The Core
March 24, 2023, Volume 14, Issue 29
Notes from the Principal
Hello Parents and Guardians,
Congratulations to our very own P.E. Teacher, Tommy Hamlin. Tommy received the P.E. Teacher of the Year award from SHAPE VT (Society for Health and Physical Education Teachers of Vermont). Tommy is very deserving of this award, he is a remarkable teacher who brings his A-Game (pun intended) every day. He teaches students not just about skills, but about fair and healthy competition. He teaches about healthy choices and is always there to support every student. Tommy also makes himself available to help students whenever needed, he is very deserving of this award!
📌 We have moved our Lost & Found to the front lobby. Our goal is to get a fresh start for spring - and the Drama Team needs the racks for play costumes. We'll be sending photos of the big items soon but feel free to stop over and look through the clothing. We're hoping to close the winter gear right after parent conferences, and then off to the Goodwill.
--- REPRINTED FROM LAST WEEK ---
📌 Parents - we are seeing an increased number of cars parked in our handicapped parking spaces, notably at arrival time without a handicap sticker. We need those spaces to accommodate all drivers and students, please do not use the handicapped spaces unless you have the sticker.
📌 One highlight of my job is creating this weekly newsletter. Years ago, I received feedback about adding more photos so parents can view students in action at school. I can imagine the balance of photos is off so if you haven't seen your child in a photo, let me know. I want to get it right so send me an email and I'll make sure to get a photo(a) of your child at school in an upcoming
newsletter!
Have a great weekend, take some time to read with your child.
Happy Spring!
Mark T & Olivia K
For all of our Muslim families, Ramadan Mubarak (Have a blessed Ramadan!)
The Kindergarten Elephant & Piggie Parade!
PTO Notes
Save the Date! Next PTO meeting is Wednesday, April 12th at 6:30 pm in the art room. Agenda items include a teacher and staff appreciation lunch, upcoming school events and planning for new playground equipment!
Spring Fling Announcement! This beloved community event will be held on May 12th! If you’re willing to help plan and organize, please email orchardschoolvt@gmail.com.
Fifth Grade Fun Day Volunteers Needed! Calling fifth grade parents who want to help make your child’s Fifth Grade Fun Day a success! If you’d like to be part of the planning committee, please email Melissa Grealis at mwoj44@hotmail.com.
Monthly Teacher Treats: Sign-ups needed for Teacher/Staff goodies for April and beyond! Here is the link to sign up to bring in goodies for the next few months of drop-offs.
The Further Adventures of Peter, Wendy and Hook
Orchard Drama is being powered by all the fantastic support we've received from our amazing families! Our Cast, Crew, and 3rd Grade Chorus are all deep in preparation for the coming performances and the hype is real.
Speaking of which, it is our pleasure to announce the following dates for your Orchard Drama's performances of The Further Adventures of Peter, Wendy and Hook:
- Thursday, April 13th, noon: (closed performance for Orchard School)
- Friday, April 14th, 6:30pm
- Saturday, April 15th, 5:30pm
Ticket information for the Friday and Saturday performances will be coming home with your kids next week and be certain to circle your calendars!
Sugaring with Ms. Barone's Kindergarten Class
School Nurse Notes
Mud Season is Upon Us!
Spare Pants Needed
Please consider sending in spare clothes for your child that can be kept at school. Whether in kindergarten or 5th grade, a student’s clothes can easily get wet or muddy (playground, lunchroom, and accidents). Our spare clothing is getting low, so our hope is that every child will have their own stash in their backpack.
In addition, if you are cleaning out your closets, sweatpants (elastic waistband) or leggings and clean sock donations are greatly appreciated. Thank you!
Tick Tock!
Black-legged tick nymphs are common in the spring and can be associated with increased cases of Lyme disease and anaplasmosis. Lyme disease is the most common vector-borne disease in the U.S. Anaplasmosis is also a disease caused primarily by the bite of an infected blacklegged tick.
After you come indoors:
- Check clothing for ticks.
- Examine pets (and gear): check pets daily and remove ticks right away.
- Shower within two hours of coming indoors.
- Full body check for ticks on yourself and your child's body (with a mirror if necessary.
For more information, visit the Vermont Department of Health or the CDC.
Be kind, stay well~
Kara Cassani & Sarah Pineda
Feedback for our District Website
Freeze Pops for Ms. Bauman's 2nd Grade Class from Double-Down Week!
Bus Drivers Please!
This Week's Announcers, Avery & Kate!
Memory Book 22-23!
Hello Orchard parents and caregivers!
I am currently putting together this year's school Memory Book and looking for someone to come alongside me to assist in the process. This is my daughter's last year at Orchard, so I will not be putting it together again next year. A new Memory Book team (parent volunteers) will need to be formed in order for your children to have a Memory Book made each school year. Having some tech skills is a definite plus as part of the process includes uploading portraits and designing the pages. I would love to get a couple of you trained now while I'm still in the creation process, and also looking for assistance in the creation of this year's book. Please reach out via phone at 802-393-5223 or via email at pay.johnson@aol.com if you are interested in learning this process to take it over for next year.