August 28, 2020
Hello Animas Valley Families,
Welcome to the 2020 -2021 school year! For those of you who are new to our school, we want you to know that you are coming to an absolutely amazing school family community. Our teachers and staff are passionate, hardworking, nurturing, and have a growth mindset. We are a collaborative and driven community of people who guide learners as we develop the tools and mindsets to continually seek and understand the world and ourselves. Animas Valley Elementary is thrilled to begin another great year, and our team is excited to see each of our students and families next week.
Below you will find lots of important information for the 2020-2021 school year.
AVE’s Operational Plan 2020-21 -Please take the time to read AVE’s Operational Plan. The plan has an abundance of information regarding how we are operating and keeping students and staff safe at AVE during the pandemic. You will find detailed information on many of the items discussed below, in this plan. AVE Operational Plan
Self-Certification - The self-certification process involves parents recording their child’s temperature at home and reporting if they are experiencing symptoms. All students and staff will be screened daily for a fever and COVID related symptoms through at home self-certification or on-site screening prior to entering the building. More info from the district to come on this process.
Arrival– Animas Valley Elementary student arrival time is 7:30 am. Please do not drop your child off prior to 7:30, as there is no supervision before that time. If you are waiting with your child, you and your child will need to remain outside the school until 7:30 am. The Drop Off-Pick-Up Procedures are listed here AVE Drop Off-Pick Up Procedures
Parking - We ask that ONLY Preschool parents park and exit their car ALL other parents please utilize our drop off lane
Entering Campus - All individuals who walk onto campus will be required to wear a mask. Please adhere to this policy. As another measure of student and staff safety, no parents, guardians nor volunteers will be permitted to enter any Durango 9R school building at any time.
Lunch & Recess – Students will receive a 40-minute lunch and a 30-minute recess daily in their grade level cohort. Students will eat in their classroom or outside.
Release of Students During the School Day – Please make certain that if your child is being picked up during the school day by anyone other than their parent/guardian that the office is notified by a parent/guardian with a written note or phone call in advance. If you need to pick up your child, please ring the bell and/or call the school and we will make arrangements for your child to meet you outside. After school plan changes - If your family has a change in their after school plans, please contact the front office by 1:30. The front office will notify the student of the change in plans. After 1:30 the office will not be answering the phone.
Dismissal – School will dismiss daily at 2:00 (Monday - Friday).
What Should My Child Bring to School Each Day-
- Mask (your child may want to bring 2 per day)
- Water Bottle (water fountains will not be turned on- students can refill at sinks)
- Easy to eat and open healthy snacks
Outdoor Learning Spaces - AVE has lots of beautiful outdoor space that will be used in addition to the classroom for the 20-21 school year. You may want your child to have a sunhat, only to be worn outside, and sunscreen.
itsLearning Management - If your child is attending school in either the blended or remote models here are the links to a parent and student user guides for the itslearning management system that will house your child's daily lessons.
Power of Positive Communication – Most importantly, please know that our doors are always open (figuratively) and we value the opportunity to partner with our families. Please, schedule time to visit with your child’s teacher via phone, zoom or socially distanced outside should you have any questions or concerns – we want your child’s educational experience with us to be top notch and that takes teamwork between home and school. You are their first teacher and we are pleased to have the opportunity to work with your family along this journey.
We have also attached a helpful document released by the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) to help parents decide if their child is well enough to go to school.
Please visit our website for more information and videos on drop off, pick up, and symptomatic students.
Thank you for your support and involvement in our school community. We are looking forward to working with your family this year as we continue to grow and learn at Animas Valley Elementary School!
Wishing you well,
Michol & Alison