“In the face of adversity, we have a choice. We can be bitter, or we can be better. Those words are my North Star.” -Caryn Sullivan

March 19, 2021

Dear Stowe High School Families,

Today, we, unfortunately, find ourselves again mourning the loss of innocent lives and seeing the impact of hatred and racism in our country. The horrific killings that took place in Georgia, in which eight people were murdered, six of whom were women of Asian descent and also sisters, mothers, aunts, and cousins, reminds us that our schools, communities, states, and our country have more work to do in order to create places where all people are welcomed, feel they belong, and feel safe.

I am saddened to learn about these senseless acts of violence. It is disappointing to see an increase in hate crimes in our country. As a parent, educator, and school leader, it is more apparent every day how important it is that we are educated about racism and the impact of the lack of respect and acceptance of people different from the dominant, white culture.

As we see our flag lowered to honor innocent lives lost way too early, please know that our school and district will continue to work to create spaces that are safe and welcoming, and provide opportunities for students to learn and have their voices heard. Everyone must feel they belong in order for us to create a positive learning culture. As John Powell says, “belonging, or being fully human, means more than having access. Belonging entails being respected at a basic level that includes the right to both co-create and make demands on society.” Every person, no matter how they identify, deserve access and belonging. Along with a culture of belonging, we are also working to create a culture of dignity. “Dignity is our inherent value and worth” and no one can take this away from a person.

So, I ask that each and every one of you take a stand against all acts and forms of racism and hate against others different from you. I ask that we all take a step to make sure everyone feels welcome and safe, and belongs in our community. This is the collective work of all of us.

Thank you for reading this message today and working us to address and end all forms of discrimination and racism.

Sincerely,

Gretchen Muller

SHS Principal

Here are some resources for you to read and use to support you in your learning and dialogues with your student(s) about stopping racism, discrimination, and violence against Asian Americans.

• Anti-racism resources to support Asian American, Pacific Islander community Experts share resources, guidance, tools and more

• Classroom Resources and Tips To Address Anti-Asian Discrimination

Family Resources:

The United Way of Lamoille County maintains an uber-comprehensive list of all the resources around the area: food, mental health, housing, employment, substance misuse and recovery, domestic violence, and much more. If you have any questions about what is available locally and on a state level, head to the UWLC website first.

Youth Vaping Prevention

Lamoille Area Youth Council Kickoff Event

Live Your Why- Healthy Lamoille Valley

The Everyone Eats program offers free, delicious frozen meals at these locations in Lamoille County:

• Lamoille Community Food Share (197 Harrel St, Morristown): Monday-Saturday, 9-11:30

• Wolcott United Method Church (4023 VT Route 15): Fridays, 3:30-5:30

• Lamoille Health Family Medicine, Morrisville (formerly Morrisville Family Health Care): take from freezer in waiting room during open hours.

• Copley Hospital: Available for patients during appointments and on Tuesdays 3-5; call ahead 802-851-8894

No pre-registration needed, and all the food is made by local restaurants.

Questions: ereid@capstonevt.org

The Dads’ Group is a great place to connect with other Dads, share successes and challenges and have some fun.

• Every Tuesday 8-9PM on Zoom.

• Contact Rob Cary at rcary@LRCVT.org or (802) 730-3000 for the link to the Zoom meeting.

Please share this video with any father who may want to be part of this supportive group.

Vaccination, Quarantine & Testing

The state continues to increase vaccine access. Those 70 and up may make appointments for vaccination starting tomorrow:

• 20 Walgreens locations now are participating in the Federal Retail Pharmacy Program.

• Kinney Drugs, Home Health and Hospice, and Copley Hospital are among other vaccination providers, in addition to the Department of Health clinics.

• Sign up for appointments at all sites by clicking here or calling 855-722-7878. Do not call the Health Department or your doctor for an appointment.

• Seniors who need help can call Central Vermont Council on Aging 1-800-642-5119.

People who have been fully vaccinated and are exposed to someone with COVID-19 do not need to quarantine, as long as:

• They are fully vaccinated (have had two doses of the COVID-19 vaccine).

• More than two weeks and less than three months have passed since they received the second dose of the vaccine.

• They have not had any COVID-19 symptoms since the exposure.

Get tested to help keep track of the virus in the state. Click here if you have no symptoms to make an appointment. If you have symptoms, call your provider.

Take this survey to help researchers understand how Vermonters and visitors are understanding and responding to Vermont’s COVID-19 guidelines. Complete the online survey and be entered to win one of ten $25 gift cards.

Homelessness

The Lamoille Area currently has 73 households on the Coordinated Entry list for housing. Of these:

• 67 are eligible for a housing voucher or subsidized. Only four of those households could afford a fair market unit without those forms of support.

• There are 6 households not eligible for any type of voucher or subsidy, which means they'll be homeless indefinitely until something else is created for them.

• 25 of the households require long-term case management/voucher sponsorship.

• There are 13 youth experiencing homelessness.

To end homelessness in Lamoille, we would need:

• 52 additional vouchers or subsidized units,

• Two additional case managers that can do long-term sponsorships,

• Two additional case managers that can provide short term case management and sponsorship,

• 58 single bedroom apartments,

• 9 two bedroom apartments,

• Three 3 bedroom apartments.

Parents and educators

Healthy Lamoille Valley needs community feedback around preventing and reducing youth substance misuse in the Lamoille Valley. Participants in the survey can win a gift card. Click here for the survey.

Practical Positive Co-Parenting:

• March 30th, 2021

• 6:00-7:30PM

• Register here.

• Led by Life/Parent Coach Dustin Bruley

• Strategies and tools to improve (and in some cases rescue) your relationship with your co-parent (whether or not that’s your current partner).

Parents of children with a disability or special health need are asked to share their experiences accessing childcare or early education. The information they share through this survey will be used to inform system improvement recommendations to the state of Vermont.

Snow Days will be School Days:

As the colder weather approaches and we already saw snow this week, we need to plan for the possibility of school closings due to inclement weather and unsafe road conditions. In the event we need to call for a snow day, we have developed a remote learning plan so that students can continue with their coursework. When we have a snow day, we will follow our current schedule . For example, if we need to call a snow day on a Tuesday, the students that were scheduled for in-person will have their classes remotely via Google Meet. Students who were already scheduled for a remote day will continue with the plan that was outlined by their teachers for remote learning.

Technology News:

Schoology: The Parent View in Schoology presentation is designed to help families understand and navigate Schoology.