OSSD Safe and Healthy Schools

Dear OSSD Community,

It’s hard to believe October is already here. Our schools are active and happy places of learning and there are so many great things happening throughout the district.

First and foremost, October is National Bullying Prevention Month, and across our schools we’ll be talking about taking care of one another; looking out for one another; and helping one another find positive ways to deal with issues and circumstances that may be difficult or challenging.

October is also National Farm to School Month, and we’re always looking for ways to

incorporate locally grown, healthy foods into our school menus. Our new Director of

Food Services, Sarah Natvig, former chef at Black Krim Restaurant, has already started

to make a huge difference introducing healthy ingredients to her local, regional, and

international menu offerings. Check out our menus on the OSSD School Nutrition page.

All of our schools will be celebrating Fire Prevention Week October 9 - 15, learning about

fire safety at home, school, and in the outdoors; as well as National School Bus Safety

Week and America’s Safe Schools Week October 17-21. The focus of these activities

will center around building and maintaining a safe school environment that supports

learning and encourages growth.

Finally, We are in the midst of National Hispanic Heritage Month which runs from September 15 to October 15. Also, October is LGBT History Month. Some of our student organizations are planning ways to commemorate this history. More information coming soon.

All of us at OSSD wish you a safe and healthy October. If you have questions, comments, or concerns about your schools or any district activities, we invite you to attend the Superintendent’s open forum on Thursday, October 20th at 7 p.m. in the RUHS Media Center.

Wishing you a safe and healthy weekend,

Heather Lawler

Assistant Superintendent

A big thank you to the Randolph Fire Department for bringing their big yellow fire truck to Braintree Elementary School this past week to promote fire prevention. Michael Hildenbrand, Randolph Village Fire Chief led students in exploring the truck and taught them about the equipment and tools used by firefighters. He answered student questions about fire safety and fire prevention.

The 8th Grade team has begun Wellness Wednesdays! Students split into small groups and engaged in healthy and meaningful activities. In the cooking lab, students followed recipes, used fractions, and baked cookies. Other groups engaged in frisbee golf, weight training, and arts and crafts. All of the activities were infused with learning and fun.

We made good use of the professional learning days at the beginning of the year. Teachers across the district worked on curriculum, instruction, and assessment. We are dedicated to providing students with engaging learning experiences that help them to grow academically and develop transferable skills. Teachers also spent time learning to use new technology to bring learning to life in their classrooms.

Please return the school lunch forms for free and reduced lunch. We really need them! The ratio of students with need impacts so much funding.

These completed forms make us eligible to provide healthy snacks, free breakfast for all students, free lunch for all students, provide us with Federal Title funding, and so much more! This really helps the community. If you need support to complete the form, please contact the main office at your child's school for assistance.

October has a lot of celebrations connected to safe and healthy schools including bullying prevention, farm to school initiatives, fire prevention, Indigenous Peoples Day and more.

• National Hispanic Heritage Month September 15 to October 15
  
• National Bullying Prevention Month October
• National Farm to School Month October
• LGBT History Month October
• Fire Prevention Week Oct 9-October 15
• Indigenous People's Day Oct 10
• National School Lunch Week Oct 10-14, 2022
• America's Safe Schools Week, October 17-21, 2022
• National School Bus Safety Week October 17-21, 2022

OSSD is comprised of Braintree Elementary School, Brookfield Elementary School, Randolph Elementary School, Randolph Union Middle High School, and Randolph Career and Technical Center. We are committed to providing safe and healthy schools where students have the opportunity to learn and grow.

2022-2023 District School Calendar

Location: 24 Center Street, Randolph, VT 05060
Phone: 802-728-5052