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