Bobcat Bulletin 12/17/21

 

This week has been pretty amazing!

School News:

next week they are swapping lunches, we will have grilled cheese sandwiches on Tuesday and pizza on Wednesday

Drop off and Pick Up Update:

Our new pseudo-sidewalk

 Hi all, with slippery weather again on the horizon, Greg and I have made a plan to help keep kids safe during these busy times of day.

1. Please pull as far forward as possible

2. please park on the outside of the orange lines to pick up your child(ren)

PE

Musical Notes

Library Happenings

Bonjour

I Heart Art

School Counselor's Corner

Notes from the Health Office 

Moretown Elementary School is getting "vaxxed!"  

Almost 76% of the students at Moretown Elementary School have had their first COVID vaccination and almost 50% have completed the 2-shot series. Two weeks after their second shot, these students will be considered "fully vaccinated."  For fully vaccinated children, some things change related to COVID prevention strategies and some things do not.  

This is what changes once a child is fully vaccinated:

1. Fully vaccinated children can stay in school if they are exposed to COVID-19 (if they are considered a "close contact" to someone with COVID-19).  They do not have to "Test to Stay" before coming to school. (Unvaccinated students, or those who are not "fully vaccinated" still have to quarantine if exposed but may participate in Test to Stay).

This is what does NOT change: Fully vaccinated students still should: 

1. Stay home if they are sick with any symptom that may indicate that they have COVID-19.  See the list of symptoms here: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/symptoms-testing/symptoms.html

2. Get a PCR test for COVID-19 if they have symptoms that are associated with COVID-19

3. Get a PCR test for COVID-19 if they are exposed to someone with COVID-19 (7 days after last exposure is recommended ).

4. Continue to follow all school district policies for masking and distancing. 

 

How can we help? 

Students who develop symptoms of COVID-19 while in school can now be tested for COVID-19 in school. This is part of the Response Testing system available in our schools. This includes a rapid test which, if negative, is followed by collection of a nasal sample for PCR testing. The PCR sample is mailed from school directly to the laboratory for analysis. If you sign your student up for Response Testing, you will not have to make an appointment for testing and drive them to a testing site!  The student still needs to go home and stay there until the results of the test are received by the school. Please consider signing your students up for Response Testing!  Here is the website to complete the consent form!  https://www.cic-health.com/vermont  Follow the prompt for Providing Consent for Response Testing.  (Students who are not vaccinated or not fully vaccinated may also sign up for Response Testing, which for them will include Test to Stay as well as testing in school if needed).  

Questions?  Call or email me!

ECO this week

Grades 1/2 making critter treats to put in the forest for some hungry animals!

squirrel lollipops!

PTO News

If you have not submitted payment for the Winter Sports Program, please send along a check made out to Moretown PTO.

For folks who requested to pay for skiing by paypal link: Please email us at moretownskiprogram@gmail.com so Hannah has you email address.

Community News/Opportunities

Please note that the opportunities/events listed below are not specifically endorsed or screened by school staff. As always, families should use their own standards and review processes to determine appropriate activities.

If you're looking for ways to pass the time over break, check out: findandgoseek.net with a wealth of resources and events for families. We hope you enjoy the upcoming winter break (no school from 12/23 - 1/2), and look forward to welcoming in the New Year when we return on January 3rd, 2022!

A Nutcracker Storytime

Saturday, December 18th, 11am at Town Hall

We invite children ages 0-5 and their caregivers to this special holiday storytime! Join the library on the set of the Moving Lights Dance Company for crafts, stories and songs all about the Nutcracker and dancing. Older siblings are also welcome to attend. Masks are required for everyone over the age of 2 during the program.

Register here to attend: https://forms.gle/oZLsvWXnCrkn4rax7

Joslin Memorial Library presents: Winter Solstice Tea Party

Sunday, December 19th from 4-5:30 in the Joslin Library Park 

Help us usher in longer days with friends, fire, tea, music, and shadow puppet stories! We'll gather in the park and keep cozy as we celebrate the sun with songs and storytelling around a fire circle. This event is free and open to all ages. Feel free to bring an instrument or favorite campfire song to share! 

Please register using this form: https://forms.gle/zegz46TzwRYSusC4A

Date Change for:

 IT IS THIS FRIDAY, the 17^th, in our region!

From CVMC: The Vermont Foodbank's VeggieVanGo mobile food pantry will offer drive-up distribution at the Barre Auditorium on Friday, Dec. 17, from 9-10:30 am. Community members are invited to enter the parking lot, remain in their cars, and follow volunteer instructions regarding pickup. Thanks so much to our friends at the Vermont Foodbank for making this month's VeggieVanGo happen for our community!

COVID Support Vermont is offering a free workshop for parents:

"Parenting to Promote Mental Health and Wellness in Children and Youth”
Wed. Dec. 22^nd from 4-5pm.

This presentation will be facilitated by Dr. Cath Burns, Licensed Psychologist and Quality Director at Vermont Care Partners.  It will highlight parenting/caregiver supports and strategies that promote children and youth mental health and wellness, followed by group discussion and brainstorming! We would be so grateful if school leaders could send this info and registration link through to the families in your community channels, to help get this information out to folks who would benefit from it. Copied below is the registration link:

Parenting to Promote Mental Health and Wellness in Children and Youth Tickets, Wed, Dec 22, 2021 at 4:00 PM | Eventbrite

School Board Updates