We, as parents/guardians/caregivers of BVSD students, believe that the Blue Valley School District (BVSD) USD 229 is not listening to the voices of a large portion of us.  We have been told by district staff members that there are "a lot" of parents/guardians/caregivers who are still very afraid of just sending their children to school.  And this has influenced District decisions to remain more restrictive when deciding on COVID-19 mitigation strategies and policies.  We strongly feel that the District need to gain a better idea of how many of us feel with regards to these policies. This petition was created in an effort to better quantify the number of parents/guardians/caregivers who WANT the changes below to happen immediately.

We believe these changes will have an immediate positive effect on the mental and emotional well being of not only BVSD students, but staff as well.  Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, teachers/staff members have had a tremendous load to carry, and we believe as parents/guardians/caregivers that we can help to alleviate some of that stress. Most importantly, based on current scientific data, we feel these changes can be implemented safely.

1. We request that BVSD immediately allow parents/guardians/caregivers to enter ALL elementary, middle and high school buildings (if not already allowed) to volunteer, drop off lunch, attend school functions such as musicals and other community building events, etc. This can safely if reasonable COVID-19 mitigation policies are implemented.

2. We request that BVSD immediately allow field trips outside of BVSD/Wilderness Science Center and begin to plan for such field trips ASAP. We propose that this can be done safely as well and a permission slip signed by a parent/guardian can allow parents/caregivers to make their own risk assessment regarding their child/ren.  Those who would like to opt out of a field trip may do so with the understanding that they may be responsible for their student during that day and/or field trip time. 

3. We request that BVSD be entirely transparent as to when and how decisions regarding updating or changing COVID-19 mitigation policies are or will be made.  We request specific criteria being used to guide these decisions and a timeline as to when they are evaluated/made. Thus far, District staff have been unable to provide a response to this request.