District >
News
Updated COVID 19 Vaccinations
Dear Valley Unified Students, Parents, Families and Staff:  We are writing to inform you about an important opportunity for students ages 12 and older to be vaccinated against COVID-19 with the Pfizer vaccine. Yes, you read correctly, the Pfizer vaccine has been approved for emergency authorization by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for use with children as young as 12 years. In our on-going efforts to keep our students, staff and schools safe and open for in-school instruction, we will continue to partner with St. John Valley Pharmacy to host Pfizer vaccine clinics at our three Valley Unified Middle/High Schools on the following dates and times: May 19 and 20 Clinics (2nd dosage for those vaccinated at school in April, 2021 and 1st dosage for those wanting to start the vaccine series) June 9 and 10 Clinics (2nd dosage for those vaccinated at school in May, 2021 and 1st dosage for those wanting to start the vaccine series) June 30 and July 1 Clinics (2nd dosage for those vaccinated at school in June 9 or 10, 2021 and 1st dosage for those wanting to start the vaccine series) These school-based clinics are entirely voluntary and have been arranged for the convenience of our students and families as well as any Valley Unified staff who have not yet had the opportunity to be vaccinated. With questions or to schedule an appointment to be vaccinated, students' parents can contact the School Nurse at their local Middle/High School. Parental permission is required for 12-17 year old students to participate. Consent forms are available from your School Nurses or by clicking here. School Nurse Contact Information This school year has presented many challenges for our students and their families, for our schools and staff, and for our communities. Over a year has passed since schools across the country, our state, and our Upper St. John Valley region closed for remote learning. We are pleased that our students have been in school for the majority of this school year and hope to build upon this successful foundation for the rest of this year and during 2021-2022. We believe voluntary vaccination against COVID-19 can help us achieve this goal. Stay safe and be well. Respectfully, Benjamin Sirois Superintendent of Schools Valley Unified Education Service Center |
| Attachments:
Updated COVID19 Vaccination Opportunity Letter.pdf
MMHS Parent Survey
 The Maine Department of Education currently requires all school districts to have a plan for in-classroom instruction (green model), hybrid learning (yellow model), and remote learning (red model). The DOE however does not require districts to offer a choice of these models at the same time. As we begin to plan for the upcoming 2021-22 school year, It is important that we gather the following information to assist us as we determine the instructional structures for the coming school year. |
Updated Travel Advisory
 Please see the following updates to travel testing and quarantine requirements: United States Travel As of May 1, 2021, the state of Maine no longer requires proof of a negative test or quarantine for travelers to the state. Following the Maine guidance, Valley Unified Schools will also no longer require a negative test after United States travel to return to school. Per the Maine Travel and Visitor FAQ page, “If one or more states see a spike in cases of high contagious COVID-19 variants, Maine will apply its test or quarantine requirement on travelers to and from that state The Maine CDC will publicly announce any such states when they are identified.” In the event that Maine does identify one or more states that require test or quarantine requirements, Valley Unified will also require the same to return to school. International Travel In line with U.S. CDC guidelines, all people who arrive in Maine within 7 days of entering the U.S. must quarantine for 7 days from arrival in the U.S. AND get a COVID-19 molecular or antigen test 3-5 days after arrival in the U.S. Even if the COVID-19 test is negative, individuals must complete the 7-day quarantine after travel. If the test is positive, individuals must isolate. Individuals arriving from international travel who do not get a COVID-19 test should quarantine for 10 days after arrival in the U.S. |
| Attachments:
Updated Travel Advisory - 5.3.21 - Google Docs.pdf
Approved Calendars for 2021-22
 |
MMHS Recognized by US News & World Report
 Madawaska Middle/High School was recognized by US News & World Report as the 8th highest performing high school in Maine in their April 2021 edition. This is the 3rd time MMHS has been recognized for their performance. US News & World Report cited the school on a combination of factors contributing to a quality education. Among the highlights:
|
Real World Math at MES
 The Madawaska School Department applied for a grant to help fund storage sheds and the application was approved last fall, just before the snow began to fly. Two large sheds were ordered and recently built by J&J Mini Barns in Easton, and are due to be delivered to the elementary school in the next several days. For this real-life project, 6th grade teacher, Mrs. Bonny Tingley, and bus driver/custodian, Mr. Roger Lagasse, discussed how to involve students in helping select the direction to place the sheds in a corner of the school’s parking lot, either in an east-west direction or in a north-south direction. Mr. Lagasse described what to consider and what was needed in the placement design, and Mrs. Tingley’s students got to work immediately. Students used their problem-solving skills and advised that the sheds should be placed in a north-south direction. In addition, their math skills helped them design a blueprint using the size of each shed, the need to leave space for snow removal between and around the buildings, and included a plan that is mindful of the current flow of traffic in the parking area. Principal Lise Pelletier stated, “Today’s activity was a great way for our students to witness that we all work together--teachers, students, support staff--to find answers to questions, and solving real-world math problems using skills learned in class can be fun.” Photos show students calculating dimensions and creating a blueprint for the sheds, then measuring the location and marking off the parking lot in preparation for delivery of the two sheds at Madawaska Elementary School. |
| Attachments:
IMG953853.jpg
IMG953858.jpg
IMG953859.jpg
IMG953864.jpg
IMG953868.jpg
School Reintegration Update for Students, Parents and Families: Month of April 2021
Wishing all students, staff, and families a much-needed and well-deserved spring break. Please be safe and enjoy the time away from school! Here are some updates for the month of April, 2021.  Click here or the image above. |
School Buses For Sale
 MADAWASKA SCHOOL DEPARTMENT The Madawaska School Department has two buses for sale by sealed bids. TO BE SOLD AS IS Buses can be seen at the Madawaska Public Works/Bus Garage Bids are to be submitted in sealed envelopes marked “BUS BID” by 3:00 P.M. Friday, April 23, 2021 We reserve the right to refuse or reject all bids. FORWARD TO: 2008 International Model 3800 § Engine – Max Force 2013 Thomas - Freightliner School Bus (207) 728-3346 |
COVID-19 Vaccinations for 16+
 |
| Attachments:
COVID19 Vaccination Opportunity Letter - Google Docs (1).pdf
Early Dismissal April 1, 2021
 |
1-10 of 199