12/1/20
Dear Families,
As we go about this week of distance learning, please keep in mind that Governor Scott’s ban on multi-household social gatherings is still in effect. If anyone in your household participated in a multi-household gathering or event, traveled out of state, or had more than 15 minutes of contact with a visitor from out-of-state over the Thanksgiving break, all members of your household should either quarantine for seven days after your last possible exposure and/or point of contact and then get a COVID-19 test OR quarantine for 14 days after your last possible exposure and/or point of contact. If you have any questions or need clarification, please contact School Nurse Kaitlyn Hewson at 802-442-5955 or khewson@vsnb.org.
We expect to be able to return to school for in-person instruction on Monday, December 7. If anyone has not been following the Governor’s orders or has concerns about possible COVID-19 exposure, please take time this week to get a COVID-19 test or quarantine according to the recommendations above BEFORE school reopens next week. It is important to remember that asymptomatic people can spread the virus just as readily as those who are symptomatic. Please refer to the SVMC website for more information on quarantining and getting tested: https://svhealthcare.org/COVID-19.
Regarding Governor Scott’s Addendum 8 to his Executive Order suspending multi-household social gatherings, please note the following important clarification that was made on Nov. 23: Gathering in pre-established “pods” related to education and/or childcare remains allowable (whereas, pods related to social activity or informal play groups are prohibited at this time and new pods of any kind are discouraged). Click here to read the full guidance on the Vermont Agency of Education website. We hope this information may be helpful as you support your students’ learning at home this week.
Thank you again for bearing with us through the last-minute change to distance learning and for understanding we are doing our best to help keep our school community safe. We know this is not an easy adjustment for families, and we value your flexibility and support as we navigate these challenging times together.
Warm regards,
Tim Newbold
