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School Nurse Notes
GATHERINGS
Please remember, the Governor is strongly recommending that people do not gather with people they don't live with; you CAN continue to enjoy outdoor recreation and fitness activities with people you don't live with, as long as you:
- Stay at least 6 feet away and
- Wear a mask at all times
If you have had COVID-19 or have had the COVID-19 vaccine, as of now you must also not gather with people you don't live with and you must quarantine when you travel or return to Vermont.
COLD WEATHER GEAR
✅ Wear you scarf, ski mask or balaclavas over your mask.
TRAVEL
The health department discourages non-essential travel, even within Vermont. PLEASE ALERT THE SCHOOL OF YOUR PLANS if you plan to travel outside of Vermont for leisure and please include the date your student will return to Vermont.
Quarantining is required for 14 days in Vermont when you return. This includes day trips.
If your student does not have symptoms of COVID-19, your student has the option of getting a PCR test on day 7 and can end quarantine with a negative test result. The test must be a PCR test.
The exemption to quarantine only applies to essential travel. Please see this link for more details.
For more travel and quarantine information, click here.
VISITORS
If you do gather with people you don't live with, the health department recommends getting tested as soon as 2 days before the gathering, followed by quarantine after the gathering, with a PCR test on day 7 to end quarantine (as long as you have not had COVID-19 symptoms).
TESTING
The Vermont Health Department encourages testing as a critical tool to slowing the spread of the virus. The sooner you know if you have the virus, the sooner you can protect yourself, your loved ones and your community.
- If you/your student has symptoms of COVID-19, contact your health care provider first, to determine if testing is needed. If you don't have a health care provider, call 2-1-1 to connect to care.
- If you/your student are not sick, but need a test, consider scheduling a test at a pop-up site on the Health Department's website: "Where to Get Tested," through your provider, or call the Health Department @ 863-7240.
COVID VACCINE UPDATE
- Vermonters 70 years and older can now make an appointment to get a COVID-19 Vaccination.
- Visit "Getting the COVID-19 Vaccine" site on the health department's website by clicking here.
- If you know someone who can't make an appointment online or needs to speak with someone in a language other than English, call: 855-722-7878.
Be well,
Thanks for reading!
Nurses Kara & Darcy
PTO News
NEWS FROM THE PTO
The PTO (Parent-Teacher Organization) continues to work to make this year a fun and productive one! We support teachers and the whole school in creating a strong community. We believe it is important to continue to show appreciation and support for our teachers and staff, so we would like to occasionally give some sweet treats! We are also thinking ahead to when things get back to normal and we can bring our events back (Skate Night, Spring Fling, Math Night, etc.) - even if they cannot happen until next year! Your support is still very important, especially since we could not host our major fundraiser, the Fun Run, last fall. If you can, please donate by sending a check to the Orchard PTO, c/o Suzanne Hebeler, 36 Cortland Avenue, South Burlington, VT 05403 OR donate online: https://my.cheddarup.com/c/orchard-pto/item/2556395
We are also creating Joy Bags! These bags have sensory supplies, books, and other boredom killers and happiness givers that teachers can have on hand to tuck into the backpacks of students who seem to need a pick-me-up during these times.
And we need you to join us! We welcome new members! If you have a little room in your schedule, consider volunteering! Email Kristin at orchardschoolvt@gmail.com with thoughts, questions, and ideas.
Everyone is always welcome at meetings, and new energy and ideas are always appreciated! Meetings are once a month on Zoom. Join in and be a part of what's happening!
REMEMBER THOSE BOX TOPS!
Join us in earning CASH for our school by using the Box Tops app. It’s an easy way to make a difference. All you have to do is buy Box Tops participating products (like Cheerios!) and scan your grocery receipt. Box Tops are worth $.10 each and they add up fast! Twice a year, our school receives a check to help pay for whatever we need - equipment, supplies or experiences the kids love!
Download the Box Tops for Education app at your App Store or here: https://btfe.smart.link/c2jjdifkw?referral_code=VI7J42XS
IT's FEBRUARY! Get your SHAW'S REUSABLE GROCERY BAGS!
For the month of February 2021, the Orchard School PTO will receive a $1 donation from each purchase of the $2.50 reusable GIVE BACK WHERE IT COUNTS Bag at Shaw's Grocery Store located at Shaw's 570 Shelburne Rd, Burlington VT.
So, in February, be sure to shop at Shaw's and pick up this reusable grocery bag! You will be supporting our school!
