Vt. eyes ‘more normal’ summer, focuses on helping youth

Summer skies from 2020 as seen from Pomfret, Vermont. (Gareth Henderson File Photo)

Vermont Gov. Phil Scott said a plan to more greatly ease statewide pandemic restrictions in the coming weeks is on its way. At a Friday press conference, Scott said he expected July 4th will mark a new phase, "a time when things will look and feel more normal."

"In the next 10 days, we'll detail the path ahead and show you a blueprint of how we expect to ease restrictions based on the level of vaccinated Vermonters," he said. The approach will remain strategic and closely tied to the advice of health experts, the governor added.

As that plan is finalized, another statewide initiative focuses on the needs of youth. Efforts are underway to organize a statewide program to provide wider access to 2021 summer programs for Vermont students, to help them recover from the impact of the pandemic. The announcement comes at a time when COVID-19 vaccinations are steadily increasing and restrictions are gradually being eased, opening up possibilities for in-person activities this summer.

With the start of spring, there has been a greater emphasis nationwide on the return to in-person learning and the importance of summer programming for K-12 students. Students are eager to reconnect on an in-person level with their friends and school communities, after what has been a year of remote and hybrid learning for many. In the latest U.S. COVID relief package, increased federal funding for youth summer programs is coming to states.

Speaking to the media Friday, State Education Secretary Dan French said planning for the statewide effort is well underway, and it's a high priority for the Vermont Agency of Education.

"In conjunction with the governor's office, we're working with a variety of stakeholders, programs and service providers to design a statewide summer initiative that expands capacity for these programs and extends their availability for all families to participate," French said. "Our hope is to provide a fun, engaging experience open to all students, regardless of ability or economic circumstance."

Currently, the state is working out the details on funding, resources and how to integrate the initiative with what schools are planning. The public can expect more details from French in the coming weeks as plans and partnerships develop.

— Gareth Henderson