E-News May 21, 2021
Vergennes Union High School
We're Back!
Dear Middle and High School Families,
Our return to full-time has been incredibly smooth and everyone has quickly settled back into a regular school routine. The weather is cooperating for lunch outdoors and a quick lap around the building is the norm for most classes as a way to take a mask break. We are taking advantage of the increased instructional time to prepare for the rapidly approaching end of the school year.
My email is full of questions about the end of the year. Here is what we know for sure. As other plans firm up I'll communicate them broadly.
- The last day of school is Tuesday, June 15, a half-day for students.
- The seniors will be holding their annual walkathon on Monday, May 24 and the cause they've selected to support is Alzheimer's.
- The choral department is holding an outdoor concert on Sunday, May 30 at 3:00 near the high school gym entrance. This is a folk themed concert that features many soloists and our amazing faculty musicians, Julia, Billy and Chris.
- The Junior/Senior Prom will be held on Sunday, May 30.
- Graduation will be held on Friday, June 11 at 6:00pm and it will look much like our traditional graduation but will be outside.
- The 8th grade will also be celebrating their accomplishments in a step-up ceremony on Tuesday, June 15 but we don't yet know what that will look like.
Thank you for your continued support as we navigate this strange year and work towards a strong finish.
Stephanie
Vaccine Updates and a Masking Reminder
Our COVID free streak continues however, there is some confusion around mask requirements. Please note and remind your students that all Vermont schools continue to follow the Strong and Healthy Year masking guidance. All staff and students are still required to wear facial coverings while in the building, regardless of their vaccination status. They must also wear them when outside of the building if adequate social distancing cannot be maintained.
VACCINE UPDATES
Please don’t forget students ages 12+ are eligible to receive their COVID-19 vaccine.
There are still appointments available for the COVID-19 vaccination clinic happening on Monday, May 24th in the Middle School Gym from 1-6pm. Here is the site to register. All students 12 and up are eligible to be vaccinated. Anyone who is unable to make their appointment online needs help, or who wants to speak with someone in a language other than English can call (855) 722-7878 and press 1 for interpretation services.
If your student attends VUHS and you register for an appointment during the school day, your child will be able to attend their vaccine appointment while at school. You do not need to be present, but you are welcome to attend with them if that would be helpful. If your child attends the clinic without you, they must have a signed Hannaford consent form and will be asked to confirm the answers to health questions that were part of the registration process. We also encourage you to make an appointment for yourself if you are not yet vaccinated! The consent form is available for download below and if call the main office at 877-2938, you can pick one up to complete in advance.
Walk-Ins
The best way to ensure a dose is available for your child is to register in advance, but depending on how many registrations are made, we expect there to be a limited number of walk-in doses available. If your child takes advantage of a walk-in appointment, we will need to get your consent for them to be vaccinated and you will have to attend with them.
ANWSD MAUSD Merger Study Commitee Invitation
To the Residents of the Waltham, Panton, Addison, Vergennes and Ferrisburgh,
Over the last 20 years, our school district has seen our school age population shrink by -35% and we will lose another -10% of our total student attendance into the future. These declines result in decreased revenues and that decrease places enormous pressure on our capacity to maintain excellent educational programs for all of our students at a cost acceptable to our taxpayers.
Due to continued declining student population and the resulting decreased revenue across the schools of Addison County, the school boards of Addison Northwest School District and Mount Abraham Unified Union School have agreed to form a Merger Study Committee (per 16 VSA §706) to analyze the advisability of forming a Union School District. The Committee’s work ideally will be completed within a timeframe that will allow a vote on a proposed plan by Town Meeting Day 2022.
To form this committee, the School Boards encourage community members who have the time, interest and commitment to be part of this work. If you are willing to serve in this capacity, please contact us. Meetings will most likely be held one to two times a month between late June 2021 and January 2022, though the final meeting schedule will be determined by the Committee once formed.
All interested community members from any of the ANWSD five-towns are asked to send a letter of interest to the ANWSD Board Chair, John Stroup jstroup@anwsd.org not later than June 1, 2021. Community participants will be appointed at a respective School Board meeting in the month of June. For further information please contact Chair Stroup or the Superintendent of Schools, Sheila Soule ssoule@anwsd.org.
News From the School Counseling Office
May 21, 2021
An opportunity for high school students:
NWHE Student Program
Our institutions are also hosting a virtual information session for students and their families. Thank you for helping us spread the word.
Sunday, May 23, 4:00 - 5:00 pm EDT
RSVPs are required to receive the Zoom link.
Each admission officer will share about their institution for a few minutes before responding to live and pre-submitted questions.
We look forward to sharing with you and your students as we navigate the coming academic year.
News From PAHCC
May 2021 Hannaford Career Center Newsletter Check out what's happening in a number of different programs at the Hannaford Career Center. There's still room in several programs, so consider applying.
VUHS
Email: staylor@anwsd.org
Website: www.vuhs.org
Location: 50 Monkton Road, Vergennes, VT 05491
Phone: (802) 877-2938
Facebook: www.facebook.com/anwsdvt
Twitter: @Steph_Taylor