As Vermont begins to open back up, we must still be mindful of important practices that will keep our community strong and healthy. A few key reminders:

Masks

While people who are fully vaccinated are no longer required to wear a mask or maintain a 6-foot distance from others, there are some exceptions, including in schools.

Travel

Travel to and from Vermont no longer requires testing or quarantine. (Rules for visitors from other countries are different. Learn more about international travel.)

Gatherings

Indoor gatherings: There can be one unvaccinated person per 50 square feet up to 300 unvaccinated people (whichever is less), plus any number of fully vaccinated people.

Outdoor gatherings: There can be 900 unvaccinated people, plus any number of fully vaccinated people.

• To view the full Vermont Forward Plan, visit vermont.gov/vermont-forward.

• To view the updated executive order, click here.

• For vaccination information, visit healthvermont.gov/MyVaccine

• What You Need to Know about COVID-19 Vaccines and Kids from the Vermont Department of Health, the Vermont Child Health Improvement Project and the Vermont Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics.
• Local Pediatrician Online Conversations on the COVID-19 Vaccine for Kids organized by the Vermont Department of Health.
• Pfizer BioNTech Fact Sheet for Recipients and Caregivers (EUA) - FDA's Emergency Use Authorization for use in individuals 12 years of age and older.

To ensure that children who rely on free or reduced-price meals at school are able to get the nutrition they need, the USDA is working with states to continue providing meals to students. Usually, the rules require that children gather and eat their meals on site. However, due to the exceptional circumstances of this public health emergency and the need for social distancing, the USDA was able to make temporary changes so that meals may be taken home, and parents or guardians may pick meals for their children if the state allows. Families can use this tool to find directions to nearby sites as well as hours of operation and contact information. Click here: Find Meals for Kids When Schools Are Closed - USDA-FNS

The Vermont Foodbank is excited to announce the launch of Full Plates VT. Full Plates VT will distribute food boxes, made up of produce and other fresh and shelf-stable items, at drive through style distribution sites throughout all fourteen counties in Vermont. The program is currently scheduled to run from June – September, 2021. New dates will continue to be added to the registration website so please continue to check-back for new distributions. Click here: Full Plates VT

A big thank you to our generous PTO for securing this amazing opportunity for our students this week! We had a blast with Circus Smirkus! A special thank you to Michelle Hines-Tomlinson for coming in to make sure everything was set up and sanitized between outdoor classes!

The students had a grand time! A huge thank you to Circus Smirkus for providing a grant to help make this residency happen for the school. Thank you Josh Shack, their program director for scheduling classes and then working with students outside and in person two days a week. Thank you Nettie, his assistant in making the virtual classes so fun and silly with your magical harmonica. We had circus music throughout the school and lots of giggles!

In fact, our students had so much fun with the residency, our annual Fun Day (the last day of school) will be a circus/carnival theme! Planning is well underway - be sure to check out the latest PTO minutes (click the button at the end of this newsletter, labeled PTO) to see how you can help!

If your students are looking for more opportunities for clowning around this summer, check out the Circus Smirkus Camp in Greensboro.

Come learn about Rice Memorial High School. You will have the chance to meet administration, teachers, student and parent ambassadors outdoors on the green.

If you have any questions or would like a group tour of the school, please email Stacy Bessette at bessette@rmhsvt.org. Tours will be at 10am and 10:30am.*

* Space is limited for a tour, and you must reserve your spot to attend.

May 28 - Claussen's flower PICK UP

May 31 - No School - No ASP - Memorial Day

June 11 - Last day of school - dismissal at noon

June 11 - 8th grade graduation