Frequently Asked Questions:

1.       What is the Governor’s Executive order? 

Colorado Gov. Jared Polis has signed an executive order suspending in-person learning in public and private schools across the state from March 23 to April 17. This means that we will have NO in-person classes for the next 4 weeks or until the Governor change the timeline.

2.       If there’s a closure, will the school year be extended into June?

We are not sure yet. The Colorado Department of Education waived the state requirements for in-person instructional hours, school days, or seat time for this school year. That means that we don’t have to make up any lost instructional time.

3.       What do "remote learning opportunities" look like during a closure? What if my student needs technology help to engage in remote learning?

The district distributed devices to all grade 2 – 6 students. Students in 7 – 12 already have a device that they are taking home.

If your child needs help they have to send an email to this address: [email protected] We have a small group of people available for tech support and we ask you to be patient and understanding during this time. They will do their best to respond to every email as soon as they can. Wednesday March 25 is the last day of distribution so they will have more time after that.

4.       My student left something at school. Can they get it while schools are closed?

Wednesday March 25 will be the ONLY time for student to go to school and collect anything they need from school. There will NO access after this day.

5.       How will students and families who need it get food during the closure?

The district made sure that our students have access to nutritious meals while schools are closed. Students can get meals during the closure at these locations ONLY on Tuesdays and Thursdays (they will receive 2 meals):

Pete Mirich Elementary School

South Valley Middle School

Valley High School

Any student may pick up a FREE meal between 11:am and 12:30 pm. To minimize the possibility of infection we ask everyone to follow the physical distance rule of 6 feet.

6.       Can I still use a district facility during the closure?

No, All Re1 buildings and facilities are NOT available to the public during the closure. This includes the pool, weight rooms and gymnasiums.

7.       Will employees still be paid if schools close?

Yes. The district has articulated a plan to ensure that payroll will be processed.

8.       What if my child is feeling anxious about what's happening? What's the best way to talk with them?

The following are some resources for parents/guardians to guide conversations: the Child

Mind Institute’s “Talking to Kids about Coronavirus” and the “Families Cope with Coronavirus.”   

9.       What's happening with athletics, activities and events? CHSAA's latest update is posted here.

The Colorado High School Activities Association announced March 17 that it is extending its spring sports moratorium through April 18; this includes practices, competitions and meetings. All CHSAA music events have been cancelled for spring 2020. For more information, visit the CHSSA website.

10. What is happening with graduation?

No decisions have been made yet about Valley high school commencement ceremony, following Gov. Jared Polis’ order to close schools. We know many families are anxiously awaiting information about this important milestone in their students’ lives, and we will share more information as it is available.   

11. My child has an IEP. What services will they be getting? 

Just as we will be providing general education during this closure, we will also provide special education and related services to students with identified disabilities. We are following federal guidance closely and are working to develop the specifics of what these learning opportunities will look like when remote learning begins for all students. The best way to get information about your child’s instruction is from their school.

12. What happens with state assessments and SAT testing?

On March 17, the Colorado Department of Education announced that the Colorado Measures of Academic Success, or CMAS, assessments are canceled for the 2019-2020 school year. CDE is working with The College Board to generate possible solutions for the administration of the PSAT and SAT tests, which offer unique roles in Colorado’s system in terms of scholarships and college entrance. Additional information will come from CDE as it becomes available.

13. What is happening with AP tests?

The CollegeBoard released information about how Advanced Placement (AP) tests will be administered this spring. The following are highlights; read the full announcement from CollegeBoard here. 

•      Traditional face-to-face exam administrations will NOT take place. Students will take a 45-minute online, free-response exam at home.  

•      The full exam schedule, specific free-response question types that will be on each AP Exam, and additional testing details will be available by April 3, according to CollegeBoard. 

•      To be fair to all students, some of whom have lost more instructional time than others, the exams will only include topics and skills most AP teachers and students have already covered in class by early March. 

•      Colleges support this solution and are committed to ensuring that AP students receive the credit they have worked this year to earn. For decades, colleges have accepted a shortened AP Exam for college credit when groups of students have experienced emergencies. 

•      Students will be able to take these streamlined exams on any device they have access to—computer, tablet, or smartphone. Taking a photo of handwritten work will also be an option. 

14. What can families do to protect themselves from becoming ill?

Parents and guardians can help by continuing to implement the same critical illness prevention practices: 

•      Clean hands with soap and water or alcohol-based hand rub.

•      Cover nose and mouth when coughing and sneezing.

•      Avoid close contact with anyone with cold or flu-like symptoms.

•      Getting a flu shot if you haven’t gotten one this year.

•      If they have a positive influenza or COVID-19 diagnosis, please also share that information.

15. Will Safe2Tell still work during a closure?