Notes from the Principal
Hello Orchard Parents,
We had a bit of a wild ride this week, more cases of COVID-19, and the start of Test to Stay. The superintendent shared that we had the most cases in the district (8) so I want to clarify our cases and communication. Very few of these cases are coming new into the school. They are mostly from individuals contacting COVID-19 from a sibling and also cases from previous class quarantines. In these cases, the class had to extend their quarantine by one day. Please know that I am not trying to minimize the seriousness of a COVID case, I just want to share that we are continuing to work toward preventing the spread within the building.
I will continue to send out the letter when there is a new case within the building. I am not planning to share for the extended cases when students are already at home quarantining.
The district started Test to Stay this week and Orchard School served as a pilot for the program. I heard the lines were very, very long for parents and students so I hope parents will see that the district team is working extensively to get the program in place. It is still slow because they are developing systems while covering many other job responsibilities - not to mention how short-staffed we are. I also want to say how awesome it is to see students showing up from TTS with their golden tickets - we welcomed each one with gusto! I hope TTS continues to grow, maybe we'll have it at Orchard someday. The nurses put together informative FAQs about Testing to Stay, check it out: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1s93DuuerkK-BK3Pj5Ci1W00FBoRGtLAb-yP36W4o5J8/edit?usp=sharing
One more thing - we overheard two students who got their vaccination saying, "They were doing their part at Orchard School to keep everyone safe." I love that!
As I mentioned, November goes quickly and we have Parent Conferences on Monday & Tuesday, November 22nd & 23rd. Please contact your child's teacher right away if you have not been able to sign up for a conference.
Have a good weekend, take some time to read with your child.
Mark Trifilio
Quote of the Week:
“Excellence is not being the best; it is doing your best.”
~Anonymous
School Nurse Notes
COVID-19 Vaccines for Children- Parent Information & Resources
- Zoom Conversations: COVID Vaccines for Children. Join discussions with members of the Vermont Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics. See dates and zoom links here.
Articles from the American Academy of Pediatrics for Parents:
- Video for Children: How COVID Vaccines Work
- But Why? Podcast for Curious Kids: Why is it a shot? Kids Questions about COVID Vaccine.
- Vermont Department of Health: Answers for Parents
- Make an Appointment: visit HERE. Children will receive 2 doses of the vaccine, given 3 weeks apart. A child will be fully vaccinated 2 weeks after the 2nd dose.
- Any families without internet access or who other would like assistance to make their appointment should contact the Health Department call center at (855) 722-7878, Mon - Fri 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., Sat and Sun 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.
- To speak with someone in a language other than English, dial the call center, and then press 1.
- People who are Deaf or hard of hearing can make a TTY call to this number by dialing 711 or 1-800-253-0195.
TEST TO STAY (TTS)
After hours of preparation, SBSD has TTS up and running. While there are wait times and other obstacles, we will continue to work out the kinks in order to get kids back in school. Thank you to those who signed up and who waited this week to enter the testing site at 577 Dorset Street. Please refer to David Young's newsletters and principal correspondences regarding TTS details. You may also click HERE to view some TTS Frequently Asked Questions.
Be well,
Kara Cassani, RN & Darcy Mazlish, RN
Orchard School Nurses
SBSD Elementary Health Services
p. (802) 652-7303
f. (802) 652-7354
Giving Tree Updated
Exciting news! There is now a third easy way to donate to this year's Thankful Giving project. In addition to being able to send in a check or gift cards, you can now also use the following link to make a quick donation to the Thankful Giving program through Konstella if that's easiest for you: https://www.konstella.com/open/donations/617bee706afad907d625f78f
Please see the attached flyer for more details. Thank you in advance from Orchard's Guidance and Clinical Team for your generosity.
News from the PTO
Teacher Appreciation Snacks: Thank you to those who brought in snacks for teachers during our October week! Sign up here for upcoming months: https://www.konstella.com/app/school/6053aecc105c0243ef2edbfa/recurring-signups/61689cb76afad907d5d48950
Square 1 Art: The online order deadline with the free ship-to-school option has been extended to November 15. Order your unique gift today! https://www.square1art.com/ Reach out to Kristin at orchardschoolvt@gmail.com with any questions.
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
Farm to School News
Hello South Burlington Families and Friends!
As we enter November, most plants will not survive the snow and ice here in Vermont. The land around us is transitioning for the winter months and preparing for next spring. But Kale can survive in the snow! This hardy leafy green is a nutrient-dense vegetable that can provide for us late into the fall season.
This month in Farm to School, we made a massaged kale salad, and also made seed packets for the pumpkin seeds we saved last month! Keep those seeds safe through the winter and start dreaming up a good place to plant them next spring. If you don’t have a garden or outdoor space to plant, you can plant your seeds in a pot and place them on a sunny windowsill. They may not grow big enough to produce a pumpkin, but you can observe the sprouting process of a baby pumpkin plant. Have fun!!
Massaged Kale Salad
Serves 2-4
Massaging kale is an important step in making this salad! It helps break down the fibers in the leaves, allowing our bodies to more easily digest and absorb the nutrients available.
Ingredients:
● 1 bunch of kale (~ 8 stems)
● Topping ideas: Toasted pepitas, avocado, shredded carrot, feta or goat cheese, dried cranberries
Honey Lemon Dressing
● ½ cup olive oil
● Juice of one lemon
● 2 Tbsp apple cider vinegar
● 2 Tbsp honey
● ½ tsp salt
Directions:
- Destem the kale by holding the stem in one hand. Gather the leaves with the thumb and pointer finger of your other hand. Pull the leaves along the stem and away from the base.
- Place your kale leaves in a large bowl and tear them into bite-sized pieces.
- Massage the kale with your hands for 1-2 minutes, until it has reduced in size by half.
- To make the dressing, combine all ingredients in a jar, cap the lid and shake to combine.
- Add dressing and desired toppings, and toss to coat the leaves. Enjoy!
Come visit our Farmstand at South Village - and support the Farm to School program with your purchase. We are open for 4 more days this season! Hours are Friday & Saturday, 8 am-6 pm. Closing Day is November 20th. Hope to see you there!
Till next month, Nourish to Flourish
Lauren Jones, Farm to School Educator for Common Roots
