VACCINATION INFORMATION REQUESTED: In order to know if we can relax masking requirements, we need to know who is vaccinated in our student body. Knowing this information also makes it much quicker to contact trace when a positive case exists, as vaccinated students do not need to quarantine. Please send a copy of your child’s vaccination card to your school nurse to help us reach the 80% student body indicator.
MASK REQUIREMENTS EXTENDED TO NOVEMBER 1: The governor extended his mask recommendation to Nov 1, still with the caveat that a school with 80% or more of the eligible student body vaccinated - may relax the guidelines.
STAFFING AND BUS DISRUPTIONS: We continue to have significant issues with finding substitute teachers and bus drivers. Like our colleagues around us, we are not fully staffed and we are not getting applicants. The result is that buses are being asked to do double runs, making some kids late and others very early. This schedule changes on a daily basis in response to what staffing we do have. This is very disruptive to families and we deeply regret this. If you know of anyone interested in being a bus driver or a substitute teacher, please have them contact our HR department. We are in dire need!
REMINDER - NO SCHOOL TOMORROW OCTOBER 8th: Our calendar has an October break weekend starting tomorrow, Friday, October 8th. Students have no school on October 8th and return to class on Monday, October 11th.
~ From Lothrop Principal 9/30:
Bus 2 will be picked up by Bus #26 and run about 30 minutes late this morning. #26 will be on time for the AM.
In the afternoon, Bus #26 will bring home #26 and #2, so drop off times will be similar to yesterday.
Friday plan to come!
SCHOOL BOARD MEETINGS: In August, Board meetings returned to in-person meetings with a zoom option for those who wish to attend virtually. Meeting information can be found on the district calendar or on the district website: OVUU Board meets Oct. 5 (Date changed to October 5 from October 6), 6 PM @ OVUHS. RNESU Board meets Oct. 20, 5 PM.
~from Lothrop Principal:
I just heard from our RNESU that Bus 2 will be about 30 minutes late again tomorrow morning 9/29 and possibly Thursday.
Bus 26 and Bus 2 will combine for the afternoon run, and times for drop off will vary as they have for the past couple of days.
UPDATE - RNESU Phone System Issues Continue - Outgoing and Incoming phone service may be erratic, especially one party not hearing the other party.
We are aware of and have reported these issues. We apologize for this inconvenience and appreciate your patience. During this time, please consider using email and Let's Talk to reach us.
~ From Lothrop Principal 9/28:
Bus 2 will be picked up by Bus #26 and run about 30 minutes late this morning. #26 will be on time for the AM.
In the afternoon, Bus #26 will bring home #26 and #2, so drop off times will be similar to yesterday.
~Message from Lothrop Principal
Bus 26 and Bus 2 learners will all ride on Bus 26 this afternoon. Drop off times will likely be a bit off.
SCHOOL SAFETY HOTLINE: All Vermonters now have access to a new anonymous school safety tip line. The purpose of this tip line is to enhance school safety and security by providing students, faculty, staff and members of the community with a tool to report concerning behaviors that may have a negative impact on our schools. These tips will assist law enforcement, human service providers and school administrators in identifying school threats and coordinating assistance to students and families for services not needing an immediate response.
Submitted tips will be received 24 hours a day/7 days a week and will be assessed to determine if an immediate action from law enforcement or other first responders is needed. Tips that are determined to not need immediate attention, will be directed to VT 211 (United Way) and/or appropriate school officials for additional services.
Any student, parent/guardian, educator or member of the community can utilize this tip line at no cost. All tips are anonymous.
There are three ways to submit a tip: (1)Go to www.SAFE4VT.org and click on “Submit a Tip”, then fill out the form with your information. (2) Dial (844) SAFE4VT or (844) 723-3488 and speak with a call taker. (3) Send a text to 274637, type in keyword SAFE4VT and then your tip. Please share this information far and wide. Thank you!
Bus 2 will run about 30 minutes late today due to a shortage of drivers. Learners will be picked up by Bus 26. Sorry for the inconvenience.
COVID TESTING TIPS: Local doctor’s offices have told us that they may not be able to test students who are deemed a close contact unless they have symptoms, as their offices are too busy with people who are ill. It is highly recommended that an appointment for testing at one of the many state sites be made. You can do this online at the link below. As always, if you or your child have symptoms, however, please do reach out to your medical provider.
In mid October or after, we hope to offer free weekly optional testing for all staff and students right at school. Stay tuned for more information on this.
Where to test: https://www.healthvermont.gov/covid-19/testing/where-get-tested
What to do when COVID-19 is in PreK-12 School, Child Care, Camps and Out of School Programs. If only a few in a classroom are quarantined, we likely will continue with the class in session as those few quarantine. If a large number within a class is affected by the exposure, we may need to close the class and teach remotely during quarantine. If this occurs, we likely will give the teacher one day to pivot and prepare both synchronous and asynchronous lessons and will help make sure all students have the technology they need. This is one important reason we continue to provide a Chromebook to all students this year and ask teachers to post homework on Google Classroom or SeeSaw.
What to Expect if We Have a COVID Case in the School. When a student or staff member identifies symptoms or exposure to someone with symptoms, we immediately begin a process called Contact Tracing. The current process has us identify anyone who was within 6 feet of that person for 15 minutes or more or was within the classroom for more than four hours with the sick person. We then follow the VT Dept. of Health guidelines and notify the close contacts of the requirements to quarantine and get tested. You can read the guidelines by visiting: https://www.healthvermont.gov/sites/default/files/documents/pdf/COVID-19-ContactTracing-Actions-School-Care.pdf?fbclid=IwAR2yFXtOQXBlTHq1LM2rTTqDhDQnwe2N-MBoNwfMhzMeicmS_Td8u3MA_tg
Resources to Support Families with Unstable Housing: From time to time, our families face financial or housing challenges, especially during the pandemic. There is a federal law that provides educational stability and resources for families in need. We have started a web page to capture this information. Check it out here and if you need support, please reach out to your school guidance counselor who can help connect you. https://www.rnesu.org/page/services-for-homeless
Grade 6 scientists launch rockets at the VTNG Armory!
Grade 6 scientists launch rockets at the VTNG Armory!
Resources to Support Families with Unstable Housing: From time to time, our families face financial or housing challenges, especially during the pandemic. There is a federal law that provides educational stability and resources for families in need. We have started a web page to capture this information. Check it out here and if you need support, please reach out to your school guidance counselor who can help connect you. https://www.rnesu.org/page/services-for-homeless
VEGGIE VAN GO: On Monday, Sept 20, from 10 AM - 11 AM, the Vermont Foodbank will distribute free fruits and veggies at Otter Valley Middle and High School, 2997 Franklin St, Brandon, VT 05733, through their Veggie Van Go Program. All families of school children and staff are welcome!!
This free monthly produce distribution (3rd Monday of each month) event is open to all students, families, and staff affiliated with all Rutland Northeast Supervisory Union Schools: Barstow Memorial, Lothrop Elementary, Neshobe Elementary, Otter Creek Academy at Leicester, Sudbury and Whiting., & Otter Valley Middle and High School. There are no eligibility requirements and no reservations needed.
We need 6 volunteers on Monday, Sept 20 from 9:30- 11 am. If you or anyone you know is interested in joining us, please feel free to register here: https://vtfoodbank.volunteerhub.com/ . Any questions? Please feel free to contact Volunteer Services anytime or encourage anyone you know with questions to get in touch at volunteer@vtfoodbank.org