Dear NMSBVI Families and Staff,

I hope that you are all staying healthy. As you may have already heard, the State Public Education Department made the decision to close schools through the end of the school year. While this is a very difficult decision, we understand the need to keep our students, families and staff safe. I want to let you know that while students will not be able to physically attend school, we will continue to educate our students. We have been working on a Continuous Education Model for each of our students. Educational teams are working on collaborative ways in which to provide educational services for each and every student. Your child’s teacher will be contacting you regarding the plan for your child and we look forward to partnering with you during this time. The schools throughout the state are working together to share resources and create programming. The Department of Education and Higher Education are posting resources for teachers, students and families so that we can continue to provide educational services to our students. Our staff is so creative, innovative and passionate that I know we can rise to this challenge. We have already laid the groundwork for this successful transition. Please know that we are all in this together. We will roll out this distance education program starting the week of April 6. Please check our website for more information. Thank you so much and stay safe and healthy!

Patricia Beecher,
Superintendent

Governor: K-12 school closings must continue to prevent potential spread of COVID-19

March 27^th, 2020 Letter of the Superintendent

March 27^th, 2020 Letter of the Superintendent Spanish

Things Families Can do to Prevent the Spread of COVID19 (Coronavirus):

• Teach and remind your children about these healthy habits:
  • ​Wash hands for 20 seconds with soap and water often, especially after using the restroom and before meals.
  •  Cover coughs and sneezes with the inside of the arm (not hands)
  • Use tissues and throw them in the garbage, then wash hands again.
  •  Do not share drinking glasses or eating utensils with your child and do not let them share with others.
  •  Clean and disinfect doorknobs, tables, counters, phones and all other regularly used surfaces and items in your house.
• ​Get a flu shot if recommended by your doctor and if your child’s doctor recommends one, get one for your child, too.
• Try to avoid activities and events with large numbers of people.
• “Social distancing” is a term that is being used lately.  This means that it is recommended that people don’t shake hands or hug and stay 6 feet apart from one another.

COVID19 Symptoms:

• If you or your child have a fever, cough and shortness of breath, call you doctor and stay home from work or school.  If you test positive for COVID19, please call the Department of Health hotline at 1-855-600-3453.
• What you need to know about coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)
• CDC "About Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)"

Please know that there is a strong recommendation from the state to stop traveling outside of New Mexico.  If you do choose to travel outside of the state, please know that you and/or your child may be required to stay home for 14 days upon your return to New Mexico.

For more Information:

Letter of the Superintendent
Letter of the Superintendent (Spanish)
Talking to Children About COVID-19 (Coronavirus): A Parent Resource
COVID-19: U.S. at a Glance
Updated: Governor, Department of Health announce first positive COVID-19 cases in New Mexico
New Mexico announces fifth presumptive positive COVID-19 case

NMSBVI is receiving regular updates from the NMDOH and the CDC regarding this virus and we will take all recommended steps. More information regarding the coronavirus (COVID-19) can be found on the CDC website: cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/downloads/2019-ncov-factsheet.pdf as well as at New Mexico Department of Health Website