OLD Frequently Asked Questions

• Who should I notify if myself, or my child tests positive for COVID-19?

  • The Vermont Department of Health, or your testing facility, will be in contact with you if you or your child tests positive.  Once you have been notified, please contact your school administer or school nurse.  Let us know the date you became symptomatic; the date and type of test you received; and date you or your child was last in school.

• What happens if a member of my household tests positive for COVID-19? 

  • If a member of your household has tested positive for COVID-19, they will need to quarantine and cannot attend school.  Anyone else in the household would be considered a close-contact and will need to quarantine and not attend school as well.  They will be asked to follow current guidance from the Vermont Department of Health.

• Why are our schools not currently open 5 days a week?

  • Grades K-6 are currently attending school 5 days per week (Wednesdays are a half in-person, half remote day).
    Grades 7-12 are expected to begin attending school 5 days per week as well starting on Monday, April 26, 2021.

• Will students wear facial coverings in classrooms?

  • Facial coverings will be required while in the building.  There will be accommodations made for certain age populations and individuals with medical documentation approved by the school nurse.  There will be facial coverings available at the entrances of the building every morning, and will be collected when exiting for cleaning.

• Will students be expected to socially distance?

  • In many school settings, students will be socially distanced as much as possible.  At the elementary level, where social distancing will be extremely difficult, students will spend most of the school day interacting only with students in their class.  By limiting their exposure to a small number of students, we reduce the spread of illness throughout the campus.

• What steps will be taken to ensure that surfaces are clean in classrooms?

  • School custodians will clean frequently touched surfaces throughout the day and conduct overall cleanings at the conclusion of every day.  Other non-custodial staff members will be expected to do their part keeping surfaces clean and will be provided with cleaning supplies.

• What other steps are being taken to ensure a healthy environment?

  • BUUSD will partner with parents in educating students on the importance of symptom screening, staying home when ill, good hand hygiene, and social distancing to prevent the spread of illness. Staff members will also be educated on the importance of symptom screening, staying home when ill, good hand hygiene, and social distancing to prevent the spread of illness. Signage will be posted throughout schools encouraging healthy hygiene habits to reduce the risk of transmission and promoting social distancing.  Hand sanitizer will be made available in classrooms, busses and workplaces.

• What will my student’s school do if a classmate or staff member exhibits symptoms of COVID-19?

  • We will send a clear message to parents and staff that if they are exhibiting any symptoms, they should not come to school or report to work. If a student exhibits symptoms at school, they will be taken to a location at the school set aside for possible COVID-19 cases and their parent or guardian will be notified to take them home and seek guidance from a medical professional.

• What if a student or staff member tests positive for COVID-19?

  • The Vermont Department of Health will notify the district if a student or staff member tests positive. If we are notified by the Vermont Department of Health that an individual at one of our schools has tested positive for COVID-19 we use will their guidance to take action (contact tracing, school closures, etc.) if needed.  Contact tracing and school closures are done on a case-by-case basis.

• How long does my child have to stay home if they are sent home with a fever?

  • We will be asking anyone with a temperature of 100.0F to stay home until they are fever free, without the use of any medication, for a minimum of 24 hours.  COVID symptoms state 100.4F as a symptom, but anyone exhibiting a temperature of 100.0 is asked to stay home out of caution.  Please contact your health care provider if the fever persists.
• Are the ventilation systems in the schools operating well?

  • Our ventilation systems are operating better than ever.  We are changing air filters twice as often as we previously have.  Ventilation systems normally only run throughout each school day, but now we are running them 24 hours a day Monday through Friday.  The ventilation system works by bringing in air from outside the building, filtering it, then exhausting the stale air from inside the classrooms back outside the building.

    Any further questions, please contact Jamie Evans at jevanbsu@buusd.org

• Can personal fans be used in classrooms?

  • Personal fans should only be used if they are blowing air out of an open window.  This helps remove stale air from a room.  Personal fans may not be used to blow air around the inside of a room because this can spread virus particles beyond the recommended six foot distance.

• If I have tested positive for COVID-19 in the last 3 months, fully recovered, and travel out of state, do I have to quarantine when I return?

  • People who had COVID-19 within the last 3 months and have recovered do not need to test or quarantine unless they develop new symptoms, under the current travel guidelines.

• If I am vaccinated and travel out of Vermont do I have to quarantine when I return? 

  • If you are fully vaccinated, and it has been 14 days since you got your final vaccine dose, you do not need to quarantine when you return to Vermont.

• Does my Student need to quarantine when we travel? 

  • Anyone who is not vaccinated and travels with you (including children) must be tested within 3 days of returning to Vermont. The test you get must be for a current infection (like a PCR test), except it cannot be an antigen test (also known as a rapid test). You do not need to quarantine while you wait for a result, but if you have any symptoms, stay home and away from other people.  People who had COVID-19 within the last 3 months and have recovered do not need to test or quarantine unless they develop new symptoms. Rules for Vermonters who have traveled to other countries are different.  More information can be found here: healthvermont.gov/covid-19/travel-quarantine

• What are “green”, “yellow”, and “red” zones? Where can I find a map that illustrates these zones with the most up to date information?

  • Travel is no longer categorized by zones.  We are only evaluating based on in state and out of state travel.
    • Vermont Cross-State Travel Map

• What does it mean to quarantine?

  • Vermont Quarantine Guidelines

• What is Essential Travel for my student? 

  • Essential travel includes travel for personal safety, health care, care of others, parental shared custody, for food, beverage or medicine, for students to attend preK-12 school or college commuting daily, or a school-sponsored activity, or for work. 

  • People traveling for essential purposes do not need to get tested. However, if you travel the Health Department recommends that you get tested regularly.  The testing exemption only applies to the person under essential travel rules. It does not apply to anyone else who travels with you, for non-essential reasons.

  • If you live within 5 miles of the Vermont border, you may make day trips for certain activities without getting a test if you travel 5 miles into the neighboring state. This includes going to worship, going to a gym, getting a haircut, and participating in place-based outdoor recreation. Find out more about travel to and from border towns.

• If we travel, do we need to quarantine in the state that we are visiting?

  • Vermonters must follow travel restrictions and quarantine requirements for the states they plan to visit. Know before you go!

• How can I safely connect with Family and Friends?

  • Guidance on how to safely reconnect will help you weigh the risks to prevent new cases and serious illness from quickly increasing in Vermont.

• I am hosting guests in my home.  Do I have to quarantine? 

  • Under the current gathering guidelines, hosting visitors is considered a social gathering. Both you and your guests must follow Vermont’s gathering restrictions.  Find more travel information and answers to frequently asked questions about travel.

• How can I  travel and STAY SAFE?

  • You can travel by personal vehicle, plane, train, bus or other means of transportation. We encourage you to choose the form of travel with the lowest risk when you can (personal vehicle) and to follow the general precautions:
    • Stay home if you are sick.
    • Wash your hands often.
    • Keep your social circle small.
    • Stay at least 6 feet away from people you don't live with.
    • Wear a mask when you’re outside and can’t keep 6 feet apart or anytime you’re inside with people you don’t live with.
    • Limit your stops when traveling and only stop when necessary (for example, for fuel, food or rest).
    • Try to plan your stops in counties with low rates of active cases (“green” counties).

• Once I choose an option, can I change my mind later?

  • Our Learning Models are designed to run through the semester.  Families or students who need extra support with their chosen learning model can reach out to their school for extra support.

• Will each option offer the same classes?

  • Both Learning Models will follow the common core standards.  The K-8 and High School Hybrid Models will follow the traditional BUUSD curriculum.  The K-8 Virtual Model will connect Barre students with Barre teachers through a curriculum designed by the Vermont Virtual Learning Cooperative (VTVLC).

• Is the Virtual Learning option identical to the distance learning we experienced during the final months of the school year?

  • No. Based on feedback from teachers, students, and parents, we have a clearer idea of which factors contribute to greater student success. Those factors include more frequent, real-time interaction between students and teachers.

• Under the Hybrid Model, will elementary students be able to have recess?

  • Yes. Recess will be organized to emphasize social distancing

• If I choose the Virtual Learning Model, will my child be able to participate in athletics?

  • Yes, students participating in Virtual Learning will be able to participate in sports, clubs, and other after school activities at the discretion of the parent.

• Will students be interacting with their teachers and classmates via Google Meet?  Is Google Meet safe and secure?

  • Our school district allows the use of Google Meet and Google Classroom.  Teachers and students will be expected to be familiar with all safety and security features, and to use them.

• Will teachers be expected to teach both in-person and online simultaneously?

  • Under the Hybrid Model, teachers will be teaching students in-person for part of the week and teaching students through remote learning for the rest of the week.  Under the Virtual Learning Model, teachers will be teaching remotely only.

• What other calendar changes should I be aware of?

  • Click here to view our most up to date school calendar.

• What steps will be taken to limit exposure in the school cafeteria?

  • Students will not be eating in school cafeterias.  There are steps being taken to limit exposure to students when eating. Equipment and supplies are being purchased so that we can feed students in their classrooms or outdoors to limit exposure.

• Will Grab & Go meals still be available if I select Virtual Learning?

  • The BUUSD can ensure meals will be delivered and available Monday through Friday to all students whether virtual or in school. We are working closely with our transportation company to develop a delivery route and meal drop off sites for convenient pick for families.

• What steps will be taken to limit exposure on school buses?

  • Students will be expected to wear facial coverings on school buses. Hand sanitizer will be available on buses. Buses will be disinfected between runs.

• How will Individualized Education Program (IEP) meetings take place in the Fall?

  • All parent meetings including IEP meetings will be held remotely via Google Meet.  Team members can also connect via phone if necessary.

• Will students with Individual Education Plans (IEPs) or 504 Plans receive accommodations in Virtual Learning?

  • Yes.  Special Educators and classroom teachers will continue to work together to provide appropriate accommodations and modifications for students when engaged in virtual learning.

• Will IEPs be revised to reflect the hybrid or fully virtual model?

  • Yes. We anticipate the need for IEP teams to review and update many IEPs based on the current reopening plans.  Parents can anticipate hearing from their child's special educator in late August or early September to discuss and agree to any necessary revisions.

• Will my child be able to access special education services in my home? 

  • Based on guidance from the state and our legal counsel, all in person services will only be provided in our designated school environments.  Students will receive support virtually during distance learning.

Information Last Updated November 6, 2020

• When do practices begin for the winter sports season?

  • Practices can begin starting Monday, November 30, 2020.

• When do games begin for the winter sports season?

  • Games can begin starting Monday, January 11, 2021.

• If a student chooses Virtual Learning, are they able to try out for school sports?

  • Yes, Virtual Learning students will still be able to try out for school sports.

• Will athletes be required to wear facial coverings?

  • Facial coverings are required for all players, coaches, officials, staff and spectators in all winter sports.

• Will parents be allowed to attend games during the winter sports season?

  • According to the State of Vermont's guidance for Winter Sports, only "key personnel" - players, coaches, officials, time and scorekeepers, and person(s) providing a live video stream - will be allowed to attend school-sponsored indoor sports events.  This requirement is in effect regardless of whether the venue is owned or controlled by the school.

• Will parents and volunteers be allowed on campus?

  • With COVID-19 restrictions, we will be limiting access to parents and volunteers and asking people to connect with us remotely when possible.

• If I don't have internet at home, how can I get it?

  • Charter Communications is currently offering free internet at your home for 60 days.  Please click here for more information.

• How do I use a hotspot on my phone for internet?

  • Depending on the plan you have with your cell phone carrier and the type of phone you have, you may be able to create a Hotspot to connect your Chromebook to the internet.  For information on how to enable or set up a hotspot on your phone, please click here.

• If I already have internet at home, is there any way I can make it faster?

  • Our Director of Technology has put together a resource on how to maximize your internet at home.  If you are having issues with your internet service, please contact your internet service provider.  If your internet is okay, but you're having a problem with your school Chromebook, please contact helpdesk@buusd.org to receive assistance from a member of our Technology Team.

• My child goes to daycare and does not have to wear a face covering.  Will they have to wear one at school?

  • Yes.  All students in public schools are required to wear face coverings (with medical exceptions documented by the child’s physician, in collaboration with the school nurse).  

• I’ve heard children will be expected to maintain social distancing.  What does this look like in kindergarten?

  • Kindergarteners will need guidance and support to maintain social distancing.  Our teachers will use visual supports, make environmental modifications, and adapt routines to help make this easier.  Your child may talk about lining up on the dots on the floor, playing with their own bin of legos, or engaging in a learning “station”, all thoughtfully designed strategies to help naturally keep space between children.  

• How many times will kindergarten students be reminded to wash their hands?

  • The Department of Health guidelines advise children to wash hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If hands are not visibly dirty, alcohol-based hand sanitizers with at least 60% alcohol can be used if soap and water are not readily available.  Children should thoroughly wash or sanitize their hands upon arrival, prior to and after designated play times such as recess, before and after eating, after using the restroom, after blowing their nose/covering a cough or sneeze, and any time hands are visibly soiled.  Teachers will encourage and work on  proper hand washing routines in the classroom.

• What will drop-off and pick-up look like?

  • The BUUSD is working on drop-off and pick-up procedures that support social distancing and allow for temperatures to be  checked and COVID questions to be asked. Parents will not be admitted into the building.  We are planning some virtual  “get-to-know-you” activities to help your child begin to feel connected to his or her teacher.  We’ll do our best to work with you around any separation concerns that may come up...just let us know! 

• Will there be recess?

  • Yes, however recess will look different this year. Our teachers will develop plans for outdoor experiences that are fun and engaging, while adhering to socially distant expectations.  Hikes, scavenger hunts, obstacle courses, and many other activities are all fun ways to keep your kindergartener  moving outdoors.  

• Will children still participate in ECO (Educating Children Outdoors)?

  • Yes, classrooms that normally participate in ECO will plan on continuing this learning opportunity.  Please be aware that children will need to be prepared for all conditions and that lending gear is being discouraged. More information on this will be shared by the classroom teacher at a later date.

• Can my child bring their own water bottle to school?

  • Yes, this is something that we encourage and will be something that will be sent home daily-not able to be left in classrooms.  Please clearly label all personal items with your child’s name.

• Will Kindergarten students have quiet time?

  • Quiet time will look different in K classrooms this year.  Children will have time to re group mid-day but please note that no blankets and stuffed animals will be allowed in classrooms.

• Will my child be able to look at books?

  • Yes, following the guidance, children are able to look at books. Teachers will ensure that materials are being properly dispensed and sanitized after use.

• Will the teacher be able to help my child tie their shoes, button their pants or zip their jacket?

  • Teachers will assist children during the school day in a safe manner.  We ask that these self help skills be practiced at home prior to school starting in order for us to maintain safety for all.  Other helpful options include: velcro shoes, pull up type of pants (rather than button or zip).

• Will the kids be able to distance themselves from each other when eating?

  • Classroom environments will be set up to maintain social distancing during meal times. 

• What will happen for my child if they get hurt or are sad and crying? Will anyone be able to comfort them?

  • The Vermont Department of Health has addressed this in their guidance for educators of young children.  “We all need physical contact. Children need it when they are upset or hurt and for reassurance. Children may need physical contact to meet some of their needs. It is okay to help a child wash their hands and/or dress themselves, console a crying child, and rub a child’s back. It is also important to remind and encourage parents to snuggle with their children at home. Especially for older children who may not get any physical touch during the day when they are away from home”

• How will parents be notified if there is a case of COVID in the classroom/building?

  • Students or staff displaying COVID-19 symptoms will be sent home and asked to check with their primary care physician.  The Vermont Department of Health will notify the district if a student or staff member tests positive. We will cooperate with the Department of Health as they conduct the appropriate notifications of individuals who have been in contact with the person infected. BUUSD will use the advice of the Department of Health in order to make decisions around closing classrooms, sections of buildings or schools if needed.