Sara Sandstrom, Nederland. Boulder Valley School District schools have opened their doors for Kindergarten, first and second graders. The first day of in-person learning was Tuesday, September 29, 2020. Families can also opt to have their student stay with online learning throughout the school year. 

This is the first step to what BVSD officials hope will be the start in bringing all students back to in-person learning. The hope is that preschools will open next. Followed by upper elementary students and then middle and high school students. 

Before entering the building everyday all staff and students must fill out a passive screening form. For students this form can be found in Infinite Campus. The students are asked to wash their hands often and are required to wear masks. There are mask breaks throughout the day and when students can be socially distanced. Masks will be provided if a student does not have one.

All students coming to school will receive free breakfast and lunch through December. Students are also allowed to bring lunch and snacks from home. Students are also required to bring their own water bottle as water fountains are not to be used, but the touchless fillers are available. 

Hand sanitizers are ready for students and staff to use in classrooms and on all BVSD school buses. 

Families will be notified by the school or the district if there is concern of Covid in the school. Boulder County Public Health guidelines will be followed in any cases or exposure to Covid-19. 

BVSD staff is thrilled to have students back in the schools. It is known that the far majority of students learn best while in school. Everyone is aware that the district might be forced to go back to only online learning, but we are all being cautiously optimistic that we can slowly bring the upper grade levels to in-person learning, as well. 

(Originally published in the October 1, 2020, edition of The Mountain-Ear.)