relek

Shutdown, Meals for Students, Curriculum, Childcare: Coronavirus Update 9

March 17, 2020 By relek

On Monday, March 16, Superintendent Obeng sent the following note to BSD staff, families, and stakeholders regarding current preparations as BSD plans to follow Governor Scott’s directive to close all schools starting Wednesday, March 18. Please see all Superintendent updates and the most current information on our Coronavirus webpage.

Monday, Mar 16, 2020

Greetings BSD Parents, Staff, and Community Members,

Thank you again to all of you who have reached out with kind words, advocacy, and offers to volunteer. As we gear up to close Wednesday through April 6th in compliance with Governor Scott’s decision to close all schools in Vermont, I want to reiterate that there have been no confirmed reported cases of coronavirus in our District.

The purpose of today’s message is to provide you an update of the actions Burlington School District is taking related to this closure. Please note: We are working to roll these plans out as quickly as possible; I do anticipate more communication tomorrow and in the following days with more specific and updated information for many of these action items. We will also post information as timely as we can on our coronavirus webpage.

Afterschool and Pre-K on Tuesday, March 17 – Due to staffing shortages, we have made the difficult decision to cancel all Afterschool programs and pre-k offerings. We recognize that several parents were depending on having one more day of these services and we apologize for the inconvenience.

Access to Meals – Our food services team has taken steps to ensure that we can continue to feed students and receive federal reimbursements during our closure. Through partnerships with Burlington Parks and Recreation and the Boys & Girls Club, we will offer grab-and-go meals at a variety of sites starting Wednesday.

SCHOOL ADJACENT MEAL SITES

At the locations below, we will provide service M-F. We will be providing one breakfast and one lunch each day M-Thurs for each eligible participant who drops in for meal pick up. On Fridays, we will be providing 3 breakfasts and 3 lunches to each eligible participant to cover meals for the weekend.

From 9:00 AM- 10:00 AM
- North Avenue Alliance Church
- The Edmunds Complex horseshoe on Main Street
From 10:30 AM-11:30 AM
- The Sustainability Academy parking lot
- The Champlain Elementary parking lot
From 9:30-11:00 AM
- Boys and Girls Club

HOUSING ADJACENT MEAL SITES

We will host grab-and-go meal service on M, W, F for the following housing developments from 9:30-10:30 am. At these M, W, F sites, we will be providing 3 Breakfasts and 2 Lunches to each eligible participant on Monday and Wednesday. We will provide 3 breakfast meals and 3 lunch meals on Friday to cover meals for the weekend.

Riverside
Bobbin Mill
Salmon Run
Franklin Square
South Meadow
North Gate

Please note: these plans are subject to change; we will communicate out any changes as they occur.

Curriculum and Continuation of Learning – There will be a lot of resources that come your way in terms of social media and friends in regards to online learning or “homeschooling”. This can create a lot of uncertainty around what is the best strategy for maintaining your child’s learning. Let us take that worry off your plate. We have created District-approved resources to help keep your child’s mind active and engaged in learning during this time.

Online Resources:

K-8 Online resources have been posted on the district Coronavirus webpage
9-12 Online resources will be shared with students via email and Unified Classroom

Hardcopy Resources:

K-8 Instructional Coaches will be in schools during the morning on the first day of closure (Wednesday morning). Coaches will have hard copies of curriculum resources to share with families who prefer this format.
9-12 Hard copy resources will be available for students to take home as needed in the main office on 3/17.

Follow these resources to the best of your abilities. In the coming days and weeks, we will be sending updated plans that will allow you to engage with your child academically but designed to be simple and effective. The state may also have more guidelines that come our way around this topic.

Childcare – As a pre-k-12 institution, we have hundreds of children who will not be able to stay home alone and we have several parents in our District who will still need to report to jobs while schools are closed. We have a team in place looking at ways to provide childcare for our community. Right now we are working to prioritize services to essential Burlington City and Burlington School District employees, first responders, and medical providers. We expect to have more information by the end of the week.

Special Education Services – All student Support Services staff, including teachers, paraeducators and service providers, will be available by phone and email during school closure. Staff will check email daily at approximately 8 AM and 1 PM. Whenever possible, all special education meetings will be held by phone or virtually as scheduled. IEPs and Evaluations must be completed or appropriately delayed as directed. Laura Nugent, Director of Student Support Services, will contact you as needed. Be sure to contact Laura via email with any questions.

English Learners – Our Multilingual Liaisons will continue to be employed during this time and will continue to help our families with a variety of things, including accessing the internet, curriculum resources, and translation of BSD and school-based messages where appropriate. At this time each New American family is being called individually to communicate about school closure and ascertain needs. We have translated previous messages and will continue to do so moving forward.

School Resource Officers – Since our buildings will be closed, our SROs will shift back into the Burlington community, making themselves available where students often gather. To be clear, it is not recommended and we do not want students meeting up or hanging out in groups during this closure, but our resource officers will be present and available for our students if needed.

Internet Access – Both Burlington Telecom and Comcast are offering free services for low-income families in Burlington.

Comcast: https://www.internetessentials.com/

Burlington Telecom: https://www.burlingtontelecom.com/rates/ (click rates and select “discount”) rr call (802) 540-0007

Information from our School Nurses – School Nurses will be reaching out to families to pick up their student’s medication that they will need at home during the school closure. Doctors’ offices would like to remind families that if they are sick to call their doctor’s office BEFORE going to the office so that staff can be prepared for their arrival. Please visit our website for a growing number of resources on how to talk to your children about Coronavirus.

Green Mountain Transit – GMT is suspending neighborhood specials bus routes as of Wednesday. In addition, to discourage/remove any incentive for students to be traveling or gathering, students will not be able to ride regular bus routes for free during our break.

Employee Benefits and Pay – It is my goal to be as compassionate in this process as possible. I have instructed HR to present a plan to our Board of School Commissioners that keeps in place pay and benefits for our employees whenever possible. For areas where this may not be a possibility, we are working with our lawyers to allow employees to find solutions. I expect to send more communication regarding this to staff tonight or tomorrow.

Volunteers and Outside Visitors – We have received several offers to volunteer to help with all of the items above. At this time, in the spirit of Governor Scott’s executive order and efforts to flatten the curve, we will be relying on District staff to help implement these measures. In addition, we are asking that people not visit our buildings or District offices during this closure, outside of the days and times we have allotted to pick up hard copy materials. We are grateful for the offers of help and will communicate if our needs change.

In closing, I know this is a tremendous amount to process and several families are feeling the pinch and stress involved. I want to take a second to remind you that we will get through this together. To our Senior students, I know this is not the year you envisioned ending your school career. I am sorry and feel for you. We are fortunate to live in a time where we can connect virtually easier than ever with our friends and loved ones. Call each other often and keep in touch, pay attention to your mental health needs, and wash your hands.

Thank you for reading and continuing to be engaged,

Superintendent Obeng

Updated Chart from the Vermont Department of Health:

Vermont cases of COVID-19	8
Vermonters tested negative for COVID-19	421
Vermonters being monitored	274
Vermonters who have completed monitoring	143

BSD Board Announces Tom Flanagan as Next Superintendent

March 12, 2020 By relek

School Board Votes Unanimously to Appoint Flanagan to Position

The Burlington Board of School Commissioners is pleased to announce Tom Flanagan will be the next Superintendent of the Burlington School District. On Thursday, March 12, the Board voted unanimously to approve a resolution and contract to appoint Flanagan to the position

“We are thrilled that Tom Flanagan has accepted the offer to be the next Superintendent of Burlington School District,” said BSD Board Chair Clare Wool. “Mr. Flanagan was selected after a thorough, nationwide search. He brings years of experience leading curriculum efforts and has significant expertise in special education. We are looking forward to Mr. Flanagan’s leadership and welcoming Tom and his family to Burlington.”

“I am delighted to accept the offer of the Board of School Commissioners,” said Tom Flanagan. “I’m very much looking forward to working with the community to build on the strengths of the school system and to improve outcomes for the students of Burlington.”

Currently, Tom Flanagan is the Chief Academic Officer of Providence Public Schools, a position he has held since June of 2016. Previous to that, he was the Deputy Chief of Specialized Instruction for Washington, D.C. Public Schools from 2012-2016. He also worked as a Principal for three years in Washington, D.C. In addition to being certified as a Superintendent in Vermont, he holds a Master’s degree in Special Education and also a Master’s in Educational Administration from Trinity College in Washington, D.C.

Following the October announcement that current Superintendent Yaw Obeng would be stepping down at the end of the school year, the Board of School Commissioners launched a national search for a new Superintendent. More than 20 individuals applied for the position and a search committee comprised of board members, staff and parents worked to narrow the field to three qualified candidates. Last week, those three candidates were interviewed by the board and participated in a community forum.

###

Burlington School District (BSD) is a pre-k-12 public school system of about 4,000 students in Burlington, VT. BSD’s mission is to graduate students who: value different cultures, engage with the community, communicate effectively, think creatively, skillfully solve problems, and achieve at their highest academic, intellectual, and personal potential. Join the Journey! www.bsdvt.org

Note Regarding Coronavirus

March 2, 2020 By relek

March 2, 2020

Dear Students, Parents, Faculty, and Staff,

We look forward to welcoming everyone back from break. School will be open on Wednesday as planned.

In the Burlington School District, the health, safety, and well-being of our students and staff are our top priorities. I want to share that we are proceeding with an abundance of caution regarding the coronavirus disease (COVID-19).

As this is a rapidly changing situation, I have established a District Health Team tasked with looking at on-going actions and communication regarding coronavirus. We will continue to work closely with public health officials at the local and state levels to monitor the spread of the virus.

BSD has been in contact with the Vermont Agency of Education (AOE) who has been monitoring the situation closely with the Department of Health. In an update memo on Friday, February 28th, the AOE provided the following suggestions and guidance:

“Many of the precautions that help prevent other respiratory diseases, like colds and the flu, can also help keep an illness like COVID-19 from spreading:

✔ Frequent handwashing with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer. (Don’t forget thumbs and in between your fingers.)

✔ Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.

✔ Avoid close contact with people who are sick.

✔ Cover your cough or sneeze with your sleeve or a tissue. Throw the tissue in the trash.

✔ Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.

✔ Stay home when you are sick.”

Going forward, we will assemble a Q & A for questions that come in and provide regular updates including one later this week. In the meantime, please visit the Vermont Department of Health’s COVID-19 website or dial 2-1-1 for more information.

Thank you for reading.

Superintendent Obeng

Meet the Candidates – New Superintendent Community Forum, March 5th

February 26, 2020 By relek

Calling all Burlington School District stakeholders: Join us Thursday, March 5th for a New Superintendent Community Forum from 6:00-8:00 PM in the Burlington High School auditorium.

Three finalists for the BSD Superintendent position will join us for the forum. Come hear from candidates as they answer questions about their past experiences and what they intentionally plan to offer our district.

Childcare and interpretation services will be provided.

Please be sure to spread the word/RSPV on Facebook.

Meet the Candidates –

Candidates listed in alphabetical order.

Dr. Peter Burrows: Dr. Burrows has served as the Superintendent of Schools in the Addison Central School District in Middlebury since July of 2013. Previous to that, he was a Principal at Willamette High School in Eugene, Oregon from 2010-2013 and an Assistant Principal there from 2008-2010. He has also taught in Korea, Mexico, and Japan. In addition to being certified as a Superintendent, he is certified as a teacher of English as a Second Language. He holds a doctorate in Educational Leadership from the University of Oregon. Burrows Cover Letter and Resume/CV

Thomas Flanagan: Tom Flanagan is the Chief Academic Officer of Providence Public Schools, a position he has held since June of 2016. Previous to that, he was the Deputy Chief of Specialized Instruction for the Washington, D.C. Public Schools from 2012-2016. He also worked as a Principal for three years in Washington, D.C. In addition to being certified as a Superintendent in Vermont, he holds a Master’s degree in Special Education and also a Master’s in Educational Administration from Trinity College in Washington, D.C. Flanagan Cover Letter and Resume/CV

Erin Maguire: Ms. Maguire currently works as the Director of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion for the Essex Westford School District. Previous to that, she was the Director of Student Support Services there from 2017-2019. From 2004-2017 she was the Executive Director of Student Support Services for the Chittenden Central Supervisory Union. In addition to being certified as a Superintendent, she is also a certified Principal and certified as both a Science and Special Education teacher. She holds a Certificate of Advanced Educational Leadership from the Harvard Graduate School of Education. Maguire Cover Letter and Resume/CV

First Day of School 2020: August 26

February 21, 2020 By relek

The first day of the 2020/2021 school year for students in Burlington School District is August 26, 2020.

The full calendar will be presented in April at a Board meeting, but for now please pencil it in!

3rd Annual Beyond Black History Month, Friday March 13

February 20, 2020 By relek

Black History does not end when March begins! Please join Superintendent Obeng and our District Equity and Access Leadership Team on Friday, March 13th for our 3rd Annual Beyond Black History Month Celebration. This free, community event will run from 5:30 to 8 PM and we have a great evening of celebration and education lined up!

RSVP and invite your friends on our Facebook page today!

This inclusive, District-wide event aims to continue – not conclude – the community’s momentum in expanding dialogues, shifting perspectives, and boldly addressing present-day injustices.

As always, dinner and childcare are provided FREE.

Check out this year’s Program:

5:30 PM Welcome -Superintendent Obeng

Special Presentations by:
-Flynn Student Council
-My Brother’s Keeper/My Sister’s Keeper
-Muslim Girls Making Change

6:15 – 8:00 PM Beyond Black History Month Programming
Visit with our community partner tables in the lobby
Enjoy dinner in the cafeteria
Attend a Breakout Workshop

6:45-7:30 Breakout Sessions
“Radical Empathy” explores racial issues and racial disparities in Vermont traffic policing through photographs by former BSD School Board Chair and UVM Economics Professor Stephanie Seguino
Location: Library

“BSD Youth Panel on Race” features BSD students of color sharing experiences and stories in a discussion facilitated by Vince Mitchell
Location: Auditorium

“Restorative Circle on Race in America” Participants will engage in a circle conversation to discuss the impact of race in our society facilitated by BSD RP/PBIS Coach Josh Meyer
Location: Multilingual Liaison Office

“Storytelling with Ferene Paris Meyer” Join Ferene for an interactive workshop on the power of storytelling as an effective tool to create space for voices to be heard and feel a sense of belonging. Come ready to share and be vulnerable! This heart-centered session aims to provide a space to learn and affirm one another while minimizing the impact of microaggressions and harm. (Led by Ferene Paris Meyer, Director of New Student Programs at the University of Vermont & FlynnArts Faculty at the Flynn Theater for Performing Arts)
Location: Champlain Cafe

Looking to sign up for childcare or request transportation help? Please send us an email or call Russ at (802) 864-8474

Don’t forget to let your friends know you’ll be there!

Burlington School District Releases Annual Report

February 18, 2020 By relek

Report Shares Strategic Plan Update, Key Budget Information

Burlington School District’s (BSD) 2019 Annual Report is here! The report on the 2018-19 school year highlights a number of student and staff achievements, shares an update on BSD’s strategic plan initiatives, and provides a look into the District’s financial management and proposed budget for next school year. In addition to being available online, hard copies of the report are also available free of charge at:

BSD Central Office (150 Colchester Ave.)
All BSD Schools
Fletcher Free Library
Burlington Department of Public Works
The Miller Center
Burlington City Hall

“I want to invite the community to dig into this report and celebrate with us,” said BSD Superintendent Obeng. “With a continued focus on our strategic plan initiatives, Burlington School District is on the right track towards addressing and closing the achievement gaps that exist in our District while raising the bar for all students.”

The District’s three strategic plan focus areas are Inclusive Teaching and Learning; Equitable Climate and Culture; and Sustainable Finance and Facilities. In the report, Obeng specifically highlights key work being done to achieve success in these areas:

“In the area of “Sustainable Finance and Facilities,” we operated with a budget surplus for the fifth consecutive year and continued to work towards addressing our capital plan needs. In the area of “Equitable Climate and Culture,” we spent time analyzing our previous year’s climate survey data and began making recommendations to improve relationships and safety in our District. We dedicated the entire year’s professional learning focus in the District to Restorative Practices (RP). Our District Safety Team researched Vermont Agency of Education (AOE) endorsed “Options-based Response Protocols”…

We also added gender-neutral changing facilities at Burlington High School (BHS) and expanded the number of accessible playground options at Sustainability Academy and Flynn Elementary. For our goals under “Inclusive Teaching and Learning,” our Afterschool Program completed a pilot in partnership with UVM to connect English Learners (EL) with UVM students studying cultural and linguistic literacy. We also received an AOE Career Pathways Implementation Grant and founded the Future Planning Lab, a program that provides assistance to our growing number of EL students in the application for college, financial aid, and employment. And we launched “Burlington City and Lake Semester” at BHS, a class held outside the walls of BHS in downtown Burlington, offering hands-on learning within the city. Finally, we successfully implemented the Kansas Coaching Model in all K-8 Schools, and hired our first Achievement Gap Lead and first Data Manager to ensure we are equitably serving all.”

The 2019 Annual Report also offers a look into the District’s demographics (BSD represent 45 different home languages), community partners (more than 60 on the District-level alone), and student support services (serving 723 students with Individualized Education Plans).

Burlington residents will also be pleased to see a detailed summary of the proposed budget for next school year, alongside a multi-year budget comparison dating back to fiscal year 2018, school tax comparison rates for Chittenden County and more. The budget information is published annually to allow Burlington residents to better understand how the District uses their tax dollars in anticipation of Town Meeting Day.

“I hope that Burlington voters can dig into this document and use the information to make an educated and informed decision when then they vote on March 3^rd,” said Obeng.

###

Join the Journey! Burlington School District (BSD) is a pre-k-12 public school system of about 4,000 students in Burlington, VT. BSD’s mission is to graduate students who: value different cultures, engage with the community, communicate effectively, think creatively, skillfully solve problems, and achieve at their highest academic, intellectual, and personal potential.

BSD Board Approves Proposed FY 21 Budget

February 6, 2020 By relek

Last month, BSD’s School Board unanimously approved a proposed budget for next school year. Entering into our budget planning, we knew that the District’s baseline budget was predicted to go up $3.5 million without adding any new programming. Our projections showed that a budget increase of $3.5 million would have resulted in a 10.5% tax increase. The Board and I knew we needed to bring that tax impact down and we worked closely to do so.

Because of careful financial management over the past five years, we were able to use a $1.3 million surplus to bring the tax impact down to 8.5%. Our District leadership then went line-by-line to identify additional savings and the Board also made suggestions. Ultimately, the Board voted to make more than $1 million of reductions, which allowed us to add a few key investments while still bringing the estimated tax rate increase down to 7.36% for property payers and 3.18% for income payers.

In addition, we have begun to pay back debt associated with our voter-approved capital plan. Thank you for supporting the plan, Burlington, and thank you to everyone who attended our recent Ribbon Cutting on the Edmunds Campus which demonstrates how your tax dollars are being spent in the service of our students.

For a complete budget breakdown, including all additions and reductions, please view our budget presentation or take a look at our proposed budget one-pager.

Don’t forget to vote on March 3rd!

Join the Journey,

Superintendent Obeng

BSD Hires Superintendent Search Firm, Announces Community Input Meetings

January 2, 2020 By relek

District and Search Firm to Hold Community Meetings January 8, 23, and 29

Burlington, VT. The Burlington School District (BSD) Board of School Commissioners is pleased to announce that McPherson & Jacobson, LLC, Executive Recruitment and Development has been selected to assist the Board in the important task of selecting superintendent candidates for the board to interview.

Beginning immediately, the consultants and board commissioners will be meeting with community members to gather input regarding the qualities of the District’s next Superintendent. Three public input meetings have been set, and all are open to any community stakeholders wishing to provide input:

January 8, 2020: 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. – Hunt Middle School
January 23, 2020: 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. – Integrated Arts Academy (Interpretation and Childcare Provided)
January 29, 2020: 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. – Champlain Elementary School (Interpretation and Childcare Provided)

RSVP to the events on Facebook and invite a friend!

During the meeting, attendees can expect to answer a number of questions, including:

What makes your community a good place to live?
What makes this a good school district – for students and staff?
What are the issues that a new superintendent needs to know about as they come into the district?
What skills, qualities, and characteristics will the new superintendent need in order to be successful?

Answers to those questions will be recorded and displayed on a screen at the meeting in real-time and shared on the school district website afterward. Additionally, candidates for the position will be able to view all of the comments, allowing them to gain a better understanding of the Burlington School District.

Those who cannot attend the meeting are encouraged to take a few minutes to submit answers to these questions via email. Answers can be sent to: superintendentsearch (at) bsdvt (dot) org

These first three input meetings are designed for BSD parents and the greater Burlington community but anyone is welcome to attend. The search firm and Board are also working to schedule additional meetings designed specifically to get input from teachers, students, and administrators; those dates will be shared once they have been confirmed.

McPherson & Jacobson, LLC has been conducting national searches for boards of education since 1991 and is one of the leading national superintendent search firms. They have placed more 750 superintendents and other officials in public and non-profit organizations across the United States.

Refreshments will be provided at all events and the District is working to provide childcare and interpretation services at the January 23 and 29 meetings. Community members with questions and suggestions can contact the Superintendent Search Committee at: superintendentsearch (at) bsdvt (dot) org.

Fall 2020 Kindergarten Registration Now Open

December 16, 2019 By relek

If you have a child turning five on or before September 1, 2020, it is time to register them now for Kindergarten!

Registration can only be done online through the district website. If you do not have access to a computer or need assistance, please stop by your neighborhood school and you will be given access to a computer and help with any questions.

To complete registration, you will need:

1) a copy of the child’s birth certificate or other proof of age
2) a copy of their immunization records
3) proof of residency.

HAVE QUESTIONS ABOUT KINDERGARTEN AND THE REGISTRATION PROCESS?

Learn about the day in the life of a kindergartener.

Join us at an information session in your community. Hear from kindergarten teachers, talk to our Afterschool team, connect with our Preschool director, and ask questions with the registration team.

Wednesday 1/15/20 1:30-2:30 p.m. at Flynn Elementary
1645 North Ave, Burlington, VT 05408
Thursday 1/23/20 11:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. at Champlain Elementary
800 Pine St, Burlington, VT 05401
Wednesday 1/29/20 12:00-1:00 p.m. at the Family Room (in room #4344)
20 Allen St, Burlington, VT 05401
Wednesday 2/12/20 9:00-10:00 at Ira Allen Pre-School
150 Colchester Ave, Burlington, VT 05401

Visit Our Elementary Schools

To learn more about our schools, join us for a tour! We have several tours and presentations scheduled throughout the District, all geared toward families looking to enroll in the following school year. Please find a day and time below that works for you and call the school to reserve your spot. Don’t see a time that works for you? Call any of our schools to schedule a tour by appointment.

Champlain Elementary:
Thursday, 1/9, 5:30 p.m.
Tuesday, 1/15, 8:30 a.m.
Thursday, 1/16, 9:00 a.m.
Please call the school at 864-8477 to let us know that you are coming.

C.P. Smith:
Monday, 1/13, 5:00 p.m.
Wednesday, 1/15, 8:30 a.m.
Friday, 1/24, 9:00 a.m.
Monday, 2/10, 1:00 p.m.
Please call the school at 864-8479 to let us know that you are coming.

Edmunds:
Tuesday, 1/14, 8:15 a.m.
Thursday, 1/23, 5:30 p.m. (Kindergarten “Sneak Peek” Pizza Party)
Monday, 1/27, 4:30 p.m. Friday, 1/31, 11:00 a.m. Friday, 2/7, 2:00 p.m.
Please call the school at 864-8473 to let us know that you are coming.

Integrated Arts Academy (IAA):
Monday, 1/13, 8:15 a.m.
Wednesday, 2/5, 1:00 p.m.
Thursday, 2/6, 5:00 p.m.
Please call the school at 864-8475 to let us know that you are coming.

J.J. Flynn:
Wednesday, 1/8, 8:45 a.m.
Wednesday, 1/22, 10:00 a.m.
Tuesday, 2/4, 5:00 p.m.
Monday, 2/17, 9:00 a.m.

Please call the school at 864-8478 to let us know that you are coming.

Sustainability Academy (SA):
Thursday, 1/16, 8:30 a.m.
Tuesday, 2/4, 8:30-9:30 a.m.
Tuesday, 2/11, 5:30 p.m.
Wednesday, 2/19, 5:30 p.m.
Please call the school at 864-8480 to let us know that you are coming.

*Please check school websites for any updates to tour schedules.

Learn More About Our Elementary Schools

Champlain Elementary: Champlain’s mission is to provide opportunities for students to achieve their personal best, become responsible and productive citizens, and embrace lifelong learning. Striving for academic excellence in our caring, diverse learning community represents our highest ideal. Champlain’s faculty, families, and community partners plant and harvest together in our school gardens and cook healthy treats in our classrooms with a mobile kitchen. Our students learn in our forest and outdoor classroom, and especially enjoy our annual fall Harvest Fest and community focused events. Located in the South End of Burlington at 800 Pine Street, Champlain serves approximately 300 students K-5. To learn more about upcoming activities and events, visit champlain.bsdvt.org, where you can read the principal’s blog and Champlain’s Family Handbook. Feel free to contact Principal Joe Resteghini at 864-8477 or jrestegh@bsdvt.org, see also the Champlain Community Facebook page to get a sense of community and read the Blue Notes.

C.P. Smith Elementary: C.P. Smith Elementary School is a Grades K-5 school of approximately 280 students located on Ethan Allen Parkway in Burlington’s New North End. Since 1959, we have worked hard to build a learning community that is respectful, responsible, and safe for all who come through our doors. We offer equal amounts of academic rigor and joy in a wide variety of hands-on learning activities. A focus on science and the environment engages students in learning using the Ethan Allen Woods, the Community Sailing Center, Star Base, Shelburne Museum, and Shelburne Farms and other exciting venues as extended classrooms. C.P. Smith serves a diverse population of students and strives to make sure each one becomes an inquisitive learner and contributing citizen. We engage parents and guardians as vital partners in the education of their children. All are welcome at our Friday Community Meetings from 8:15-8:40. To learn more about upcoming activities and events, visit smith.bsdvt.org or contact Principal Len Phelan at 864-8479 or lphelan@bsdvt.org.

Edmunds Elementary: Recognized as an Exemplar School by the State of Vermont for the fourth consecutive year for our achievements in our climate and academics, we work continuously to provide an exciting and engaging school experience that balances developmental needs with academics. When touring EES, you will encounter happy learners as we work to meet students where they are. We are excited about our research based literacy program that is used around the world that addresses successfully meets the needs of all young children through sound, sight, motion and stories. Walking field trips provide our students with ready access to the Flynn, the Fletcher Free Library, the Echo Science Center, UVM, as well as North Beach, Centennial Park, geological formations along the lake and the city center. Visit our website and come to our Thursday Morning Assemblies from 8:10 to 8:30 to get a feel for EES. To learn more about upcoming activities and events, visit the ees.bsdvt.org or contact Principal Shelley Mathias at 864-8473 or smathias@bsdvt.org

John J. Flynn Elementary: Flynn School is a strong, community-based school where adults, parents and staff consistently focus on meeting the various needs of all students, helping them learn, play and laugh. It is a professional community that partners with a wide range of community organizations to support and enrich student learning. Some examples of our community partnerships include: ECHO Center, VT National Guard Starbase Program, Very Merry Theater, Burlington Community Sailing Center and the Flynn Theater. Located at 1645 North Avenue in the New North End of Burlington, Flynn serves approximately 340 Pre-K through 5th grade students. To learn more about upcoming activities and events, visit flynn.bsdvt.org or contact Principal Lashawn Whitmore-Sells at 864-8478 or lsells@bsdvt.org

Integrated Arts Academy (IAA): The mission of the IAA is to explore academic knowledge through intentional art experiences. Our diverse community collaborates and celebrates the world through meaningful learning and creative self-expression as we prepare students for success in the 21st Century. At this magnet school, students are learning through the lens of the four art forms: movement, drama, music and visual arts. IAA core partners include the Flynn Center for the Performing Arts, Burlington City Arts and St. Michael’s College. Located at 6 Archibald Street in the Old North End of Burlington, IAA serves approximately 300 students in grades Pre-K-5. To learn more about upcoming activities and events, visit iaa.bsdvt.org or contact Principal Kevin Robinson at 864-8475 or krobinso@bsdvt.org.

Sustainability Academy (SA): The mission of SA is to educate and empower all students to improve the quality of life for all – economically, socially, and environmentally – now and for future generations. At SA, one of BSD’s two magnet schools, students are learning through the lens of sustainability by exploring our diverse society, our local economy, and the environment. We do this through hands-on, place-based and project-based learning. Education for Sustainability comes to life through SA’s learning environment. We use geothermal energy to heat and cool our building and solar panels to power our school! Additionally, at SA we have a thriving school garden that each of our classes use to cultivate fruits, flowers, and vegetables as a part of our curriculum. SA’s core partner is Shelburne Farms, which hosts all SA students for learning trips each school year. Located at 123 North Street in the Old North End of Burlington, SA serves approximately 180 students in grades Pre-K-5. To learn more about upcoming activities and events, visit sa.bsdvt.org or contact Principal Nina Oropeza at 864-8480 or noropeza@bsdvt.org

Meet the Candidates –

Check out this year’s Program:

HAVE QUESTIONS ABOUT KINDERGARTEN AND THE REGISTRATION PROCESS?

Learn about the day in the life of a kindergartener.

Visit Our Elementary Schools

Learn More About Our Elementary Schools

Contact Info

Important Links

Important Contact Info