Recovery & Reopening

2022-23 School Year Covid Guidance

Welcome to the WSESU Recovery and Reopening Page

We are now shifting our efforts from responding to the Covid 19 emergency to planning for recovery, and reopening schools in a more normal environment. As part of that process, we have developed a Recovery Plan to guide our work and a Reopening Plan to identify options for maintaining in-person instruction during the 2021-22 school year. Please take a moment to explore these plans and information on federal stimulus funds (ESSER) being used to support the recovery. Please use the survey links below to give us feedback on these efforts.

WSESU Teachers:

Learning Resources

Recovery, Reopening and ESSER Information

2021-22
Recovery Plan

The Vermont Agency of Education has required school districts to create a specific, multi-year Recovery Plan that identifies the impacts of the Covid 19 pandemic on students and establishes action steps to recover from these negative effects. The WSESU Recovery Plan liked above presents our current thinking about how best to ensure student success at and above levels present prior to the pandemic.
Please review our Recovery Plan and provide your thoughts and suggestions for improvement using the link below.

Recovery Plan
Feedback Survey

ESSER
Information

The Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER) funds are part of the federal stimulus response focused on supporting school efforts to respond to, and recover from the pandemic.
ESSER Funds have come in three phases, as part of the different federal stimulus funding bills. WSESU has been allocated $1 million from ESSER I, $4 million from ESSER II, and is slated to receive $9.5 million from ARP ESSER III.
Planning for use of the ARP ESSER III funds must include "meaningful consultation" with specific stakeholder groups and the public at large. That consultation is underway.
To find out more about WSESU plans for the use of ARP ESSER III funds, please see the video overview - based on our thinking over the summer of 2021 - linked below. Our WSESU ARP ESSER III Spending Plan (Oct. 2021, revised Feb., 2022) is now available. Once you have viewed the video and reviewed the spending plan, please use the link to the ARP ESSER Plan Feedback Survey to provide us with feedback on our ESSER planning.

Video Overview of ESSER funds and Recovery Planning with Request for Feedback (October, 2021)

2021-22
Reopening Plan - New Version February, 2022

This document - originally based on our plans for reopening the 2020-21 school year, and subsequently updated as new guidance emerges- identifies structures (like masking and social distancing) at least some of which we may need to put in place as we proceed through the school year. As conditions change, different elements of the plan may need to be activated.
Please use the link below to provide feedback on our planning.

Reopening Plan Feedback Survey

Family Resource Sites

Pre-K Families:

Home Learning Resources

WSESU Families:

Home Learning Resources

2020-21 School year Information

WSESU Covid Dashboard

2020-21 General Updates and Resources

Letters from the Superintendent

8/26/21
Letter to Families - Opening of school and safety protocols

Vaccine & Covid Testing Information

5/24/22
Booster vaccines are now available for anyone 5 -11 and older, at walk-in vaccine sites run by Rescue, and at physician and pediatrician offices.
The Rescue booster clinic is located at the BMH "hut" off of Canal Street, and the schedule is:
Tuesdays 9-1
Thursdays 9-1
Saturdays 1-4
1/20/22
Where to Get the Covid-19 Vaccine

There are several choices in our area to obtain a Covid-19 vaccine and/or booster. Being vaccinated and boosted is our best tool to avoid severe disease and hospitalization from a Covid infection. Here are some options:
Brattleboro Memorial Hospital-Individuals who are eligible can sign-up for the vaccine here. This includes appointments for: Dose 1, Dose 2, Dose 3 (immunocompromised individuals), booster, and now ages 5-11.  If you do not have Internet access, please call 855-722-7878.  More information is on the BMH website

Brattleboro Primary Care- You must be a Brattleboro Primary Care client to make an appointment with them. Please call 802-258-3905 for an Covid-19 vaccine appointment. Upcoming clinics for 5 to 11 year olds are scheduled for Wed 2/9 and 12+ yr olds Wed 2/16.
VtDept of Health-Individuals who are eligible can sign-up for the vaccine here. This includes appointments for: Dose 1, Dose 2, Dose 3 (immunocompromised individuals), booster, and now ages 5-11.  If you do not have Internet access, please call 855-722-7878.
Walgreens Pharmacy For information to make an appointment online:

https://www.healthvermont.gov/covid-19/vaccine/getting-covid-19-vaccine or call
802-254-5633. Appointments are for ages 18 and older.

There are other many places to obtain appointments. Go to :

https://www.healthvermont.gov/covid-19/vaccine/getting-covid-19-vaccine or call 1-855-722-7878 for more options.
12/22/21
Covid Testing and Vaccination During the Holidays

The State of Vermont is setting up special testing clinics in the Brattleboro area. Keep looking and scroll down the page as information is frequently updated. Click here to read information on where to get tested:
https://www.healthvermont.gov/covid-19/testing/where-get-tested#where
Vermonters can also pick up a free antigen test on December 23, 24, 28, 29, and 30 at sites across the state. There is no registration for these tests. The tests will be handed out to people who walk in on a first come, first served basis. Each kit contains two tests. Here are 2 local sites:
Brattleboro
Brattleboro Memorial Hospital
417 Canal Street
2:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m., December 23 and 30
Dummerston
Agency of Transportation
870 US Route 5
8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m., December 23, 24, 28 and 29

Click here for how to find a vaccination clinic:
https://www.healthvermont.gov/covid-19/vaccine/getting-covid-19-vaccine
or

call the Health Department at 855-722-7878, Mon - Fri 8:00 am - 4:30 pm, Sat and Sun 10:00 am - 3:00 pm. Press 1 for other languages.
For people who are Deaf or hard of hearing, you can make a TTY call to this number by dialing 711 or 1-800-253-0195
12/14/21
Did You Know:
Pfizer Covid vaccines are now available for 16 and 17 year olds if 6 months has elapsed since completion of the initial series . Booster appointments can be made at:
https://vermont.force.com/events/s/selfregistration or call 802-722-7878 Mon - Fri 8:00 am - 4:30 pm, Sat and Sun 10:00 am - 3:00 pm.
Soon, being fully vaccinated may be considered having the initial series and a booster after 6 months from the initial series.

Being fully vaccinated is essential to protect yourself against getting Covid and/or preventing serious illness if you have a breakthrough infection. You can schedule an appointment through the state for ages 5 and older at: https://vermont.force.com/events/s/selfregistration or call 802-722-7878 Mon - Fri 8:00 am - 4:30 pm, Sat and Sun 10:00 am - 3:00 pm.
Vaccines are also available through various pharmacies:

https://www.healthvermont.gov/covid-19/vaccine/getting-covid-19-vaccine

and/or contact your healthcare provider
12/9/21
Vt Dept of Health will be holding Community Pediatric Clinics(5-11 year olds) on 12/21/21, 12/28/21, and 1/18/22 from 9am to 3pm at the VFW on Black Mountain Rd, Brattleboro, Vt 05301 Parents can sign up online https://www.healthvermont.gov/covid-19/vaccine/getting-covid-19-vaccine#HD or call VtDH 1-802-722-7878.
11/29/21
WSESU Covid Coordinator Statement about Being Fully Vaccinated and Signing Up for In School Testing
11/19/21
Pediatrician Town Hall - Vaccines
11/12/21
There is a Vaccine Clinic for 5 to 11 year olds at Putney Central School, on Tuesday, November 16, 2021, 9:30am to 2pm.. There are still appointments available for that clinic. These appointments are open to any eligible student from any town. To sign up for an appointment please register online at:
https://www.healthvermont.gov/covid-19/vaccine/vaccines-children
You can also call 802-722-7878. Please call your School Nurse if you have any questions.
11/5/21
We have received information that the Green St School and Academy School Covid Pfizer clinics for ages 5 through 11 are filling up. This is a reminder that Brattleboro Memorial Hospital is also conducting Pfizer clinics for ages 5 through 11. Registration is through the Vt Dept of Health website:
https://www.healthvermont.gov/covid-19/vaccine/vaccines-children
Please contact your school nurse with questions and/or concerns about registration.
11/4/21
Vaccine Clinics for 5-12 yo
11/2/21
Covid Vaccine and Children
10/25/21
Vaccine Updates
Vaccine/Booster Information 10/25/21

Many people over age 12 are now eligible to receive a booster dose of Covid Vaccine.
Here is the link for this information: https://www.healthvermont.gov/covid-19/vaccine/getting-covid-19-vaccine

You can also call: the Health Department at 855-722-7878, Mon - Fri 8:15 am - 4:30 pm, Sat and Sun 10:00 am - 3:00 pm.
- To speak with someone in a language other than English, call this number, and then press 1.
- For people who are Deaf or hard of hearing, you can make a TTY call to this number by dialing 711 or 1-800-253-0195.

The Vt Dept of Health has approved receiving a booster vaccine different from your initial series. That option will be available to schedule online November !st. It is always a good idea to check these websites as information changes very often.

Many pharmacies also administer Covid vaccines. Are 2 local pharmacies are:
Rite Aid and Walgreens. Look online for more options. You can also call your health care provider for an appointment. The following are the links for RieAid and Walgreens:
https://www.riteaid.com/locations/vt.html
https://www.walgreens.com/mktg/contactus/contact-us-landing.jsp?foot=contact_us

You can also call 1800- RITE-AID or 1-800-WALGREENS or(1–800–925–4733)
10/1//21
Updated Covid Testing Sites
9/13/21
Covid Testing Sites
9/7/21
BMH announced this morning (9/7) on their facebook page that Covid-19 testing at the Canal Street site is for scheduled appointments 2 to 5pm and walk-ins are from 5 to 6pm, on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Saturday
9/7/21
Covid Testing Sites Information
For WSESU Families
A PCR test is required for return to school.
(Rapid testing and home-testing results are not accurate
enough for school purposes).
BMH Testing Center
417 Canal St, Brattleboro
(wood shed behind House of Pizza)
Register at www.healthvermont.gov,
or call 802-863-7240.
Drive ups without an appointment are often available.
Open 2-6pm on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and
Saturday. (Closed Monday and Friday).

Clear Choice/Urgent Care
1154 Putney Rd, Brattleboro
Open 8am-7pm for testing, 7days/week.
They do not accept appointments.
www.ccmdcenters.com (You can save some time by
going online and having a telemedicine appointment first,
or by printing off a registration form and completing this
before arriving at Clear Choice. This is optional.)

Walgreens
476 Canal St, Brattleboro
Online registration is required at www.walgreens.com

(last updated 9/3/21 and subject to change)
7/23/21
Vermont Dept of Health "Getting the Covid Vaccine
7/23/21
Covid Testing Cheat Sheet from BMH
6/1/21
Brattleboro Primary Care Pfizer clinics for ages 12 and older
5/14/21
Clinics offering Pfizer vaccine to 12-15 year old individuals
5/14/21
Emergency Use Authorization for the Pfizer vaccine which authorizes its use on individuals age 12 and older
ment.

Testing/Vaccine Sign-Up Site

COVID Vaccine Information

J & J Vaccine Fact Sheet

J&J Vaccine FAQ's

Pfizer Vaccine fact sheet

Moderna vaccine fact sheet

Health and Safety
Updates

4/15/22
Testing and Presumptive Case Guidance
4/15/22
Current Covid Guidlines for WSESU/SD
2/7/22
Stay Home When You are Sick
Please do not come to school if you are experiencing any of the following symptoms:
Fever (100.4 °F or higher), Cough, Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, Chills, Fatigue, Muscle or body aches, Headache, Sore throat, New loss of taste or smell, Congestion or runny nose, Nausea or vomiting, Diarrhea
If you do have symptoms, get tested for COVID, prior to returning to school:
Do 2 rapid antigen tests as close to 24 hours apart as possible or do a PCR test.
You can pick up tests from the school, sign up for a test at State of Vermont Run Testing or call your doctor to schedule a test.
If you have 2 negative rapid antigen tests, 24 hours apart, or a negative PCR, you can come to school when your symptoms are better. (If you were diagnosed with COVID in the last 90 days and you are testing because you have new symptoms, do not use a PCR test, only use rapid antigen testing)
If you test positive, follow the instructions from VDH on What to do if you test positive for COVID-19
Thank you and please reach out to the school or your doctor if you have any questions or need help deciding what to do when you have symptoms.

1/31/22
Staying home when sick does more than prevent the spread of COVID-19. With the increase in antigen tests being taken in the home, we appreciate the fact that people with symptoms are tested before coming to school. However, just because a person has a negative antigen test does not mean they should come to school with symptoms. When a person shows new symptoms of any kind they should stay home, regardless of whether their COVID-19 antigen test is positive or negative, simply because new symptoms are contagious. It is necessary to stay home with any symptoms to reduce the risk of spreading any illness at school. There are numerous illnesses circulating, not just COVID-19. Staying home prevents the spread of all diseases and helps protect those individuals in our communities who are immuno-compromised and/or suffer from chronic health conditions. Please protect our whole learning community by staying home when you have any new symptom.
1/28/22
Guidance for Testing at Home
11/5/21
Updated Mitigation Plan
11/4/21
Framework for assessing high risk activities in schools
10/28/21
On Oct 26, 2021 the Agency of Education updated recommendations for reducing the risk of Covid transmission in schools. WSESU/WSESD will be following these recommendations for our schools.. They include:
Stay Home When Sick- this is a continuation of the same guidance we have been following

Masks will continue to be worn by all students/staff indoors through January 18, 2022.

Here is the link to read the memo in its entirety:
https://education.vermont.gov/sites/aoe/files/documents/edu-vdh-memo-french-levine-advisory-covid19-prevention-measures-fall-2021-updated-10-26_0.pdf
Please contact your school nurse if you have any questions about this guidance.
10/4/21
WSESU will continue with the District Level Mitigation Plan of 8/24/21 until further notice.
10/1/21
When to stay home - When to get tested
9/3/21
Letter to Families and Staff about staying home if experiencing symptoms
6/17
The State of Vermont's emergency order has expired. The health guidance we followed from the Agency of Education and the Vt Dept of Health are rescinded.
WSESU summer programs will be following recommendations from the Vt Department of Health for summer programs. https://www.healthvermont.gov/covid-19/your-community/prek-12-schools
If your child is attending any WSESU summer program they will be given health related expectations for WSESU summer learning.

Mask Wearing information

Video: Safely connect with family and friends

State of Vermont Resources

1/28/22
Updated Health and Safety Measures

7/23/21
Vermont Dept of Health "Getting the Covid Vaccine

VT Agency Of Education updates page

State of Vermont COVID-19 information

Department of Public Safety Vermont Emergency Management

Agency of Commerce and Community Development
Cross State Travel Updates

Past Postings:

School Board Postings
Current Covid-19 Expenses ytd 8-19-2020
Letter to Parents from WSESD School Board March 2, 2020

Health and Safety Updates

New and Temporary Guidance for Household Gatherings Dec 23rd-January 2nd
New Sports Guidance Effective 12/26/2020
Windham County Winter Activities Resource Guide from Rise Vermont December 22, 2020
Holiday Travel Toolkit Vermont DPH December 21, 2020
WSESU Nurses Statement Regarding Students Returning to School December 21, 2020
WSESU Covid-19 Health and Safety Document - Step III (11/23/2020)
COVID-19 Testing Information December 10, 2020
Travelers to VT. Including college students coming home info - October 15, 2020
Fall 2020 Reopening: Step August 31, 2020

Recovery and Reopening

2022-23 School Year Covid Guidance​​​Welcome to the WSESU Recovery and Reopening Page

Recovery, Reopening and ESSER Information

2021-22 Recovery ​Plan

Family Resource Sites

​2020-21 School year Information