Hello Parents and Guardians,

The 4-day weeks seem to fly by. What a difference a day makes! The snow last night was thoroughly enjoyed by all the students at recess. Looks like we can expect more over the weekend and next week. Winter in Vermont!

We had Seed Time today. Remember, this is when we mix up classes into K-2 and 3-5 groups for lessons on cooperation and resiliency. Check out Ms. Abby's article below for more information. Also check out the attachment below from our counselors on a therapy dog coming to Orchard School!

I just want you to know that we are challenged again with staffing shortages. I really think we are making it work each day but I want to apologize for the communication delays. Our days are booked and I'm hoping to get caught up on email and telephone responses right away. I appreciate your patience and am thankful for your support.

📌 We have an Early Release Day on Friday, January 27th- Dismissal is at 12:30.

Have a terrific weekend; take some time to read with your child.

Bring on the Snow!

Mark T & Olivia K

We ❤️ our PTO, please support them!

During today's Seed Time we talked about feeling our feelings in our bodies. We started by playing a silly "what are you feeling" game to remind us of all the feelings words. Grades K-2 then got to work drawing, writing, or cutting and pasting different representations of how feelings feel in our bodies onto an individual body & feelings paper. Excited might feel like a tornado whirling through your body! Sad might feel slow, like a turtle or snail.

In grades 3-5, groups completed the same activity collaboratively by tracing one person on a large piece of paper and drawing, writing, and cutting and pasting feelings representations. We can't wait to display them in the hallways!

Sincerely,

Ms. Abby

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.

"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."