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The I-70 Scout & Eastern Colorado News

Category: Education

  • Colorado resumes some regular child care group sizes

    Colorado resumes some regular child care group sizes

    Certain child care providers may return to regular group sizes June 4

    DENVER (June 3, 2020) — Gov. Jared Polis has announced that certain child care providers in Colorado may return to regular group sizes and licensed capacity as stated in Colorado child care licensing rules beginning Thursday, June 4. This guidance is applicable to child care centers, family child care homes, and building-based school-age child care programs only. It does not include school-age day camps, license-exempt youth programs, or children’s resident camps. 

    School-age day camps and license-exempt youth programs are currently allowed to operate with smaller ratios as outlined in guidance from the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE). Resident camps are still not allowed to operate. Further guidance on children’s resident camps will be released in mid-June. 

    “Providing Colorado families with safe, affordable and accessible high-quality child care is key to the state’s recovery from COVID-19,” said Michelle Barnes, executive director of the Colorado Department of Human Services. “Unfortunately, child care providers, like so many small businesses, have faced significant challenges during these unprecedented times. Returning to regular group sizes will help child care businesses keep their doors open, and will ensure more Colorado families who need access to child care are able to find it, particularly families participating in the Colorado Child Care Assistance Program.” 

    Child care providers must still adhere to other health and safety guidelines as outlined by CDPHE. This includes maintaining physical distancing of 6 feet whenever possible. Standard child care licensing rules do allow for approximately this level of physical distancing, as facilities must have 35 square feet per child for infants and 30 square feet per child for preschool and school-age children. Providers are also encouraged to engage children in outdoor play as much as possible, as this is a safer way for children to interact while still maintaining physical distancing. More information about current guidelines in child care facilities can be found on CDPHE’s COVID-19 website. More information on child care licensing can be found on the Colorado Office of Early Childhood’s website. 

    For individual assistance with questions, please contact Colorado Child Care Licensing at 303.866.5948 or 1-800-799-5876. 

     

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  • Pence going to Colorado for Air Force Academy graduation

    Pence going to Colorado for Air Force Academy graduation

    Vice President Mike Pence will travel to the Air Force Academy for its pared down commencement ceremony Saturday to address graduating cadets in person, not by video as originally planned.

    Pence’s office announced his travel plans Tuesday and said additional details would be released later.

    The event usually attracts a big crowd to Falcon Stadium and ends with a traditional aerobatics demonstration by the Air Force Thunderbirds. Because of the coronavirus outbreak, the academy is closed to visitors and no spectators, including family, will be allowed at this year’s ceremony, which will only last about 30 minutes.

    The Thunderbirds will only perform a flyover. Cadets will march 6 feet (1.8 meters) apart and sit 8 feet (2.4 meters) apart during the event.

    Cadets will not march up to receive their diplomas and the typical high-fives and hugs are banned, The Gazette reported.

    Lower classes were sent home to take online classes because of the outbreak. Seniors remained but the date of their graduation was moved up.

    The academy initially announced last week that Secretary of the Air Force Secretary Barbara Barrett would address the cadets in person and that there would be a video message from Pence.

     

     

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  • CU Boulder inventories, donates 130,000 pieces of PPE for health care workers, first responders

    CU Boulder inventories, donates 130,000 pieces of PPE for health care workers, first responders

    A half-dozen volunteers outside of CU Boulder’s Environmental Health & Safety (EHS) building began piling a mountain of boxes into two pickup trucks and a moving truck Friday afternoon. 

    The load: a whole lot of help from nearly 40 campus units.

    Across the country, health care professionals have pleaded for necessary supplies to respond to a pandemic that’s far outstripping their resources. The shortfall of so-called personal protective equipment (PPE) has left those workers in danger of becoming ill from COVID-19 as they treat patients. A lack of testing or vaccine has resulted in a virtual shut down of communities in an effort to flatten the curve, or slow the spread of coronavirus as it spreads around the globe. 

    CU Boulder joined an array of relief and supply efforts last week with a donation of more than 130,000 pieces of PPE. Dozens of departments, units and labs across campus donated gloves, N-95 masks, face shields, shoe covers and other PPE.

    The donation went to the Boulder Office of Emergency Management (OEM), which will distribute the supplies to health care providers, long-term care facilities and first responders throughout the county.

    “These donations far exceeded my expectations,” said Garry DeJong, director of campus emergency management. “Coupled with our researchers and engineers working on ways to keep people safe and finding ways to fight COVID-19, CU Boulder is making a sizable impact in this historic moment.”

    PPE is regularly used throughout CU Boulder’s campus for research and other purposes from chemical labs to University Libraries.

    DeJong led the charge alongside EHS Director Brandon Boger. Their teams worked for weeks soliciting donations across campus and creating an inventory. The donations equate to roughly 98% of the campus’ PPE. The remainder is being reserved for campus health care providers and essential workers. In alignment with Centers for Disease Control guidance, workers whose job duties do not require an N-95 mask are encouraged to wear homemade cloth masks.

    “We were hoping for five to ten departments to donate a few items,” said DeJong. 

    “Once the word got out about the donations drive, the CU partners just continually kept stepping up.”

    Mike Chard, director of the Boulder Office of Emergency Management, said he was extremely grateful.

    “The COVID-19 pandemic has created tremendous pressure on our health care systems, long-term care facilities and first responders,” Chard said. “Being able to keep the supply of medical and PPE at an essential service level preserves health care and government services and protects staff.”

    Margie Hunter, assistant to the director of EHS, was involved in coordinating and documenting the campus donations. Hunter and a small group of coworkers watched as emails rolled in from departments around campus looking to put their PPE to good use.

    “I think we all want to step up when a crisis occurs, but don’t always know what to do to help,” Hunter said. “I feel that this process gave each of us that measure of satisfaction and gratitude that we were doing something that would make a difference for those first responders and the medical personnel who are facing this thing firsthand.”

    Broader efforts

    Other faculty, staff and students have jumped into the fight as well. 

    Engineering faculty and students are 3D-printing key parts of protective face shields.

    Daniel Larremore, an assistant professor in the Department of Computer Science and in the BioFrontiers Institute, is using Facebook data to track the virus’ spread, and perhaps predict where it could go in the coming weeks.

    The BioFrontiers Institute, the College of Engineering & Applied Science, the Sustainability, Energy & Environment Lab (SEEL) and other campus units also worked in the early stages of the pandemic to get respirators, sterilization ovens and other PPE to Boulder County Health officials.

    Community needs

    For students, faculty, staff and friends of CU Boulder looking to donate or give back to the community, you can find more via the new Buffs Together initiative.

    The state is organizing giving and volunteer opportunities through Help Colorado Now.

     

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  • Colorado Takes Further Action to Address Public Health Threat of COVID-19

    Colorado Takes Further Action to Address Public Health Threat of COVID-19

    State extends suspension of downhill ski operations, limits gatherings to no more than 10 people, suspends in-person learning in public & private schools

    DENVER – Today Governor Jared Polis provided an update on the state’s response to COVID-19 and announced new executive actions to protect the health and safety of Coloradans. Earlier today at a news conference, Governor Polis announced the launch of the Help Colorado Now effort where Coloradans can donate or volunteer, as well as the Colorado COVID Relief Fund, which has already raised nearly $3 million to help Coloradans impacted by the coronavirus. 

    “We are acting boldly and swiftly together to protect the health and safety of all Coloradans. The science and data tells us this will get worse before it gets better,” said Governor Jared Polis. “We are in this together and the state is taking the necessary actions to slow the spread of this disease.”

    The Governor signed an executive order suspending in-person learning in public and private schools across the state from March 23 to April 17. The executive order directs Colorado school districts and the Charter School Institute to make every effort to provide alternative learning opportunities during this time while taking into account the needs of local communities. This order also directs the Commissioner of Education to issue guidance to support P-12 school systems in developing and implementing plans to assist families and students in accessing alternative learning, providing free and reduced lunch and breakfast, and offering waivers for instructional time as appropriate. Click here to read. 

    “Protecting the health of all Coloradoans is our top priority, and moving to online learning and other ways to support learning at home is absolutely the right thing to do,” said Education Commissioner Katy Anthes. “We know school leaders, educators and families will have a lot of questions about how to support their students’ learning at home during this unprecedented time. The department is working on guidance and developing resources to support our schools and students, and it will be available very soon.”

    The Governor also announced that he would be extending the suspension of downhill ski area operations through April 6. COVID-19 has spread throughout many mountain communities where ski resorts are located and this is a necessary step to help slow the spread of the virus. Last week, the Governor issued an executive order suspending ski area operations until March 22. Click here to read the order. 

    In accordance with CDC guidelines, the Colorado Department of Public Health also issued a public health order prohibiting gatherings of more than 10 people. Gatherings include community, civic, public, leisure, faith-based events, sporting events with spectators, concerts, conventions, fundraisers, parades, fairs, festivals or any similar event that brings more than 10 people together. Click here to read. **This has been updated with a new link to the public health order. This makes clear that municipal legislative functions are exempted and municipal and county buildings used for essential government functions are also exempt.

    Coloradans can donate or sign up to volunteer at  www.HelpColoradoNow.org. 

     

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  • Colorado Produce Industry Responds to COVID-19

    CFVGA to Offer Growers Free Webinar on Communicating with Customers March 25

    The Colorado Fruit & Vegetable Growers Association (CFVGA) and its grower members are very concerned about the impact COVID-19 is having on Coloradans’ physical, economic and social health.

    “We join authorities in urging Coloradans to comply with safety guidelines laid out by our state and to be considerate of others by doing what we can to keep ourselves and others safe from the virus,” said CFVGA President Robert Sakata, Sakata Farms, Brighton.

    Sakata added that CFVGA is urging growers to continue to implement their high level of worker health measures when retailing their produce to reduce human transmission of COVID-19. He also notes that currently there is no evidence that food or food packaging is associated with transmission of COVID-19. “Fortunately, produce growers already implemented very high standards of safety as laid out in the Food Modernization Act, implemented several years ago. CFVGA and its partners over the past several years have focused on extensive grower training of these produce safety rules.”

    “Consuming produce is one of the best things consumers can do to keep their immune systems strong,” said Cathy Schmelter, An Ounce of Nutrition, a registered dietitian nutritionist. “During this pandemic, it is crucial that we do everything we can to feel better and to boost our immunity. Consuming produce is an excellent way to accomplish both goals.”

    CFVGA and the Colorado Produce Safety Collaborative will be hosting a free webinar for all farmers and ranchers to learn how to better communicate with their customers about produce and their operations during the pandemic. The presenter will be Diane Mulligan, M&C Communications, whose firm consulted with growers on communication during the 2011 Holly, Colo., listeria outbreak in cantaloupe. The hour-long, interactive webinar is Wed., March 25, beginning at 12:10pm. To register go to the front page of CFVGA’s website: https://coloradoproduce.org

    According to Mulligan, the human tendency when faced with a crisis is to avoid communication when the opposite-communicating openly and fully-is much better for consumers and growers.

    The CFVGA is comprised of roughly 250 members, including produce operations of all sizes and types of production throughout the state, as well as representatives of allied industries. The Colorado fruit and vegetable growing sector contributes nearly $485 million to Colorado at the farm gate and is multiplied as it goes through the distribution chain. Over 90,000 Colorado acres are in fruit and vegetable production.

     

     

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  • Announcement From Strasburg School District

     

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  • Colorado State University classes moving online March 2

    Colorado State University classes moving online March 2

    In response to the global coronavirus pandemic, Colorado State University is extending its Spring Break by two days, and when classes resume on March 25, they will be delivered online, CSU President Joyce McConnell announced Wednesday, March 11.

    “We have no knowledge of any cases of COVID-19 associated either with our residence halls or with the university more broadly,” McConnell assured the CSU community in an emailed message. “Nevertheless, as you know, we are in daily consultation with public health officials at local, state and national levels and following their science-based guidance.”

    McConnell’s full message can be read on the University’s coronavirus information page at safety.colostate.edu/coronavirus. 

    The following steps are in effect immediately:

    Classes Moving Online: Spring Break for students and faculty will be extended through Tuesday, March 24, with classes resuming Wednesday, March 25, as follows: • Classes at all levels will be delivered online beginning Wednesday, March 25.

    • Online teaching and course delivery will remain in effect until April 10. We will re-evaluate and issue further guidelines in advance of that date.
    • Individual academic units will follow up with their students regarding accommodations for accessibility issues—including online and computer access, internships, laboratory classes, and other special circumstances. Our fundamental mission is to educate our students and we are committed to preserving their educational access, opportunity and success for the remainder of this semester, regardless of circumstances.

    Campus Operations: Campus operations will remain at normal levels. • The CSU Health Network will be open regular hours, including over Spring Break, to see students for medical and counseling concerns.

    • Residence halls, university apartments, and dining halls will remain open as usual, including over Spring Break.
    • The Lory Student Center, Student Rec Center, UCA, and all academic, business, and service buildings will remain open for business as usual.
    • The Veterinary Teaching Hospital and Diagnostic Lab will remain open for business as usual.
    • The Morgan Library will be open for campus community members only. University Travel: All university international and domestic travel that has not yet commenced is suspended effective March 23 through April 10. The University will re-evaluate and issue further guidelines in advance of that date.

    On-Campus Events: All university events involving 20 or more external visitors or targeted toward an at-risk population are suspended effective March 23 through April 10. The University will re-evaluate and issue further guidelines in advance of that date.

    Off-campus Events: All university-hosted off-campus events involving 20 or more people or targeted toward an at-risk population are suspended effective March 23 through April 10. We will re-evaluate and issue further guidelines in advance of that date.

    “We can and must do our part to safeguard the health of our entire community,” McConnell wrote. “I thank all of you in advance for your compassion for others and patience in navigating a complex situation.”

    The University will continue to provide updates and guidance as soon and as often as possible via email, social media, and at safety.colostate.edu/coronavirus.

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  • Colorado State High School Basketball Tournaments – UPDATE

    Colorado State High School Basketball Tournaments – UPDATE

    A LETTER FROM COMMISSIONER RHONDA BLANFORD-GREEN TO HIGH SCHOOL PARTICIPANTS, FANS, COMMUNITIES

    Dear Colorado high school basketball participants, coaches, fans, communities, and CHSAA supporters:

     I am writing you today to keep an open line of communication from our office to you with regard to COVID-19 and our culminating championships.

     We are in direct contact with relevant state agencies, as well as the host facilities, which would guide us in making any changes in the schedule to our state basketball tournaments. Last week, we let you know that our plan is to conduct the championship events unless directed by state agencies and/or facility administration of cancellations. On Tuesday, we reiterated that plan.

     Per state guidance, and out of an abundance of caution, we are encouraging those above the age of 60, or those in at-risk populations, to avoid large crowds, as data shows they are more susceptible to contracting the COVID-19, if exposed.

     We will remain in contact with those monitoring the situation to make the best decisions on behalf of our students and our high school fans and communities.

     Our student-athletes, high school fans and communities, are at the forefront of any decisions we would make moving forward, regardless of financial impact. We fully understand and believe in what our tournaments mean to our communities, and our goal is to uphold the experience of the participants and fans without compromising health or safety. We are open to all options going forward if a directive which impacts our state tournaments is made by state agencies.

     We will continue to support the local administrative decisions made in the best interests of their school communities.

    Sincerely,

     Rhonda Blanford-Green

    CHSAA Commissioner

     

     

     

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  • CU Bouler’s Letter to student, faculty and staff regarding COVID-19

    CU Bouler’s Letter to student, faculty and staff regarding COVID-19

    CU Boulder’s Chancellor Philip P. DiStefano sent the following letter to students, faculty and staff March 11.

    Dear students, faculty and staff:

    The University of Colorado Boulder has faced many challenges in its nearly 150-year history. Generations of CU Boulder students, faculty and staff have worked together and supported each other. I thank you in advance for all that you have done and will do, and I ask that we show care and compassion for each other as we confront the challenges that COVID-19 poses in our community. We will get through this together.

    Today, I am announcing several campus actions to help limit COVID-19 risk on our campus. We will continue to fulfill our mission by ensuring that students are able to meet their educational requirements and faculty are able to continue their research and scholarship, and the campus will remain open to allow that to occur. We will continue to operate campus facilities, including residence halls, dining halls, the University Libraries, student recreation centers, the Center for Community, Wardenburg Health Center and the University Memorial Center. But, as local, national and global public health recommendations shift to include mitigation of transmission, we are proactively taking steps to protect the campus and the community.

    The campus is taking the following actions, which will be in effect until further notice.  

    Remote Teaching and Learning

    CU Boulder has already encouraged its faculty to teach remotely. Beginning Monday, March 16, the campus will transition to remote learning for the remainder of the semester. Faculty will determine how best to use technology, such as Canvas and Zoom, to enable students to complete their educational requirements. This is consistent with what several other institutions are already doing. 

    Remote Work

    The campus is encouraging employees to work remotely whenever possible. By Monday, March 16, supervisors should identify student workers, researchers and staff who can work remotely, meaning their work can be done partially or entirely away from campus. Supervisors should determine, in consultation with their employees, whether it is feasible for them to work remotely and, if so, the manner in which they will perform their responsibilities. As soon as a supervisor provides authorization, an employee can work remotely, recognizing that supervisors may need to evaluate campus needs and an employee’s work requirements on an ongoing basis. 

    Domestic and International Travel

    While we previously limited international travel, effective immediately, the campus is suspending all university-funded travel–foreign or domestic. Travel sponsors can apply for exceptions to this restriction by filling out the following domestic and international travel exceptions form. The campus will grant permission when the travel serves a significant need, and the risks of travel can be mitigated.

    Education Abroad

    Effective immediately, the university is suspending Education Abroad-sponsored  programs in the Czech Republic, France, Japan and Spain through the remainder of the spring 2020 semester. Students and their program providers are being notified. Earlier this semester, CU Boulder suspended programs to China, South Korea and Italy through summer 2020. These decisions are based on travel advisories from the U.S. Department of State, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and other considerations as needed. Education Abroad has created a list of Education Abroad FAQs on the coronavirus. 

    Events

    Effective immediately, multi-day university-sponsored gatherings or those with more than 150 attendees are suspended until further guidance is issued. Event sponsors may request their events still be held and can request exemptions via the campus events exception form.

    We will be providing further guidance and direction about how to implement each of these decisions in the coming days. Please continue to reference the latest information at colorado.edu/coronavirus.

    The safety of our community is our top priority. We realize that our COVID-19 policy guidelines will cause disruption—and that you will have additional questions based on the above information—but the risk of not acting outweighs the inconvenience of these temporary measures.  

    I appreciate your patience and cooperation. We are grateful to staff for their tremendous efforts on our behalf during these challenging times, especially our front-line staff who serve in health care, custodial, food service, transportation and other areas on campus. Your work is critically important at this time, and we greatly value you and your contributions.

    Philip DiStefano,

    Chancellor

     

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  • Step back to the 1800s at the 17 Mile House Farm Park

    Step back to the 1800s at the 17 Mile House Farm Park

    This Saturday, March 7, kids can enjoy crafts, make pinwheels, and learn the windmill’s history. It’s fun for the whole family!

    Visit the 17 Mile House Farm Park, a 155-year old farm, which served as an important resting stop for pioneers traveling on the Cherokee/Smoky Hill wagon trails in the 1860s. Experience what life was like from living historians, interactive interpretive displays and artifacts. Walk through time as you explore Arapahoe County’s original farm house.

    Saturday, March 7 | 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.
    17 Mile House Farm Park
    8181 S Parker Road, Centennial

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