I would like to give credit where credit is due. I cannot thank our students, families, and staff enough for their full and uncompromising cooperation and communication. We would never have made it this far without each and every one of you. My gratitude is immense - thank you.

Finally, thank you for the quick turnaround with the February break survey. This information Is incredibly helpful to teachers as they plan for our first week back in March. Expect another survey in April, requesting the same information.

We wish you all a restful February break - spring is just around the corner (again, a meteorologist, I am not ... hope springs eternal)!

Carrie Wilson

Thank you for the privilege of teaching your children and your commitment to return next year!

PK3-Grade 5

Homeroom teachers of students in grades PK3-Grade 5 will share conference sign-ups (by Zoom or telephone) with families. Please reach out directly to your child's teacher for details.

Grades 6-8

A Virtual Town Hall provides an update on how school is going this year. It's also an opportunity for families to ask questions, seek clarification, and offer suggestions/input. Be on the lookout in our next edition of Friday Notes!

Is wearing two masks better?

"Double masking” (disposable mask underneath and a cloth mask on top) can offer a better fit and provide extra protection. You may choose to double up, but it is not a requirement.

Is it safe to wear gaiters instead of masks?

Face masks and coverings should be made of at least two layers. Materials with tighter weaves, like cotton T-shirt material, are better at preventing the spread of the COVID-19 than materials with loose weaves, like nylon gaiters.

If you elect to wear a gaiter instead of a mask, it must be folded over so it is two layers. Based on experiments in adults, gaiters with one layer are less effective than gaiters folded over into two layers. Gaiters folded over into two layers have similar effectiveness at trapping respiratory droplets as face coverings that are made of two layers of a cotton T-shirt material.

Is one type of mask better than another?

The most important thing to do is wear a mask – period. Wearing a mask protects both you and the people around you from getting or spreading COVID-19. According to the CDC, the most effective fabrics for cloth masks are:

• tightly woven fabrics, such as cotton and cotton blends

• breathable

• two or three fabric layers

You can also wear a disposable mask, like a surgical or medical procedure mask. These masks may provide some additional protection.

Source: VT Dept of Health, Feb. 11 and 12

Mar 1 - Return from recess

Mar 5 - Trimester ends

Mar 11 - Conferences, half day with dismissal at noon

Mar 12 - Report cards

Mar 19 - No school - staff development