The Core
February 3, 2023, Volume 14, Issue 23
Notes from the Principal
Hello Parents and Guardians,
Brrrr, it was a great call on the "school closure"! We hope everyone is staying warm and students are not getting cabin fever. I was listening to public radio this morning and heard this interview with Dr. Pamela Cantor, founder of Turnaround for Children. The article was called, "Parents worry that their kids might struggle with anxiety and depression". I recommend taking a few minutes to listen, it's really thoughtful: "https://www.npr.org/player/embed/1154091929/1154091930"
There's a lot going on in February, check out the articles below. And don't forget to get to scroll all the way to the bottom where you'll see community and library events.
đź“Ś Heads up, the February Early Release Day is on Friday, February 10th- Dismissal is at 12:30.
đź“Ś Same date, report cards go home!
Have a terrific weekend; take some time to read with your child.
Mark T & Olivia K
We ❤️ our PTO, please support them!
A Day of Play Fun
From our Library
Connecting Students with Authors
Orchard School's library is always a busy place, but this was especially true this week. Many classes participated in virtual author visits for World Read Aloud Day. This special day, always celebrated on the first Wednesday of February, calls global attention to the importance of celebrating the power of words and reading aloud. Throughout the day, ten authors volunteered their time to read their books to our students. For images from these fine events, please go to Orchard School's Instagram space.
Donna Sullivan-MacDonald
Updates from our Medical Office
Frostbite Focus
From the CDC:
AVOID * SPOT * TREAT
❄️click HERE to view❄️
Be kind, stay well~
Kara Cassani
& Sarah Pineda
Immune System Escape Room
Ms. Smith
Orchard School Health Teacher
February Farm-to-School
Hello South Burlington Families!
This month in Farm to School we’re celebrating Black History Month by cooking a recipe by George Washington Carver- an amazing scientist and humanitarian who taught farmers how to rotate crops to enrich soil. Healthy soil is the foundation of healthy communities!
Here’s the recipe!
Sweet Potato Hash
- 3 Organic sweet potatoes from Laughing Cow Farm
- 2 tbsp olive oil (California Olive Ranch)
- 1 Red Pepper (organic)
- 1/2 Onion (organic)
- 1 tbsp Parsley (organic)
Directions
Station 1:
Chop peppers and onions
Station 2:
Chop (cooked) sweet potatoes and parsley
Mix all in a bowl and get ready to cook!!
Heat oil in induction burner. Add Veggies. Let brown on one side then flip with spatula.
Wishing you wellness!
Kayli O’Donnell, RD
Farm to School Director
Common Roots, Inc
PTO News
Monthly Teacher Treats: Sign-ups needed for Teacher/Staff love! Interest has waned as the school year goes on, but those teachers need our love more than ever! Here is the link to sign up to bring in goodies for the next few months of drop-offs.
Save the date for the next PTO meeting! On Wednesday, February 8th at 6:30, the monthly PTO meeting will host Superintendent Violet Nichols, who will be available to present and answer questions on the proposed school budget. Email Kristin at Orchardschoolvt@gmail.com with any questions.
Orchard Drama: School Play Informational Meeting
Parents of 3rd, 4th, & 5th graders!!
Please join us from 7-8 pm on Wednesday, February 1st for an information-packed Zoom meeting regarding everything you ever wanted to know about the upcoming Orchard School play and how you can take part in our production.
Our agenda will include such diverse topics as: an overview of the story (spoiler alert: it's The Further Adventures of Peter, Wendy & Hook); what roles are available; important dates; practice schedules; expectations; volunteer opportunities; and our key points of contact.
Come one, come all, and learn how we can work together to put on the best school play that we've had in years. These kids deserve it.
Zoom link: https://smcvt.zoom.us/j/92646004133?pwd=V3JFY1V6Y2d1UFlmMWNodlBlb1NUZz09
Fundraising:
Orchard Drama would like to thank all the families that volunteered their time and tasty treats in support of last Saturday's bake sale. Our first fundraiser for this year's school play was a success and we're grateful for your contributions. See below for what’s on deck!
American Flatbread Fundraiser! On February 14th, a percentage of American Flatbread’s proceeds will go toward the Orchard School play. Take-out pizza does apply! We went ahead and made your Valentine’s Day dinner plans easy.
Student Artwork in the Halls!
Memory Book 22-23!
"Hello Orchard parents and caregivers!
I am currently putting together this year's school Memory Book and looking for someone to come alongside me to assist in the process. This is my daughter's last year at Orchard, so I will not be putting it together again next year. A new Memory Book team (parent volunteers) will need to be formed in order for your children to have a Memory Book made each school year. Having some tech skills is a definite plus as part of the process includes uploading portraits and designing the pages. I would love to get a couple of you trained now while I'm still in the creation process, and also looking for assistance in the creation of this year's book. Please reach out via phone at 802-393-5223 or via email at pay.johnson@aol.com if you are interested in learning this process to take it over for next year."
School Budget Updates
Just a quick reminder that South Burlington's school budget is up for a vote on Town Meeting Day on March 7th. This includes a bond issue that plans to address the overcrowding that is impacting the elementary schools.
Information is available on the district website and will be discussed at school board meetings throughout January and February.