March 20, 2020
Parents and Guardians,
Based on recent recommendations from the Center of Disease Control(CDC), calling for Social Distancing, it is very likely school will operate in a distance learning model after Spring Break. This would include options of either E-learning (online) or paper/pencil packets. We appreciate how many of you were able to complete the tech survey, which helped us set distance learning in motion. Teachers have been working diligently this past week to prepare for their students.
A new E-Learning link will be on the WV website Monday, March 30. If the closure is extended, this will provide access to e-learning and schoolwide lesson plans
If your child has access to the internet and a computer they will find their lesson plans from their teachers in the “Live Feed” section of the school website at https://www.westvalleyschool.com/
Weekly lesson plans will be shared each Monday by elementary and middle school teachers
These plans will provide direction and links to materials and information that is specific to each grade level or middle school course
Most students in the middle school will need to access Google Classroom at https://classroom.google.com
If you have access to the internet but don’t have a computer, we will have Chromebooks available for check out Monday, March 30th. We will call you to set up a time for pick up or delivery.
If you don’t have access to internet or a computer, your child will receive paper packets for learning
E-mail or call West Valley School (755-7239) if you need packet delivery and have NOT filled out the technology survey.
Tonya Jewett tjewett@westvalleyschool.com
Teri Dierenfield tdierenfield@westvalleyschool.com
We will be in contact if you are in need of a paper packet for your child
Each Monday, weekly paper packets will be delivered to those without internet access, left at the doorstep if possible
Packets will contain learning opportunities specific to each student based on grade level and course schedule
Packets will not be returned to the building at this time
Distance learning has its challenges and offers unique opportunities. You can support your child by:
Setting up a study space
Monitoring his/her progress
Helping maintain his/her study schedule
Encouraging him/her to communicate with the teacher when he/she has a question or a problem.
Thank you for your patience as we prepare for this likely event. Providing learning opportunities in this way is new to most of our teachers and our students. We’ll start cautiously and build as we all become more experienced. Let’s be flexible and learn together. We all miss our students and their smiles.
Food Service Information:
There is no food service planned for March 23-27, during Spring Break. In the event of an extended closure, food services will not be provided at West Valley School. Kalispell School District is providing Drive Thru Service for lunch and breakfast. Meals are distributed at no cost to anyone 18 and under, Monday through Friday, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the Central Kitchen 106 NW Lane Kalispell 11:00-1:00.
We will continue to be in contact with you as information becomes available to us. If there are no new developments in the potential prolonged school closure, my next communication with you will be on Friday, March 27. As best you can enjoy your spring break, get outside if weather permits and try to live your lives as normal as possible.
We are here for you at West Valley and understand the difficulties this unique situation has presented to us. Let’s continue to be our best selves and do our best work and we will persevere through this trying time.
Quotes: “Tough times don’t last, but tough people do!”
“A pessimist is one who makes difficulties of his opportunities and an optimist is one who makes opportunities of his difficulties.” Harry S. Truman
Stay Healthy and Happy over the spring break!
Cal Ketchum
Superintendent- West Valley SD
2290 Farm to Market Road
Kalispell, MT 59901
(406)755-7239