Potential Blended Learning Opportunities for 2020-2021

Through the Valley Unified Education Service Center SELECTIVES Initiative, learners at Wisdom High School, Madawaska High School, and Fort Kent Community High School now have the opportunity to engage in elective blended learning opportunities (a mix of on-line study and live, face-to-face interaction with their instructors) focused on specific careers and/or special interest topics that appeal to them.

SELECTIVES learning opportunities either currently available or under development for the upcoming 2020-2021 school year include:

• Career Exploration
• Computer Assisted Drafting and Design
• Culinary Arts
• Healthcare Career Preparation
• Introduction to Criminology, Forensics, and Criminal Justice
• Introduction to Forensic Science
• Introduction to U.S. Military Service and Occupational Specialties
• Personal and Professional Communication and Information Management
• Principles of Business, Marketing, and Finance
• Principles of Engineering and Technology 
• Principles of Manufacturing
• Principles of Photography
• Modern Digital Multi-Media and Game Development
• Sports and Entertainment Marketing 

 The SELECTIVES Initiative is funded through the Valley Unified FEDES III grant.

To review descriptions for each of these learning opportunities, go to bit.ly/2yGIHz4 or click on the image below.

For more information about these blended learning opportunities students and their parents should contact their school guidance counselor.

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Second Alternative Schooling Enrollment Report

One of our commitments at Valley Unified is to provide a broad range of educational opportunities for learners across our region, including Alternative Schooling.  

Alternative Schooling is an educational model designed to accommodate the varied needs and interests of students through opportunities that are not available through their sending school's standard curriculum and programs.

To date this school year, nearly 70 learners from Community High School in Fort Kent, Madawaska High School, and Wisdom High School have participated in Alternative Schooling learning opportunities, including TOPS Academy, Hybrid Learning, SELECTIVES Blended Learning, and Credit/Standards Recovery.

To review the Valley Unified Alternative Schooling Enrollment Report for the first three quarters of the 2019-2020 school year go to bit.ly/2Y3YVNl or click on the image below.

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Note of Thanks and Reassurance from Commissioner Makin

In the Wednesday, April 15, 2020 issue of the Bangor Daily News, Maine's Commissioner of Education, Pender Makin, offered words of thanks, encouragement, and reassurance to students and parents across the state during this period of school closure due to the Coronavirus (COVID-19).

To read a reformatted version of the OpEd Commissioner Makin contributed, go to bit.ly/3esAoaj or click on the image below.

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Remote Learning Considerations and Guidance

Now that we know Valley Unified staff and students will not be returning to school and that our Remote Learning Plan will remain in place for the balance of this school year, it is more important than ever that our schools and families, educators and parents work together to support student learning in its current form.

For important guidance and considerations during this extended period of Remote Learning, please review a letter from Superintendent of Schools, Benjamin Sirois, at bit.ly/2xzznwL or by clicking on the image below.

In advance, thanks to all for doing their part to ensure that student learning and growth continue during these challenging times.  Together, we will get through this!

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Information About Remote Learning School Lunch Program

For important information about the Valley Unified Remote Learning School Lunch Program, including delivery dates for next week, see the notice from Superintendent of Schools, Benjamin Sirois, at bit.ly/3a8edTy or by clicking on the image below.

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Remote Learning to Continue for Remainder of School Year

Per the recommendation of Maine Commissioner of Education, Pender Makin, with support from Governor Janet Mills, Valley Unified Schools will continue with remote learning for the remainder of the 2019-2020 school year.  

To read a letter from Superintendent of Schools, Benjamin Sirois, explaining this decision, go to bit.ly/2RpWGjr or click on the image below.

The letter includes links to Commissioner Makin's priority notice, a media release from her office, and new guidelines for our Remote Learning Plan.  

The new guidelines go into effect on Monday, April 13 and are intended to make life easier on our students and their parents during this extended period of remote learning.

In advance, thank you for your support and understanding.

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St. John Valley Technology Center Program of Studies

The St. John Valley Technology Center is the Career and Technical Education (CTE) arm of the Valley Unified Education Service Center.

Founded on the premise that "we learn by doing", our programs are all about ...

• hands-on education and training
• employment preparation
• career and post-secondary readiness
• project-based applications
• workforce development 
• and more

For information about each of our application-based learning opportunities, Valley Unified high school students and their parents can review our 2020-2021 program of work-based studies at bit.ly/34h6n8S or by clicking on the image below.  

Give us a look.  You'll be glad you did.

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7th Valley Unified Strategic Plan Progress Report

In 2017, MSAD #33, MSAD #27, and the Madawaska School Department adopted a Tri-District Strategic Plan which serves as a key focal point of our activities and efforts

at collaboration, innovation, and rejuvenation of learning across the Valley

Unified Education Service Center and in our schools.  

In order to move our strategic plan forward, we continually monitor our progress at

implementing the eight priorities included in the plan and report this progress to the

citizens of the Upper St. John Valley on a quarterly basis.  

To review our 7th Strategic Plan Progress Report, go to bit.ly/2RySI8f or click on the

image below.

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Thank You Valley Unified!

While we continue to navigate this new reality due to the COVID-19 pandemic, there are so many wonderful stories to share about how our school community has come together to provide education, nutrition, and love to our students.  

This short video has been created to highlight our local education champions who are dedicating so much time and energy to ensure that students’ needs are met and education continues to be delivered.

This could not work without the support of each and every family that is supporting remote learning from home.  

So many of our students, parents, grandparents, and other family members are stepping up to the challenge and making a difference!  

Thank you for your time and dedication!

To access our video celebrating the work of all, go to Valley Unified Remote Learning Video, or click on the image below.  Enjoy!

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Remote Learning Guide for Students and Parents

As we prepare to begin Phase 3 of the Valley Unified Remote Learning Plan next week, it is important that all students and parents understand the expectations and responsibilities for learning and progress.  Please review the specifics of Phase 3 at bit.ly/2UzcdiC or by clicking on the image below.

Valley Unified Schools are committed to helping each learner succeed during our remote learning plan school days.  Students and parents, please be sure to let us know how we can provide you with additional support.  

Students are encouraged to contact their teachers if they unsure about expectations and are reminded to communicate regularly with each of their teachers during remote learning days.

Thank you.

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Request to Support Student Learning

We are working to support all our students and their families during this period of school closure due to the Coronavirus (COVID-19).  

Next week, we will enter the third phase of our remote learning plan, and we are requesting support from all of you.  

Please see the Support Student Learning letter at  bit.ly/2JC8xpX.  Be certain to click on the links to Governor Mills' Stay Healthy at Home directive and our Remote Learning Plan Gide for Students and Parents.

Please also share this letter with our local employers as well.  

Thank you for your help and support.

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