Braintree Elementary School
Newsletter 11/12/2021
Brussels Sprouts Harvest
From the Principal's Office
Dear Braintree Families,
We had some ups and downs this week. On the good side, we enjoyed a visit from Author Michael Caduto this week. The weather was nice enough to sit outside and listen to his stories. Also, students brought in the brussels sprouts harvest this week. They collected a big crop and there is plenty for all to enjoy at our upcoming Thanksgiving lunch feast on 11/18.
It was also a challenging week with a few confirmed cases of Covid 19 that moved some classes of students into remote learning. Thank you to all families who have supported or are still supporting their children through the quarantine period. I know it is not easy to have students learning from home.
We are so pleased that the vaccine is now approved for children ages 5 and up. The school district will be hosting vaccination clinics on 12/16 and 1/5. Theses clinic will be held at Randolph Elementary school. Bussing will be provided. If this would work for your family, please sign up through the VT Department of Health website at: https://vermont.force.com/events/s/selfregistration
We are pleased to start offering some after school opportunities for outdoor activities and academic support. These offerings will run until 3:30 and do not replace the after school program. Each session runs for about 6 weeks. More information and contacts are below.
Our Farm to School Coordinator let me know that students taste tests should include a recipe sent home. So I have included the recipe we used for the stone soup taste test last month. Spoiler alert, it does not need a stone! As the weather gets chilly, this might be a fun thing to make at home. It is a really flexible recipe, just use whatever you have.
Wishing you a safe and fun weekend,
Heather Lawler
Principal
Upcoming Dates
November 17 Vermont Plow Day - Captain Snowmerica the Braintree Plow visit
November 18 Thanksgiving lunch
November 18 PreK Grateful Gathering
November 22 & 23 Teacher In Service - no school
November 24, 25, & 26 Thanksgiving Holiday - no school
November 29 Study Club begins
December 1 Outdoor Adventure Club begins
Michael Caduto's Visit
Thanks to CLif and Year of the Book, on Monday, November 8th Braintree Elementary School welcomed visiting author, Michael Caduto. He told us stories, played some music, and led the students in dancing. It was a beautiful sunny day perfect for sitting outside and talking about animals and the environment. Every student got to choose a free book to take home and keep.
After School Opportunities
Outdoor Adventure Club - This group will meet every Wednesday from 2:15 to 3:30. Activities will include a healthy snack and an outdoor activity such as hiking and sledding. First meeting on 12/1. Space is limited. To enroll, please contact Ms. Barrett. No cost to families.
Study Club - This group will meet every Monday and Thursday from 2:15 to 3:30. Activities will include a healthy snack and academic support. First meeting on 11/29. Students should plan to attend both days each week if possible. Space is limited. To enroll, please contact Ms. Shands. No cost to families.
Upcoming Vaccination Clinics
The sign up is done through the VT Department of Health website at: https://vermont.force.com/events/s/selfregistration
Stone Soup Recipe
On October 23, we made stone soup at school. Since the weather is rainy and cold this week, it seems like a good time to share the recipe! The beauty of stone soup is using the things you have to make a meal. All ingredients are optional. Other vegetables, beans, grains, and herbs can be added or substituted. Here is the recipe for the soup we made:
1 cup dry red beans
1 cup lentils
1 cup barley
2 parsnips
4 carrots
4 potatoes
1 small butternut squash
1 onion
1 celery stalk
1 cup corn
6 ounces tomato paste
1 bay leaf
2 teaspoons parsley
1 teaspoon oregano
1 teaspoon paprika
1/2 cup butter
2 teaspoon sea salt
Place beans in a large pot; cover with fresh water and bring to a boil. Reduce heat, cover and simmer gently until beans are tender but firm, about 45 minutes.
While beans are cooking, peel and remove the seeds from the squash. Wash and cut all vegetables (including the squash) into bite size pieces.
When the beans are tender, do not drain them. Starting with the barley and the lentils, add all the remaining ingredients to the soup pot. Add water or broth to cover all ingredients. Simmer for about an hour. Season to taste and enjoy!
Braintree Elementary School
Location: 66 Bent Hill Road, Braintree, VT, USA
Phone: 802-728-9373
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BraintreeElementary