Hello Parents,

We had a good week (five days!). I think the warmer weather made it easier for all of us. Do you know we are up to 443 students? I guess everyone wants to be at Orchard School. We are packed inside so this is my way of giving a shout-out to our staff. We moved our Staff Room twice in two days to make room for more students and employees! Everyone is pitching in and I'm so proud.

Update for Volunteering at Recess - the survey bugs have been worked out so parents can get access. Also, we are open to changing the sign-up requirements. Rather than committing to one day per week, we are willing to take volunteers whenever they feel they are available (we're working on. our flexibility!). Click on this link to Say Yes to Volunteering at Recess: https://forms.gle/XhDaYhCqJfnETBtL9

4th & 5th Grade Parents - We have been noticing students taking their cell phones out of their backpacks during the school day. We're still "old school" on this and can only support cell phones for emergencies and that they stay in backpacks. We are planning to double-down on enforcing these rules. We have plenty of phones available for important phone calls. We appreciate your support on this.

We're almost to our February Vacation! I hope we never have to go back to the first two weeks of January. Please keep Covid-safe guidelines on your minds as you plan for the upcoming break. Thank you!

Have an awesome weekend, take some time to read to your child.

Mark T

Quote of the Week:

Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.”

~Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

In celebration of next week's "I Love to Read Week" in the library, Mrs. Macdonald will be playing either Red Clover or Mock Caldecott BINGO games with all students. When a student gets a "BINGO," they'll be able to select from a variety of donated free books. You'll be able to tell which book your child has chosen by the "I Love Read" bookmark placed inside the book. Be sure to watch for it!

Happy Reading!

Mrs. Macdonald

When Your Student Has Illness Symptoms (even mild ones!):

STAY HOME and take 2 rapid antigen tests, as close to 24 hours apart as possible, or consider a one PCR or LAMP test. Antigen and PCR tests can be requested from the school nurse.

If a student test positive for COVID (PCR, LAMP, Antigen tests): STAY HOME and follow these guidelines.

Be well,

Kara Cassani, RN & Darcy Mazlish, RN

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

We are re-opening sign-ups for any last-minute students. Auditions (everyone gets a part who is interested) are after school on Tuesday, March 8th with a performance for the dates of April 8th & 9th. We will be using Covid-safe guidelines. All 5th graders are welcome and encouraged to join the drama group, parent volunteers will work to get rides if needed. Here is the link: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfaR9B5s9toCIaY4edCtdSE_RqKsYqvW0IOv1PfpY5Gs_ygOA/viewform

We need YOUR help this spring! Girls on the Run is an impactful and inclusive after-school program that empowers students to know their worth. When you coach a Girls on the Run team, you provide skill-building experiences to nurture participants’ physical, social and emotional health. You help your team build positive relationships, identify and manage emotions, set and achieve goals, recognize their personal strengths, and stand up for themselves and others.

Our 8 week season begins the week of March 28. Our team will meet twice weekly for 90 minutes to connect, move, learn and have FUN! As a coach for Girls on the Run Vermont (GOTRVT), you will have all of the tools you need to make a lasting impact. You'll receive training, easy-to-follow lesson plans, supplies and support from GOTRVT for a transformational season.

Visit gotrvt.org/coach to learn more or sign up to volunteer. Questions? Contact GOTRVT at info@girlsontherunvermont.org or 802-871-5664.

Teacher Appreciation Snack Sign Up: Sign up here to show our teachers and staff some love! https://www.konstella.com/app/school/6053aecc105c0243ef2edbfa/recurring-signups/61689cb76afad907d5d48956

Reach out to the PTO: We can be reached at Orchardschoolvt@gmail.com with questions, comments, or concerns.

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

Questions or Comments for the PTO? Please email Orchardschoolvt@gmail.com