Updates will be provided here as they become available. If you have questions email, hello@vistaridge.org, and we will reply within 24 hours.

March 26, 2020 // 9:50 p.m.

Dear Vista Ridge Academy Families,

As we make final preparations to start our remote learning EdVenture on Monday, March 30, we, like you, are trying to find the balance of flexibility and structure as we navigate what each day will look like. Thank you so much for your patience as we implement our classes remotely and connect with each of you. We believe we have a strong plan in place, Remote Learning Plan, see attached. Thank you, parents, for the increased role you will play since we cannot be physically present in your child’s daily school program. We are blessed to continue our partnership in helping your child be successful.

Remote Learning Timeline:

Friday, March 27 and Sunday, March 29, 2020

• Final distribution of technology and supplies needed for remote learning.
• Friday, March 27 from 2:00-4:00 p.m. and Sunday, March 29 from 2:00-4:00 p.m. parents that have provided a list of items needed may pick up the supplies at the school. We will have them available in the atrium. We will send a separate email to these parents. Because of the “shelter in place” order, we can also bring the supplies to your home if preferred.

Monday, March 30, 2020

• Vista Ridge Academy will begin Remote Learning

While we are hopeful to be back on campus on Monday, April 20, we will follow mandates issued by the Governor’s office as well as our governing body through the Rocky Mountain Conference Department of Education. Should we have to extend our remote learning past April 17, we are still expecting our last day of school to be May 21, 2020. We will communicate all updates as we receive them.

We understand that this is new for everyone, and we expect there may be questions and/or natural glitches. Please email your child’s teacher if you have questions or experience technology issues. We are dedicated to continually improving the experience.

As we all settle into this new normal, we look forward to providing ways for your family to remain connected to our amazing Vista Ridge Academy community. Please look for a new VRA@home reference section on our school website on Monday morning, which we will update frequently with tips, resources, and activities to bring us together. This Monday, we encourage you to send us your “first day of remote learning pictures” to Marsha Bartulec at mbartulec@vistaridge.org, or post them on Facebook using the hashtag, #VRAathome.

As a faith community, we can be confident that, even though we do not know every detail of the story we find ourselves in, we believe that God is present and in control. We continue to pray for each of you. Be safe and take care of one another.

Regards,
Sandy Hodgson
Principal/Teacher

March 23, 2020 // 6:14 p.m.

Good Evening Vista Ridge Academy Families,

You will see from the attached two images, that teachers were in meetings this morning, either on campus or from their homes.  Mrs. Koh actually zoomed in from Boston!  We are working on our distance learning and have a few ideas to share after today’s meeting.

Teacher Check Ins–Over the next day or two one of our teachers will be calling to check in with you to see how you and your children are doing.

Technology and School Supplies–Do you need an electronic device at home for your child/children to connect online with their teachers? Let us know so that we can prepare one for pick up or to be dropped off at your home.  It may be that your student needs other supplies as well (textbooks, pencils, paper, markers, crayons, scissors, etc).  Please let us know what you need as we prepare to launch fourth quarter from a distance.

Calendar Items–At this time, we are cancelling all April calendar events.  We are keeping our fingers crossed that we will be able to have our Fun Run on campus the first Friday in May.  Watch for more information and an email to collect the t-shirt size for your student.

Strings–Mrs. Curtis would like to continue Strings class online and will be emailing families of what this class would look like.

Parent/Teacher Conferences–While the April conference evenings are cancelled, teachers will be available daily to help you and your child as we navigate our new learning process.

Spirit Week–We are planning a Spirit Week for April 6-10!  Stay tuned for the list of daily activities.  We’ll be looking forward to getting and sharing your photos.

Social Distancing–Do you have something fun you’re doing while keeping your distance?  Send me your photos and we’ll share to our Facebook page as a way to stay connected.

Questions?  Please contact Marsha Bartulec (mbartulec@vistaridge.org) or myself (shodgson@vistaridge.org).  We’re here to help!

We pray for safety and health for you all,
Sandy Hodgson
Principal/Teacher

March 19, 2020 // 3:58 p.m.

Hello School Families,

It looks like our reunification on campus keeps getting pushed back and now we are looking at April 20 (fingers crossed!) as the day we may be able to open our classroom doors again to students.  By the time you read this email, it is possible that another federal or state mandate will be issued to create additional change.

In the meantime, staff are scheduled to meet on Monday, March 23 to discuss implementing best practices for distance learning, what our students need regarding technology and/or additional supplies, methods and timelines for communication, assignments, and individualized student learning needs and support, as well as calendar events that will need to be cancelled or rescheduled.

During a Zoom conference this morning with 40+ educators in our Rocky Mountain system, I had a piece of toast with homemade jam gifted me by one of my students and a cup of Red Velvet Yerba Mate and Green Tea gifted by another.  My students and school family are constantly in my thoughts and prayers.  Gauging from all the texts and emails I’m getting from other teachers and staff, it’s true for all of us!

Look for more information coming soon on how we are going to stay connected and move forward.

Blessings,
Sandy Hodgson
Principal/Teacher

March 16, 2020 // 6:21 p.m.

Dear School Family,

We have just received directives from our head office in Denver. Our schools are to remain closed at least until Monday, April 6.

​At the end of our official spring break, teachers will report to plan for distance learning from March 30-April 3 (and longer, if needed).

We also hope to provide families with educational activities during the week of March 23-27 that will not be required work but may be helpful for those looking for things for your children to do while waiting for the official launch of distance learning.

While this may be an unsettling time, be assured that we will provide the support our students (and parents) need. We pray for strength and health for each of our families.

With regards,
Sandy Hodgson
Principal/Teacher

March 12, 2020 // 9:12 p.m.

Hello Parents,

To answer many of your texts and emails this evening, Vista Ridge Academy will follow the St. Vrain School District’s closing for tomorrow, Friday, March 13.  Classes will not be in session but the building will be open if students need to retrieve any school supplies, textbooks, medications, violins, winter jackets, etc.

With our Spring Break scheduled for next week, we will be reviewing the situation and let you know when we can expect classes to resume on campus.

The information posted on the SVVSD can be found here:   https://www.svvsd.org/

Sandy Hodgson
Principal/Teacher