Welcome to Eden Central School
140 Knowles Flat Road, Eden, Vermont 05652
Phone: 802-521-5500 - Fax: 802-635-7251
The fire trucks noticed at Eden Central School today, 7/19/21, were performing routine pressure checks on the hoses. The ECS parking lot was chosen because it met the distance guidelines necessary to conduct this important safety review. If you have any questions, please call Betzi Goodman at 802-521-5502.Thank-you Eden/North Hyde Park firefighters for keeping our communities safe!Thanks,BetziInterim PrincipalEden Central SchoolEden, VT
Eden Central School
140 Knowles Flat Road
Eden, Vermont 05652
(802)521-5501
May 16, 2021
Dear ECS Families,
I am writing to let you know that I have taken a new position in the Lamoille North Unified/ Modified School District. Starting July 1st I will transition to the Director of Early Childhood Education.
Being the Principal of Eden Central School these last five years has been a true privilege. I am grateful and honored to have had the opportunity and responsibility of being an educational leader in this community. I found you and your children to be so family centered, caring, involved in your childrens’ education and incredibly resilient with the challenges of this past school year.
Though this is a bittersweet move for me I am comforted to know that I will continue to be on the ECS campus in my new position and will be able to say hello to the students that I have watched grow and develop the last five years.
You will be hearing from Charleen McFarlane, Director of Human Resources, regarding your opportunity to participate in a “Greet and Meet” with candidates for the new principal of ECS.
Thank you for allowing me to be a part of your childrens’ education.
Most sincerely,
Monday, August 10th, from 5:30-6:30, myself, the superintendent, Cat Gallager, and the heads of each of the LNSU departments, will be available in a google meet for an information sharing session for school re-opening, There will be a question and answer portion following. Please join us at:
meet.google.com/hyi-jdqa-ibj
or by phone
1-760-503-5257
PIN 692 287 874#
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Dear Lamoille North Families and Staff,
Yesterday, we received initial guidance from the Vermont Agency of Education (VT AOE) on the reopening of schools for the fall. Please click on this link to read the guidance, https://education.vermont.gov/sites/aoe/files/documents/edu-vdh-guidance-strong-healthy-start-school-health-rev-20200617.pdf. It is important to note that there will likely be many revisions and amendments to this document based on the public health status at the beginning of the school year.
The plan is that we will open for in-person learning at the start of the school year, with restrictions that are outlined in the document. The VT AOE is planning on opening schools at a "Step II". This is defined in the document as schools being open for in-person instruction with enhanced physical distancing measures. There are many implications for the school day, including transportation protocols, how food services will be handled, class size limits, activities, safety and hygiene, and daily health screening processes.
School leadership teams and the District task force will be taking all of the family, student and staff survey comments and incorporating what we can into the guidelines given to us on reopening schools by the VT AOE.
We anticipate revisions to this "live" document and will plan on hosting a community forum in August to address final guidance from the VT AOE, and to address questions you will likely have.
I recognize that this plan is not what we had hoped we would receive and that there remain many uncertainties regarding the virus and when we can reasonably expect for things to be "normal" once again. Our best decisions have to be driven by public health guidance, and we will need to continue to remain flexible in our responses to changing conditions. I want to be clear that opening and closing schools will be a public health decision and one made by the VT AOE and the Vermont Department of Health (VT DOH). This will not be a decision that school administration has the authority to make.
Our communities and school teams worked collaboratively to respond to the pressures of remote learning. I recognize that there were hardships and frustrations for all. However, what struck me most was how dedicated, committed and adaptable our school community was in making efforts to have a successful few months given the pandemic.There were challenges, but there were many successes during this time. I know that we will be able to work through any model of school day as long as we do it together and continue to communicate.
Thank you very much. I will continue to communicate additions or changes to this document and will work on setting a date for a community discussion.
My very best to you,
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June 15, 2020
Dear Parents, Guardians and Staff:
The State of Vermont passed a new law in 2019 that requires all schools and childcare providers to test their drinking water for lead. Samples of water from every tap at Lamoille Union Middle and High School, as well as GMTCC, that is reasonably expected to be used for drinking or cooking, were collected and sent to the Vermont Department of Health Laboratory for analysis.
Results for Lamoille Union Middle and High School and GMTCC: All taps were tested twice, once after sitting in the fixture for a minimum of eight (8) hours, and the second after the tap was flushed. All taps that tested at or above 4 ppb were on the first test indicating that the fixture was the source.
- Lamoille Union Middle School had 4 out of 33 tested taps that tested at or above 4 ppb
- Lamoille Union High School had 3 out of 34 taps that tested at or above 4 ppb
- GMTCC had 4 out of 21 taps that tested at or above 4 ppb
We take our responsibility to provide a safe and healthy environment for students and staff very seriously. Any tap that tested at or above 4 ppb was immediately taken out of service for drinking or cooking. We are working on fixes to permanently lower levels of lead in the water, which include but are not limited to, fixture replacement and mixing valve replacement.
Lead exposure poses a special risk to children because they absorb lead into their systems more easily than adults do. Lead can slow down growth, impair development and learning, and can cause behavior problems. While the major source of lead poisoning in Vermont children is paint, lead in plumbing pipes and fixtures can add to a person’s overall exposure. Drinking water in schools and homes may contain lead from old pipes, plumbing fixtures (such as fountains and faucets), or the solder that joins pipe sections together.
More Information:
- For questions about the water testing process, or about the law and its requirements, please dial 2-1-1.
- You can view school and childcare results, remediation and any follow-up testing, at leadresults.vermont.gov. (NOTE: If your child’s preschool or after-school program is located at a school, the results will be listed under the school’s name.) For more information visit:
- Schools: healthvermont.gov/school-drinking-water
- Childcare Programs: healthvermont.gov/childcare-drinking-water
- If you have questions or concerns about our facilities and the actions we are taking, please contact Dylan Laflam, Facilities Director, Lamoille North Supervisory Union, 802-851-1587, or dlaflam@luhs18.org.
To learn more about lead hazards and lead poisoning prevention, visit healthvermont.gov/lead.
If you want to test your home drinking water for lead, contact the Health Department Laboratory to order a $12 first-draw lead test kit. Call 802-338-4736 or 800-660-9997 (toll free in Vermont).
Sincerely,
Dylan Laflam
Facilities Director
Lamoille North Supervisory Union
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PreK-12 Grading for the Final Marking Period
May 28, 2020
Dear Parents and Guardians,
It’s hard to believe that we are coming to the end of the school year. This final marking period certainly challenged us all in many ways. I cannot thank you enough for your support of our schools and for the huge undertaking of having to create a remote learning environment in each of your homes.
I want to provide you with an overview of our modified grading process during this remote learning time period. From the beginning, we made the following commitments to our students and families:
· Students first. Content second.
· Do no harm.
· Learning over grades.
In these unprecedented times in education where traditional direct instruction has been altered due to the coronavirus outbreak, our focus is, first and foremost, on student learning and ensuring our students’ well-being. During this time, students’ grades are secondary to student learning. We recognize the importance of assessing and communicating student progress to students and parents/guardians. School grading practices should be equitable, and student grades should not be harmed as a result of school closures and remote learning. We have monitored and adjusted our grading procedures along the way to make sure we stayed focused on the above commitments. As a result, when final report cards are issued, there will be narratives at the elementary level, and academic indicators at the secondary level for the 4th quarter/third trimester marking period. If there is not enough evidence to assign a grade, an NA (Not Applicable) will go on the report card.
Summary of Grading Process for the Final Marking Period
Pre-Kindergarten
Student progress will continue to be documented using the Teaching Strategies GOLD (TSG) assessment system.
Elementary Level K-6
All students will receive a narrative on their report cards. The narrative will provide a brief overview of the focus during remote learning and speak to student accomplishments during the final marking period.
If there is a need for an intervention plan, as agreed upon by the parent(s), the administrator, the teacher, the school counselor(s), and the student, one can be created. Intervention plans will not be mandated, but are offered as an option. This plan will allow for flexibility and specific strategies that may be of assistance to students to demonstrate content knowledge. An intervention plan could occur after the final marking period, including during the next school year.
Secondary Level 7-12
Academic indicators for the final marking period are based on 1-2 prioritized standards/proficiencies for each course. Secondary students will receive the following grades:
Pass (P): Students who show evidence of working toward proficiency, and are engaged during the remote learning period, will receive a P on their report card/transcript.
Pass with Distinction (PD): Students who show evidence of working toward proficiency and/or meeting proficiency, and also initiate a personal interest in learning that goes beyond the required activities, will receive a PD on the report card for the final marking period.
Not Applicable (NA): If there is not enough evidence to assign a grade, an NA (Not Applicable) will go on the report card for the 4th quarter/3rd trimester marking period.
GPA (Grade Point Average) for LUHS: If a GPA score is needed there are two possible options. The option chosen will be the one that benefits the student the most.
Option 1 – Include the 4th quarter marking period in the GPA calculation. A score of Pass = 3.0, a score of Pass with Distinction = 4.0.
OR
Option 2 – The GPA will be calculated using only the 1st semester or the first three quarters of this school year.
The final day for students is Tuesday, June 9th. If you have questions about the grading process for this final marking period, please don’t hesitate to contact your building principal. If I can be of assistance, you can also contact me at wsavery@luhs18.org.
Best wishes,
Wendy Savery
Acting Director of Curriculum
Banners for each 6th grade student will be displayed at the front of ECS and also delivered to each family to be displayed at each family’s home.
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Eden Central School
Kindergarten Registration
Due to the closing of schools for the remainder of this school year, ECS will be unable to host kindergarten screening as we have traditionally done for incoming kindergartners. In order to register for kindergarten, your child must turn 5 by September 1, 2020.
If your child is not currently registered at ECS, you will need to go through the online registration process at lnsu.org. On the homepage, find the blue, “register new student” button and fill out the fields. When asked to choose the school year, please click 2020/2021. Once you complete this pre-registration, you will receive a second email with further instructions.
For further questions, please contact Melinda Mascolino at (802) 521-5501.
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Good afternoon everyone:
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May 25, 2020
Dear Lamoille North Families:
Greetings on this beautiful evening! I join you today in honoring our fallen people in service and all who currently put the lives of others first in service to our country. This is a day dedicated to honoring all those who have fought and continue to fight to protect our freedoms. We thank you. We look forward to a time in the future when we can observe this important day with our communities in person.
It is hard to believe that there is less than a month of school left! The last day of school for students is Tuesday, June 9th. Principals will be communicating with you about end-of-the-year activities, including opportunities to pick up personal belongings that are still at school.
As we plan, please join us in keeping the graduating classes of 2020 at the forefront of all of our events. Graduation represents a "climbing of a step, or stepping toward something", and we hope all will join in honoring our seniors as details about these opportunities emerge. Principals have been working with students and faculty to plan events that respect the preferences of our students while ensuring we stay safe and healthy. We know our seniors are dealing with disappointment right now as events cannot look like they have in the past due to COVID-19. However, please know that we are all thinking about you and working on creative ways to celebrate your successes and graduation.
Over the last week, I've had many conversations with state leaders, local educators, and parents regarding questions around what the summer and fall might look like and what direction we may take in working to get back to "normal". As different organizations begin to take steps, such as UVM announcing they will open campus to students in the fall, school districts across the state are working to determine what's possible given the Governor's orders.
Given the evolving nature of the COVID-19 orders, we expect to get much more clarity on what the summer and next year will look like within the following month. I expect that we will continue to receive updated State guidance that will help us to make definitive plans around structures and approaches that we can use as we transition back from remote learning. I think it's clear that returning to normal will be a gradual process as opposed to the flipping of a switch.
With the inherent challenges we've been facing with remote learning, it will be critical that we determine how we'll support all students in making a transition back that addresses potential learning loss and gets all back on stable ground. As we plan for reopening, there are many things to consider. First and foremost is whether we will be able to keep our students and staff healthy and safe. We are purchasing cleaning supplies and PPEs, as are all of our neighbors. We are also considering a number of scenarios, as we do not yet know the exact health guidance at this time. Fall is likely to look like one of the following scenarios:
*Fully open with social distancing and PPEs in place and a virtual learning option available
*Fully closed or delayed opening with distance learning
*A hybrid:
-We open then have to close
-We open for some students but not all
-We open on a rotating schedule with both in-person and distance learning
As we begin to move closer to the end of this school year, there are questions around summer programming and care/camps that need to be addressed and resolved. Currently, we are waiting for additional instructions from the Agency of Education in regard to the summer safety guidelines that must be in place at school facilities. When we have this information, the District will finalize summer programming plans and publish them for families. We anticipate specific details will be available very soon.
As Vermont starts to open up and people begin to venture out from their homes, we ask that you please continue to follow the guidelines from the Vermont Department of Health and Governor Scott. Such as:
*Stay home when you are sick
*Frequently wash your hands for 20 seconds with soap and water or use an alcohol-based sanitizer
*In group settings always:
-Wear face covering
-Practice social distancing of six feet whenever possible
*Continue to disinfect high touch surfaces at home
I know that there are so many elements that remain uncertain. However, I believe we cannot underestimate the power of empathy, love and humanity. This framework will guide everything we do together. As always, please feel free to reach out if you have questions or concerns, or if you just want to converse. Have a great rest of your evening.
My best to you,
Catherine Gallagher, M.Ed.
Superintendent of Schools
Lamoille North Supervisory Union
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May 10, 2020
Dear Lamoille North Families and Staff,
Although our weather surprised me this weekend with what I should know is typical for Vermont (snow, sunshine and rain in the span of 24 hours), I am pleased that there are flowers in bloom wherever I look, reminders of spring around me and the promise of warmer weather and more time that can be spent outdoors.
On Friday, we received guidance from Secretary of Education, Dan French, concerning year-end celebrations, summer camps, and our school calendar. The guidance states that school year gatherings and graduations are limited to 10 people or less, with careful physical distancing and hygiene requirements. Any events with more than 10 people will need to occur virtually or by means other than in-person gatherings. You can read the guidance here. Even if this guidance changes for other social outings by graduation time, we still must abide by the 10-person rule.
Schools are being encouraged to plan creatively with their communities for opportunities to celebrate milestones and graduations. I know this news is likely disappointing to many, and we will be working to find innovative solutions that ensure celebrations will be safe and supportive of our students and their achievements. You can expect to hear more about celebrations from your Principals as we get closer to the end of the school year.
We have been told that we will abide by our published school calendar. Our final day of school for students will be June 15th. We will NOT resume in-person instruction this school year. With respect to the fall, we are planning for in-school instruction, but will plan for multiple scenarios given the guidance we receive in August on the current health modeling at that time. Rest assured that we will work diligently until we have turned over all the stones and answered all questions. Regardless of how we are educating next fall, our goal is that we will be doing so at the level of excellence our communities expect of us and our children deserve.
I continue to be amazed and humbled by all of the Lamoille North communities. Thank you for your continued support, smiles in the food pick-up line, and good wishes. We will see this through. Thank you for your patience, your understanding and your support as we navigate these unprecedented challenges. And as always, please reach out to me should you want to have a conversation. I always appreciate hearing from you.
My best to you,
Catherine Gallagher, M.Ed.
Superintendent of Schools
Lamoille North Supervisory Union
May 3, 2020
Dear Lamoille North Families and Staff:
Welcome to May! I hope you were able to enjoy the beautiful weather this weekend. It feels like we are truly welcoming spring with open arms and won't need to worry about snow anymore this year. This month always seems like a turning point in the year for me - I'm hopeful about many things and continue to unconditionally appreciate the people with whom I work and the families we serve.
COVID-19 related updates are currently all falling in the land of hypotheticals. As modeling indicates, we are being successful in slowing the spread of COVID-19 and as a result, Governor Phil Scott on Friday announced a third incremental, evidence-based step forward to put Vermonters back to work.
If able to comply with outlined safety measures, the Governor will allow the following operations to operate:
- Crews of 10 or fewer employees per location/job to perform outdoor work and construction work in unoccupied job sites. (Effective May 4th)
- Manufacturing and distribution operations may resume with a maximum of 10 employees in any location if they are low-density and ensure employees are always six feet apart. (Effective May 4th)
- Manufacturing, construction and distribution operations may restart with as few employees as necessary to permit full operations if they can meet all health and safety requirements, comply with ACCD guidance and develop enhanced training programs that expand on the Vermont Occupational Safety and Health Agency (VOSHA) training. (Effective May 11)
Governor Scott continues to highlight the importance of limiting the spread of the virus as the State plans subsequent restart measures. He states, "There is no playbook on what we can expect so we've focused on sectors like manufacturing and construction that have controlled environments, open space and built-in mechanisms and expertise in the areas of health and safety training. They'll be able to set an example for others as we look to do more in other sectors."
"We also have to recognize that states like Massachusetts, Connecticut, New Jersey and New York - states right on our borders and just a few hours away - are still confronting massive outbreaks and it only takes one spark, or one unhelpful decision, to reignite this fire. We all need to continue to be smart, cautious and disciplined to preserve our hard-earned gains," he added.
I think it is fair to say that we are cautiously optimistic that our collective work to stop the spread has been beneficial; however, we do not yet have a vaccination to prevent COVID-19 and are likely many months away from one. Until that time, we are vulnerable to the presence of this virus in our communities and its potential negative impacts.
At our District and School Board level, we are having wide-ranging conversations regarding our upcoming financial situation. The State fiscal office is predicting a significant shortfall in the education fund. We are awaiting guidance from the legislature as to how districts can collaborate with the State to better the situation.
Graduation and end-of-year celebration decisions are on hold until we know the rules and guidelines from the State on social distancing and what that means for gatherings of any kind. The Governor has been clear that all guidance will be based on health modeling and the science around this virus. We have been told this guidance will be coming out on or around May 8th. These decisions are not in our hands, but we are working diligently on ideas for how to celebrate our students and also keep them safe.
As some of you likely know, last week was Lunch Hero Week and this week is Teacher Appreciation Week. Personally, I have never been more proud of being a member of the Lamoille North staff as I have been throughout this pandemic. Please join me in celebrating all of our staff for their dedication and commitment to our students and families.
And as always, I am celebrating our collective strength in navigating this pandemic with grace and compassion. I am thankful for all the people who make up our local communities and beyond. Please feel free to reach out to me to let me know how you are or to just have a conversation.
My very best to you,
Skinny Pancake Shift Meals - Call the Skinny Pancake for pick up sites 802-540-0188
MREs (Meals Ready to Eat) will be distributed by the Vermont National Guard on Friday, May 1st Northeast Kingdom International Airport in Newport
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Dear Lamoille North Families and Staff:
I hope that your first week back from break has been one where you were able to reconnect with peers, colleagues, and take advantage of new opportunities for remote learning. Over the break, I reflected daily on our collective response to this public health crisis and find myself in awe of how resilient, flexible and optimistic all of you have been. I want to again express appreciation to students, families, staff, and the community as we negotiate this unique period. This last week, there were some days which actually felt like spring, and others that reminded us that winter can revisit at any time. As of today, we have several more weeks ahead of us before the end of the year. On approximately May 8th, the Governor and/or Secretary of Education will make definitive decisions about how the end of our school year will look.
I recognize that it is a particularly challenging time for seniors, and I want to call specific attention to that. Many of the traditional "end of high school" events and activities will look very different this year, and we wait to hear from the Governor and Secretary as to exactly what they may or may not look like. With any opportunity we have, we want to let our seniors know that we understand this is hard for them, and that we care and will do everything we can to make the best of them out of this situation.
This past week, we received guidance from the Vermont Agency of Education (VT AOE) on the following: suggested daily time limits for instruction, resources, a learning collaboration with PBS, and parameters around assessment of learning opportunities. From this guidance, our Acting Curriculum Director, Wendy Savery, crafted our seven-page Remote Learning Grading Plan. This document greatly reinforces a focus on relationships, opportunities to reinforce skills and deep exploration into new learning. There are two key sections I want to highlight:
The Vermont Agency of Education recommends the following total daily maximum academic engagement time:
- K-2: 90 minutes/day
- 3-5: 120 minutes/day
- 6-8: 180 minutes/day
- 9-12: 270 minutes/day
The Vermont Agency of Education recommends the following for grading:
Elementary Level K-6:
- All students will receive a narrative on their report cards.
- In addition, all students will be given an indication of preparedness, as follows:
Preparedness Indicators:
ME = Meets Expectations - Student completes or attempts assigned work and is engaged to a level appropriate to their circumstances.
NE = No Evidence - Student has not completed the assignments during the remote learning instructional period. Student will be given the
opportunity to submit work.
Secondary Level 7-12:
Academic and Preparedness Indicators
Academic Indicators for Final Report Card Based on 1-2 Prioritized Standards/Proficiencies for Each Course:
Pass (P): Students who show evidence of working toward proficiency, and are engaged during remote learning will receive a P on their report card/transcript.
Pass with Distinction (PD): Students who show evidence of working toward proficiency and also initiate a personal interest in learning that goes beyond the required
activities. Students will be required to engage with teachers in conversation around deepening the learning and how it will be demonstrated in the specific discipline/standard.
Incomplete (Inc): Students who do not consistently complete assignments or assessments in any of the learning opportunities within the course. Students will be given the opportunity to submit work.
Preparedness Indicators for Final Report Card:
ME = Meets Expectations - Student completes or attempts assigned work and is engaged to a level appropriate to their circumstances.
NE = No Evidence - Student has not completed assignments during the remote learning instructional period. Student will be given the opportunity to submit work.
Additionally, this plan includes descriptions of opportunities and expectations for Pre-K and for students attending (or hoping to attend next year), the Green Mountain Technical and Career Center (GMTCC). In summary, students are expected to “attend”, do their best and know that there will be opportunities to make up work missed.
We are also being offered other learning resources for students who seek even more learning opportunities. Vermont Public Broadcasting System (PBS) and the Agency of Education (AOE) are partnering to support continuity of learning for our students and school communities. This partnership provides access to free educational programming and distance learning resources through Vermont PBS At-Home Learning.
We are hopeful that our students will be engaged in their learning and connected to their school. Our teachers, specialists, and support staff are providing lessons and opportunities for your child to check-in, ask questions, and get any additional help when needed. If a student does not check-in with their classes, we will reach out to families to offer support and a plan for future connections. We understand that everyone has a different situation. We want to hear from all of you about what is working well and what is challenging. If you feel overwhelmed by remote learning and could benefit from some help, please reach out to our child's teacher(s), their guidance counselor, or your building's principal. We want the best for our students, not just academically, but from a whole health perspective.
As we look to the future, we remain committed to sustaining the learning opportunities and high-quality education that the Lamoille North communities value. However, we are also mindful of the extremely challenging economic circumstances affecting every Vermonter and the State as a whole. Given this, we are actively reviewing all vacant positions for the coming school year and essential purchases for the remainder of this budget year, and we will be reviewing all planned expenditures for the upcoming school year as well as we approach the start of next school year. Social distancing is likely to be a part of our daily lives in the future and economic pressure may take some time to resolve.
As we always have, we will address challenges thoughtfully, with determination and innovation. I truly believe that when this pandemic is in our past, it will be the simple things in life that we will appreciate more and it will be our connections to each other that will remain unforgotten. I am proud to be a part of this school community, today and always, and I remain ever grateful for all of you.
With warmest thoughts,
Catherine Gallagher, M.Ed.
Superintendent of Schools
Lamoille North Supervisory Union
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Eden Central School
140 Knowles Flat Road
Eden, Vermont 05652
(802)521-5500
April 22, 2020
Dear Families,
I hope that you are all managing during these challenging times. Please know that I am thinking of you and know that you are all doing your best.
I want to share with you that we are required by the Agency of Education to take attendance. We need to know that your children are engaging in some type of school related activities, daily. I might be cooking with you, planting seeds with you, reading, joining google classroom, watching videos from your child’s teacher, doing a worksheet, etc. and then communicating that to the teachers. Communication does not have to be daily. It is going to look different for different grade levels. In grades 4, 5 and 6 students using google classroom counts as attendance. In the younger grades it may be a once a week phone call with your child’s teacher. If you are in contact with anyone from the school, it counts.
I will be working with the district Student Attendance Specialist to reach out to any families we are not hearing from. If you have any questions, please call me or send me an email. 802.521-5501.
Thank you. Be well.
Melinda Mascolino
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Dear Lamoille North Families, Community Members, and Staff:
I hope this letter finds you healthy and safe. I know my own home/work life has evolved into some semblance of routine in this new, yet temporary, normal. My hope for you over April break was that you were able to take time to step back temporarily from the rigors of remote learning and to have some pressures lessen. As we return on Monday to remote learning, I would like to reiterate my appreciation for all of you as we work together through this unusual time, and to give you some updates.
Governor Phil Scott today outlined an approach for the phased restart of Vermont’s economy, emphasizing the State’s modeling indicates initial steps can be taken while the Stay Home, Stay Safe Order remains in effect. The following are additions to his executive order:
- Allows small crews for outside construction or other outdoor trade jobs, and single-worker, low- or no-contact professional services
- Clarifies guidance for retailers to allow additional operations using delivery and curbside service
- Outlines safety requirements for these entities and others already operating to ensure continued social distancing, hygiene and disinfection
The State’s latest modeling, presented today, shows the growth rate in new COVID-19 cases has averaged below 4% for the last 12 days, the rate at which cases double has slowed dramatically, and the number of people requiring hospitalizations remains stable. However, we must remain vigilant and continue to practice social distancing and adhere to the Stay Home, Stay Safe Order.
On or around May 8, Governor Scott and Secretary Dan French will issue guidance on end-of-year activities and anything else based on the health modeling of this virus. Also, all Vermont Schools have been tasked with developing Continuation of Learning Plans that will be in place for the remaining weeks of school. Specific information about the plans will be forthcoming later this week. To give you an overview, our plans will consist of the following guidelines and general ideas:
- Protecting our relationships and the mental health of our students, families, and educators remains our first priority.
- Emergency remote learning will not and cannot replicate in-school learning. Expectations within our grade bands (PreK, K-6, 7-8, 9-12) are different and should not be compared. Reporting and feedback will look different in each of our grade bands.
- Communication between schools and families is key. We recognize that some families will feel that we are perhaps not doing enough and others will feel that we are putting too many pressures on them. While an equitable plan for all may not be completely feasible, we’re trying our best to make it so. Per guidance from the Agency of Education, our staff will be asked to focus on one or two priorities for the remainder of the school year and to dive deeply into those priorities. Less, in this case, is most definitely more.
I recognize that guidance comes often from the Agency of Education and things appear to be ever changing. What does not change, however, is the determination, generosity and calm our staff and families have shown over the past several weeks.
Specifically, I send my gratitude to all of our staff who have risen to this challenge and continue to serve our families and students during this crisis. I am in awe of how quickly our school teams have made the changes and adaptations necessary to educate, nurture and support our students. They are true leaders and role models and I treasure each one of them.
Thank you to our families who are supporting their children, their own jobs, and each other. You have sent so many positive messages to our staff in recent days. Your support has served as strength for your children and us all as we work hard to continue our educational mission, despite the significant challenges all of us face.
And thank you to our community members who support our schools by volunteering, mentoring, and providing us with resources to ensure the social-emotional well being of our children. I appreciate the conversations I have had with so many of you and the connections we have made have touched me deeply.
With all of the changes that have presented themselves, I continue to be amazed and inspired by the determination of our students and staff each and every day. I thank you for your strength, acts of extraordinary kindness, and generosity of heart. I am thinking of all of you. As always, please feel free to reach out to me should you want to discuss anything or everything.
My very best to you,
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A huge thank you to our lunch crew feeding Eden and Waterville families!
Eddie the Eagle is missing all of you!
Remember, even though we are apart, ECS is one big family!
Be well everyone and keep it awesome :~)
Dear Lamoille North Families and Staff:
Per the most recent guidance from Governor Scott and the Vermont Department of Health (VDH) we have escalated contingency planning for the closing of schools for students by the end of the day Tuesday, March 17. This directive will last through April 6 - but may need to be extended.
Lamoille North schools will remain open on Monday and Tuesday. Parents may choose to keep their children home due to concerns related to COVID-19 or upon medical advice or guidance from the Vermont Department of Health. These absences will be excused. Other individual student work will not be sent home this week as faculty and staff will be focusing on keeping learning on track in schools, supporting all in following prevention guidelines, and planning for instruction and essential services remotely.
We are asking for your support and understanding with the following steps specific to the schools of Lamoille North:
1. Continue to stay home if you or your children are sick. Wash hands frequently with soap and water and avoid touching your face. Cover coughs or sneezes with a tissue, and keep a supply of essentials and medicines on hand.
2. Outside of school, please practice social distancing, including avoiding play dates, sleepovers, group gatherings, and unnecessary travel.
3. For the next two days please notify your child’s school if they will not be attending. Absences will be excused.
4. Visitors are asked not to enter the school building, except when necessary for educational services. Please call your school office and remain in the lobby or entrance area if it is necessary to approach the building.
5. Student-led and family/teacher conferences for this week are postponed. More information will follow on options for teachers, parents, and student communication options later.
6. School-specific communications about plans for remote student learning will follow within the week.
7. We will begin providing meals for all youth up to 18 as soon as possible. Look for more information soon.
8. For ongoing communications, we will continue to provide updates as quickly as we have them.
We are continuously monitoring local developments and consult daily with the Vermont Department of Health and Agency of Education and will take additional local action as needed. Many of you have extended offers of help and we are immensely grateful for that. We will work hard this week to ensure fluidity of operations and to be ready with our plan to continue to support the needs of our students and families. We are fortunate to be a part of such a caring community.
My best to you,
Catherine Gallagher
Superintendent of Schools
Lamoille North Supervisory Union
https://ecollect.accelaschool.com/lnsu
Kindergarten Meet the Teacher Night
The Kindergarten room will be open
Thursday, August 22nd
between 4:00 and 6:00 pm.
Drop in at your convenience. This is a chance to bring your child in to see our room, pick out their cubby, explore classroom materials, and feel more comfortable before school starts. I will be available to answer any questions and/or concerns you may have about the upcoming school year.
Michael leading all of ECS students and staff in a drum circle
Mrs. Miller awarded reading awards to over half of our students for meeting their
reading goals!
The Clif Grant enriched each of our students with a 2 book give-a-way!
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Merger Informational Meeting
Monday, Feb. 11, 2019
6:00 pm at GMTCC, Community Education Center
Everyone and anyone is welcome. Come to ask your questions, and voice your opinions on the LNMUUSD vote to accept Cambridge School District as a
PreK‐12 member.
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MERGER VOTE
Tuesday, Feb. 19, 2019
7:00 am – 7:00 pm
At all the usual polling places in your town of residence
Ballot Language:
“Shall Lamoille North Modified Unified Union School District accept Cambridge Elementary School District as a full member of the Lamoille North Modified Unified Union School District, effective July 1, 2019, under the terms of Articles of Agreement certified by the Secretary of the Agency of Education on May 25, 2016, per the State Board of Education’s Final Report of Decisions and Order on Statewide School District Merger Decisions (Pursuant to Act 46, Sections 8(b) and 10) dated November 28, 2018.”
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A “YES” vote means:
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A “NO” vote means:
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• Cambridge will become a full PreK‐12 member of Lamoille North Unified Union School District (UUSD) • The PreK‐12 tax rate for Cambridge will reflect the tax rate reductions under Act 46 for the two remaining years for which the LNMUUSD is currently eligible; 4 cents in 2020, and 2 cents in 2021 • The supervisory union structure dissolves and the UUSD becomes its own single‐district SU • Grant funds are available to facilitate the transition into a UUSD |
The three entities, Lamoille North SU, Lamoille North MUUSD, and Cambridge Elementary continue unless and until: o Cambridge School District and LNMUUSD merge into a single UUSD pursuant to 16 V.S.A. §721 o The State Board of Education chooses to expand the boundaries of Lamoille North SU so that it has more than its two current members pursuant to 16 V.S.A. §261(a) o The Legislature enacts legislation requiring some other specific change in the structure of the districts or the SU |
The LNMUUSD Act 46 Articles of Agreement may be found on the LNSU website, www.lnsu.org.
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* ECS first graders sharing facts about the planets *
*5th graders sharing facts from their informational text research*
GApps & Chromebooks! Oh,MY!Just for Families |
