-
6.17.20
Take the ONE Idaho pledge so that we can safely and responsibly reopen school on August 17. "We are all part of the solution, Do your part to keep the places we work and enjoy safe." https://one.idaho.gov/
-
6.16.20
Why wear cloth face coverings?
According to the CDC, a cloth face covering may not protect the wearer, but it may keep the wearer from spreading the virus to others.
COVID-19 spreads mainly from person to person through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks. These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby or possibly be inhaled into the lungs. Studies and evidence on infection control report that these droplets usually travel around 6 feet (about two arms lengths).
Wear cloth face coverings in public settings where other social distancing measures are difficult to maintain, such as grocery stores, pharmacies, and gas stations.
- Cloth face coverings may slow the spread of the virus and help people who may have the virus and do not know it from transmitting it to others.
- Cloth face coverings can be made from household items.
-
6.12.20
During the summer, the Tech Department will offer the following virtual support times. This will be open to all staff members, students, and parents:
- From July 15 to August 15, every Tech department staff member will be offering virtual tech support each week.
- Each Wednesday starting June 10th, there will be a published video, called Tech Bytes, with short and helpful tips for staff to watch.
- Please contact helpdesk@blaineschools.org or call 208-578-5410 if you need ANY help. Learn more here.
-
6.11.20
Social-emotional learning is essential for all students, especially now. BCSD staff will provide a renewed focus on providing instruction and support for social-emotional learning when we reopen school on August 17. Read more here.
-
6.10.20
Looking for information on Reopening BCSD? Find School Re-entry Plans, Frequently Asked Questions, resources, and more on our Reopening BCSD page.
-
6.9.2020
Distance Learning Survey Results
Over 1,600 students, staff, and parents responded to the Distance Learning Survey. Thank you to each of you for taking the time to respond.
As this unusual school year comes to a close, planning for the 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.
To that end, the results of the Distance Learning Survey will be shared with administrators, teachers, the Board of Trustees, and the public.
Key findings:
Staff Results
- Things going well:
- Device (worked well 98%) - 46% of staff used their own devices
- Internet (worked well 94%)
- Supporting academically advanced students (57% confident)
- Challenges:
- Supporting students who need the most academic support (55% not confident)
- Impact of Grading on engagement: Unsure (30%) / Decreased (25%) at elementary; Decreased (67%) at middle and high school
- Mixed feedback
- Supporting others in your life (36% concerned, 18% somewhat concerned, 46% not concerned)
- Communicating with families (26% challenged, 41% somewhat challenged, 33% not challenged)
- Students completing the work that’s been assigned (31% not confident, 30% somewhat confident, 38% confident)
- Other
- Staff social-emotional well-being (60% not concerned)
- Staff physical well-being (62% not concerned)
Student Results
- Things going well:
- Accessing school work (88%)
- Confident on completing school work (62%)
- Keeping up this week (72%)
- Ease of tools (61%)
- Challenges
- Someone at home to help complete assignments (frequency: 41% rarely have help at home. By level: 34% at grades 3-5, 44% at middle school, and 51% at high school)
- Mixed feedback
- Enjoy learning at home (Frequency: ⅓ rarely, ⅓ sometimes, ⅓ often)
- Impact of Grading on engagement: Unsure at lower grades, Decreased/Mixed at higher grades
- Other:
- Frustration is common (Frequency: ⅓ rarely, ⅓ sometimes, ⅓ often)
- Sad or anxious is not as common (Frequency: ½ rarely, ¼ sometimes, ¼ often)
- Amount of time on school: equally split between 1-2 or 3-4 hours per day
Parent Results
- Things going well:
- Device (access to device 94% yes) - 18% indicated Smartphone use
- Internet (78% reliable)
- Challenges:
- Academic progress (49% concerned)
- Connected to child’s school (49% not confident)
- Satisfied with distance learning (43% dissatisfied)
- Concerned about learning (40% concerned)
- Mixed feedback:
- Informed about decisions (⅓ not/slightly, ⅓ somewhat, ⅓ quite/extremely)
- Impact of Grading on engagement: Unsure at lower grades, Decreased/mixed at higher grades
- Other:
- Amount of time on school: equally split between 1-2 or 3-4 hours per day
- 80% have 0 hours for child caring for a family member
- Social-emotional: (44% not concerned)
Best way to share information: Email (77%), Text message (15%), Phone call (4%), Website (1%)
The full results of the survey will be part of the Superintendent's report during the June 9, 2020, Regular Board of Trustees meeting.
-
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 DISTANCIAEstimado 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 g-mail 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
-
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
Parents/Students,If you have not been contacted by your teacher, they are trying to reach you to ensure you are ready for online learning. If you have not been contacted, please call your school and leave a message with your name and phone number. We are missing you and want to get you connected.Alturas Elementary: 208-578-5090Bellevue Elementary: 208-578-5080Carey Elementary: 208-578-5040Carey High School: 208-578-5045Hailey Elementary: 208-578-5070Hemingway STEAM School: 208-578-5050Silver Creek High School: 208-578-5060Wood River High School: 208-578-5020Wood River Middle School: 208-578-5030
-
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.
- Mental Health
-
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
Dear Parents,I hope this letter finds you and your loved ones well or on the road to recovery. Over the last week, several members of the BCSD family have disclosed that they or a family member have been diagnosed with COVID-19. Thankfully, they have also indicated that they are recovering. While we cannot share who these individuals are, we are sharing that this terrible virus has impacted our school community.Please do all you can to keep yourself and your loved ones safe: frequent and thorough hand washing, staying home, and hardest of all - keeping your children from hanging out with their friends. Asking our youth to not socialize is a huge request, but also necessary in these times.We appreciate everything you are doing to keep yourself, your family and our community healthy.With gratitude,GwenCarol Holmes, Ed.D.Superintendent
-
3.27.20
BLAINE COUNTY SCHOOL DISTRICT BOARD OF TRUSTEES MEETING SCHEDULED FOR MARCH 30, 5:30 p.m.All interested persons are invited to listen to the March 30 meeting through a Webex link. The link to the meeting will be posted by Monday, March 30 on the Board’s webpage. There will be no physical gathering of either the Board or the public.The public can email their comments and questions to clerk@blaineschools.org no later than 12:00 p.m., Monday, March 30 in order to be read and considered by the Board. Comments written in Spanish will be translated for the Board.The public will be able to listen to the meeting through a Webex link that will be posted on the home page as well as the COVID-19 School Closure and School Board page at www.blaineschools.org. The link will also be shared on the BCSD Facebook page.
-
3.24.20
Statement from the BCSD Board of Trustees: ¨The Blaine County School District Board of Trustees will meet on Monday, March 30, 2020. The Board will be considering the extension of school closures in light of the order from the State Board of Education that we adopt a “soft closure” until at least April 20. We will also be discussing plans for distance learning during the closure. We remain confident that our seniors who were on track to graduate at the time our initial closure began on March 16 will still be able to graduate this spring pursuant to the guidelines and waivers from the State Board of Education, yet to be finalized. All interested persons are invited to attend the March 30 meeting through an internet platform that is being tested at the present time. There will be no physical gathering of either the board or the public. Please refer to our website for instructions on how to access the meeting using your electronic devices.”Please note: The BCSD Board meeting is scheduled for Monday, March 30 at 5:30 p.m.
-
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
Cox is offering low-cost internet service, free for one month to families who don’t have an internet connection. The service is free for the first 30 days until May 15; those free days begin on day one of service.Cox is working to quickly connect as many families as possible. We have two easy ways to get students connected:- 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. *
Additionally, Cox recently made several enhancements to Connect2Compete. These include faster speeds, remote help desk support, a discounted computer program with PCs for People and a Learn from Home toolkit. Full details are available at www.Cox.com/Connect2Compete.
-
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.
- 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.
- Conference calls, video conferences, email, texting and other methods of communication should be used instead of in-person meetings.
- 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.
- We expect all employees to adhere to the mandated Shelter in Place policies.
Exceptions are granted for:
- Staff involved in preparing and delivering Grab and Go lunches. This has been deemed an essential service by the County EOC.
- Custodial staff, once given permission by EOC/SCPHD to go and disinfect buildings. Howie Royal will let staff know when this has been granted.
- 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 RoyalThese 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
Governor Little announced a Shelter in Place Order for Blaine County. We want to encourage all the residents of Blaine County, Idaho to remain calm. According to the Blaine County Sheriff's office, there will be no road or highway closures connected to this order.Shelter in place means all individuals should stay home unless they need to perform essential activities or go to work to provide essential business or government services.As we learn more information we will provide updates on our Facebook page. Please be patient and remain calm. We want to reassure our community that we will get through this together.Register for emergency alerts: https://public.coderedweb.com/CNE/en-US/58D579DB8746?fbclid=IwAR30pExNpKyFChSJLGEYHI-iqaxA-OIjSq9kCcl61yXZZ37xCVVQ3nsMjL8Or text "BLAINECOUNTY" to 99411Here are trusted sources of information:- 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:
English (208) 737-1138Spanish (208) 737-5965Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.- 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
The Blaine County School District is preparing to restart our academic programming on Monday, April 6. Two different scenarios are being planned for at this time:1) School resumes (after disinfecting all buildings) as normal with students and teachers working together in classrooms: spread out as much as possible and with increased handwashing, etc. Only healthy staff and students are expected to return.2) ‘School’ resumes with students learning remotely.Parents of elementary and middle school parents would be asked to drive by the school to pick up a packet that will include a Chromebook and Clever Badge (used to sign in to the network). High school students should already have their Chromebooks, but if not, we will issue Chromebooks to them on this day as well.- 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).
The decision will be made on March 30 by the Board of Trustees..We greatly appreciate the sacrifices everyone is making during this time to stay healthy and simultaneously support our children.With gratitude,GwenCarol Holmes, Ed.D.Superintendent
-
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
Free for All Children 18 and underMust be present to pick up food. This is not a place to socialize or congregate. Children are encouraged to pick up lunch and then take it home with them.Schedule:Wednesday, March 18Thursday, March 19Friday, March 20*Future distribution dates will be announced later.For updates check www.blaineschools.org and follow us on FacebookPractice Social Distancing
Social distancing helps slow down the spread of disease. Social distancing means staying 6 feet or at least an arm's length away from others.- 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.
Like us on Facebook!
Frequently Asked Questions and Answers
-
I am curious as to how to retrieve some of my sons’ things such as his shoes, jacket, etc...and when they might have time available to retrieve them.
If your child has an instrument or other items that they need in the near future, please call your child’s school and leave your name, phone number and a brief message. The voicemail at each school is being checked each working day. The principal or secretary will get back to you. They will retrieve the needed item and get it to you at a scheduled pick up time.
We also understand that there are many personal student items left in our schools since we closed on March 16, that while not needed immediately, need to be returned. We anticipate having dates and times in late May for students to come to school and clean out their desks and/or lockers. This will be in a scheduled and limited way so that we can ensure the continued safety of students and staff.
-
Why is each school doing things differently as we roll out distance learning?
Each school has a unique approach to distance learning based on grade levels, school size, special focus, etc. For example, when we start school each fall, all schools have open houses, but they are organized differently. As we roll out distance learning as a district, it will look different from school to school and teacher to teacher. This difference is expected. Each school operates from baseline guidance from the BCSD Learning Continuity Plan and makes adjustments given their students and their needs. The principals from each school are directing this process through their teachers as they prepare and provide learning activities for students to do at home.
-
Will graduation ceremonies be held this year? I am reaching out in regards to senior graduation. Has there been a new date set for when senior graduation for the WRHS will be? If not, when will this be decided?
Graduation for Carey High School is scheduled for Wednesday, May 13. Silver Creek High School and Wood River High School graduations are scheduled for Friday, May 22. We anticipate these dates remaining the same. However, at this time each of the schools are working with parents and student leaders to plan virtual graduations and celebrations. Unless the Shelter in Place order for the county is lifted and the health department approves, there will not be physical graduation ceremonies at the schools. Plans are being made to ensure all of our graduating seniors are honored for their accomplishments despite these difficult times.
-
How do parents help their students with online learning?
Helping your child with online learning is much the same as you helping them with learning when schools are physically open.
- Ensure your child gets enough sleep and has a good breakfast and lunch.
- Remind them to take breaks and go outside for fresh air and exercise.
- Set a regular schedule for them to follow at home so they have a set time to do online learning, to exercise, to rest, to eat, and to do something they enjoy (draw, read, play a game, create, etc.).
- Encourage them and praise them for their efforts to continue to learn even in a new and strange situation.
- Remind them to use their self-advocacy skills when they need help. Send an email to their teacher or ask a sibling for help. It is okay to ask for help. You are not supposed to know everything.
- Tell your child that you love them - every day.
-
If students are accessing online learning, but are having trouble with the lesson content, what do they do?
Students who need additional help with the content of the lesson should write an email to their teacher explaining what they need help with. Their teacher or one of the school’s paraprofessionals will contact them to provide further support. If you, as the parent can help them, that is fine as well. However, parents are not expected to be the teacher for all things.
-
How can a parent assist with their children’s chrome book and on-line learning?
When a student/parent picks up a Chromebook from their child’s school, it will come with a basic instruction sheet with pictures on how to get connected. 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 us 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.
-
How does the Chromebook set up work?
Chromebook instructions were developed last Friday, April 3 with the Technology, Teaching and Learning and Communications staff. The instructions were sent to schools on Monday, April 6 to distribute with Chromebooks to students and parents.
Elementary Chromebook Set-Up Instructions - English
Elementary Chromebook Set-Up Instruction - Spanish
-
What if a parent says they do not want their child to participate in online or distance learning?
Parents may choose to un-enroll their students from BCSD for the remainder of the school year if they want to homeschool or use another alternative. We will welcome these students back in the fall when we are able to return to having students physically attend in our school buildings.
-
What assessments/tests will students have to take this spring?
Updated 4.27.20
The only assessments that are going forward this spring are the Advanced Placement (AP) Exams. Students currently enrolled in an AP class will take a shortened form of the AP test at home for the class(es) in which they are enrolled. Their AP teachers have communicated with them about the details for each class.
The SAT assessment for juniors has been canceled. Current juniors will have an opportunity to take the SAT next fall with the State picking up the cost.
K-5 students using Istation Reading, Math, or Spanish, will take ISIP assessments the first time they log in each month. Teachers can use these results to help support individual students, but the results are not being used at the state or district level.ISAT (Idaho Standards Achievement Test) for English Language Arts, Mathematics, and Science have been waived for this spring, 2020.
Civics assessment requirement - schools are given the flexibility to meet this in various ways.
-
Will students have to repeat the grade in which they are currently enrolled?
All students who were on track to move to the next grade level when school closed on March 16 are eligible to matriculate to the next grade level at the start of the 2020-21 school year.
-
What about this year’s seniors, will they graduate?
All seniors who were on track to graduate when schools closed on March 16 are eligible for graduation this year. In addition, seniors who were working to recover credits in order to graduate on time will still be eligible if they recover the credits they have been working on. Students with questions should email their school counselor or principal for assistance.
-
Why didn’t the District have a plan in place before the virus hit our country?
The District has had Emergency Operations Procedures for multiple years now. This is the guidance document for the work currently being done. In addition, the administration met multiple times this winter to plan for COVID-19. Unfortunately the virus struck far earlier and much harder than we could have anticipated, so rather than have students come to school to pick up materials for distance learning, we immediately closed schools and provided a period of time for buildings to be disinfected and for staff to determine if they need to self isolate or could help with the process while being properly protected. As in all responses to emergencies, we strive to err on the side of safety.
-
When can we expect online learning to be fully implemented for BCSD students?
We can expect all students to be contacted by their teachers and provided some ideas on how to continue their learning this week. (April 6 to 10). We can expect Chromebooks to be fully deployed by the middle of next week (April 15). The unknown is how long it will take to get every student connected to the Internet. We will start with the parts of the community where we have large clusters of students without connectivity and work our way to the individually remote students.
-
When does distance learning start for BCSD?
On April 6 and 7 every student should be contacted by one of their teachers. Teachers will be checking in to see how students are doing during these difficult times as well as learning about their needs for Internet connectivity.
April 6 the first deployment of Chromebooks will start. Deploying Chromebooks will continue for at least a week and half. When your child can start online learning depends on when your child gets their Chromebook and when you have connectivity at your house.
We realize that many of our students do not have connectivity at home. After Chromebooks are deployed, staff will be working with families to see what options we can find for them to be connected. Internet connections vary widely across our county and depend on where you live.
Each school will then begin pushing out learning opportunities and/or lessons for students virtually. Schools will continue to be focused on helping students master the essential standards. However, each school and teacher will provide different opportunities for learning just as they do each day when students are physically present in classrooms across the district.
-
Why are out of state students being allowed to enroll in our school?
Out of state students are NOT being allowed to enroll in our schools. Enrollment in BCSD School requires proof of residency. (Policy 521 Residency) We have had students from out of state request to register, however, they have been denied for lack of residency.