Transitioning to Remote Learning

March 29, 2020

In this update:

• Next steps in education
• Maintenance of Learning Survey coming early this week
• Remote Learning Plans for Students on Individual Education Plans (IEPs)
• Food Service Links

As you all know, Governor Scott recently announced that we will not return to in-person schooling the remainder of the school year. This news has saddened us all. Students, please know that we all miss spending time with you in our hallways, classrooms, cafeterias, buses, and athletic fields. We miss your smiles, your laughter, your curiosity, and your intellect. It’s easy to argue our schools are the souls of our communities.

While it’s understandable to be grieving this loss of school as we know it, it’s important to remember we are all still here for one another. It isn’t the buildings that make our schools so special; it’s the people in them. Those people are hard at work for you. They are learning new ways to support, teach, and inspire you. We cannot allow the distance between us to erode the strong bonds we have so carefully created together, one relationship at a time.

The Agency of Education is requiring all districts to transition from what you’ve all been experiencing this past week (Maintenance of Learning Phase) to Remote Learning by April 13, 2020. This means the focus shifts from an emphasis on preventing regression to an emphasis on continuous learning. This also means teachers, staff members, and administrators will be preparing new learning for the remainder of the school year. We will need the time between now and April 13 to learn, collaborate, design, and communicate, all while continuing to support the Maintenance of Learning phase.

Maintenance of Learning Survey

Families of students in our PreK-8 schools will receive a survey early this week from your school. CVU students were asked to complete this late last week. If you have more than one child in our schools, we request that you fill out the survey separately for each child, We encourage you to involve your child(ren) in completing the survey. Their voice matters. The survey will help inform us as we transition to the next phase. Please complete the survey as soon as possible, but by Thursday at the very latest.

Remote Learning Plans for Students on Individual Education Plans (IEPs)

Now that we have a date certain when CVSD schools will transition to Remote Learning, IEP teams will more formally begin the process of developing plans for providing accommodations, supports, and services remotely. As we shared last week, teams have already been working to brainstorm how services and accommodations could occur during this time, in addition to the work already being done to support maintenance of learning. We have also been awaiting guidance from the Agency of Education about any specific formatting requirements for these Plans.

Over the next week or two, case managers will begin reaching out to families to discuss the development of a Remote Learning Plan. This is an additional opportunity to discuss how the Maintenance of Learning phase has gone for students with unique learning needs, including what access supports were successful and what challenges still exist. Please be sure to look for a survey from your school to help gather this information. In addition, your child’s case manager can discuss your child’s more specific needs with you. All of this information will be essential to inform the development of Remote Learning Plans.

As is true for all students (but particularly those with unique learning needs), this time of remote learning will require patience, creative thinking, and different “iterations” of plans as we discover what works and does not work. Rest assured that your teams are working diligently to support your student, just as they do when students are in the building.

Food Service Reminder

Pick-up service continues on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. Please click on the link for the most convenient location (regardless of which school your student attends) and fill out your order for the week. CVU students may pick up at any of the locations. https://bit.ly/CVSDRemoteFood

Orders will include both breakfast and lunch. This week we are adding a chef’s salad and homemade Macaroni and Cheese to the lunch entree choices! Each meal includes fresh vegetables, fruit or juice, a snack and choice of milk. Sandwiches can be made gluten-free.

If you have trouble with the form or need any additional assistance in accessing meals, please contact your school or local foodservice director directly. We are here to help!

CVSD Stays Strong

We continue to receive fabulous examples of how we’re staying strong through challenging times. Thank you! Share yours at this link: https://bit.ly/CVSDStrong

View the latest collection submitted by members of our community here: https://youtu.be/-G81BM8aspk

We need each other now, maybe more than ever. We need you to take care of yourselves, take care of your families, and take care of your community. We will do all we can to support you in those efforts, and we will continue to learn, grow, and succeed… together.

The Champlain Valley School District Administration

#CVSDStrong Video 2

The link to this video was provided at the bottom of the post that went out yesterday. We wanted to share it again for those that didn't see it.

Thank you to our great community for sharing positive happenings. It helps to keep our spirits up.

Share your #CVSDStrong examples using this form: https://bit.ly/CVSDStrong

March 25, 2020

March 25, 2020

Dear CVSD Community,

As you may have heard, last night Governor Scott issued Addendum 6 to his Executive Order which puts in place a “Stay Home, Stay Safe” order and directs all non-essential businesses and non-profits to cease in-person operations. We hope that this communication answers questions you may have about what that means for our schools and services.

Food

There will be no disruption in our ability to serve meals to any who need them. If you are having trouble accessing meals at the pickup locations or times, please reach out to your food service director for options. See the District News on the front of our website for contact information and links to the order forms. https://www.cvsdvt.org/

Maintenance of Learning

Recent guidance from the Agency of Education indicates that the “maintenance of learning” phase has been extended through the week of April 13, 2020. This phase is designed to be supplemental, prevent learning loss, and is optional for students. Districts have been advised to begin planning for an extended period of school closure and to continue developing “continuity of learning” plans that will be executed once the state has provided a precise date for that transition.

Notification of Future COVID19 Cases in our Community

As COVID-19 continues to spread, we will have some in our community both testing positive and exhibiting symptoms without a confirmed test. The Vermont Department of Health is no longer reaching out to close contacts of those who test positive (or exhibit symptoms) in most cases, so the responsibility is up to each individual to take action to reduce the spread. According to the Dept. of Health, if you learn of someone who is symptomatic and you are concerned that you were in close contact with that person, the decision is up to you and your physician as to whether or not to self-quarantine. If you are concerned about your health, please call your doctor immediately. Further information on testing can be found at the Vermont Department of Health website here.

As word spreads about individuals who have tested positive, please keep in mind the impact on the individual. As an educational institution bound by HIPPA, we are not in a position to notify our communities about who has tested positive, as this would violate the rights of the individual.

CVSDStrong

Thank you to those who have contributed examples of how we’re all staying strong during this time apart. Please continue to share using this link. https://bit.ly/CVSDStrong

Here’s the latest collection of how our community is #CVSDStrong. https://youtu.be/p6rBykYJDy0

We wish all of our families well during this time!

The Champlain Valley School District Administration

#CVSDStrong

We are going back to school this week, though in a very different manner. We thank those that have already contributed stories and photos from the past week that illustrate positive ways you and your children are making the best of our current situation. 

We invite everyone to share their #CVSDStrong anecdotes and photos at this link:

https://bit.ly/CVSDStrong

March 20, 2020 Update

March 20, 2020

Dear CVSD Community,

Despite the ongoing news about the coronavirus and our imposed distance from one another, know that we are working hard to support you and your children during this trying time. As we stated yesterday, most communications will come from schools starting next week. You likely already heard from your schools today, and if not, you will.

Food

In this time of school closure, we want to assure the community that all students who need free meals are receiving them. In addition, any family who has had a change in its financial situation and requires free student meals going forward is immediately eligible. No one will be turned away from CVSD food service.

We want to thank and acknowledge the heroes in our schools who can’t work remotely, but must come into the building to prepare and deliver meals for vulnerable students, and keep the children of emergency workers safe so their parents can continue to work. As Mr. Rogers says, “look for the helpers”... and thank them!

Childcare

CVSD is working directly with those families who are eligible to receive childcare under the Governor’s “Childcare for Essential Personnel” order. As a reminder, families are eligible for childcare for their enrolled student(s) if both parents fall into one of the Essential Personnel Categories identified by the state.

For those families of Essential Personnel seeking childcare for infants, toddlers, and other non-enrolled children, the State of Vermont is working to connect families with available options. See the following information from Let’s Grow Kids Vermont:

Help Finding Child Care for Essential Persons 

Essential workers who need help finding child care should visit: https://webportalapp.com/webform/essentialworkers. Families can also call 2-1-1 ext. 6, or call 1-877-705-9008 to speak to a child care referral specialist.

Eligible families can complete the form and the State, through the Agency of Education for school-aged children through grade 8 or through DCF, Child Development Division for younger children will work to connect essential workers who need child care with options for their children.

Maintenance of Learning

Faculty and staff members across the district have been working incredibly hard at designing supplemental learning opportunities. Maintenance of Learning officially begins on Monday, March 23rd.

Online Video Conferences

Many of our educators may use a video conferencing tool from Google called Hangouts/Meet to connect with students. This is intended to maintain relationships and check-in. We have created a document on which you will find initial thoughts about what families should consider and expect during those online meetings. https://bit.ly/CVSDOnlineMeetings Teachers will be reaching out to families, especially those in our PreK-8 schools, with more information.

#CVSDStrong

And finally, we would like to collect examples of how we’re all staying strong and celebrating the positive things during this unusual and challenging time. If you have a short anecdote or photo, please share it using this form. https://bit.ly/CVSDStrong

Thank you again for all YOU are doing to support your children and one another,

The Champlain Valley School District Administration

March 19, 2020 Update

March 19, 2020

We hope this finds you well and adjusting to having students at home. We do know that administrators, faculty, and staff all miss the students. They have been working hard to develop systems and structures to maintain connections and relationships with the students and their families. Some have been in school buildings while others are collaborating remotely. We are transitioning to the new normal.

As we adapt to maintaining learning from a distance, we want to assure the community that you will still receive communications. Starting next week, these will likely come from schools and teachers rather than from the district.

Today’s district communication includes information on:

• Digital Learning and Devices
• Maintaining Learning
• School Meals for all students
• Childcare for Essential worker

Digital Learning and Devices

Families in our PreK-8 schools will receive communications from their school today about picking up Chromebooks and other materials starting tomorrow. We have created a flyer with information about taking the devices home and associated care and responsibilities. A hard copy of this will be distributed with the device and charging cord.

We have also updated our district Digital Learning site (https://bit.ly/CVSDcovidtips) with a special page devoted to some tips and best practices for this time while students are home. You will be getting more specific information from your schools and teachers in the coming days with vital information and resources.

Maintaining Learning

This morning, faculty and staff members began the coordinated work of developing maintenance of learning plans for all students, with a focus on supplemental enrichment, per the governor’s guidance. Our first focus is on maintaining relationships and connections with students and their families.

While educators are planning and collaborating around this, please do not expect details about what maintenance of learning will look like until early next week. We realize that many of you are looking for ideas about what to do with your children at home. Please trust that your schools and teachers will be in touch with you with more information.

Food Service

Starting Monday, March 23rd, the CVSD Food Service Team is opening up breakfast/lunch service to all CVSD students. While our students are learning at home we want to be able to provide nutritious meals if they are needed. Students eligible for school meal benefits will receive free meals. Other accounts will be charged as usual for meals.

Pick-up service will be on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at the following locations and times. Please click on the link for the most convenient location (regardless of which school your student attends) and fill out your order for the week. CVU students may pick up at any of these locations.

Charlotte Central School: 9:30 - 10:30 AM at the West Entrance (https://bit.ly/CharStGeorge)

Shelburne Community School: 9:00- 10:30 AM at the gym entrance (parking lot) (https://bit.ly/ShelburneMeals)

Hinesburg Community School 9:00 - 10:30 AM at main entrance front of the building (https://bit.ly/HinesburgMeals)

Williston Central School 9:00 - 10:30 AM at the visitor parking (front of building, band room entrance) (https://bit.ly/WillistonMeals)

St. George Schoolhouse 9:30 - 10:30 AM (https://bit.ly/CharStGeorge)

Orders will include both breakfast and lunch. This week the lunch entree is your choice of turkey, ham, sunbutter and jelly, or veggie sandwich. Each meal includes fresh vegetables, fruit or juice, a snack and choice of milk. Sandwiches can be made gluten-free.

If you have trouble with the form or need any additional assistance in accessing meals, please contact your school or local foodservice director directly. We are here to help!

Childcare Services for Children of Essential Persons

At the order of Governor Phil Scott, CVSD will be providing childcare services for the students currently enrolled in our school system whose parents are considered absolutely critical to the state’s response to COVID-19 and continued public health and safety. These “essential persons” include many health care professionals, emergency services providers, public health employees, and the people needed to provide childcare for these persons. A full listing of those eligible can be found in the Governor’s directive. (https://bit.ly/GovernorDirective2)

Families who responded in the Family Survey sent out to the CVSD community on March 16 and 17 will receive more information later this week. If you believe you qualify and require this service, please reach out to us immediately by sending an email to cvsdinformation@cvsdvt.org.

Thank you again for reading all the way through, for your incredible support, and for taking care of one another in a multitude of ways.

The Champlain Valley School District Administration

March 18, 2020 Update

March 18, 2020

Dear CVSD Community,

The district and building leadership teams met for a full day today. The purpose of the day was to develop district-wide expectations for the maintenance of learning. This work was greatly informed by this new guidance issued by the governor:

• Districts may supply parents and students with supplemental enrichment materials to prevent learning loss and to support parents in keeping students engaged.
• Any such materials must be made accessible for students with disabilities
• These enrichment materials should remain optional for parents to use.
• The district should not assess students or input grades based on the optional materials.

We will now use the next two days to work with our faculty and staff to develop plans for that supplemental enrichment. Our first focus is on maintaining relationships and connections with students and their families.

While educators are planning and collaborating around this, please do not expect details about what maintenance of learning will look like until early next week. We realize that many of you are looking for ideas about what to do with your children at home. Please trust that your schools and teachers will be in touch with you with more information.

Student Devices

• Families with students in grades 3-8 may go to their school buildings to pick up their students’ devices starting on Friday. Here’s the process for that:
• Each of your schools will communicate with you about the time frame for coming to schools to pick up devices.
• Student devices will be in carts, organized by classroom/homeroom teacher.
• Staff will be on hand to help distribute each student’s device, along with a charging cable, and a document with information about responsible use and what to do if a device gets damaged.

Food Service

CVSD Foodservice is preparing breakfast and lunch “grab and go” meals for students whose families have indicated on the parent survey that “yes” they need food. For Thursday and Friday, March 19th and 20th, pick up will be at the places and times below. Please remain in your car and someone will come to you. Charlotte families can pick up at any school.

CVU 9:00 - 10:30 AM at the back entrance (bus circle)

Shelburne 9:00 - 10:30 AM at the gym entrance (parking lot)

Hinesburg 9:00 - 10:30 AM at main entrance front of the building

Williston 9:00 - 10:30 AM at the visitor parking (front of building, band room entrance)

In tomorrow (Thursday) afternoon’s communication families will find a link to our new online ordering form for breakfast and lunch for all students who have a school lunch account (with contact information if you are not able to access the form). On Monday, we will also be adding a drop off location at the Red School House in St. George, and opportunities for food delivery for those unable to get to a dropoff location.

We want to remind families that if your financial situation changes you may qualify for free school nutrition service meals. The application form can be found on the CVSD website or ask your local food service director. Also, many of our communities have a local food shelf willing to help. If you need to access food from the CVU food shelf contact cvufoodshelf@cvsdvt.org.

Thank you for your continued support of CVSD educators and support staff who are all working very hard.

The Champlain Valley School District Administration

March 17, 2020 Update

March 17, 2020

Dear CVSD Community,

At this moment, community is everything. With schools closing, events and gatherings being canceled, and daily interactions dramatically changing, maintaining a sense of who we are as a community in our schools and district is more important than ever.

With the very difficult announcement to move to remote education amid the evolving situation with novel coronavirus, we are still CVSD. Everything that defines and unites us as a community is enduring. And while the feeling of watching our community disband at this point in the year is truly indescribable, it matters deeply to us that we continue to remain connected with one another and with our amazing institutions.

Yesterday, we shared a confidential, online survey that we asked families to complete and submit. If you have not yet done so, please complete it by 8:00 this evening. If you know of anyone who does not have access to complete the survey, please reach out to them and offer assistance. http://bit.ly/CVSDRemoteLearning

Upcoming communications will provide more information about:

• Device pick-up at our preK-8 buildings: this is likely to begin on Friday. We’ll share more information tomorrow.
• Expectations for families and students regarding what learning will look like starting on Monday.
• Childcare details for medical professionals or emergency services workers
• Food Service: Thursday, March 19th and Friday, March 20th bagged meals will be available for those who have signed up on the school survey at all schools except Charlotte (Charlotte families will go to Shelburne Community School for pick up).

We’ve made it this far and together we’re going to get through this. We will do so together as a strong, compassionate and resilient community.

Thank you for your continued patience and understanding,

The Champlain Valley School District Administration

March 16, 2020 Update

March 16, 2020

Dear CVSD Community,

We will be sharing regular communications with you as this week unfolds. Recognize that principals, teachers, and District administration have been working to do our very best with this intense situation. Right now, we need our teachers and principals focusing on our students and their well-being over the next few weeks. The CVSD community has been nothing but supportive. This support drives our team forward. Thank you.

We will share information as often as we can. Today, we hope to gather some information from you and provide answers to immediate questions.

Survey for families

We are sharing a confidential, online survey that we ask families to complete and submit as soon as possible.

http://bit.ly/CVSDRemoteLearning

We appreciate the time it takes for you to fill it out. The information will help us with further planning.

Devices and materials going home

CVU students all have their devices already.

Students in the preK-8 schools:

• Chromebooks will be ready and available for grades 3-8 for pick up starting on Friday morning. We will have more details about that in the coming days.
• Other materials may also be picked up at this time.

Maintenance of Learning

The leadership team will be meeting on Wednesday.

Teachers will continue to be working on this during staff meetings, during early-release Tuesday, and on Thursday and Friday. They will be in communication with families as soon as they possibly can. Please give them the time to do the necessary collaborative planning that a change like this warrants.

The ease-in to distance learning will begin next Monday.

There will be continued communication about this from the district, schools, and teachers.

Students on IEPs and 504s:

Please see this communication if your child is supported by an Individual Education Plan or 504.

Food

CVSD is committed to providing good nutritious breakfasts and lunches to our students who qualify for Free or Reduced Lunch during this school closure. Starting on Thursday, March 19th, we will be preparing bagged meals for distribution out of our local schools.

As we move forward, we will consider additional pick-up locations as well as possibly develop a meal drop-off system to increase convenience. We will communicate any updates as they become available.

As a reminder, should your family face economic hardship as a result of COVID-19 you may submit a new free and reduced meal application. Families may apply for school meals at any point in the school year based on their most current income. Applications can be found on the CVSD website at this link.

We appreciate all of the offers to support others with food needs. At this time, the district feels that we can sufficiently meet those needs. Please consider supporting your local food shelves during this challenging time for families. There is a food shelf at CVU that is accepting donations as well.

Information about the Shelburne Community School closing today and tomorrow:

The details we can share are the following:

• The person is not a student or a staff member
• The person has worked with students predominantly outside of our building
• The DOH has done a full case investigation and reached out directly to parties they believe to be directly impacted

We know that this does not satisfy all of your questions, concerns, or worries, but it represents an honest effort to keep you as informed as possible without usurping the rights of the person who has tested positive.

Again, the CVSD community has been nothing but supportive. This support drives our team forward.

Thank you,

The Champlain Valley School District Administration

SCS Closed March 16 and 17

March 15, 2020

Dear Champlain Valley School District Families:

This evening, we were notified that a community member in Shelburne with connections to the school has tested positive for COVID19. At the direction of the Department of Health and the Agency of Education, we will be closing the Shelburne Community School on Monday, March 16th and Tuesday, March 17th. Except for custodial personnel, faculty and staff at Shelburne will not be at school.

We are aware that this news is unsettling. The Department of Health does not recommend closure of any other Champlain Valley School District schools, and therefore CVSD will move ahead with the plans outlined in the message shared earlier today. There will be more communications in the coming days.

We will keep you informed via email and Connect 5 messages.

~ The CVSD Administration

Schools Closing as of March 18, 2020

March 15, 2020

Dear CVSD Community,

First and foremost, we want to thank you for your patience and understanding surrounding COVID19 and its implications for our school community. We understand that this time is fraught with concerns, all of which are real and valid. As we navigate this ever-changing landscape, know that we are doing our best to communicate what we know, when we know it.

As you may be aware, Governor Scott issued a statement today (Sunday, March 15th) with the following statement:

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Governor Phil Scott has announced a Continuity of Education Plan for the orderly dismissal of all schools, and cancellation of all school related activities, no later than Wednesday, March 18. This directive, which will be distributed to schools later today, will last through April 6 -- but may very well be extended for a longer period.

Schools in the Champlain Valley School District will be in session for students on Monday and Tuesday. This will be an opportunity for students and staff to gather materials to have at home for what may be a prolonged school closure and can provide families with some time to make arrangements for their children to be home.

On Wednesday, March 18th, the CVSD Leadership Team will convene to develop a framework to address a prolonged school closure. There will be no faculty and only essential staff in the building at this time. Leadership will use this time to develop preliminary plans to address many of the things the Governor shared in his statement, as well as issues that are important for our own school community. 

These issues include, but are not limited to:

• Food and special needs services for children;
• Collaborating with the state to provide childcare options for healthcare workers and others essential to the response; and
• Systems for ensuring maintenance of education during the initial dismissal; and a continuing education plan if schools are dismissed for an extended period.
• Thursday & Friday, March 19th and 20th, will be work days for all faculty and staff. We will share additional information about what those work days will look like directly with faculty and staff, including relevant questions about social distancing.

If you had scheduled a parent-teacher conference for any day this week, those will not be held in the buildings, Instead, teachers may reach out to see if it’s feasible to schedule something online.

Faculty, staff, and families should continue to work with their physicians to make their own decisions regarding their ability to be at school on Monday and Tuesday. Per Governor Scott’s Friday address, families who choose to keep their children home on Monday and Tuesday will not be penalized for those absences. Faculty and staff who need to be quarantined for individual medical concerns can use sick time in the short term, with a longer-term answer to be communicated after Wednesday.

We will share additional details with you as soon as we have them.

Thank you again,

The Champlain Valley School District Administration

March 13, 2020 Update

March 13, 2020 Update

We have received communications from some members of our community regarding school closure. We know the feedback is being provided out of care and concern for our children and community. Although we can’t reply to each individual communication, we do take the input seriously.

The paragraph below is a statement collectively crafted by the Champlain Valley Superintendents Association:

This morning, superintendents from Addison, Chittenden, Franklin, and Grand Isle County participated in a meeting with Dr. Mark Levine, the Commissioner of Health from the Vermont Department of Health, and Vermont’s Education Secretary, Dan French. We learned that Governor Scott will be holding an important press conference at 5:30 pm today that should provide new and specific information for all Vermonters to follow. We anticipate that the guidance will include broad-based health recommendations, information on potential school closure and/or dismissal, the role of schools in mitigating COVID-19, updated travel recommendations, and what individuals can do to keep safe including social distancing. Once the Governor has provided direction, district leadership will determine the next steps for their schools and will be back in touch with families and staff as quickly as they can.

We are aware that there are many questions regarding the implications of any decision around school closure. Please know that the district is working diligently to address these issues and will be communicating additional information as we know it.

Extracurriculars: With the exception of the CVU theater performance tonight, all extra-curricular activities in the district are canceled until further notice.

Thank you for your continued understanding and patience during this challenging time.

The Champlain Valley School District Administration

March 12, 2020 Update

March 12, 2020

Dear CVSD Community,

Please know that we are meeting regularly to address and discuss many topics related to COVID-19. We will do our best to keep people informed often, almost daily. Please check the front of the district’s website for all communications that have been shared as well as additional resources. We’ve received a number of questions and suggestions about COVID-19 concerns. We are diligently reviewing them all; however, we cannot respond personally to each inquiry. Understand that we are consulting regularly with our state agencies, local education colleagues, and statewide organizations in order to inform our decision making.

We are writing to provide you with information about the proactive steps being taken by CVSD to do our part to slow the spread of COVID-19 and mitigate its impact throughout our community. With the good news about the health of our Williston colleague, we can continue to confirm that at this time there are no known cases of COVID-19 in CVSD. This note will address the specific steps being taken today in our schools and the steps that may be taken should more extreme measures become necessary.

As of today, CVSD is following the current advice of the Vermont Department of Health and the Agency of Education and keeping all schools open while implementing several enhanced practices.

Enhanced cleaning (buildings and buses):

The custodial staff is now thoroughly trained and equipped to implement enhanced cleaning and disinfecting procedures. After a thorough cleaning, surfaces are being disinfected using a broad-spectrum antibacterial, virucide, and fungicide which is effective against Norovirus and approved for use in schools and hospitals. Walls, floors, doors and door frames, sinks, drinking fountains, windows, countertops, furniture; any surface that may be touched will be disinfected. Classroom contents are being cleaned and disinfected including keyboards and tablets. All spaces including hallways, gyms, cafeterias, and bathrooms are included. In addition, we are implementing a daily disinfecting protocol on all school buses. We no longer will be closing schools for deep cleaning as this is now our ongoing routine.

Enhanced health practices:

We are reinforcing the importance of following CDC recommendations for practicing common disease prevention measures as the best way to prevent the spread of COVID-19. The first priority is to practice good hand-washing hygiene. Our staff has been encouraged to have students wash their hands when arriving at school, when returning to the classroom from any activity, before and after lunch and snack. Other CDC recommendations include: avoid touching your face with unwashed hands and staying at home when sick. We also encourage practicing the small habits to bolster overall health such as sleep, exercise, and talking with friends.

School Events:

The Vermont Principals Association has today suspended all student events. This includes things like basketball tournaments, Scripps Spelling Bee, and more. The district is attempting to remain in alignment with the VPA and other neighboring organizations that are making decisions about postponement, but it is challenging to do so because of how frequently things are changing. Information about school-specific events, such as drama productions and school productions, will be communicated directly from the school. In some cases, events may go forward with limited attendance, and in other cases events may be canceled based on each school’s unique circumstances. If formal guidance is issued that impacts these decisions, we will communicate that as soon as we can.

Travel and Field Trips:

Student and school-related staff travel out of state have been suspended through the end of April. Decisions about in-state travel are being made locally, with weight being given to the value of the experience to students versus the risk, particularly the number of people to which the students will be exposed and the care being given by the site to following CDC guidelines. Families should exercise their own judgment about field trips and keep students home if that is in their best interest.

Distance Learning and Special Circumstances:

Keeping schools open while practicing enhanced protocols is the level of response that is currently recommended by the Agency of Education and the Department of Health. While we do not anticipate school closure, please know that we are preparing plans for distance learning, including a contingency plan for students who may have additional needs in the event of a school closure or dismissal. This includes planning to support our students who are food insecure and students who have other special educational needs should we close schools to students (referred to as “school dismissal” by the AOE/DOH). This unprecedented decision for CVSD will cause real difficulty for many of our families, is likely to affect student learning, and will only be made with the guidance of the AOE and DOH.

We continue to understand that families are in different circumstances around this topic and respect personal decisions that must be made.

Please explore these resources for managing anxiety around COVID:

• NASP COVID19 Guidance.
• How to talk to kids about the Coronavirus (NY Times)
• What Kids Want to Know About Coronavirus (NPR Comic format)
• How to Talk to Kids About Coronavirus (Seattle Times)
• Brainpop video about Coronavirus
• 5 Ways to Help Children with Coronavirus Anxiety - Little Flower Yoga

Above all, we recognize that this is a challenging time for our community. We believe we are making the best decisions we can with the information we have at the moment, and we are responding as quickly as we can to new and ever-changing guidance.

The Champlain Valley School District Administration

March 11, 2020 Update

March 11, 2020 Update

We are writing to provide you another update around COVID-19 concerns in CVSD.

As you know, both Williston schools were open today after a deep cleaning.

In addition, we are sharing information with you about the health of our Williston colleague. The employee is understanding of the concerns raised throughout this situation, and as a result, is voluntarily sharing some details with our district. Please understand that the district can only share this information because of the employee’s specific consent. Should similar situations occur in the future, the district would not be able to share the same type of information without the express permission of the employee.

Over February break, the employee stayed at a hotel where a large corporate meeting was being held. Upon their return, the staff member became ill with symptoms consistent with COVID-19, only then becoming aware that more than 70 cases of confirmed COVID-19 would be tied to the meeting at that hotel. After consulting with their physician and testing negative for the flu, the employee followed the direction of their physician and contacted the Vermont Department of Health as soon as they could. Our employee was subsequently tested for the COVID-19 virus. We were notified today that the test was negative.

It is important to note that as of this time there are no known cases of COVID-19 in CVSD.

We continue to be grateful to the employee for their appropriate and conscientious response to the situation, and to the school community for their patience during this process.


~ The Champlain Valley School District Administration

March 9, 2020 Update

March 9, 2020

Thank you for your patience and consideration as we work through many details and strive to get answers for all members of our communities. We have received many inquiries after our message went out this morning about closing the Williston Schools. We will do our best to answer the most common questions below. 

Will the Williston Schools be open tomorrow, March 10th?

The CVSD Leadership team has had the opportunity to consult with both the Agency of Education (AOE) and Vermont Department of Health (DOH), as well as to discuss the relevant details of our specific situation. After much consideration, we have made the decision to close the Williston Schools for one additional day; therefore, the Williston Schools will be closed on Tuesday, March 10th. Both schools will reopen on Wednesday, March 11th.

The original decision to close today (Monday) was based on the information available to the administration Sunday evening, without the benefit of guidance from the AOE and DOH. In an abundance of caution, we opted to close. This gives us time to fully clean our schools (see below for details about deep cleaning). While we are doing everything we can to keep our school community safe, it is also true that it is important for our schools to be open and available to students and families. Based on the guidance from the AOE and DOH, it is clear to us that the best decision is to reopen the Williston schools on Wednesday, March 11th. This allows our custodial team time to complete the deep cleaning process and also allows families and staff to feel more confident that the building is ready for learning. We trust that families and staff will make individual decisions as necessary.

The Agency of Education is in the process of developing additional protocols for situations related to the health and wellness of school staff and students. The District will continue to follow their guidance as it is shared.

Can you inform us about who the staff member was?

We need to respect the privacy of the staff member and cannot and will not be releasing that person’s name or other identifiers. 

Can you provide any details about how much interaction they may have had with other staff and students?

At this point, the district is awaiting guidance from the Department of Health about notification. We have been made aware that if notification is required, it would come directly from the Department of Health, as this is a public health issue. The District does not have the authority to release information about staff and students. We would advise that if you or your child becomes symptomatic, or if you have health-related questions, you should contact your physician or the Department of Health.

Is the staff member getting tested or will they be tested for COVID-19?

The staff person has contacted the Department of Health and is abiding by their recommendations regarding testing procedures. If the person tests positive, the Department of Health would manage any and all notifications.

Will the families of children who were in direct contact be notified?

Any notification would come from the Department of Health. We would advise that if you or your child becomes symptomatic, or if you have health-related questions you should contact your physician or the Department of Health.

Why were both of the Williston schools closed? What about siblings that attend CVU?

Closing both of the Williston schools is largely due to the fact that there are staff members that work in both buildings and our school buses are used for students in both buildings. CVU students do not ride the same buses nor do they have the same teachers. 

How long are the schools going to be closed? Families need this information for childcare and work purposes.

At this point, the Williston Schools are closed on Tuesday, March 10 in addition to today. It is our intention that schools will open as usual on Wednesday, March 11th. We will keep people informed as often as we can.

What type of disinfecting is happening at Allen Brook?

The custodial staff at both Allen Brook and Williston Central are cleaning and disinfecting all spaces from top to bottom. The custodial staff has received training in the proper use of disinfectants and are wearing appropriate Personal Protection Equipment. After a thorough cleaning, surfaces we will be disinfected using a broad spectrum anti-bacterial, virucide, and fungicide which is effective against Norovirus and approved for use in schools and hospitals. Walls, floors, doors and door frames, sinks, drinking fountains, windows, countertops, furniture; any surface that may be touched will be disinfected. All classroom contents are being cleaned and disinfected including keyboards and tablets. All spaces including hallways, gyms, cafeterias, and bathrooms are included. In addition, all school buses are being cleaned and disinfected. 

Will Williston schools need to make up these two days?

State law requires that schools be in session for a minimum of 175 days. The CVSD School Board, with guidance from the AOE, will make decisions about the school calendar at a later date.

If we are canceling school because there was a potential threat of coronavirus will we be canceling if it spreads to others in our community? Is there an existing plan for online instruction if needed?

The original decision to close today (Monday) was based on the information available to the administration Sunday evening, without the benefit of guidance from the AOE and DOH. Today, we have had the opportunity to consult with the two lead agencies. The information gathered from those consultations, in addition to fully considering the information we have today has led us to the decision that it is in the best interest of students and families to reopen on Wednesday. Moving forward, we will continue to abide by protocols established by the AOE and DOH.

We remind everyone that there are proactive public health measures we can all use. We have shared information about handwashing and other recommendations from the CDC on the COVID-19 headline on the District’s website. www.cvsdvt.org

Thank you, 

The Champlain Valley School District Administration

Williston Schools Closed March 9, 2020

March 9, 2020

Dear Champlain Valley School District Families:

The situation regarding the coronavirus (COVID-19) continues to evolve around the world. In the past week, we have heard from families who are seeking guidance on precautions and we have heard from those who are expressing concerns. We all understand that we have a social responsibility to each other in situations like this as we are one community. Here in our district, we take this responsibility seriously.

To that point, a staff member in our Williston school system returned to Vermont after staying at a hotel in another state at the end of the February break. Since then, it has been determined that multiple positive COVID-19 cases were confirmed with guests who stayed at the same hotel. Under the advice of the staff member’s doctor, the staff member has self-quarantined at home after sharing that they had some cold symptoms. That staff member is following CDC protocol and has contacted the Vermont Department of Health. At this time, there is no confirmation that the staff member's symptoms are connected to the coronavirus outbreak.

As we await more information, it is out of an abundance of caution that we have decided that both of the Williston Schools will be closed on Monday, March 9. We will fully and completely disinfect as a preventive measure and will wait for further direction from the Vermont Department of Health. Williston families and guardians have already been informed and we wanted the CVSD community to be aware as well.

In these unusual circumstances as the national picture continues to evolve and with the strong presence of social media, we know it is easy to begin speculating and questioning. We ask for your patience and respect for our staff member, their family, and our school communities.

If you have any questions, please email cvsdinformation@cvsdvt.org and we will try to answer as quickly as possible.

We will keep you informed via email and Connect 5 messages.

The CVSD Administration

Crossing Generations

Here's a guest post from Justine Benoit, grade 1 and 2 teacher in Harmony House at the Allen Brook School. 

First and second grade students in Harmony House have become pen pals with some very special people. They are writing to residents of the Wake Robin community in Shelburne. What began as a fun way to connect with the community outside of our school has become much more. Students are learning through the whole group, the teacher-led writing, and small group shared writing experiences. More importantly, they are learning about exciting experiences the residents have had. Mrs. Benoit's classroom had been reading a biography of Helen Keller. The most exciting surprise was receiving a letter from a resident that had met Helen Keller!

We asked residents of Wake Robin what they thought about student pen pals:

“I just plain love kids. They are my forte. I love when they ask me questions that others might not think of asking.” 

“ I love this activity. It brings all of us closer as human beings.”

We asked students why they enjoyed having pen pals:

"It's fun to see what they've gotten to do."

"We get to know people that we don't actually know."

"I like knowing someone that knows someone we've been studying about ." ( Helen Keller)

"Because we can be nice."

"I think how they are smarter than us and have done stuff in the old fashioned days and I want to learn. I want to learn about how they played and stuff."

Harmony House applied for a grant and will be visiting our pen pals in the spring. Making slime together is the plan!

Valentines that students sent to Wake Robin residents.

Valentines that Wake Robin residents sent to students.

March 6, 2020 Update

March 6, 2020

Dear CVSD Families:

With the increased intensity of news reports and social media posts regarding the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID19), comes speculation about the impact this virus may eventually have on school communities. It is important for you to know the most accurate and timely information about this health concern.

We continue to work at the district level to ensure that we are planning appropriate precautionary steps while we work through this possible health and safety challenge. We are working closely with the Vermont Department of Health. Over the past several days, we have spent hours researching and in conversation with health authorities and the Agency of Education learning how they can help school districts in Vermont prepare for any possible health emergencies.

The safety of our students and staff is our priority. Please be assured that we are working with individual families who seek guidance and those who express concerns. What we are able to provide is the latest information that comes from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), the State Department, the World Health Organization and the Vermont Department of Health. This is a very fluid situation and the sites are updated regularly. We recommend you bookmark those sites so you can check them as you feel the need.

We have open and effective lines of communication with our public health officials and the Vermont Agency of Education and will alert students, staff, and parents if we receive direction related to COVID-19. Any potential school closing (and reopening) due to illness will be guided by public health officials. While education is important, the health and wellbeing of our students and staff are far more significant.

As a reminder, please use these preventative hygiene practices:

• Wash your hands often with soap and warm water for 20 seconds. If not available, use hand sanitizer.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth with unwashed hands.
• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or upper sleeve when coughing or sneezing.
• Avoid contact with people who are sick.
• If you are sick, please stay home and avoid contact with others.

According to public health officials, the way COVID-19 is spread is very similar to the flu and common colds. For this reason, we are encouraging our students and staff to actively wash their hands and take all of the same precautions they would normally take to avoid these illnesses. Please encourage your children to do the same at home as they build healthy habits.

We will continue to monitor the situation and update you as we have more information. You can find additional links and information on the District page of our website www.cvsdvt.org. If you have any questions, please email cvsdinformation@cvsdvt.org and we will try to answer as quickly as possible.

Thank you, 

The Champlain Valley School District Administration

March 1, 2020 Welcome Back

March 1, 2020

Dear CVSD Community:

Welcome back from what we hope was a restful and enjoyable break! Typically, Sundays before the return to school after a vacation provide mixed feelings for students, families, and educators alike; no matter how excited we may be, there is a normal level of anxiousness as we head back to work. For some, those feelings of nervousness are heightened after the recent outbreak of COVID-19 and the subsequent media attention that follows.

We write to let you know that CVSD is working with the Agency of Education and Department of Health to ensure we are appropriately informed and prepared if COVID-19 cases are reported. As of February 28, there were no cases of people with COVID-19 in Vermont; in addition, as of today, there have been no cases reported in CVSD. As was shared with us in a recent letter by Secretary Dan French, it is important to note that at this point, Vermont residents are much more likely to become sick with a cold or the flu than to be exposed to COVID-19. Many of the precautions that help prevent other respiratory diseases, like colds and the flu, can also help keep an illness like COVID-19 from spreading:

• Frequent handwashing with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Stay home when you are sick.
• Cover your cough or sneeze with your sleeve or a tissue. Throw the tissue in the trash.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.

While the above is comforting in the short term, please know that we would rather be over-prepared than under and will share the information we learn going forward. For those who would like to learn more, please see the links below:


Vermont Department of Health Resource

What you need to know-COVID-19

COVID-19 Travel Resource


Thank You,


The Champlain Valley School District Administration