Hello Orchard Parents,

This just in, the results from the Fun Run "net" fundraising total is $16,930! This total includes the 12 corporate sponsors of $4,450, $12,826 donated on Konstella, and $7,204 cash and check donations. This also includes the purchase of awesome Fun Run t-shirts for every student and staff member!

Special thanks to all our families who donated ... and thank you to all of our corporate sponsors (listed below), it didn't include a later donation by CMIT solutions ... and thank you to Mike Gratz for the t-shirt design, and finally special thank you to our PTO Volunteers and Deirdre Fenderson and Jessica McCloud for all of their time and hard work to make this Fun Run such a big success.

One more note: It's never too late to contribute. This is our one major "ask" fundraiser and all donations (including late ones) are welcome, it's easy on Konstella!

Parents - our students and staff have been reviewing our emergency preparedness procedures to include Fire and Secure the Building drills. We have also practiced a softer version of Secure the Building drill called "Clear the Halls". The "Clear the Halls" drill is simply meant to provide someone in distress with some privacy so adults can assist them. These types of drills happen more frequently but our students seem to understand and are very respectful of the individual's needs. They handle it well using their Core Values and by following adult directions.

Have a great weekend, take some time to read with your child.

Mark Trifilio

Quote of the Week, “You must expect great things from yourself before you can do them.”

~Michael Jordan, Basketball Legend

Vision & Hearing Screenings:

Vision and hearing screenings are conducted annually on students in pre-kindergarten, kindergarten, 1st, 3rd and 5th grade. We have the opportunity to welcome the Vermont Lions KidSight program, to perform photoscreening on students in the recommended grades of pre-kindergarten, kindergarten and 1st. We will use traditional vision screening methods for 3rd and 5th graders; vision and hearing screening in those grades, will begin later this fall.

Vermont Lions KidSight program uses a photoscreening digital device called a SPOT vision screener to objectively check for vision problems. The photoscreener is like special-purpose camera; it takes a picture of a child’s eyes and by detecting special light reflexes from each eye, the device produces images that can help identify potential eye conditions.

If an eye concern is identified, we will send you the results of the photoscreener along with a recommendation for further vision testing by a specialist. If you do not hear from us, your child passed the screening.

As always, please contact us if you have questions or would like follow-up vision or hearing checks.

My child is sick, what steps do I take?

• With ANY COVID-like symptoms, even "just" cold symptoms, such as a runny nose and congestion, children need to stay home. Call your provider for next steps and/or obtain a COVID test.
• Please follow these guidelines and fill out the RUVNA app each morning, even if your student is not attending school, and alert the school nurse of next steps.

Be well,

Kara Cassani, RN & Darcy Mazlish, RN

Orchard School Nurses
SBSD Elementary Health Services
p. (802) 652-7303
f. (802) 652-7354

Teacher Appreciation: The PTO would like to establish a Teacher Appreciation day each month to remind our teachers how much we appreciate all their hard work! Please consider donating snack items to stock the teacher's lounge. Sign up here: https://www.konstella.com/app/school/6053aecc105c0243ef2edbfa/recurring-signups/61689cb76afad907d5d4894e

Still not on Konstella? Konstella is a parent portal for people to connect with one another (e.g., to set up play dates), for community event reminders, and for committee sign-ups. Add your child to their classroom today! https://www.konstella.com/cd/YHHCGJ

Hello South Burlington Families and Friends!

October is Indigenous People’s Month here in Vermont so we are taking some time to acknowledge and celebrate the Abenaki in Farm to School. Did you know there are Native American squash and pumpkins currently growing in pumpkin patches and farms across Vermont? The Abenaki, a Vermont tribe, grows many varieties of squash. The most popular ones, you might recognize, are the big Jack-o-Lantern pumpkins (Connecticut Field Pumpkin) and sweet pie pumpkins. The Abenaki word for squash and pumpkins is “wassawa”.

Every tribe has seed guardians or seed carriers who take responsibility for the tribe’s precious seed. It’s impressive to think about the pumpkins we grow for Halloween and Thanksgiving are originally from seeds passed down through generations by the Abenaki!

We enjoyed this Pumpkin Apple Hash in class this month, with some ground sumac sprinkled on top for an immune system boost and a burst of flavor!

Pumpkin Apple Hash

Serves 2-4

This dish is great as a simple side, or take it up a notch with some sauteed kale, avocado, or a fried egg!

Ingredients:

• 3 cups pumpkin, peeled, deseeded, and cut in ½-in cubes

• 2 apples, diced (leave skin on)

• 1 yellow onion, diced

• 2 Tbsp olive oil

• ½ tsp salt

• Sumac, to garnish (optional)

Directions:

1. Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Saute the onions until translucent - about 4-5 min.
2. Add the pumpkin and apple. Turn the heat up to medium-high and stir every 3-4 min until pumpkin and apples get a bit caramelized on all sides.
3. Then turn the heat back down to low, season with salt (and pepper if you wish), and cook for another 10-15 min until the pumpkin is fork-tender.
4. Serve warm with a sprinkle of sumac on top.

Come visit our Farmstand at South Village - and support the Farm to School program with your purchase. We are open Monday - Saturday, 8am-6pm. Friday, October 29, 3-6pm is the Jack-O-Lantern Jamboree! Come by for free apple cider, donuts, pumpkin carving demos, and storytelling.

Till next month, Nourish to Flourish

Lauren Jones, Farm to School Educator for Common Roots