Vaccine Information for Children Ages 5 - 11
We wanted to share some important information with our communities in regard to the pending approval of COVID vaccinations for children in the 5-11 age range. This information was just sent out by the State of Vermont, please see below.
On November 2, Governor Scott announced that at 8 a.m. the morning after the CDC authorizes use of COVID-19 vaccine in children ages 5-11 vaccine appointments will be available for that group.
Parents can learn more about registering for vaccine appointments here.
If they would like to take steps to prepare, they can add their children as dependents on their vaccine registration account in preparation for appointments opening for this group.
Any families without internet access or who other would like assistance to make their appointment should contact the Health Department call center at (855) 722-7878, Mon - Fri 8 a.m.- 4:30 p.m., Sat and Sun 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.
To speak with someone in a language other than English, dial the call center, and then press 1.
People who are Deaf or hard of hearing can make a TTY call to this number by dialing 711 or 1-800-253-0195.
When registration opens, it will include appointments for school-based clinics.
American Academy of Pediatrics Vermont Chapter Town Halls on COVID-19 Vaccines for Children
The AAP Vermont Chapter is inviting Vermont families to join them for a conversation about COVID-19 vaccines for children from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. via Zoom on the below dates. Check the AAP website for updates as additional dates are scheduled.
Monday, November 8th with Leah Costello, M.D. (So. Burlington) - Nov. 8 Zoom link
Wednesday, November 10th with Elizabeth Richards, M.D. (Brattleboro) - Nov. 10 Zoom link
Tuesday, November 16th with Josh Kantrowitz, M.D. ( St. Johnsbury) - Nov. 16 Zoom link
Thursday, November 18th with Ashley Miller, M.D. ( So. Royalton) - Nov. 18 Zoom link
Monday, November 22nd with Colleen Moran, M.D. (Lamoille) - Nov. 22 Zoom link
Tuesday, December 2nd with Tracy Tyson, M.D. (St. Albans) - Dec. 2 Zoom link
May 12, 2022
Dear OSSD Community,
Hopefully some folks have been following the supreme court decision on the Boston Flag controversy. In a 9-0 ruling the supreme court upheld the right of a private organization to fly its flag on Boston City Hall’s flagpole because the city had allowed other private groups to do so – effectively making the flagpole an open forum for free speech. The OSSD is currently facing this same issue.
Knowing that this ruling was coming and that it may impact the district’s ability to continue flying the BLM flag, I advised the OSSD Board to consider a flag policy that would allow the district to say no to flags and symbols that would conflict with our mission or be seen as repugnant. The Board began this work about four months ago and is nearing a decision. The supreme court decision came early – it wasn’t expected until the end of June which puts the district in a state of risk. Right now, the district can be asked by any group to fly any flag or symbol they desire, and the district cannot say no without facing an immediate lawsuit for violating that groups free speech rights, a lawsuit that could exact significant tolls on both the district’s image and the taxpayer funds we use to support our work. Immediately following the Board meeting last night, when a policy decision was not reached, we received such a request.
To protect the district and the rights of all involved, all non-governmental flags will be removed from the district flagpoles until the Board has reached a policy decision on the matter. Once the policy has been decided, I will fully enforce the Board’s will as expressed in that policy.
Because of the emotion tied to all of these proceedings, folks need to understand that this is not about the BLM flag, any non-governmental flag on our flagpoles would have put the district in the same position and would require the same response.
Sincerely,
Layne Millington, OSSD Superintendent
Dear OSSD Community,
Hopefully some folks have been following the supreme court decision on the Boston Flag controversy. In a 9-0 ruling the supreme court upheld the right of a private organization to fly its flag on Boston City Hall’s flagpole because the city had allowed other private groups to do so – effectively making the flagpole an open forum for free speech. The OSSD is currently facing this same issue.
Knowing that this ruling was coming and that it may impact the district’s ability to continue flying the BLM flag, I advised the OSSD Board to consider a flag policy that would allow the district to say no to flags and symbols that would conflict with our mission or be seen as repugnant. The Board began this work about four months ago and is nearing a decision. The supreme court decision came early – it wasn’t expected until the end of June which puts the district in a state of risk. Right now, the district can be asked by any group to fly any flag or symbol they desire, and the district cannot say no without facing an immediate lawsuit for violating that groups free speech rights, a lawsuit that could exact significant tolls on both the district’s image and the taxpayer funds we use to support our work. Immediately following the Board meeting last night, when a policy decision was not reached, we received such a request.
To protect the district and the rights of all involved, all non-governmental flags will be removed from the district flagpoles until the Board has reached a policy decision on the matter. Once the policy has been decided, I will fully enforce the Board’s will as expressed in that policy.
Because of the emotion tied to all of these proceedings, folks need to understand that this is not about the BLM flag, any non-governmental flag on our flagpoles would have put the district in the same position and would require the same response.
Sincerely,
Layne Millington, OSSD Superintendent