COVID-19 Updates and Guidance for Schools
This section of the Weekly Field Memo contains updates to COVID-19 guidance from the Vermont Agency of Education released since the last Weekly Field Memo. For a complete list of AOE-issued guidance, please visit our COVID-19 Guidance for Vermont Schools and Continuity of Learning websites. For the most comprehensive and up-to-date information on the COVID-19 response in Vermont, visit the Health Department's Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) website.
Guidance: Elections
Audience: Superintendents, Principals, Facilities Managers
Since last week's Weekly Field Memo, the Agency of Education has issued Use of School Facilities and Elections (7/8)
Contact: Ted Fisher at ted.fisher@vermont.gov
Guidance: Continuity of Learning
Audience: PreK-12 Educators
Since last week's Weekly Field Memo, the Agency of Education has issued How Educators Can Integrate PBS Programming and Resources into PreK-12 Instruction for Summer Programs (7/7).
Contact: Emily Leute at emily.leute@vermont.gov
Vermont PBS: Raffle Winner and Summer Program Schedule
Audience: Curriculum Directors, Principals, PreK-12 Teachers
Congratulations to Sam Nelson, a teacher at Shelburne Community School, for winning the $100 Kiss the Cook gift certificate donated by Vermont PBS! Sam was selected randomly from the group of educators and parents who completed the PBS survey in June. Completion of the survey was the only requirement for eligibility. The information from the survey will be used to inform how the AOE and PBS move forward in their efforts to provide high-quality programming and supplemental materials to support children’s learning. The Vermont PBS Week-Ahead Program Schedule for the week of July 13, 2020, is now available. For the summer months, the schedule is only focused on two channels, the Main and Plus+. Since school is out, please pass this information along to families.
Contacts: Pat Fitzsimmons at pat.fitzsimmons@vermont.org or Heather Duhamel at hduhamel@vermontpbs.org
Courtesy Posts
The views, opinions and resources shared in this section of the WFM are solely those of the original contributors. The Agency of Education does not endorse the views expressed by these contributors and reserves the right to refuse submissions. Questions related to any of these resources should be directed to the organizations, people and opportunities as shared. Please refer to the Weekly Field Memo submission guidelines for additional information.
Until further notice, the Courtesy Posts will only include posts related to in-person training, events or meetings if they affirmatively comply with current health guidance from the Vermont Department of Health, the Agency of Commerce and Community Development and/or the Vermont Agency of Education.
Seesaw for Schools Partnership for Vermont Schools
Vita-Learn has been able to obtain a discounted pricing agreement for SEESAW for Schools for Vermont Schools. Learn more about how you can become part of this partnership agreement for this learning journal, portfolio tool and parent communication tool on the Vita-Learn website.
Contact: Lucie deLaBruere at ignite@vita-learn.org or (802) 557-0013
Professional Learning for Administrators and Leaders: Creating Gender-Affirming School Environments Live Virtual Workshop
Vermont’s Youth Risk Behavior Survey data continues to paint a clear and alarming picture of the disproportionate rate at which transgender and gender-expansive youth are among our most vulnerable. VT-HEC is joining with Outright VT for this virtual workshop on August 14, 2020, as we lean into the who, what, where, when, why, and, most importantly, how of creating affirming environments for all Vermont’s children and youth across a spectrum of gender. You will leave with a road map for how to bring your staff, students and families alongside you as you foster a climate and culture that remains current with an ever-changing gender landscape.
Contact: Julie Medose at info@vthec.org or (802) 498-3350
Dyslexia, Dysgraphia, & Assessment: 90-minute professional development webinars
Learning to read and write is complex. When difficulties arise, as they do for many children, effective intervention hinges on accurate, well-designed assessment. Join the Stern Center for a series of 90-minute webinars with Melissa Farrall, Ph.D, a renowned expert on reading, language and assessment. Dr. Farrall will unravel the complexity of reading and writing, unpack the components of an evaluation targeting these areas, and guide practitioners in assessing literacy and providing targeted recommendations for intervention. Register for two or more webinars and receive a discount. Recordings available.
Contact: SJ Larkspur at slarkspur@sterncenter.org
Tools for Anti-Racist Teaching: A Virtual Professional Learning Series from PBS Teacher
Educators are acutely aware of the impact of systemic racism and the inequities that exist in the education system. Because of this, teachers are uniquely positioned to create immediate, positive change in the fight against anti-Black racism. In this four-part series, teachers will explore tools for anti-racist teaching and will consider the ways to use media and media literacy to deepen our understanding of systemic racism. This series is designed to introduce curated anti-racism resources, support learnings of anti-Black racism, share innovative ways to integrate media into inclusive teaching practices and amplify your Black students’ voices and experiences. By attending, teachers will reflect on systemic oppression within education, and leave with new tools and ideas for creating lasting change in the classroom. July 21, 23, 28 and 30 at noon. Register online.
Contact: Heather Duhamel at hduhamel@vermontpbs.org
Training Opportunities from Prevent Child Abuse Vermont
Become a facilitator of Overcoming Barriers to Protecting Children from Sexual Abuse© in a virtual 6-hour training (three sessions). Learn to teach adults how to recognize and respond to grooming behaviors to keep children safe. Become a facilitator of TECHNICOOL: Keeping Kids Safe on the Internet© in a virtual 6-hour training (three sessions). Learn how to teach adults about the risks to children in digital environments (internet, smart phones, apps and gaming platforms) and practical ways to respond to keep children safe. Registration and purchase of both trainings is available at the Prevent Child Abuse Vermont Training of Trainers Store
Contact: Marcie Hambrick at mhambrick@pcavt.org
VSBA/VSA Conference Registration and Program
The VSBA/VSA annual conference will be held virtually on July 21 and 22, 2020. The program will include timely topics related to the current environment. Each SU/SD will have the opportunity to register as a team, including the superintendent, school board members and any other school leaders designated to participate, for a fee of $250. Invoices for SU/SD registrations will be sent directly to the Superintendent's Office unless otherwise specified. Prospective participants not affiliated with an SU/SD will be charged $50 per registration. Participant lists for each SU/SD will be compiled and sent to the Superintendent's Office on Monday, July 20, 2020, along with a document containing links to access the sessions and handouts. Registration form online.
Contact: Sandra Cameron at (802) 244-8722 x112 or scameron@vtvsba.org