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Slate Valley COVID-19 Reopening

State III/Update on Cross State Travel

September 22, 2020

Dear Slate Valley Families,

It was just announced in the Governor's Press Conference that Vermont schools will be allowed to operate in Stage III starting this Saturday, September 26th. For us in Slate Valley, this means that beginning this weekend we will be allowing athletic contests. Generally, speaking there are minimal changes between Stage II and Stage III in the school reopening guidance. As such, in all other areas we will be remaining status quo for the time being. We are doing well in no small part to the staff, students and community’s cooperation and we want to keep it that way. In the coming days and weeks I will be sending out further communication on changes you may see after 2 weeks in Stage III.

I know that the cross-state travel map has been frustrating for some families and I completely understand. Please know that as a school district we are compelled to follow requirements put forth by the State of Vermont. The map is now being updated on Tuesdays so families can plan their activities for the coming weekend. Please note that Washington County, NY is now off the map. However, Warren and Saratoga Counties in NY are still on the map so please, please plan your travel accordingly. We do not want to be in a position of asking your child to remain home from in-person learning. This does not benefit anyone. If you have questions please refer to the website: https://accd.vermont.gov/covid-19/restart/cross-state-travel/faqs and/or call the Vermont Department of Health. Also, according to the Vermont Department of Health apple picking is a leisure activity. I know this was not clear to a lot of families over the weekend.

Furthermore, we are so grateful for our school nurses. They truly have borne the brunt of the questions and enforcement of the COVID protocols. Please know that they must follow the guidelines put forth from the Vermont Department of Health and as such everyone is doing the best that they can in this difficult situation.

As always, thank you for your continued support and cooperation during these trying times.

Be well,

Brooke Farrell, Superintendent

Slate Valley Resources 

• Letter to Households
• Slate Valley Reopening Plan
• Travel Restrictions
• Mask Parameters - Students & Families
• Frequently Asked Questions

Slate Valley Athletics

High School

• Communicable Disease - Pandemic - Athletics FHUHS Protocol & Procedure
• Spectator Policies for Away Games (Please note: We will be adding additional spectator policies as we receive them from competing schools.)
• VPA Fall Sports Update (8-21-20)

Update (9-17-20)

Dear Fair Haven Union High School Community,

When the initial Fall Sports Guidance came out from the Agency of Education it was expected that athletic contests between schools could start as early as September 21st IF we had entered Stage III of Vermont's School Reopening Plan. Superintendents were told today, by Secretary French that there will be an official announcement next week on when school districts can move to Stage III. As such schools across Vermont will not be moving to Stage III next week (September 21st). Therefore there will not be any athletic contests between schools next week. Districts are expecting to receive notice at least a week in advance on moving forward to Stage III so games will not start until such time. We will continue the status quo in terms of athletics at FHUHS. Thank you for your continued support during this difficult time.

As always please reach out with any questions.

Best,

Brooke Farrell

Middle School

• Middle School Athletics Letter (August 2020)

Reminder: 7/8 Boys and Girls Soccer players from OVS/BVS/FHGS/CVS - Sign up runs through September 15, 2020. Please sign your athletes up! 

• FormReLeaf: Sign Up

Vermont Agency of Education Guidance 

• A Strong and Healthy Start: Safety and Health Guidance for Vermont Schools
• Hybrid Learning During the 2020-2021 School Year
• Decision Making for School District Operations for the 2020-2021 School Year

SUPERINTENDENT UPDATES

• July 21 Update
• June 12 Update
• April 6 Update
• March 19 Update
• March 18 Update
• March 16 Update  
• March 16 Update   
• March 15 Update  
• March 15 Update
• March 12 Update  
• March 11 Update
• February 27 Update
• February 26 Letter  

Reopening Slate Valley Schools (VIDEO)

Timeline

Important Websites

• Vermont Agency of Education  
• Vermont Department of Health  
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention  

Local Community Resources

• Addison County Menu of Services and Resources
  
• Rutland County Resources and Additional Resources

The following resources may be helpful as you discuss COVID-19 with children: 

Mental Health Resources

Student, Parent, Staff Counseling Resources

In this time of crisis of many unknowns and uncertainty, it can lead to an individual's mental health faltering. When people succumb to stress they become sick physically and need to seek medical help. Similarly, there are times in life when we ALL experience states of mental health stress that requires supports and strategies. 

Asking for help is an act of courage and a sign of strength, not a weakness. We want students and families to know that reaching out for help is a healthy response. Included in these resources is information to educate people on the warning signs and risk factors for suicidal behavior. There are suggestions for actions to take if you or a loved one is in a crisis situation. A list of local resource numbers is available. School clinicians and counselors are still available to provide support and answer any questions that may arise. 

Warning Signs
What You Can Do - Responding to Suicidal Behavior