Hello Parents,

It's been surprisingly quiet at Orchard despite the tragedy in Texas. Elementary schools can be in tricky situations, some students are aware of the school gun violence, many are not - and many parents probably do not want us to share the news either. I have always thought our role was to be supportive, and only go as a student or class feels the need to. In those cases, we should be communicating with you.

The superintendent's message provided some useful resources for families (see his letter below). Our School Services Clinicians also provided some very useful articles that I've included below. Our staff is here for your children so please reach out. Remember you can easily reach out to our school counselors with any questions:

• Aili Beeli (grades K - 2), 652-7346
• Kristen Billings (grades 3 -5), 652-7304

I want to say how proud I am of the Orchard Staff. Our hearts are broken by the senseless loss of innocent children. We are mystified and angry that we cannot have a common-sense approach to gun control legislation. Regardless of the trauma, teachers and staff are coming here every day and doing their best to be positive and supportive. We are making lots of room for social & emotional development while continuing working toward academic progress. Please hug an Orchard teacher or staff member whenever you see one.

It was a real treat having our Artist-in-Residence, Taekwondo Master Lenny Yordan with us for the last two weeks. Not only was he dynamic in each lesson, but he brought his infectious smile every morning to greet the students at our arrival time. We are so appreciative of his teaching and work. I hope you were able to see the telecast! If not, you should be able to watch it at the same link: https://www.mediafactory/.org/watch#!/widget/32/episode/206495

You are invited to a Spring Concert! We're hoping to do everything we can to keep the gym (Covid) safe for all parents and performers. The concerts will be quick (just 30 minutes) and we hope you can join us. Please note: parking will be very challenging.

We continue to have good Covid numbers at Orchard School with just one positive case for a second week. Don't forget to check our district's dashboard whenever you can: https://www.sbschools.net/Page/2023

Spring Fling was so much fun, shout out to Krista Shea and her team of volunteers for getting us all together on a beautiful evening!

Have a restful, fun, thoughtful Memorial Day weekend, take some time to read with your child.

Mark T

Quote for Week 2 of Taekwondo:

“We train to rise above ourselves, never to rise above other people”

~Master Lenny Yordan

The dates are:
Wednesday, June 1st - Grades 2 & 3, 8:30 am

Thursday, June 2nd - Kindergarten & Grade 1, 8:30 am

Friday, June 3rd - Grades 4 & 5, 8:30 am

Parking will be challenging so plan ahead!

Orchard Gardens Update: The butterfly gardens were successfully installed. We are looking for volunteers to take on watering during the break, once a week, twice a month, whatever you can manage - many hands make light work! Please email Kasey Skidmore at kasey.m.skidmore@gmail.com to volunteer.

Stage Clean-Up and free items: We are working to help the school free up extra space and will be doing a stage clean-out on Saturday, June 3rd, starting at 9 am. Join us to help in the clean-up efforts, and/or come by around 11 to see if there's anything you would find useful that the school no longer needs! Get all your Spring Cleaning needs met here! Email orchardschoolvt@gmail.com with any questions, or show up on June 3rd to help!