Slate Valley Unified School District

Slate Valley MS Athletics -Grades 5-8 - Winter Sports Registration Reopened Please go to Formreleaf.com and register your athlete for winter bball. Registration will close on Jan 3rd at 6am - This will be the last opportunity to register, it will not be reopened. Reminder - Yearly sports physicals are required (every 14 months) Middle School Basketball for Slate Valley can start as early as Jan 11th. Please check the Slate Valley App for practice and game schedules. That is where you will find changes and updates. Thank you, Kim Alexander

Dear Slate Valley Community Member, On 12-24-20 we learned about a person with Coronavirus Disease at the Castleton Elementary School. This person was in attendance while contagious and therefore contact tracing is underway. The School has already reached out to those impacted. We recommend that you take action to help limit the spread of COVID-19, even if your child is not experiencing symptoms. This is especially true going into the holiday break and knowing the virus is in our communities. Please read the complete letter from Superintendent Olsen-Farrell: https://5il.co/o6rq

Dear Slate Valley Community Member, On 12-22-20 we learned about a person with Coronavirus Disease at the Fair Haven Union High School. This person was not in attendance while contagious and therefore no special actions need to be taken. We recommend that you take action to help limit the spread of COVID-19, even if your child is not experiencing symptoms. This is especially true going into the holiday break and knowing the virus is in our communities. Please read the full letter from Superintendent Olsen-Farrell with links to resources here: https://5il.co/o60d

Reminder! Tonight (December 14, 2020) You’re invited to the Slate Valley Unified Union School District Board meeting at 6:30 p.m. Participation will be VIRTUAL ONLY. Connect by going to http:// meet.google.com/srb-bmfc-qwa OR BY CALLING (US) +1 320-416-1017 PIN: 600 914 747# Tonight’s Agenda: https://5il.co/nw73

Substitute Teachers 2020-2021 Vacancies Slate Valley Unified Union School District is seeking Substitute Teachers for the 2020-2021 school year for an hourly rate of $15.00. For the weeks of January 4th - 15th - anyone who substitutes in Slate Valley will be paid $15 per hour plus $30 a day bonus for each day they work. All applicants must apply on https://www.schoolspring.com/. Positions will remain open until filled. EOE

Dear Slate Valley Families, We have been fielding questions today about the possibility of Slate Valley going remote after December break as many of our neighboring districts have decided to go remote for a period of time beginning January 4th. While that is something that is always on the table should the data specific to Slate Valley indicate that it is appropriate, we do not have data in Slate Valley that would support that move at this time. As such, our intent is to remain in person as we return on January 4th. I continue to believe that in person learning is what is best for students, staff and our communities. Our schools are some of the safest places for students and staff to be as we carefully follow the health and safety guidance. Of course student and staff safety is always our priority and we will adjust as the data indicates, but going remote is the very last thing we want to do. We continue to encourage students, staff and families to follow Vermont’s Health and Safety Guidance. If everyone continues to do their part, we will get through this together. As always, please reach out if you have any questions. Best, Brooke Farrell, Superintendent

Reminder! Tonight (December 7, 2020) You’re invited to the Slate Valley Unified Union School District Board meeting at 6:30 p.m. Participation will be VIRTUAL ONLY. Connect by going to http://meet.google.com/pcg-apgw-ehr or by calling (US) +1 929-279-3293 PIN: 353 796 419# Tonight’s Agenda: https://5il.co/nhqo Previous Meeting Minutes: https://5il.co/ng0u Upcoming Meetings: December 14, 2020 - SV Board Meeting, 6:30 p.m. (FHUHS) December 14, 2020 - SV Building & Grounds Meeting, 5:30 p.m. (FHUHS) December 14, 2020 - SV Policy Meeting, 5:30 p.m. (FHUHS)

Dear Slate Valley Families, I know that the new Executive Order from the Governor has been confusing to navigate. First, please understand that an Executive Order from the Governor is law and we must as a school district follow it. In the very simplest of terms this order means that "except for school, students should only be having contact with immediate household members and/or caregivers as needed for parents to work. No visiting between friends/families outside of school is currently allowable and will result in quarantine." This will be in effect for the foreseeable future; we are expecting at least through mid-January. There is a Frequently Asked Questions document from the State of Vermont which should help answer some of your questions and give you more details. Please click on the link to read the document. Frequently Asked Questions https://5il.co/nkuv If you have additional questions please contact the Vermont Department of Health. (802)863-7240, option 0 As of this moment we will not be including a question on multi-household gatherings in our screening process as we do not want to put our students in difficult situations. Instead we are asking that parents be honest and keep their children home to access learning remotely if they have violated this Executive Order. Please find the Executive Order linked below: Executive Order https://5il.co/nkus We fully recognize this is difficult but need your help to keep our schools open. If we find that students are not following the guidelines and then attending school, it may force us to move to remote learning. We know that is not what is best for our families and students and as such do not want to have to make that decision. Sincerely, Brooke Farrell, Superintendent

Reminder - You’re invited! Slate Valley School Board Members are hosting a week of Virtual Listening Tours beginning tonight (November 30th). Currently the board is exploring a plan for district reorganization that would include the consolidation of all district middle school students to the high school beginning with the 2022-2023 school year. This would result in the closure or educational repurposing of Castleton Village School. Sixth grade students in Castleton would then attend Castleton Elementary School. To address low enrollment of middle school students in Benson Village School, the board is considering in-district school choice (with transportation) for 7th and 8th grade students for the 2021-2022 school year. Listening tours are an opportunity to have a conversation with your board members. Please join board members at 6 p.m. to discuss district reorganization on the following dates: Nov. 30th with Tanya, Angela (West Haven) https://meet.google.com/bsc-wcrm-zbw or join by phone (US) +1 929-287-3647 (PIN: 876141866) Nov. 30th with Josh, Christine (Hubbardton) https://meet.google.com/piw-sqjk-crt or join by phone (US) +1 470-208-3216 (PIN: 271699166) Dec. 1st with Tim, Julie, Toni (Castleton) https://meet.google.com/byi-qppv-qgq or join by phone (US) +1 515-518-4964 (PIN: 853077567) Dec. 2nd with Peter, Glen, John (Orwell) https://meet.google.com/viq-uxim-get?hs=122&authuser=0 or join by phone (‪US‬) ‪+1 218-296-8729‬ (PIN: ‪318 417 490#)‬ Dec. 2nd with Mike, Rick Tara (Fair Haven) https://meet.google.com/cjv-qqvq-fhe or join by phone (US) +1 601-909-0134 (PIN: 703665728) Dec. 3rd with Pati, Becky, Beckah (Benson) https://meet.google.com/ezx-zxdi-zct or join by phone (US) +1 605-777-0574 (PIN: 127269244)

Good Morning Slate Valley Families, I would like to follow-up on the District letter from yesterday. I know yesterday’s news from the Governor was hard for all of us to digest and left many of us feeling unsettled right before an upcoming holiday. Put simply, schools are compelled to follow the state guidelines and executive orders from the Governor. Our intent is to return to in-person learning on Monday November 30th, however it is undoubtedly becoming more and more difficult due to the increasing restrictions. Given that, the State has told schools that students who attend multi-house gatherings that are not in accordance with the Governor’s Executive Order (https://governor.vermont.gov/sites/scott/files/documents/ADDENDUM%208%20TO%20AMENDED%20AND%20RESTATED%20EXECUTIVE%20ORDER%2001-20_0.pdf) may not attend in person school without quarantining for 7-14 days. Therefore, we ask that if your child has attended a multi-house gathering that goes against the Executive Order that they NOT attend school in-person on Monday the 30th. Instead it is expected that they observe the 7-14 day quarantine and engage in learning remotely. We have said time and time again that in-person learning is what is best for our students, staff and community. Schools are some of the safest places in terms of the virus as we follow the health guidance closely. Furthermore, please note that these new rules put our staff in an untenable position that isn’t of the schools’ making. We care deeply about the wellbeing of our students and staff and ask that if you are upset by the current rules that you contact the state and not take it out on our staff. We are simply trying to do our best for all at a very difficult time. I would ask that you speak with your building principal if you have any questions or know your child needs to attend remotely beginning on the 30th. All the best, Brooke Farrell, Superintendent

Update from Governor Phil Scott’s press conference today: The start of school sports for the winter season is postponed until further notice. The state of Vermont will assess information weekly to consider when the start to this season will begin. The governor expressed the following during his remarks, “I hope adults realize the need to sacrifice to give our kids these experiences and keep them in school as much as possible.” Schools are being encouraged to inquire about participation in multi-family gatherings during Thanksgiving Break. If a staff member is made aware of participation in a multi-family gathering that person may have to quarantine for 7-14 days.

You’re invited! Slate Valley School Board Members are hosting a week of Virtual Listening Tours beginning on November 30th. Currently the board is exploring a plan for district reorganization that would include the consolidation of all district middle school students to the high school beginning with the 2022-2023 school year. This would result in the closure or educational repurposing of Castleton Village School. Sixth grade students in Castleton would then attend Castleton Elementary School. To address low enrollment of middle school students in Benson Village School, the board is considering in-district school choice (with transportation) for 7th and 8th grade students for the 2021-2022 school year. Listening tours are an opportunity to have a conversation with your board members. Please join board members at 6 p.m. to discuss district reorganization on the following dates: Nov. 30th with Tanya, Angela (West Haven) https://meet.google.com/bsc-wcrm-zbw or join by phone (US) +1 929-287-3647 (PIN: 876141866) Nov. 30th with Josh, Christine (Hubbardton) https://meet.google.com/piw-sqjk-crt or join by phone (US) +1 470-208-3216 (PIN: 271699166) Dec. 1st with Tim, Julie, Toni (Castleton) https://meet.google.com/byi-qppv-qgq or join by phone (US) +1 515-518-4964 (PIN: 853077567) Dec. 2nd with Peter, Glen, John (Orwell) https://meet.google.com/viq-uxim-get?hs=122&authuser=0 or join by phone (‪US‬) ‪+1 218-296-8729‬ (PIN: ‪318 417 490#)‬ Dec. 2nd with Mike, Rick Tara (Fair Haven) https://meet.google.com/cjv-qqvq-fhe or join by phone (US) +1 601-909-0134 (PIN: 703665728)

Reminder! Tonight (November 23, 2020) You’re invited to the Slate Valley Unified Union School District Board meeting at 6:30 p.m. Participation will be VIRTUAL ONLY. Connect by going to http://meet.google.com/dtb-pfqk-hrp or by calling (US) +1 414-909-6054 PIN: 721 315 535# Tonight’s Agenda: https://5il.co/n63m Previous Meeting Minutes: https://5il.co/n0de Upcoming Meetings: December 7, 2020 - SV Board Meeting, 6:30 p.m. December 7, 2020 - SV Finance Meeting, 5:30 p.m. December 14, 2020 - SV Board Meeting, 6:30 p.m. December 14, 2020 - SV Building & Grounds Meeting, 5:30 p.m. December 14, 2020 - SV Policy Meeting, 5:30 p.m.

You’re invited! Slate Valley School Board Members are hosting a week of Virtual Listening Tours beginning on November 30th. Currently the board is exploring a plan for district reorganization that would include the consolidation of all district middle school students to the high school beginning with the 2022-2023 school year. This would result in the closure or educational repurposing of Castleton Village School. Sixth grade students in Castleton would then attend Castleton Elementary School. To address low enrollment of middle school students in Benson Village School, the board is considering in-district school choice (with transportation) for 7th and 8th grade students for the 2021-2022 school year. Listening tours are an opportunity to have a conversation with your board members. Please join board members at 6 p.m. to discuss district reorganization on the following dates: Nov. 30th with Tanya, Angela (West Haven) https://meet.google.com/bsc-wcrm-zbw or join by phone (US) +1 929-287-3647 (PIN: 876141866) Nov. 30th with Josh, Christine (Hubbardton) https://meet.google.com/piw-sqjk-crt or join by phone (US) +1 470-208-3216 (PIN: 271699166) Dec. 1st with Tim, Julie, Toni (Castleton) https://meet.google.com/byi-qppv-qgq or join by phone (US) +1 515-518-4964 (PIN: 853077567) Dec. 2nd with Peter, Glen, John (Orwell) https://meet.google.com/viq-uxim-get?hs=122&authuser=0 or join by phone (‪US‬) ‪+1 218-296-8729‬ (PIN: ‪318 417 490#)‬ Dec. 2nd with Mike, Rick Tara (Fair Haven) https://meet.google.com/cjv-qqvq-fhe or join by phone (US) +1 601-909-0134 (PIN: 703665728)

Dear Slate Valley Families, I hope it goes without saying that we know how stressful the pandemic has been for everyone. We are all in this together and we will get through it. I want to remind everyone that our primary focus as a district is to keep everyone safe and remain open for in-person learning. However, as COVID cases begin to rise across the state and region we will only be as safe as our community makes us. It is on all of us to do the right thing and follow the state guidelines. As the days wear on, we have noticed an increase in the number of student screening questions that are not being answered accurately. We are trying to do our very best as a district to comply with the State’s Health and Safety Guidance and we need families to help make sure the screening questions are accurately and completely answered. In order to keep our schools open and safe we need every single person to do their part. Community spread in Vermont is due to people traveling to restricted areas, not wearing masks and not practicing physical distancing from those outside your household. Please keep your child home if the screening indicates they should stay home. I cannot stress the importance of this enough. Please do your part and let us know if you need support. We are here to help in these very difficult times. Best, Brooke Farrell Superintendent

What are you planning for the holidays this year? It’s hard to imagine breaking with tradition and celebrating at home, but that is what a lot of Vermont families are deciding to do in 2020. Travel increases your chance of getting and spreading COVID-19, and the way you celebrate this year will have an impact on your family, community, and Vermont. Our ability to keep schools open relies on everyone doing their part. It’s easy to let our guard down among friends and family -- people we trust. But the fact is, we don’t know if they’ve been exposed to the virus, and it’s those times that the virus can spread very easily. Please keep this in mind as you consider holiday plans. Resources https://accd.vermont.gov/covid-19/restart/cross-state-travel https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/daily-life-coping/holidays.html

Good morning, Due to the rising COVID case counts in the Northeast effective today, November 10, 2020, the State of Vermont has suspended its leisure travel map and implemented a mandatory quarantine for anyone returning or traveling to Vermont. https://accd.vermont.gov/covid-19/restart/cross-state-travel

Slate Valley Middle School Winter Sports Registration -- Is Now Open Registration will be open from November 10 through December 15. Please go to http://www.formreleaf.com -Slate Valley Middle School -Choose your school, sport and grade level -Fill out the WHOLE form or resubmit if already in. -REMINDER of yearly physical (upload or send to nurse) -SAVE the information -Check to make sure that your information is saved, you should receive verification. Information will be coming of start dates for practices, games, etc. We will also be notifying you of ALL guidelines, restrictions, etc. Thank you for your continued flexibility and support!

Reminder! Tonight (November 9, 2020) You’re invited to the Slate Valley Unified Union School District Board meeting. Fair Haven Union High School, 6:30 p.m. Participation will be in person or virtually connect by going to http://meet.google.com/iso-hvnh-hhv or by calling (US) +1 405-656-0082 PIN: 628 068 926# Tonight’s Agenda: https://5il.co/mvql Previous Meeting Minutes: https://5il.co/mj5k Upcoming Meetings: November 23, 2020 - SV Board meeting, 6:30 p.m. (FHUHS) November 23, 2020 - SV Buildings & Grounds Meeting, 5:30 p.m. (FHUHS) November 23, 2020 - SV Policy Meeting, 5:30 p.m. (FHUHS)

Animal Shelter Drive November 9th through 30th This drive is part of a Fair Haven Union High School R.E.A.L. class student research project: https://www.smore.com/h3f4r Animal shelters are in need of supplies! COVID 19 has indeed had an effect upon the animal shelters, thus the student is conducting a drive for the following supplies: >Dry dog & puppy food and cat & kitten food (American Natural Premium brand, original) - unopened & please check the date of expiration >Canned kitten food (any brand) - please check date of expiration >Soft chewy dog treats >Cat and Dog toys (new only please) >Liquid dish soap (Dawn is best) >Paper towels Please leave supplies in the bin placed at the Fair Haven Union High School front door (inside building) - directly in front of the Fair Haven Union High School main office between November 9 - 30, 2020. If you have any questions, please contact Deborah Ehler-Hansen: dehler-hansen@svuvt.org.