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Kids VT Wee-Mail

Much to Consider

Alison NovakThis weekend, I read this letter from Harwood Unified Union Superintendent Brigid Nease. Like many others in Vermont, I was struck by its frankness and transparency. "School districts across the state all have published plans that they cannot guarantee they can staff," she writes, "and even if by some miracle one can, it is highly unlikely they will be able to sustain it."

Perhaps it was wishful thinking, but this spring, I felt that coronavirus would be somewhat under control in our country by now and we could resume school in a relatively normal fashion. Like many parents I've spoken to, I'm angry and sad that my kids' education has been disrupted and that dealing with coronavirus will be a formative part of their childhood. I know in the coming weeks, families around the state will be making tough choices about education and work in the coming year. My hope is that rather than judge others, we can respect and support each other's choices. 

 


— Alison Novak, managing editor

Hit the Road: The African American Heritage Trail, Lemon Fair Sculpture Park, Kingdom Trails

It's the peak of summer. Looking to explore the state during this beautiful time? Check out these three destinations from Seven Days' Staytripper guide to rediscovering Vermont

Image: Ken Picard

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Kids can't vote. But you can! It's your vote, but it's our future.

Your Voice Matters

Kids can’t vote, but you can! And your voice matters, because it’s your vote, but it’s our future. Learn more about why your vote matters at LetsGrowKids.org, and make sure you use your voice this election season.

Mid-Season Trips to the Burlington and Richmond Farmers Market

"[Aromaticah chef-owner Chepe] Cuadra misses some of his busier summer venues, such as the Shelburne Farmers Market, which has taken the year off. He said sales are about 50 percent what they were last year, but he appreciates the Richmond market: "It is beautiful, and it energizes me."

Image: Melissa Pasanen

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It's Summertime! Take a Break With Us

Your personal staycation may be no further than your own backyard. If you’re planning on a local adventure, NEFCU has options! Ask us about our loans for swimming pools, ATVs, RVs, motorcycles, boats, campers and jet skis. Call us at 866.80.LOANS or visit nefcu.com.

Five Local Spots for Biking With Kids

Pack up your bikes, helmets, snacks and water, and spend a summer day exploring one of these trail systems recommended by contributor and mountain biking enthusiast Sarah Galbraith.

Image: Tristan Von Duntz

As Districts Release Reopening Plans, Some School Officials Are Uneasy
“This is all going to boil up between now and September 1. Teachers are scared. Teachers are fearful, whether we agree that they should be or not doesn’t matter. They’re fearful for their life. They don’t want to catch it. They don’t want to pass it along to their families,” [Harwood Unified Union School District superintendent Brigid Nease] said.

VTDigger, 07/26/20

Some Countries Reopened Schools. What Did They Learn About Kids and Covid?
"Many school districts are somewhere in the middle: infections aren’t out of control, but the virus is still persistent. School officials there have to weigh the risks to teachers and students of opening classrooms against the psychological isolation and emotional harm of keeping kids at home all day for another six months."

Wired, 07/27/20

New England's Largest Corn Maze Reopens for 2020 Season
"We probably spent $20,000 just to be able to open COVID safe," [Mike Boudreau, owner of the Great Vermont Corn Maze in Danville] said. "We’re not making any money this year. But it’s a global pandemic. We’re just happy we can do this and we’re all healthy."

NBC5, 07/24/20

This Wooden Kinetic Wave Sculpture is Soothing to Watch
Stressed out? Take a gander at this calming wave sculpture.

Twisted Sifter, 07/23/20

Check out the July issue!


Sylvester Owusu and his family, pictured on the cover of this issue, gathered to paint a bright yellow, 25-foot mural with the words “Black Lives Matter” on the street in front of the Vermont Statehouse on June 13.

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