This page has the most up to date information relating to COVID-19 and our schools. The situation is evolving and this site will be updated as new information becomes available.
Health and Safety Protocols
All schools will follow health and safety protocols from the Vermont Department of Health and Centers for Disease Control. These include hand hygiene, wearing of face masks and maintaining physical distance. Students and staff must stay home if they:
- show symptoms of COVID-19, such as a cough, shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, chills, repeated shaking with chills, muscle pain, headache, sore throat, or new loss of taste or smell;
- have a fever (temperature higher than 100°F); or
- have a significant new rash, particularly when other symptoms are present.
If COVID-19 is confirmed in a student or staff member, the district will follow cleaning and disinfecting guidelines established by our Vermont agencies. Anyone diagnosed with COVID-19 should follow the guidelines set forth by the Vermont Department of Health.
LSUU Return to School Handbook 2021-22
Up-to-date COVID-19 information:
Community Commitment
Recognizing that community (not school) transmission has been the primary mode of infection, students, families, and staff should make extra effort to avoid large gatherings and other situations that put them at greater risk for exposure while school is in session. No formal health screening process will be conducted, but students and staff who are sick should stay home. This will be the most effective way to keep our schools safe and healthy.
We need everyone’s help to keep all children, staff, family members, and our community safe. Masks are required for all adults and children in school settings and for arrival and pick-up.
Throughout the year, please avoid non-essential travel and comply with current state quarantine requirements and requested school protocols.
Cleaning Procedures
Classrooms will have sanitizing/cleaning products that can be used to clean surfaces as needed. Common areas will be cleaned throughout the day, including frequently touched surfaces and doors.
Our HVAC (air handling systems) in each of our buildings are regularly monitored to ensure that they operate as designed. We have worked closely with Efficiency Vermont to make improvements in our systems and are confident that our schools’ HVAC systems meet or exceed targets for COVID mitigation.
Student Arrival and Transportation (Including Riding the Bus)
Buses and arrival procedures will be similar to pre-COVID operations. Students will begin to arrive at 7:30 a.m. and go to classrooms and/or designated spaces.
For students traveling to school by bus, parents are asked to supervise their student(s) until they are on the bus. Masks are required for all individuals at bus stops and on the bus. Students will have assigned seats and will be spaced out on the bus to provide physical distance. School buses will be cleaned and disinfected following health guidance.
Student Schedules and Attendance
The school day will follow the normal school start and end times. Attendance will be taken each day.
Visitors
Visitors and volunteers are allowed subject to approval from the building principal to ensure necessary health precautions are in place. A screening process will be in place for all visitors.
Learning and Assessment
LSUU schools are currently providing in-person learning, five days per week.
Alternatively, some students in grades K-12 will participate in a fully on-line learning opportunity for the 2021-2022 school year through the Vermont Virtual Learning Collaborative (VTVLC). There is limited availability, and priority will be given to students and families with COVID-related concerns.
Social-Emotional Well-Being
The social-emotional well-being for students, families, faculty and staff is a top priority. We know that trusting relationships and social connections are critical to development. We also know that the human brain is resilient when it feels safe, understood, and connected. LSUU is working with staff, students, and parents to develop new rituals and routines and opportunities to connect. We partner with community agencies in this work.
Student and Family Communications and Supports
Updates from the superintendent and principals will be provided frequently. Information will also be available on the News and Announcements page. Time-sensitive information and emergency announcements will be made as needed using our emergency communication system and may be sent via phone, text and email. Our schools must be flexible and responsive to changing health and safety circumstances in our region, new developments in health and safety guidance and areas where we can enhance our practices as a part of our commitment to continuous improvement. We are committed to keeping all informed, engaging feedback and partnering with you for safe and healthy schools, families, and communities.