The Core

Hello Parents,

So good, so good, so good! Our students really worked hard this week on their assessments. Students in grades 3-5 worked extensively on Vermont Common Assessment Program (VTCAPs) and I could see they were doing their best work. They showed lots of grit. Grades 3 & 4 have completed their work, just Make-Ups left. Grade 5 will finish on Tuesday/Wednesday with the Science assessment, and Make-Ups as well.

Thank you to all the parents who helped out with juice and snacks for testing breaks, it was really nice.

Last Chance, the deadline for completing the Parent Placement form is Sunday. Click the link below to give your insights on how your child learns best. No teacher names please.

We finished up our #SEL Power Week. It helped us get back to work after the spring vacation. We ended the week with a Seed Time and identified each of our SEL superpowers!

Have a sunny weekend (finally); take some time to read with your child.

Happy Green Up Day, see you at Spring Fling!

Mark T & Olivia K

We wrapped up SEL Week with Seed Time today! It was "Feel Good Friday", and our focus was self-reflection. During Seed Time, groups discussed the SEL superpowers they have noticed in themselves this week. Some groups decorated paper superhero capes to represent themselves and their superpowers. Other groups played SEL games or took advantage of the weather and went outside for some larger-movement games. We only have two more Seed Times this year and we will spend them focusing on connection and joy!

Warmly,

​Abby Hill

​SEL Coach

Spring Fling May 12th! Mark your calendars and get excited for our community event to be held next month! Games, fun, and good company will all be in attendance. Volunteers willing to help plan and organize needed; please email orchardschoolvt@gmail.com.

Fifth Grade Fun Day: Our plan is to spend the day at Smugglers Notch. We are still finalizing details on transportation and ticket cost. To offset some of the cost, the fifth-grade fun day team is planning on hosting a bake sale at the Spring Fling next Friday. We would be very appreciative of any donations to help make this happen. Individually packaged baked goods, single-serve chips/crackers, water, juice boxes and seltzers would all be great donations. Please reach out to Melissa Grealis at mwoj44@hotmail.com with any questions. You can also drop off any donations at her house. Please email for the address.

Staff and Teacher Appreciation Lunch in May: PTO will be sponsoring a Staff and Teacher Appreciation Lunch on May 11th. Your sign-up is needed; please see the list here. Sign-ups are also needed for Teacher/Staff goodies for May and beyond! Here is the link to sign up to bring in goodies for the next few months of drop-offs.

We can't help but continue to inform you about tick awareness in Vermont!

Deer or black-legged nymph ticks are more active in the spring-summer and they are more likely to transmit Lyme Disease to humans during this stage.

For a very informative piece on Vermont Public, "They're back! Spring tick season is ramping up," can be found HERE.

Natalie Kwit, a public health veterinarian, talks about what to look for and how to protect yourself;

(listen for just over 6 minutes or you can read the transcript).

Be kind, stay well~

Kara Cassani & Sarah Pineda

SAVE THE DATE : On Thursday, May 25th the 5th grade parent are invited to an information night at FHTMS at 6:30 PM. This is an evening for parents only and not for students at this time. The students will be having other opportunities to transition and visit the middle school prior to June.

Next week, FHTMS will be sending out a parent email to 5th grade families with more info about that evening as well as the transition process.

5th Grade teachers will also be sharing information with you about upcoming visits from FHTMS staff and students, and a visit to FHTMS during the school day!