4/6/20 Parent Letter about Closure

4/6/2020

Dear West Valley Parents and Guardians,

We have one week of online learning under our belt and I have to say just how proud I am of the WV staff, students and parents for making this tough situation the best it could be. The Coronavirus(Covid-19) has definitely interrupted our lives, school being just part of the interruption. We will continue to refine our online learning for students. We ask parents to please stay in contact with your kids teachers for updates and if you have any questions regarding the online learning don't hesitate to contact the staff. The following is an update on the school closure. Please keep in mind this is a fluid situation that will most likely change as the week goes on. 

Ways you can help:

  • Stick to a routine-Bedtime/Getting up/School day time

  • Meal schedule-Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner/Snacks-Keep it the same as normal day

  • Go outside for recess and PE time if possible

  • Stay connected to your kids teachers-Ask questions between 8:00 AM and 4:00 PM- Normal school day

  • Limit Social Media/TV during school hours

  • Unplug and go old school (Board games/Learn something new/Read)

  • Set up Playdates for kids on Facetime or other platforms for your kids

  • Set time to disconnect for you and your kids(Social/Emotional time)

Food Service:

  • Any family can receive breakfast and lunch through the Kalispell School District

  • Go to any of the KSD elementary schools, or the KSD central kitchen (by the KSD middle school) between 11:00 and 1:00 to pick up food daily

  • We will evaluate this as the closure continues

Technology:

  • Online learning evolving, stay in contact with your child’s teachers

  • Mr. Wilson has added a tech helpline on the WV website

  • Chromebook if needed- Please contact Mr. Wilson if you need a Chromebook

  • Paper Packets will be limited, please let us know if you need technology help of any kind

Counselling Services:

  • Social/Emotional connection

  • Please contact building principals if you need any counselling services

School Closure Update:

  • Right now we are closed through April 10

  • We are expecting an extension to be announced by 4/7/20 from the Governor

  • Extensions we believe, will be in two week increments and we will let you know as soon as we know

  • Next school closure extension will go through April 24 (We think)

Pick up student items:

  • Parents/students will be able to pick up middle school locker items on Wednesday (4/8) between 4:00 and 7:00 pm

  • This will be a curbside pickup. Mrs. Blair will send out information on this

  • Elementary information coming from Mr. Gross later this week

Tech Levy Cancelled:

  • Last Wednesday, during a special board meeting the WVSB voted to cancel the Tech Levy scheduled for this May. This was done to help alleviate any potential financial burden to the WV taxpayers. 

  • Please keep in mind that we may run a tech levy next school year and how much tech dollars could help us right now in the situation we are in

  • We are falling behind in the technology needed to help students succeed going forward

Superintendent Video:

Thank you for your continued support and please contact us if you have any questions. We will keep you updated on school closure as we receive it from the state.

Be well and take care!

Cal