North Notes

• A Letter from North Administrators

• January Schedule

• PBC Winter Activity Guide

• Fall Play on Jan. 21-22
  

• BV School Board Recognition Month

• BVN Fundraiser

• Tips for Students and Parents

• Mark Your Calendar

• Counseling Updates
  

• Mental Fitness

• On Call with Dr. J Podcast

• BV Career-ReadyHVAC, Welding & Metal Fabrication Programs

• BVN Athletics

• KSHSAA Update
• Senior Class of 2021

• Parent Announcements
  

• Student Announcements

• Mustang Medical Messages

Hello Blue Valley North Community,

As we transition to the 2nd semester, we want to give you important information regarding:

• Daily Hybrid bell schedule (including increased intervention time during the school day)
• Zoom Camera expectations
• How to access 1st Semester Grades
• Attendance Notifications
  
  

January Hybrid Bell Schedule- More Intervention Time!
Starting January 19th we will return to the AA/BB hybrid rotation. The AA/BB calendar for the first two weeks of 2nd semester is shown below for your reference. Note that this only includes January as District Office will determine each month’s learning mode two weeks in advance.

One of the biggest concerns about hybrid has been the lack of intervention time for students to get help from teachers and allow time to work on coursework during the school day. We have repurposed minutes during the school day to provide extra time for students to work on homework, meet with teachers (either in person or via Zoom), and/or make up tests that were missed. This intervention time (aka “North Time”) will be added onto 3rd hour on ODD days and 2nd/4th hours on EVEN days. While students will not be able to roam the building like we previously did during North Time, teachers will set up office hours during those times to schedule either Zoom or face to face meetings with students. Our goal is that students get the help they need during the school day (whether they are at home or in-building). Teachers will provide more information to students as we begin 2nd semester next week. Our bell schedule is as follows:

ODD Day
Hour 1 7:45-9:10
Hour 3 9:15-10:40
North Time (stay in 3rd hour) 10:40 - 11:10
Hour 5 11:15-1:20 (includes lunch)
Hour 7 1:25-2:50

EVEN Day
Hour 2 8:30-9:55
Academic Check Time (stay in 2nd hour) 9:55 - 10:15
Hour 4 10:20-12:20 (includes lunch)
North Time (stay in 4th hour) 12:25 - 1:20
Hour 6 1:25-2:50

Zoom Cameras MUST Be On!
Beginning second semester, students should be expected to turn their cameras ON when they are participating in live Zooms with their teachers. This expectation assists with engagement, monitoring of students as learners, benefits student to teacher connections, and creates ease and increased accuracy when it comes to taking attendance. Teachers will be clear with students regarding this expectation. If you have a question or concern about this, please contact your student’s administrator.

Canvas Courses and Grades

Semester 1 Canvas courses will conclude on Thursday, January 14 at 11:59 PM. Students will no longer be able to submit assignments but can view grades using the Canvas website in the Past Enrollments section. Open Canvas in a web browser, log in, and click on the Courses tab. Click View All Courses and scroll down to find the Past Enrollments.

Next semester, once teachers publish their second semester courses, you will be able to use Canvas for classwork again.

Attendance Notifications
The district will return to notifying families of any unexpected absences through email, phone, text, and optional push notifications. Families can expect automated attendance messages by email, phone, and text if a child is absent and his/her absence has not already been reported by a parent/guardian. It is the responsibility of the parent/guardian to call the school to report an absence or reply to the automated email or phone message.

Students on at-home learning days (within the hybrid model) will continue to be expected to check-in for each class via Zoom or another manner indicated by their teacher. During this check-in time, attendance will continue to be taken.

We look forward to having a great 2nd semester!

Blue Valley North Administration

Back in the fall, students worked hard to put together a play to present to the community. Unfortunately, the show had to be put on hold, but we are excited to announce it opens NEXT WEEKEND!

It's a great option for something do with the family at home next Thursday and Friday! Blue Valley North Theatre opens the play Bad Auditions by Bad Actors on Thursday, January 21st and it runs until Friday, January 22nd at 7pm both nights. You can enjoy this hilarious production from the comfort of your own living room. Tickets are a total of $5.95 after fees. Here is a document that can help walk you through how to get your tickets: Purchasing Play Tickets. If you have any questions, please reach out to Ms. Ham (tlham@bluevalleyk12.org).

As Kansas observes School Board Recognition Month in January, Blue Valley North High School is joining in the celebration.

Michele Benjamin (newly elected Vice President), Jodie Dietz, Patrick Hurley, Tom Mitchell (Past President), Stacy Obringer-Varhall, Mike Seitz and Amy Tysseling (newly elected President) are the Blue Valley School District’s board members being recognized this month for their service.

This is the perfect time to thank school board members for serving in this role. Board members are responsible for making decisions aimed at ensuring that every child in the district has a chance to be successful both in school and in life.

The voters in our community have elected these local leaders, who work to give every child in every classroom access to high quality teaching and learning. At a time when state and federal funding continues to shrink, our school board members haven’t strayed from the challenges of their responsibilities. Our community can be very proud of this team of board members as they strive for educational excellence for our children.

Let’s join together, reach out and thank our Board Members for all they do!

BVN Class of 2022 Fundraiser - January 18(new)

Here are the details for our Chipotle Fundraiser! Please note that the Online Code has to be used directly through the chipotle app/website instead of any third-party apps like GrubHub or DoorDash.

• 5065 West 119th Street, Leawood (Hawthorne Plaza)
• Monday, January 18th
• Between 4:00.p.m. and 8:00 p.m.
• Online Order Code: 7WZ62FW
• Bring in this flyer, show it on your smartphone or tell the cashier you’re supporting the cause to make sure that 33% of the proceeds will be donated to BVN Junior StuCo.

Thank you for your support!

Report Student Absences via ParentVue

Did you know you can report your student's absence in ParentVue? This is an easy, efficient way! Once you sign into ParentVue, you will see your student's name and a blue button titled "Report Absence." It takes you to a screen where you can select the start date and end date and the reason code. There is also a box titled "Note" for additional information. Don't forget to hit the "Save" button. If you have questions, please call Rita Mouber, BVN Attendance Manager, 913-239-3001.

You can still call Rita Mouber, 913-221-3001, to report an absence. If no one answers, she's talking to another parent so please leave a message. Rest assured, Rita will get your student's absence recorded.

Students! Check Your Student Email Daily

Students, it is important that you get in the habit of checking your school email frequently. We recommend checking it three times a day (morning, lunch, and the end of day). Thank you!

News from the BVN Library

The library website is now accessible from all Canvas pages. In the navigation list on the left side you should see Library. Or: Click here to visit the BVN Library website . From the library website, students and staff can now chat with the librarians during school hours. Look in the upper right corner. No question is too big or small!

Jan. 15 - No School/End of 1st Semester

Jan. 18 - No School/Martin Luther King, Jr. Day

Jan. 19-29 - Hybrid Schedule (details TBA)

Feb. 15 - No School/President's Day

Upcoming All School Events

All BVN events, activities, sporting events and additional calendar adjustments are found on the EKL calendar: www.easternkansasleague.org

Click here for the revised 2020-21 Blue Valley School District Calendar.

Click Here For BVN's Counseling Webpage for information about:

2nd Semester Schedule Change Requests

District Mental Health Events

Visit the Counseling Virtual Calming Room !

October PSAT Scores

Senior College Application Information

Junior College Planning

Sophomore Naviance Tasks

Freshman Naviance Tasks

AP Test Information and Deadlines

COVID Anxiety Support

Virtual Counselor Appointments

Questions? Contact Theresa Gonzalez @ (913)239-3016 or tgonzalez@bluevalleyk12.org

Blue Valley North Feeder Schools K-12: January 19, 2021 @ 4:00 p.m. (new)

This program is offered to all parents in Blue Valley. Parents and teens should attend this event if they would like more information about panic and depression. The biomechanics of stress will be discussed and insight into breathing, heart-rate variability, pain management, relationships, drugs and alcohol, sleep, social media and mindfulness will be reviewed.

Registration is now open, click here to get started.

The latest episode of Blue Valley's newest podcast, "On Call with Doc J," is now available. In this episode, Blue Valley's Dr. Chris Jenson is joined by Jenna Miller, MD, FAAP, from Children's Mercy Hospital to discuss the differences between COVID-19 and the flu, how these viruses can affect us, the amount of time they can continue to affect us, and how the vaccines are produced to stop them. Click here to listen to the podcast.

Through Blue Valley’s continued partnership with Johnson County Community College (JCCC), high school students have the opportunity to participate in several career-ready programs including HVAC and Welding/Metal Fabrication.

The Welding and Metal Fabrication Program:

A background in welding is preparation and certification to live and work anywhere! Spend half the day taking your Blue Valley classes and the other half on the JCCC campus, learning from JCCC instructors who are also industry experts in welding for manufacturing and structures. You will learn the science of metals and gas, work with your hands, and operate equipment while earning both college and high school credits.

Heating, Ventilation & Air Conditioning Program (HVAC):

The HVAC program is a great fit for students who want to have hands-on experience in the HVAC lab, learning the fundamentals of electrical systems, plumbing and cooling systems. Students will spend half the day in Blue Valley and the other half on the JCCC campus, earning credit toward an HVAC Technology Certificate. Learn from highly qualified HVAC professionals and earn a career-ready certificate while receiving both college and high school credits.

If you are interested in these or other Career-Ready opportunities, let your counselor know. If you have questions, please contact Sarah Beren at sberen@bluevalleyk12.org or 239-4141 or visit the district website.

Attention BVN Boys Golfers and Parents (new)

If you are considering trying out and playing for the Blue Valley North Boys' Golf Team for the 2021 season, please plan on attending a Zoom meeting on Tuesday, January 26th at 7:00 p.m. We will be discussing tryout preparations along with a tentative schedule for the 2021 practice and tournament season. Please e-mail Coach Turrentine at mturrentine@bluevalleyk12.org to get a response back with the Zoom log-in information. You can also direct any other questions to Coach Turrentine at the same e-mail address.

Throughout this year we have been dedicated to offering students activity and athletic opportunities when it is safe to do so. This dedication also comes with a commitment to adjust our plan when new or updated recommendations and guidelines come from professional organizations.

As you may be aware, the Kansas State High School Activities Association (KSHSAA) recently updated their guidance on spectators at winter activities and athletic events. Blue Valley began implementing these recommendations on December 11, including:

• Interscholastic activities will allow for attendance of up to two parents/guardians per participant(s) family as allowed by local board of education or health department restrictions. This ensures the capacity to appropriately social distance both home and visiting team spectators and minimizes the risk of exposure while still providing opportunities for students.
• Mandatory universal masking for all spectators.
• Updated spectator recommendations apply to middle and high school activities and athletics.
• The NFHS Network will continue to livestream events from the main gymnasiums of our high schools.
• School information about guest lists and protocols will be shared soon.

As always, the district will continue to review appropriate measures and adjust again if necessary to ensure the health, safety and well-being of students, coaches and sponsors and spectators.

Mark your calendars! The Blue Valley North Commencement Ceremony will be Sunday, May 23, at 4:00 p.m. at Municipal Auditorium, 301 West 13th Street, Kansas City, MO 64105. If KCMO makes changes to their event sizes and gatherings, we will have a backup plan to host in one of our stadiums at a date to be determined.

We have a new Canvas page for all Senior information!
Check here regularly through the year: SENIOR INFO

This canvas page currently has links to:

• A countdown to graduation! Only 127 more days . . .
• Order a senior tile from the PBC--deadline is coming up soon on Jan. 31!
• An info video from Balfour about how to order your cap & gown and announcements
• A link to let us know how you want your senior's name printed on the diploma, along with authorizing the release of your student's transcript
  

We will update this Canvas page as new info becomes available. You no longer have to wait for Friday to get updates from this parent newsletter--you can check the Canvas page any time.

Questions? Contact BVN Activities: Lisa Miller @ lkmiller@bluevalleyk12.org .

Virtual 8th Grade Enrollment Night

In January, BVN will have a virtual 8th grade enrollment night available for parents and students. Information on how to enroll as well as explanations of all BVN programs will be provided via video. We don't have an exact date of availability, but it will be in late January. Updates and the video link will be in North Notes.

Course Fee Payment is Open

High school in-person/VirtualED course fee payment for the 2020-21 school year is open and online now. Your ParentVUE login and password are required to pay course fees.

• Course fees are assigned based on your student’s enrollment.

• Course fees are assigned for the first semester only.

Questions regarding fee payment should be directed to our BVN Bookkeeper, Linda Kaphingst, email: lkaphingst@bluevalleyk12.org .

The North Star Newspaper Issue 2

Our newspaper staff has published the second issue of the newspaper here: NorthStar

Spanish National Honor Society and Spanish Club

Interested in applying for Spanish National Honor Society or learning about Spanish Club at North? Use this link to navigate to our Canvas course and click “enroll in course”. On the home page you will see a scan code and link for joining our GroupMe as well as a link for Spanish National Honor Society requirements and application. If you are eligible, the deadline for all application materials is Friday, January 15th at 3:15PM. Questions? Email Srta. Tankel: ktankel@bluevalleyk12.org.

BVN GSA

GSA meets virtually every Wednesday after school from 2:50 - 3:15 p.m. Please contact Ms. Moran at smoran@bluevalleyk12.org if you would like to join the meeting.

KAY-Mustang Community Service Club

Join KAY- Mustang Community Service Club! We have an exciting community service project you can do from home. We are creating BVN Storytime, a read aloud library for K-2 students. We also have a couple of other service possibilities. Click this link to join the club. Click this link , then “enroll in Course” to see the Club’s Canvas page where club news and information is posted. Questions? Contact Club president Tanu @ tsakaray@bluevalleyk12.net

Student Technology Help

On the Canvas Course card titled BVN Student Hub 2020-2021 there is student support information. After looking at the information in the BVN Student Hub, if you are struggling with technology, there is help.

• If your computer is broken please submit a BVCARE ticket and someone from I.T. will reach out to you. A link to BVCARE can be found on the BVN Student Hub or at www.bluevalleyk12.org / I would like to… / BVCARE- Technology help
• If you are having problems with a specific assignment or course in Canvas, always reach out to your teacher first.
• If you have questions about instructional tools (Canvas, Google Drive, Zoom…) or something is not working the way it should, there is a daily Student Help Zoom from 12:30-1:15pm. To access this Zoom, open Canvas / Click on the BVN Student Hub 2020-2021 Course Card / Click on Zoom / Join anytime between 12:30-1:15pm.

Meal Pick-up

Drive-thru meal pick-up service for students in distance learning and VirtualED is available on Mondays and Wednesdays at four locations across the district, including Blue Valley North High School. This service has started back up again in 2021. You can find more information on this link Drive-Thru Meal Pick-Up web page .

Free COVID Test resource:

https://www.gogettested.com/kansas

COVID Communication (new)

The safety of Blue Valley North students and staff continues to be a top priority. In an effort to keep our school community informed when we have a positive case, families can expect the following:

• Families will be contacted directly if through the contact tracing process conducted by the Johnson County Department of Health and Environment (JCDHE) and the district's health professionals' team:
  1. your child was identified as a low-risk exposure of a student or staff member
  who tested positive for COVID-19.
  2. your child was identified as a high-risk exposure/close contact of a student
  or staff member who tested positive for COVID-19.

• If your child’s proximity to or nature of the interaction with the positive individual did not indicate a low or high-risk exposure, then you will not be contacted.

NOTE: Positive cases by school are reflected on the BV COVID Dashboard. The dashboard is updated every Friday with information from the prior week (Wednesday to Wednesday).

Protect yourself from COVID-19

Wash or sanitize your hands regularly, Avoid touching your face and mask, maintain 6 feet distance from others when possible, wear a CDC recommended mask in public settings. Cover your cough with your elbow, enjoy the great outdoors, keep social contacts limited, if you're sick, stay home and consider getting a test.

Planning any travel for Spring Break?

Consider looking over Kansas Travel Exposure Related Isolation & Quarantine Guidelines:

1. KS Travel Guidelines / Quarantine Guidelines

If you have any questions or concerns please feel free to e-mail Amanda Collichio, BVN Nurse, at ajcollichio@bluevalleyk12.org. or call at 913-239-3013.

We are very excited to announce that construction for our new Auxiliary Gym has begun. This project will last from November until the end of July and will take place on the west side of our campus next to our pool entrance. Please note that access from our North and South parking lots will be obstructed due to the construction site. Glenwood will still be accessible from the South parking lot but the parking spots on the west side of the campus will be dedicated for construction parking. Thank you for your patience during this project.

Durham has decided to not use the Hybrid stop times and instead only use the All in School stop times regardless of what learning mode the District is in. If you have questions, please call Durham at 913-681-2492.

Note that it is best to call outside of route times, between 9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. or email admin6700@durhamschoolservices.com.

North Notes is a newsletter for the parents and students of Blue Valley North High School. If you have questions, please contact Janet Roush, Assistant to the Principal, at JRoush@bluevalleyk12.org . Thank you!

BVN Twitter:

@MustangsBvn

@BVNOstroski

@TheKurle

@BVNCounseling

@MustangsOfBVN

@bvnnews

@BVNMustangsPBC

BVN Instagram:

@bvnmustangs

Email: Jroush@bluevalleyk12.org
Website: www.bluevalleyk12.org/BVN/
Location: 12200 Lamar Avenue, Overland Park, KS, 66209
Phone: (913) 239-3000
Facebook: facebook.com/BVNMustangs/
Twitter: @bvnnews