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