School Lunch Delivery Notice

We are taking additional steps to ensure the safety of our students, staff, and communities during our the Remote Learning School Lunch Program delivery process.  To review an important notice to all Valley Unified students and parents, go to bit.ly/2wGlX1D or click on the image below.

#valleyunified

Announcement of Changes to Valley Unified Remote Learning School Lunch Program

In an effort to keep our staff, students, parents, and community members safe from potential COVID-19 exposure, we will be making some small adjustments to our Remote Learning Plan School Lunch Program, beginning on Monday, March 30.  Please click on the notification letter below or go to bit.ly/2WHVoUj for more information.

#valleyunified

Schools Closed to Public Until April 8

An Executive Order issued today by Governor Janet Mills calls for all non-essential businesses and operations in Maine that allow customer, vendor or other in-person services to close their physical locations, beginning tomorrow, March 25 until April 8.

As a result, all Valley Unified offices, including schools and central offices will not be open to the general public for the next 14 days except by appointment for essential services.  For more information, read a letter from Superintendent of Schools, Benjamin Sirois, at bit.ly/2WBQAjg or click on the image below.

We apologize for any inconvenience.

#valleyunified

All Call: Valley Unified Students and Parents

For an important notice concerning the need for Valley Unified students and parents to connect with teachers concerning remote learning plans and expectations during this indefinite period of school closure, go to bit.ly/2IZSOB3 or click on the image below.  While our schools may be closed, learning will continue.

#valleyunified

School Closure Update

Maine Governor Janet Mills recently singed a proclamation of civil emergency for a 30-day period.

As a result, all Valley Unified Education Service Center schools will be closed indefinitely until the Governor's proclamation has been terminated.

For more information concerning the proclamation, the next phase of our Remote Learning Plan, and a priority notice from Maine's Commissioner of Education, read a letter from Superintendent of Schools, Benjamin Sirois, at bit.ly/2Wuj5iK.  The letter also can be accessed by clicking on the image below.

We understand extended school closure poses a challenge for many families in our region.  Still, closing schools while ensuring the continuation of learning through remote instruction is intended to help protect our students, staff, and communities from the Coronavirus (COVID-19). 

Thank you for your understanding.  The school lunch delivery program will continue for the duration of the school closure period.

#valleyunified

Communicating with Children About The Coronavirus

Well-being Safety Assessments, LLC has produced an easy to review guide for communicating with children about the Coronavirus.

With school closures, a declared state of emergency in Maine, and more news everyday about the spread of COVID-19, children, parents and families can experience anxiety.  Under these circumstances, we hope this guide will be useful and helpful.

To review this five-point resource, go to bit.ly/3d9UzsW or click on the image below.

#valleyunified

Remote Learning School Lunch Program - Additional Information

There have been many questions regarding the remote learning school lunch program that is beginning today.  Please access the question and answer letter below for more information.  Thank you for your patience as we work though the fine details!

Click on the image above or go to http://bit.ly/3a0AtQ3

Important Information on Remote Learning, School Lunch, and Access to School Facilities

The Valley Unified Education Service Center and each of its three school units (MSAD #27, MSAD #33, Madawaska School Department) have adopted policies and procedures pertaining to Remote Learning Plans, School Lunch, and Access to/Use of School Facilities during the current and any potential extended period of school closure due to COVID-19 (Coronavirus). 

Detailed information concerning these steps and measures can be accessed at bit.ly/2vsMZcb or by clicking on the image below.  Updates will be posted here on an ongoing basis as necessary.

#valleyunified

Valley Unified School Lunch Program to Commence Tuesday, March 17

Due to school closure for COVID-19, all Valley Unified Schools have made
arrangements to provide school lunch at no cost to families for all students
who wish to access the school lunch program. 

The Valley Unified Remote Learning School Lunch Plan will begin Tuesday,
March 17, 2020. Delivery of lunch for the day of delivery and breakfast
for the next morning will occur each day, Monday through Friday.

Details concerning the plan are available at bit.ly/3d81WS2
or by clicking on the image below.

Breakfast Menu

Lunch Menu

#valleyunified

Valley Unified Schools to Cancel Monday, March 16, 2020

Our three Upper St. John Valley School Administrative Units (MSAD #27, MSAD #33, Madawaska School Department) together with other Aroostook County school units, the Maine Department of Education, and the Maine School Management Association, have been closely monitoring the news and best practices regarding the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19).

After reviewing all of our options, we have determined it is both wise and necessary to take the precautionary measure of closing our schools for the next two weeks, effective tomorrow, Monday, March 16, through Friday, March 27, 2020.

We thank you all for your understanding and cooperation.  

Click the image above or go to http://bit.ly/coronaletter3

Joint Meeting of Valley Unified School Boards/School Committees

A joint meeting of the MSAD #27, MSAD #33, and Madawaska School Department School Boards/School Committees has been scheduled for Monday, March 16, 2020.

The meeting will be held at the St. John Valley Technology Center in Frenchville and will begin at 6:30 PM.

The purpose of the meeting is to:

1. Update School Board/School Committee members from each school unit of Valley Unified's planned response if or when school closure becomes necessary, either as a precautionary measure or due to a local confirmed case or outbreak of the Coronavirus (COVID-19); and

2. Approve a Remote Learning Plan, as required by the Maine Department of Education, if or when school closure becomes necessary.

The meeting agenda can be accessed at bit.ly/2Ua2nSO.

#valleyunified

Resource for Parents: Talking with Children About COVID-19

The National Association of School Psychologists has prepared a resource for parents concerning talking with children about COVID-19 (Coronavirus). 

The resource includes the following sections:

• Key points to emphasize
• Specific suggestions
• General suggestions
• Additional resources

The information can be accessed at bit.ly/2xB7C6E. 

As we all continue to hear news about the virus, we hope you find this information helpful and useful.

#valleyunified

More of Student and Staff Health and Safety

As news of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) continues to occupy our thoughts, we will offer precautionary guidance and information to staff and parents/guardians.  A letter from Superintendent of Schools, Benjamin Sirois, concerning school travel for students and staff is available at bit.ly/2vkiNQr.

#valleyunified

Weather Cancellation Notice

All Valley Unified Schools will be dismissed at 12 NOON today due to the weather.  No after school activities will be held.  

#valleyunified

Student and Staff Health and Safety

As news of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) occupies our thoughts, Valley Unified schools are taking steps to ensure student and staff health and safety.  For details, please review a letter from Superintendent of Schools, Benjamin Sirois at bit.ly/3aHCb96.

#valleyunified

Valley Unified Internship Preparation Series Continues This Month

On March 10 and 11, 2020, Valley Unified will continue its series of work skills workshops as part of an Internship Preparation program that addresses Priority #7 in its strategic plan, Rightsizing Education in the Upper St. John Valley.  

Strategic Priority #7 is aimed at working with local businesses to enhance experiential learning opportunities for all students through a comprehensive career-focused internship program.

The goal of the work skills training sessions is to prepare students for successful, productive participation in community-based, credit-bearing internships aligned with their career interests.

In January, 9th graders from each Valley Unified high school gathered to participate in workshops on the topics of Positivity, Communication, Conflict Resolution, and Team-Building.

This month, 10th graders at each high school will participate in Safety Awareness sessions according to the following schedule:

Tuesday, March 10 - Madawaska High School - 12 Noon to 2 PM

Wednesday, March 11 - Community High School in Fort Kent - 8:30 AM to 10:30 AM

Wednesday, March 11 - Wisdom High School - 12 Noon to 2 PM

Interested students who meet all criteria will participate in career-focused internships as 11th and 12th graders.

Local businesses also are expected to benefit from the internship program through opportunities to introduce young people to employment opportunities in Upper St. John Valley communities.

#valleyunified

Upcoming Valley Unified Board of Directors Meeting

The Valley Unified Education Service Center Board of Directors will meet on Wednesday, March 11, 2020 at the St. John Valley Technology Center in Frenchville, beginning at 6 PM.  The meeting agenda is available for review at bit.ly/2TKhnXC. 

#valleyunified