Notes from the Principal(s)
Hello Parents and Guardians,
It's nice to have snow in time for our winter vacation. Remember this vacation is a little longer, our doors open on Wednesday, March 8th.
📌 We ended our week with a terrific Afternoon Assembly. We made the decision to do it via zoom (rather than in the gym) to limit the spread of germs just prior to a vacation. In the meeting, the 3rd grade shared a beautiful mural they created celebrating Black History Month. Afterward, members of the fifth-grade Student Leadership Council organized a game for the entire school on important facts from Black History Month. Both groups were so impressive, they really did an amazing job. Check out the photos I took from my computer screen below.
📌 I'm leaving the ZEMS information in the newsletter one more time. Also, check out the Budget Highlights.
Don't forget to vote on Town Meeting Day, Tuesday, March 7th. Voting is open here at Orchard School. Out of town? Consider voting online: https://www.southburlingtonvt.gov/government/town_meeting_day_2023.php
Have an awesome, safe, vacation; take some time to read with your child.
Mark T & Olivia K
We ❤️ our PTO, please support them!
SEL Day!
Friday, March 10th is #SELday! This year’s theme is Uplifting Hearts, Connecting Minds. At Orchard, we will celebrate #SELday by connecting games and activities in classrooms. This is the kickoff for our SEL Power week March 13th-17th, where we will have an SEL-themed “Spirit Week.” Our goals for this time include uplifting student voices, promoting joy and community, and encouraging self-reflection. Learn more about Social and Emotional Learning, ways to get involved in advocacy, and #SELday at www.sel4us.org
Abby, Aili, Kristen, and Charles (the SEL Team)
School Nurse Notes
CDC continues to recommend mask wearing in indoor public transportation settings (airplanes, trains, buses, ferries). Often people spend long periods of time in these hubs that may be crowded and poorly ventilated, increasing COVID-19 and other respiratory illness exposure.
For detailed information regarding domestic travel recommendations click HERE. Other countries may have differing requirements and recommendations. Plan ahead with International Travel guidance HERE.
If you test positive for COVID-19, it is not recommended to travel, but rather follow recommendations for isolation.
Enjoy the snow if you are staycationing in Vermont! ❄️
Be kind, stay well~
Kara Cassani & Sarah Pineda
From the PTO
Save the Date! Next PTO meeting is Wednesday, March 8th at 6:30 pm in the art room. Agenda items include upcoming school events (
Spring Fling Coordinator Needed! It’s time to start thinking of Spring! If you’re willing to help plan and pull off this favorite community event in May, please email orchardschoolvt@gmail.com.
Fifth Grade Fun Day Volunteers Needed! Calling fifth grade parents who want to help make your child’s Fifth Grade Fun Day a success! If you’d like to be part of the planning committee, please email orchardschoolvt@gmail.com.
Monthly Teacher Treats: Sign-ups needed for Teacher/Staff goodies for March and beyond! Here is the link to sign up to bring in goodies for the next few months of drop-offs.
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Orchard School Play Update
What an incredible week we've had! Our deepest thanks to everyone that showed up to support our school play at American Flatbread and provided the goods to power our bakesale. These two fundraisers were great successes and you have our gratitude.
Auditions were awesome! The enthusiasm of these kids to be involved in our school play is electric. The turnout for auditions was huge and it's going to take us some additional time to get the play fully cast. The truth is that we've got more kids than roles at the moment (which is a great problem to have) so we're gonna take some extra time to write the additional characters and songs needed so that every kid who wants a part gets one.
Having said that, we need to draw a line and say that starting now we cannot accept any additional sign-ups for the play. Our cast and crew list must be finalized so that we can precisely plan for the next two months.
The full cast, the distribution of scripts, and a detailed rehearsal schedule will all be announced after we return from break. Thank you for understanding and thank your kids for being wonderful.
As always, you can reach us directly with any questions or concerns at orcharddramavt@gmail.com
Memory Book 22-23!
"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."
Girls on the Run!
Registration Opens Soon!
Girls On The Run is coming back to Orchard Elementary! Our program focuses on the whole girl by empowering girls’ minds, bodies and souls. It inspires participants to appreciate, love and respect what makes them unique, set actionable goals that they can complete by the end of the season, and develop new habits and activities that create a healthier lifestyle. Registration for Girls On The Run opens on Wednesday, February 22nd at gotrvt.org!
Our 10 week program is for students in grades 3-5. Our season begins the week of March 27. Our team will meet on Mondays and Wednesdays from 2:45pm to 4:15pm at Orchard Elementary.
The registration fee is $115. GOTRVT provides financial assistance directly on the registration form for qualifying families as well as a payment plan. GOTRVT is committed to being accessible to any student who wants to participate, and is dedicated to ensuring that program cost is not a barrier. Please contact GOTRVT directly at 802-871-5664 regarding financial assistance options.
Questions? Contact Coach Patiance at pay.johnson@aol.com or 802-393-5223.
School's Out Summer Camp Registration starts on Monday, February 13 at 9 am. See our website for information
