Today was our MLK Workshops and Celebration. We want to thank members of our high school's Social Justice Union for coming over to teach us about the life of Martin Luther King. And of course - thank you to our Mrs. Frostman for putting together an inspiring music program at our End-of-Day Assembly.

Our students are really enjoying Thursday's snowstorm. You know we believe in the power of outdoor recess so students go out everyday for approximately a half-hour. We go out in almost all weather but not if it is zero degrees (including wind chill). Students not only need coats, hats and mittens but they also need boots and snow pants everyday. Snow pants can be tiresome to carry between home and school but they serve both as a snow and a cold barrier.

We use natural consequences when students do not bring boots and snow pants. We have students still go outside for recess but are confined to the gazebo so they do not spend the afternoons wet. We continually work toward thoughtful rules and consequences though it can be difficult working with more than 400 students.

We are looking forward to Peter Pan! The students and production team are working really hard and we know it's going to be great. We hope you can join us for one of the shows!

I hope everyone enjoys an awesome three-day weekend and hold on to the power of inclusion and diversity. This time helps us appreciate all individuals who fight for the rights of all. Take some time to read with your child.

Mark Trifilio

Buy online here:

All children will see the play in school on Thursday, January 23rd. Evening shows are Friday Jan. 24th at 6:30 and Saturday Jan 25th at 5:30pm.

Save the Date: Math Night is coming! Save the date: Friday, Feb 7th from 6-7:30 at school. More information coming soon.

The Other Paper: Here's a SMALL and EASY way to help our Orchard School community! The Other Paper wants to include news from Orchard School in its paper. Once a month, would you be willing to submit a paragraph (or less) and a photo (perhaps from the Core, a teacher, or school staff - you don't need to come and take photos) and get it over to The Other Paper? Contact Mark Trifilio, or the PTO (see contact information below) for more information and to volunteer.

Bolton Ski and Ride After-School Program: The deadline to register for the Bolton After School Ski and Ride Program is TODAY by 2:30 p.m.!

Registration, rental forms and payment (check to “Orchard PTO” or payment via Konstella/Bolton) must be in the school office or emailed to wlammer@gmail.com by Dismissal Time Friday.

Paperwork and checks can be taken to the Orchard Elementary front office.

The series of dates are on Thursdays: Feb. 6, Feb. 13, Feb.20 (no skiing/riding Feb. 27 due to the February school break), March 5, March 12. (Make-up date is March 19).

Dates: Thursdays Feb 6, 13, 20, March 5, 12; Make-up March 19. 4:00 - 8:00 pm.

If you have your paperwork and payment in, thank you! If you have paid via Konstella but have not submitted your child’s registration or rental forms, please get those in by the 17th. Participants should watch the Know the Code and Terrain Park Smart Style videos following this link:

https://www.boltonvalley.com/the-mountain/snow-report-and-maps/your-responsibility-code

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LHzICXgkBxc

Registration, Rental and Videos:

https://www.konstella.com/app/school/5b1eb09ae4b05d0edb70846b/files/5bd1e650e4b07a08295d31fc/file-list

Konstella Payment option:

If you are registered with Konstella, the following should work:

https://www.konstella.com/app/school/5b1eb09ae4b05d0edb70846b/donations/5e0a0e2ee4b03bd4c2e82a74

If you the above link does not work for you, or you are not registered with Konstella, the following should work:

https://www.konstella.com/open/donations/5e0a0e2ee4b03bd4c2e82a75

Via your phone that has the Konstella app installed, from “Feed” you will see links to the “Donation” for Bolton Valley Ski and Ride Program and below that “2 files uploaded to Bolton Ski/Snowboard Files” (you will need to load items older than 10 days). Or, via “More” select Donations or Files & Links.

Looking forward to a great season!

Bill Lammer (wlammer@gmail.com)

Do you have PTO questions? Please find us online, or ask Mr. Trifilio to put you in touch with a PTO Board member:

Facebook: www.facebook.com/orchardschoolpto

Website: www.orchardschoolpto.org

Email: orchardschoolvt@gmail.com

Konstella: https://www.konstella.com

Kerry Fantelli and Keith Smith of UVM’s Center for Health and Well-Being will co-facilitate learning and dialogue addressing how to start the conversation about race with children on Thursday, January 23, 5:30-7:00 p.m., F.H. Tuttle Middle School Cafeteria and Library (500 Dorset Street).

This event is part of the South Burlington Community Series on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. In its fourth year, the series intends to offer the community an opportunity to come together and engage in thoughtful, intentional dialogue on topics often difficult to discuss. This evening is especially designed for the parents/guardians/caretakers of the community’s youngest learners, recognizing that “at birth, babies look equally at faces of all races. At 3 months, babies look more at faces that match the race of their caregivers (Kelly et al. 2005)” (“They’re Not Too Young to Talk about Race,” The Children’s School).

A free dinner will be offered at the January 23 event from 5:30-6:00 p.m., and the presentation will run from 6:00-7:00 p.m. and will include resources for families to bring home. Free childcare is also available. Please call 802.652.7035 to register for childcare and/or the event.

This event is sponsored by South Burlington School District’s Healthy Schools Program. For further information, please contact Susie Merrick at smerrick@sbschools.net or 802.652.7035.