. 

For more information on Internet safety, check out these resources.

From Gaggle: Popular Apps and Social Networks 

https://www.gaggle.net/top-social-networking-sites-and-apps-kids-use/

From Common Sense Media: Guides for parents

https://www.commonsensemedia.org/parents-ultimate-guides

4.22.20

Watch the April 21 Special Board Meeting here and read the Learning Continuity Plan Update Report to the Board of Trustees.  Ernest Hemingway STEAM School produced a Distance Learning video that reflects the experiences of teachers, students and parents as we progress through Distance Learning.  To contact the Board of Trustees with your questions or comments, email clerk@blaineschools.org.

4.21.20

Mobile Wi-Fi is available for Blaine County students.  See the schedule below.

4.20.20

The Board of Trustees will hold a Special Meeting on Tuesday, April 21, at 6:00 p.m. regarding the Learning Continuity Pan Implementation.  The public can watch the meeting virtually with the video link found here.

4.15.20

School to End May 22 for BCSD Students 

The Blaine County Board of Trustees voted on April 14 to end the school year for students on May 22, 2020, as originally planned. Rather than extend the school year to make up for lost instructional time due to the Coronavirus pandemic, the Board will submit a request to the Idaho State Board of Education for a waiver in regards to the amount of instructional time required in a normal school year.

4.14.20

Internet inequality exists in many ways.  For some, it may be their remote location in a canyon or a rural part of the County.  For others, it may be relying on a smartphone with a limited data plan. And for some, it is a choice of an internet connection or food for the family.   Distance learning requires bandwidth for platforms like Google Meet, Schoology, and other services that connect students with teachers. Teachers, social workers, technology staff, finance staff, and teaching and learning staff are collaborating to meet the needs of families so that as many students as possible can participate in distance learning.  

We will announce the schedule for Wi-Fi hotspots in Carey, Picabo, and Gannett soon.  Help us help our students and families. If you know families that are not connected to distance learning, please encourage them to call their school.  Leave a message with the school secretary or ask to speak with a teacher or social worker. See school phone numbers below:

School Phone Numbers: 

Alturas Elementary: 208-578-5090

Bellevue Elementary: 208-578-5080

Carey Elementary: 208-578-5040

Carey High School: 208-578-5045 

Hailey Elementary: 208-578-5070

Hemingway STEAM School: 208-578-5050

Silver Creek High School: 208-578-5060

Wood River High School: 208-578-5020

Wood River Middle School: 208-578-5030

4.10.20

1,000, 2,000, 3,000 - the number of lunches distributed to BCSD students after the school closures went into effect has increased threefold over the past three weeks. Thank you to Sodexo, our staff, and volunteers who have become real-life superheroes for the hundreds of children who rely on our schools for healthy, nutritious food. 

This service is open to all children 18 and under in our community. Over the next few months, more and more families may experience job loss, health issues, or other circumstances that impact daily nutrition. Now is the time to ask for help if you need it. Come to any of the locations listed on the flyer or contact your school or teacher to request food. Stay strong, Blaine County. BCSD is here for you.

4.9.20

MESSAGE FROM SUPERINTENDENT

BCSD is providing Chromebooks to students for distance-learning for the remainder of the 2019-20 school year. All high school and middle school students should have received a Chromebook by now. If not, please call your school and leave a message with your name and phone number. Chromebooks for elementary students are being distributed over the next week. 

Alturas Elementary 

Tuesday, April 14 and Wednesday, April 15. 

Teachers will be contacting you about your child’s scheduled pick-up time. 

Bellevue Elementary 

Friday, April 10.  Families will receive a message from the school about their scheduled pick-up time. In addition, the schedule will be posted on the Bellevue Elementary Facebook page. 

Hailey Elementary 

Thursday, April 9.  If you didn’t get a Chromebook and need one, call the school and leave your name and phone number. See the phone numbers below.

Hemingway STEAM School 

Thursday, April 9

12:00-2:00-4th grade—Mrs. Flynn, Mrs. Spencer  Ms. Trammell

2:00-4:00—3rd grade—Mrs. Atwell, Mrs. Cey, Ms. Guy

Friday, April 10

10:00-11:30-1st grade—Ms. Grist, Ms. Keith, Ms. Varela

11:30-1:00—2nd grade—Mrs. Madsen, Mrs. Watkins, Ms.Woodruff

1:00-2:30—Kindergarten—Mrs. Dembergh, Ms. Schumacher, Mrs. Swenke

School Phone Numbers: 

Alturas Elementary: 208-578-5090

Bellevue Elementary: 208-578-5080

Carey Elementary: 208-578-5040

Carey High School: 208-578-5045 

Hailey Elementary: 208-578-5070

Hemingway STEAM School: 208-578-5050

Silver Creek High School: 208-578-5060

Wood River High School: 208-578-5020

Wood River Middle School: 208-578-5030

4.8.20

Message from Superintendent

4.7.20

Yesterday, the Idaho State Board of Education ordered a “soft closure” of all public and charter schools throughout the state. What this means for the Blaine County School District is that our buildings will remain closed through the rest of this school year and all instruction will be delivered through our distance learning program, which we began rolling out today after extensive planning and preparation. We recognize that students, parents and our teachers have questions and concerns about the ramifications of this development including, but not limited to, standardized tests, graduation and post-high school education opportunities. We are in the process of adding a question and answer forum on our website where up to date information about our program for the remainder of the year can be sought and obtained in a timely manner. We anticipate having this Q and A up in the next day or two. We will also be posting daily updates and messages from the superintendent and board of trustees as appropriate as well on our COVID-19 page. 

We ask for your patience and understanding during these unprecedented and challenging times. We welcome your questions, comments, suggestions and constructive criticism as we work our way through the final two months of this school year. You can send your questions or comments to the Board and superintendent at clerk@blaineschools.org  Every member of our team is razor focused on our mission and, as they always have, our teachers will do whatever it takes to inspire, educate, engage and empower every single student of this district.

R.Keith Roark, Chairman Board of Trustees

GwenCarol Holmes, Ed.D., Superintendent

4.6.20

COMMUNITY RESOURCES

• Mental Health
  
  • We know this may be a challenging time for students and families. School counselors, nurses, psychologists, and social workers are available to support students and families.
  • In an unusual event, sometimes it can be hard to tell if a child is reacting in a typical way or whether they are having real problems coping, and might need extra support. If you are concerned, talk to your child’s doctor or a mental health provider. Below are resources which may be helpful for parents:
• American Academy of Pediatricians: Tips for parents about COVID-19
• National Association of School Psychologists: Parent tips for talking to children about COVID-19
• CDC’s Managing Stress and Anxiety related to COVID-19 and additional resources for coping with traumatic events.
• You can contact student support staff through voicemail by calling your school office or by submitting a request for contact.
  
• Emergency Supports
  If there is a crisis or emergency, students and families can access the supports below:
• Call 911
• The Crisis Hotline: 208-788-3596
• Luke’s Mental Health Center: (208) 727-8970 -- free 30 min. Mental Health Screenings
• Blaine County Charitable Fund
  • The Blaine County Charitable Fund is a group of volunteer Blaine County community members who would like to support the most vulnerable individuals in our community during times of crisis. They also have a comprehensive listing of Community Resources for utilities, food, financial, and medical help.
• Neighbors Helping Neighbors
  • Neighbors Helping Neighbors is bridging community connections through innovative 'boots on the ground' support and outreach.  They offer 24-hour support. Families can call and sign up for resources including family care packages (delivered), shopping and delivery services, continued emotional care and support. Call 208-788-3596 (English) or 208-578-4114 (Spanish).  Brought to you by The Crisis Hotline, PROJECT T.O.O.LS & PARTNERS, The ERC and other dedicated community partners.

4.6.20

READ THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES STATEMENT FROM 4.3.20 POSTED HERE ON THE WEBSITE.

4.6.20

3.31.20

PRESCHOOL AND KINDERGARTEN REGISTRATION POSTPONED

Preschool and Kindergarten registration is postponed.  The plan is to reschedule registration prior to the start of the next school year.  Parents will be notified via the website, www.blaineschools.org, the district Facebook page @BlaineSchools, and a press release for local media.

3.31.20

SCHOOL CLOSURE EXTENDED UNTIL AT LEAST APRIL 20

The Board of Trustees voted to extend the School Closure until April 20 in order to stop the spread of COVID-19 and protect the health of students, staff and community members. Beginning on April 6, we will start distance learning.  This will begin with teachers making personal contact with students in order to reestablish student-teacher relationships.  At the April 14 regular Board Meeting, Trustees will assess the current situation and determine if we will continue with distance learning after April 20. 

3.31.20

DISTANCE LEARNING BEGINS WEEK OF APRIL 6

Distance learning will begin the week of April 6.  This will begin with teachers contacting students in order to reestablish student-teacher relationships and communicate what is being planned and what parents/students can expect for learning at home.  There may be a phone call from a number you do not recognize if teachers are using their personal phones. We know that there are many questions and we encourage parents to watch for further information.

Parents, we need your help: Please update your contact information in Skyward by clicking on this link or contact your school secretary to update your information.  Having accurate phone numbers, home address, mailing address, and email address will ensure parents and students receive all communication.

The first phase of transitioning to distance learning will be focused on high school students. These students already have district-issued Chromebooks, they have the highest requirements for instructional minutes and they need to continue working on their credits.  During this phase, we will begin distributing Chromebooks to middle and elementary students to prepare for their distance learning.

School phone numbers

Alturas Elementary: 208-578-5090

Bellevue Elementary: 208-578-5080

Carey School: 208-578-5040

Ernest Hemingway STEAM School: 208-578-5050

Hailey Elementary: 208-578-5070

Silver Creek High School: 208-578-5060

Wood River Middle School: 208-578-5030

Wood River High School: 208-578-5020

3.27.20

3.24.20 

3.20.20

FREE GRAB-N-GO LUNCH DISTRIBUTION

Free for all children 18 and under.  Must be present to pick up food. Children do not need a parent with them.  This is not a place to socialize or congregate. Children are encouraged to pick up lunch and take it home with them.  Children do not need to qualify for free and reduced lunch for the Grab-N-Go lunch. This is open to everyone!

3.20.20

TECHNOLOGY SURVEY FOR PARENTS AND STUDENTS

We are preparing for the possibility of an extended school closure, where students might be accessing instruction via an online format. For our planning purposes, please complete this survey. This survey will help us identify who needs computers and who needs internet connection at home for online learning.

3.20.20

COX INTERNET SERVICE

• Families can directly apply for Connect2Compete service at cox.com/connect2compete. The website is optimized for mobile use as most families are connecting with their mobile device. 
• Separate from Connect2Compete, families can subscribe to Starter Internet at a reduced rate of $19.99 with one month free and no need to provide documentation. This offer provides a temporary boost up to 50 Mbps download speeds, no annual contract or qualifications to help low income and those impacted from Coronavirus challenges, like seniors and college students. The first month is free for this service until May 15. *   

3.20.20

BCSD STAFF SHELTER IN PLACE PROCEDURE

In light of the shelter in place order for Blaine County instituted by the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare, the Blaine County School District Board of Trustees has ordered the following procedure be implemented immediately for the safety of our employees and our community. Employees in violation of these procedures risk disciplinary action, including dismissal for cause.

1. All district employees should work from home, not in district buildings or in groups gathered in other locations. To be clear, "everyone" includes the maintenance team, superintendent, teachers, communications manager, custodians, admin assistants, finance manager, HR team, etc.
2. Conference calls, video conferences, email, texting and other methods of communication should be used instead of in-person meetings.
3. Only one employee shall be assigned to and allowed to be in each building. The superintendent will provide the board with a list of such authorized person for each school as soon as practicable and confirm that all employees have vacated the district office building and all other district buildings no later than 5:00 p.m today. No one else shall return to any district building until authorized by the board of trustees. Any changes to that list must be approved by the Board Chair or, in his absence, the Vice Chair or in the event neither Chair nor Vice Chair is available, any other trustee.
4. We expect all employees to adhere to the mandated Shelter in Place policies.

Exceptions are granted for:

1. Staff involved in preparing and delivering Grab and Go lunches. This has been deemed an essential service by the County EOC.
2. Custodial staff, once given permission by EOC/SCPHD to go and disinfect buildings. Howie Royal will let staff know when this has been granted.
3. The District Office may at times have up to three people due to the nature of tasks that can only be done from there: Communications, Finance, and the Superintendent. These staff are requested to stay in their own offices and communicate via phone/computer.

One staff member has been assigned to each building:

Alturas - Brad Henson
Bellevue - Mark Sauvageau
Carey - John Peck
Hailey - Toni Boush
Hemingway - Tish Short
SCHS - Mike Glenn
WRHS - John Pearce
WRMS - Rob Ditch
Technology - Teresa McGoffin
Buildings and Grounds - Howie Royal

These procedures will be in place until they are re-assessed at our board meeting on March 30. Please direct any questions or concerns to Board Chair Keith Roark.

3.20.20

BLAINE COUNTY RESIDENTS ASKED TO SHELTER IN PLACE

• Idaho Governor’s website: https://coronavirus.idaho.gov/
• CDC website https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html
• South Central Public Health District COVID-19 Hotlines:

• Blaine County COVID-19 Hotline (208)788-5504 Website: https://www.co.blaine.id.us/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=161

3.18.2020

MESSAGE FROM SUPERINTENDENT

• Elementary students will have weekly learning packets available for pick-up in front of the school.  
• Secondary students will have their lessons posted on Google Classroom or Schoology (which they are currently using). 

3.18.2020

EMOTIONAL AND MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORT

We know this may be a challenging time for students and families. School counselors, nurses, psychologists, and social workers will be available during the school closure with limited availability during spring break. 

In an unusual event, sometimes it can be hard to tell if a child is reacting in a typical way or whether they are having real problems coping, and might need extra support. If you are concerned, talk to your child’s doctor or a mental health provider. Below are resources which may be helpful for parents:

• American Academy of Pediatricians: Tips for parents about COVID-19
• National Association of School Psychologists: Parent tips for talking to children about COVID-19
• CDC’s Managing Stress and Anxiety related to COVID-19 and additional resources for coping with traumatic events.

You can contact student support staff through voicemail by calling your school office or by submitting a request for contact.

Emergency Supports

If there is a crisis or emergency during the time of the closure, students and families can access the supports below:

• Call 911
• The Crisis Hotline: 208-788-3596
• Luke’s Mental Health Center: (208) 727-8970 -- free 30 min. Mental Health Screenings

3.18.20

PRESS RELEASE FROM BLAINE COUNTY SCHOOL DISTRICT BOARD CHAIRMAN KEITH ROARK

The Blaine County School District Board of Trustees is following the Coronavirus crisis very closely and we have scheduled additional special board meetings for the weeks ahead to stay on top of the situation and provide guidance as needed. We realize that many families have plans for out of state travel during the spring break and, although we advise against such travel, we have no authority to interfere with those plans. However, everyone should be aware that, pursuant to Idaho Code Section 33-512(7), we have the duty and authority “To exclude from school, pupils with contagious or infectious diseases who are diagnosed or suspected as having a contagious or infectious disease or those who are not immune and have been exposed to a contagious or infectious disease; and to close school on order of the state board of health and welfare or local health authorities.”

This means that before schools re-open measures will have to be taken to screen all returning students to assure those who are infected with the virus are excluded from school property until proper treatment can be received. How such screening will be structured has not yet been determined but we will have the process in place prior to re-opening. We hope to be able to re-open on April 6 but all students and parents should be prepared for extended closure if that becomes necessary. Please be assured that the district staff and board of trustees are working hard to manage this situation in the least intrusive and most effective manner possible.

KEITH ROARK

TRUSTEE, ZONE 3

CHAIRMAN, BOARD OF TRUSTEES

BLAINE COUNTY SCHOOL DISTRICT #61

3.16.2020

Free Grab-N-Go Food Distribution

Practice Social Distancing

• Limit the number of children your children are hanging out with while home from school. Do not let your child visit another child’s home if anyone in your home OR the other home is exhibiting signs of illness.  

• We understand that many families will need to double up on childcare in order to ensure their children are cared for while parents are at work. We recommend that you partner with only one or two other families and keep your children’s social contact within that small group. This will limit the number of people that need to self-quarantine while determining the extent of the illness if someone in the group does become ill.   

• As tempting as it might be, this break from school is not the time for play dates, socializing in large groups, sleepovers, etc. which increases the risk of disease spread. Rather is it time for social distancing. Socialize with a small, consistent group and do as much as possible outdoors where you can spread out. For more information see the CDC Checklist for Parents.