From the Superintendent's Desk
Mark Tucker, M.A. - Caledonia Central Supervisory Union
Governor Directs Orderly Dismissal of Schools by Wednesday
What is New
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Governor Phil Scott has announced a Continuity of Education Plan for the orderly dismissal of all schools, and cancellation of all school related activities, no later than Wednesday, March 18. This directive . . . will last through April 6 -- but may very well be extended for a longer period.
The schools in CCSU will be open tomorrow morning on schedule. Parents who do not wish to send their children to school do not have to, but in the alternative there needs to be some coordination to allow children to retrieve items from school. If you send your children to school tomorrow, which I still believe to be a safe decision, ask them to collect any belongings and books that they will need for at least the next three weeks. If you do not send your children to school, please wait for a message from your school Principal on how and when to come to school to collect your children’s personal items.
Governor Scott’s directive will task local districts with three key components to support the State response:
- Food and special needs services for children;
- Collaborating with the state to provide childcare options for healthcare workers and others essential to the response; and
- Systems for ensuring maintenance of education during the initial dismissal; and a continuing education plan if schools are dismissed for an extended period.
Work to accomplish these three components has been underway for more than two weeks, as we have anticipated the eventual closing of the schools. We will be disseminating information to all of our families in the next couple of days as we firm up arrangements to meet these obligations.
“The orderly dismissal of schools is essential to support both the State’s response to COVID-19 and the needs of children and families across Vermont,” Governor Scott said. “We must ensure children are safe, nourished, and still learning even as the traditional structure of school is disrupted. The work of educators will be essential in this effort.”
Governor Scott continued: “This is a moment of service for all of us. I know that educators across Vermont will do their part to support students and families. I’ve asked the Agency of Education to work with superintendents and local districts to ensure every child continues to receive the services they need from their schools, as well as assignments to take home to continue their academic studies.”
Much more to follow as we fine-tune our response and support systems.
Sincerely,
Mark Tucker, M.A.
Superintendent, Caledonia Central SU
Note: This is the fifth in a series of newsletters as we learn about the the impact of Coronavirus in our schools and communities.
Disclaimer: Nothing in this newsletter is meant to substitute for medical advice from your family practitioner