News

Today our student-athletes wrapped up day 3 of Physical Testing with a timed mile run around the track at Fremont-Smith Field. The Big Dogs gave it their all while being cheered on by their teammates, coaches and the High Performance staff. Day 1 and day 2 included comprehensive physical assessments guided by the SkillsQuest program. SkillsQuest is a cornerstone program of the U.S. Ski & Snowboard Training Systems. It’s designed to motivate and reward athletes in working toward and improving abilities in the key areas of emphasis. As its name implies, it represents a quest, or journey, toward success in competitive skiing and snowboarding, by focusing on skills, the critical components that make up a high-performing athlete. We are so proud of all our athletes as they learn to push their own limits and pursue their performance goals.   View photos online

The first day of classes and athletics for our Big Dogs looked a bit different than first days of the past, but everyone seems to be adjusting quickly to the new routine.  Thanks to the beautiful weather, several classes met outside, and we were also able to create a new, physically distanced, outdoor format for our all-school meeting. In the afternoon High Performance Director Shelby Downing reported that returning and new student-athletes alike showed a high level of athletic maturity as they took on the first movement screening of the fall with attention and commitment. Photo album link 

After months of careful planning and in consultation with medical professionals, the Maine Department of Education, the Maine CDC and local public health officials, Carrabassett Valley Academy is pleased to open its campus this fall. On August 30 we will welcome 65 student athletes, about half of whom are boarding students, for full-time in person academic and athletic programming.

There is no greater priority than the health and safety of our students, staff, and local community. Stringent health and safety measures have been put in place to ensure a safe repopulation of campus, mitigation of Covid-19 risk and virus containment, if needed. 

In the weeks leading up to the beginning of school, all students and employees have engaged in self quarantine and will be tested for Covid-19. Proof of a negative Covid-19 test is required in order to enter campus. In addition, all community members will be tested on the first day of school and again on the 10th day of school.

Protocols have been developed for mitigating risk, controlling our environment and caring for ill community members. There will be daily health checks, and face coverings, physical distancing, and hand hygiene will be emphasized.  Indoor spaces have been adjusted to allow for social distancing in classrooms, dining areas and common rooms. Outdoor classrooms and training spaces have been created to encourage outdoor learning, meeting, and training. Food service has shifted to single serve and served items and kitchen areas have been outfitted with Plexiglas. Steps have been taken to increase ventilation in all indoor spaces and cleaning and disinfecting of high touch areas will be increased.

Plans for two traditional activities related to the first week of school have also been addressed.  We’re redesigning the registration day experience to eliminate indoor programming for parents, several of the topics will be covered electronically or at a later date.  Staff is also ensuring our student orientation trips can be held with social distancing among ourselves and with little or no mixing with the public population.

With our aggressive testing plan, conscientious behavior including mask wearing, social distancing, and hand hygiene, and restricted movements, we have every reason to believe we will begin the school year with a healthy population and maintain it throughout the fall. 

This document will serve to inform our own detailed reopening plans as they develop.  It was created collaboratively by Northern New England boarding school Heads, including our own Head of School Kate Punderson.  Read it here: Independent Schools Association of Northern New England Reopening Schools Framework 

The long-anticipated day is nearly here. We are pleased to announce the Class of 2020 Graduation 🎓 is planned for August 1st.
The ceremony will be a blend of traditions and reflective of today’s circumstances. Ten graduates and their immediate family will attend in person at the Richard Bell Chapel at Sugarloaf Mountain. 🗻 Five graduates and their families, plus all faculty, staff, undergraduate students, and extended family members will attend simultaneously through Zoom. 💻 Sugarloaf-based participants will strictly follow "Keep Maine Healthy" travel rules and the ceremony will meet all Maine Dept. of Ed. regulations.
We are so looking forward to celebrating this amazing class! 🎉

Summer is for reading. Our English teachers have chosen this summer’s reading selections. Students will be reading, annotating and reflecting on these great reads.  Each student/family was sent an email by Karen Lanoue-Egan in June about their specific summer reading assignment, contact Karen (klanoue-egan@gocva.com) with any questions.  Enjoy!

The Carrabassett Valley Academy community would like to congratulate the Class of 2020 on their college acceptances. We are so proud of you! Your hard work and perseverance will continue to open doors of opportunity next year and for years to come. Here's a complete list of colleges and universities to which our 15 Seniors have been accepted so far:

Sugarloaf promises to provide at least 150 days of skiing and riding next season.

Full-time synchronous distance learning and training resumed this week after our spring break. Megan, student council president, continued her role in hosting our virtual all-school meeting. Go Dogs Go!