Hello Parents,

I guess Snow Day dances work! You can probably imagine how we've been buzzing about the potential for today's snow day, we were all excited. In case you don't know, there's a report card in your child's backpack! We sent them home on Thursday in anticipation of today's storm. I hope you will read the opening letter since it highlights where we are at in our current teaching and learning. And feel free to reach out to your classroom teacher if you have any questions. Finally, we ask all parents to sign the envelope and have it returned so we know it's been reviewed.

We had a really nice week with Wednesday as an awesome highlight. There was a lot for every class to jump in ranging from World Read Aloud Day, World School Play Day and 100th Day (can you believe it?). A thoughtful parent also dropped off some delicious cookies and flowers to support our staff. It helped highlight a terrific day.

It was also nice to see the number of COVID cases significantly drop this week. It gives a feeling of relief for the safety of our families and a quick break for our nurses and administrative team members. Check out the informational link below to help guide our families through this new phase of Test at Home.

At this month's PTO Meeting, we discussed the current staffing shortages at Orchard. Perhaps our biggest area of need is lunch/recess supervisors and we have two solutions for you to consider:

1. Apply for a position at Orchard. The recess hours are from 10:45-1:15. We are kind to all new staff members, especially new ones, so please send me an email if you're interested and I'll send you an application.
   
2. Come and volunteer at Orchard. PTO members shared that there are parents interested in volunteering at recess. Well, we would love to have you! This could be just one day per week, we just need for it be consistent. I am attaching a quick survey for you to fill out if you are interested. I will reach out to people whenever I get responses! Click on this link to Say Yes to Volunteering at Recess: https://forms.gle/XhDaYhCqJfnETBtL9

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

Mark T

Quote of the Week:

“You must never be fearful about what you are doing when it’s right.”

~Rosa Parks

For Individuals with Continuous Household Exposure:

(someone in the household has tested positive)

If Fully Vaccinated (14 days have passed from 2nd dose of COVID-19 vaccine):

If Not Fully Vaccinated (has not received any COVID vaccines or has received only one vaccine):
It is recommended that they test daily while their household contact is in isolation, and for 5 consecutive days after the household contact ends isolation.

Please notify the school, if your student has household exposure and you need test kits, so that your student may attend school. We'll do our best to supply kits based on availability.

If an individual had COVID within the last 90 days:

Testing is not recommended. If symptomatic, contact your healthcare provider.

IF Your Student Has COVID-19 Symptoms:​

• Please continue to TEST!
• Take 2 rapid antigen tests as close to 24 hours apart as possible OR
  
• Sign up for State of Vermont Run Testing OR
  
• Contact your student's primary care clinician who can order a PCR/LAMP test.
• Please keep your student home while waiting for the PCR test results.
  
• If test results are negative, please do not send your student back to school sick. They must feel better, with symptom improvement, before returning to school.

Be well,

Kara Cassani, RN & Darcy Mazlish, RN

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

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

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.