Benson Village School

Dear Slate Valley Community Member, This is hard and there is no way to make everyone happy, except of course to say that the pandemic is over and we can return to whatever “normal” will look like. I know people are hurting. This has been an incredibly difficult year for our students, families and staff. We need everyone to remember that we are all humans and all are dealing with different challenges that the pandemic has presented, there is sacrifice, compassion and understanding needed by us all. It was both unfortunate and necessary that FHUHS and FHGS needed to go remote this week but given the amount of students and staff quarantining it was the only decision. We are planning on returning to in person learning for FHUHS and FHGS on Monday February 1st. Additional, positive cases have been identified and those students are isolating according to the Department of Health Guidelines. Some of these cases are due to high school athletics and in consultation with the Department of Health we will be moving back to Phase I for High School Winter Sports for Monday, February 1st and Tuesday, February 2nd. This means that only non-contact drills will be allowed. We will monitor this situation and make a decision on a day to day basis on the status of practices. Each and every student and staff member is important to me and as such every decision I make is weighed very carefully. Our students deserve every safe opportunity we can give them to access in-person learning. Our staff has had an incredible lift this year as we have changed everything we do related to school. They show-up each day ready to take on these new challenges because they believe that is what is best for your children, our students. It is incumbent upon us all to keep them safe as well. There is always risk in everything we do and we need to weigh carefully those risks and make the very best decisions possible. There have been many sleepless nights as I weigh those risks and make sure I do what is right for the community, staff and most importantly our students. There is risk with staying in person and there is risk with going remote. With remote learning, I worry about having the ability to pay our hourly staff if the remote period is a long time. I worry about our students in homes without support. I worry about further spreading the virus as if we are remote, students have more opportunities to visit each others' homes. I worry about parents losing their jobs and having an inability to pay for food and housing. I worry about political backlash from the community and the fallout for staff (This is one thing I wish I didn’t have to worry about but I do). I worry about the ability of our staff to balance teaching our students and being able to support their own kids in remote learning. I worry about the mental health and isolation of all in a remote environment. With staying in person I worry about in school transmission, although extremely unlikely, not impossible. I worry about the isolation from colleagues. I worry the exhaustion of staff in making sure the social distancing guidelines are being followed. I worry about the concern the staff has for their students and colleagues and the toll on individual mental health. I know some of you are concerned for a variety of different reasons. I understand your concern and share some of those concerns. We are in the middle of a pandemic and things can’t and won’t be the same. I know that while at times we might disagree with the best way to approach things please know that we always have safety front and center. If we continue to work together and support one another as we work through these challenges, we will be stronger as a community. We need your help in this if we want to continue in person learning and other activities, then we must adhere to the guidelines. Best, Brooke Farrell

Reminder! Tonight (January 25, 2021) You’re invited (virtually) 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/qag-fpgi-dtn or by calling (US) +1 617-675-4444 PIN: 658 282 596 9955# Tonight’s Agenda: https://5il.co/osjy

Tonight! Community Connections: A Virtual Meeting with Slate Valley Central Office Administrators January 20th 6 - 7 PM Join with Google Meet https://meet.google.com/cvi-tned-tyc or by phone(US) +1 402-527-4082 (PIN: 450007785)

Community Connections: A Virtual Meeting with Slate Valley Central Office Administrators January 20th 6 - 7 PM Join with Google Meet https://meet.google.com/cvi-tned-tyc or by phone(US) +1 402-527-4082 (PIN: 450007785)

Tonight! Topics: Budget Outlook & District Reorganization Please take this opportunity to learn about the upcoming budget outlook as well as continue the discussion about the board's plans for district reorganization. Join us at 6 p.m. to discuss the upcoming budget and district reorganization on the following dates. Jan. 12th with Mike, Rick, Tara, Tanya, and Angela (Fair Haven/West Haven) https://meet.google.com/bsc-wcrm-zbw or join by phone (US) +1 929-287-3647 (PIN: 876141866) Jan. 13th with Tim, Julie, Toni, Josh, and Christine (Castleton/Hubbardton) https://meet.google.com/qok-edco-jhq or join by phone (US) +1 401-285-6400 (PIN: 766569448) Jan. 14th with Pati, Becky, and Beckah (Benson) https://meet.google.com/rat-adyy-xye or join by phone (US)+1 929-266-1990 (PIN: 284595478) Jan. 14th with Peter, Glen, and John (Orwell) https://meet.google.com/rat-adyy-xye or join by phone (US) +1 585-535-3234 (PIN: 48340626)

Reminder! Tonight (January 11, 2021) You’re invited to the Slate Valley Unified Union School District Board (VIRTUAL) Meeting Fair Haven Union High School, 6:30 p.m. Participation will be VIRTUAL ONLY. Connect by going to https://meet.google.com/bfa-wnzj-tio or by calling (US) +1 317-961-0599 PIN: 177 396 689#. Tonight’s Agenda: https://5il.co/o9q3 Previous Meeting Minutes: https://5il.co/nxpn

Topics: Budget Outlook & District Reorganization Please take this opportunity to learn about the upcoming budget outlook as well as continue the discussion about the board's plans for district reorganization. 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 the anticipated low enrollment of middle school students in Benson Village School, the board voted on December 7th in favor of 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 us at 6 p.m. to discuss the upcoming budget and district reorganization on the following dates. Jan. 12th with Mike, Rick, Tara, Tanya, and Angela (Fair Haven/West Haven) https://meet.google.com/bsc-wcrm-zbw or join by phone (US) +1 929-287-3647 (PIN: 876141866) Jan. 13th with Tim, Julie, Toni, Josh, and Christine (Castleton/Hubbardton) https://meet.google.com/qok-edco-jhq or join by phone (US) +1 401-285-6400 (PIN: 766569448) Jan. 14th with Pati, Becky, and Beckah (Benson) https://meet.google.com/rat-adyy-xye or join by phone (US)+1 929-266-1990 (PIN: 284595478) Jan. 14th with Peter, Glen, and John (Orwell) https://meet.google.com/rat-adyy-xye or join by phone (US) +1 585-535-3234 (PIN: 48340626)

Dear Slate Valley Families, I know thus far that 2021 has proven to be a trying time for our community, state and country. Furthermore, I know that anxiety is at an all time high. We have had 8 reported cases of COVID connected to either a staff member or student since November. The prevalence of these cases has escalated in the last few weeks. Up until this point we remained relatively unscathed. Please note that we work closely with health officials. We follow the Agency of Education Safe and Healthy Start Guidance. So far we have not had any in-school transmission of the virus. This means that while in school, an individual has not spread it to another individual in the school setting. All the transmission has been community based to date, meaning the exposure occurred outside of school. Although this is the case, we are swift and thorough with tracing possible in-school close contacts and through the Department of Health, quarantine them to observe for symptoms until they can get tested. By following the guidelines, close contacts are kept to a minimum in the school setting. From this point forward, we will only be notifying Slate Valley families when a case specifically impacts the operations of the school, meaning that the employee or student was in attendance while contagious. We know COVID is widespread in our communities. I also wanted to let you know that staff has been able to get tested at work since November. While this is voluntary, we have a large number of staff that are being tested on a regular basis. So far these tests have all yielded negative results. I take my job very seriously when it comes to student and staff safety. There are no easy answers for any of us. There are risks to learning in person and there are risks to moving to remote learning. Some of the risks to moving to remote learning include the impact on mental health, child abuse going unreported, learning loss, and further spread of the virus in the community as students have greater opportunity to congregate without protective measures and parents needing to leave their jobs thus increasing poverty. We look at the data and weigh the risks in order to make the very best decision possible for our kids. That being said I encourage you to work with your building principals if you have concerns. We all need to support each other during this very difficult time. All the best, Brooke Olsen-Farrell Superintendent

Slate Valley Unified School District is seeking temporary part-time Custodians, up to 25 hours per week, during the COVID pandemic to maintain the cleanliness of the school facilities as well as 1 regular part-time Custodian 20 hours per week. Custodial experience preferred. For additional information, contact Chris Cole, Director of Operations at 265-4905 or email ccole@svuvt.org. This position will remain open until filled. E O E

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

Hello all - Winter sports practices have been given the go ahead. Practices for Slate Valley 5-8 teams will begin the week of January 11, 2021. We will be implementing practices with strict guidelines, including the wearing of masks, maintaining 6 foot distancing and no physical contact. At this point intra squad scrimmages and interscholastic competitions are prohibited, but will be revisited. This is a wonderful opportunity for our athletes. To ensure that we can begin and maintain a winter sports season, I ask you to please remember to follow all safety measures, including travel and multi family guidelines. If your athlete will be traveling or is sick please keep them home and follow the Covid guidelines. I will be working on a practice schedule over break, which will be uploaded onto the Slate Valley app. We are still looking to fill some coaching slots.If you are interested or know of anyone, please have them contact me at: kalexander@svuvt.org. The following positions are open: CES/CVS: 5/6 Boys head coach and assistant coach. 5/6 Girls assistant coach, 7/8 Boys assistant coach. Thank you, Kim

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.