March 16 - We can do this!

Hello all, 

 We are creative, empathetic, and thoughtful people. We have an incredible diversity of talent, skill, and knowledge. We have the capacity to manage this unprecedented situation.

We have problems to solve that haven't existed before today. There is no answer sheet. Fortunately,  you know how to work together and how to solve problems. By staying focused on our students and each other, we will develop a logical, sound, and supportive plan to both continue learning and keep us all as safe (physically & emotionally) as possible. 

I know there are concerns, opinions, facts and non-facts swirling about us. I hear your ideas and worries (and thank you for your calls and emails). Please stay patient and trust that your colleagues and leaders are working as I write to give you the proper guidance, tools, and confidence to sort through our current dilemma. 

Words to live by right now - your words! 

I anticipate providing an update with some details and next steps this evening. At the moment, please prepare for school this week as best as you can. I have no doubt that you will be met with questions and concerns from students the moment you enter the building. I hope to have consistent talking points for you prior to the start of classes. Be confident and don't be afraid to say "I don't know...I'll try to find out for you...or we will probably hear soon about that question."  I expect the talking points to address topics, similar to, but not limited to, those listed below. However, we will not have answers to all questions. 

- When and/or will we dismiss school? 
- If school is dismissed, how will the learning (and supports: food, services, counseling) continue?
- What if I don't want to come to school? 
- How is the school keeping us safe? 
- Is coming to school increasing the potential spread of this virus?
- Are we still having conferences?
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Calendar (subject to change)

3/16 -  Best Practice - Planning for the week and dismissal
3/19 - Early Release
3/20 - Conferences
3/23 - LSUU In-Service
3/30 -  Best Practice - Transfer Teams
4/30 - Youth Climate Rally in Montpelier
6/16 - Current last day of School
6/17-18 - Current In-Service days
6/?? - Graduation Date still TBD (Monday night)

Tech Drop in Schedule (Thursdays 3-4 PA Library)

Co-Curricular Schedule - Everything is currently postponed

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Link:
Posted 3/14, Saturday:
Secretary of Education - letter on school closure

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TA This Week

Tuesday 3/17 - Announcements & Flex sign up

How to earn TA Challenge points: 

Monday 3/16-Earn 1 point for your TA if any 2 people from your TA wear three articles of either green/gold or PA gear. Email a photo by the end of the day to any Culture Committee member, Dan or MIchele to document your PA spirit.

Tuesday 3/17-Share an act of kindness with your partner TA. Email a photo or video by the end of the day to any Culture Committee member, Dan or Michele and earn your TA 2 points. 

Wednesday 3/18-Have one member from your TA dress up as your TA advisor. Email a photo by the end of the to any Culture Committee member, Dan or MIchele to earn your TA 2 additional points. 

Friday 3/20 - No TA - No School

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Schoolwide Happenings

When was the last time that you touched a Panda (....during English Class)? 

FYI  - Food service message below: 

In response to the current developments in the outbreak of respiratory illness caused by COVID-19, all schools in the Lamoille South Unified Union are taking the following steps:

                                                  

                                                           

                                                           

-        Staff training in food safety is being refreshed in all schools including proper hand washing techniques, proper glove usage and sanitizing procedures.

-       Staff have been briefed on the symptoms of the virus and instructed to remain at home if they feel sick.

-        New hand washing signs have been put up in all kitchens in each school.

-       Hand sanitizer is placed at the beginning of each serving line.

-       New pin pads have been ordered to allow for barcode readings instead of typing in pin number

-        Pin pads and touch screens are to be sanitized intermittently during service.

-       Tongs used at salad bars are to be washed between meal services and starting Monday we will switch to below.

-       Salad bar options will be pre-portioned into individual serving containers. (sorry for the temporary increase in trash)

Celebrations: 

Spring is coming

Happy Birthday: Dalton Gomez (3/23)