We had a bit of a roller-coaster of a week and eventually sent three classrooms (and a few bus riders) home to quarantine. This is on me since I told a journalist we were doing so well. We actually are doing quite well and students and families are doing a wonderful job staying on top of the state guidelines. We will hopefully have everyone back safely very soon.

We had a beautiful Friday morning celebrating the Raising of the Black Lives Matter Flag. At first, we were going to keep it in-house but with so many students out, we decided to record and share. The students did an awesome job reading a poem and sharing their thoughts on what the Raising of the BLM Flag means to them. Also check out our music teacher, Mrs. Frostman with signing from our educational interpreter, Ms. BIssonette, perform the song Rise Up - it was very moving. The video link is below.

Remember, I made a change to the calendar below. The Remote Learning Day on Wednesday, March 17th, is actually a day off for students, In-Service for staff.

Registration is open for Incoming Kindergarten students as of March 1, 2021. If you would like to register a student who will be 5 on or before September 1, 2021, please visit www.sbschools.net/register .

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

Mark Trifilio

Quote of the week:

"In diversity there is beauty and there is strength.” - Maya Angelou

The PTO (Parent-Teacher Organization) continues to work to make this year a fun and productive one! We support teachers and the whole school in creating a strong community. We believe it is important to continue to show appreciation and support for our teachers and staff, so we would like to occasionally give some sweet treats! We are also thinking ahead to when things get back to normal and we can bring our events back (Skate Night, Spring Fling, Math Night, etc.) - even if they cannot happen until next year! Your support is still very important, especially since we could not host our major fundraiser, the Fun Run, last fall. If you can, please donate by sending a check to the Orchard PTO, c/o Suzanne Hebeler, 36 Cortland Avenue, South Burlington, VT 05403 OR donate online: Cheddar Up for Orchard https://my.cheddarup.com/c/orchard-pto/item/2556395

Join the PTO: The PTO is actively recruiting new board members, and we always welcome parents who are not baord members to join meetings and share ideas (or just listen to what goes on behind the scenes!). If you have a little room in your schedule, consider volunteering! Email Kristin at orchardschoolvt@gmail.com with thoughts, questions, and ideas.

EASY MONEY FOR ORCHARD WITH BOX TOPS!

Prior to Box Tops going virtual, we used to pull in around $500-800 a year with Box Tops. This year, Orchard has raised a dismal $10.50 so far. Download the app and help us get our momentum back up! It’s an easy way to make a difference. When you buy Box Tops participating products (such as many cereals, granola bars, and Annie's Mac and Cheese) and scan your grocery receipt, Orchard will earn .10 per product. Bonuses for your birthday month and for getting a friend to join! Twice a year, our school receives a check to help pay for whatever we need - equipment, supplies or experiences the kids love!

Download the Box Tops for Education app at your App Store or here: https://btfe.smart.link/c2jjdifkw?referral_code=VI7J42XS

DO I NEED TO QUARANTINE?

This chart includes information about General Quarantine Guidance, if you had COVID-19, and if you are Vaccinated:

Vermont COVID-19 Quarantine Guidelines chart (click).

WHAT DOES QUARANTINE MEAN AGAIN?

Quarantine is used to keep someone who might have been exposed to COVID-19 away from other people. Quarantine means you need to stay home and away from other people for 14 days. This means you can’t do any activities outside of your home, like going to school, work, or out to do errands. You should separate yourself from others and check yourself for symptoms. For more details visit here.

People who are under quarantine should wear a mask in common spaces (in their home), use a separate bathroom (if possible), eat separately, and otherwise not be in close contact with others in the household who are not under quarantine. Be sure to disinfect commonly touched surfaces, and be aware of symptoms for 14 days.

TESTING

The Vermont Health Department encourages testing as a critical tool to slowing the spread of the virus. The sooner you know if you have the virus, the sooner you can protect yourself, your loved ones and your community.

COVID-19 PCR Testing Sites:

• If you/your student has symptoms of COVID-19, contact your health care provider first, to determine if testing is needed. If you don't have a health care provider, call 2-1-1 to connect to care.
  
• If you/your student are not sick, but need a test, consider scheduling a test at a pop-up site on the Health Department's website: "Where to Get Tested," through your provider, or call the Health Department @ 863-7240.

COVID VACCINE: PHASE 5

• Vermonters with certain high-risk health conditions are able to make vaccine appointments beginning on these dates:

  • March 8, 2021: ages 55 and older with one or more high-risk health conditions (listed here)
  • March 11, 2021: ages 16 and older with one or more high-risk health conditions
• Visit "Getting the COVID-19 Vaccine" site on the health department's website by clicking here.
  
• If you know someone who can't make an appointment online or needs to speak with someone in a language other than English, call: 855-722-7878.

Take Care,

Kara Cassani & Darcy Mazlish, School Nurses
Orchard School
SBSD Elementary Health Services
p. (802) 652-7303
f. (802) 652-7354