Friday Flash
May 8th, 2026
When I was hired to be the principal of Newbury Elementary School, it was made clear to me that I was to work in tandem with the Bradford Elementary School principal to bring our schools together and provide a more universal experience for children. Sitting in the budget meeting it stung to hear people yelling about closing Newbury. Forgetting that while it may be a building, there are also people in that building…….children. I was saddened to hear that a young student hoped "they" weren’t going to close his school. This is not something that should be weighing on the mind of a child. I caution adults that little ears are always listening.
When Bradford and Newbury agreed to merge there must have been some understanding that Newbury Elementary School was going to have less students. There are almost a thousand less residents in the town of Newbury.
As there are two communities in OUUSD I asked why is it always assumed that Newbury Elementary must close? OUUSD is made of two communities and I believe there can be a way for one school exist in each community. A town without a school is a town that loses its heart. Just drive through any Vermont community that has lost its school. The feeling of the Newbury community would change without young people out on the Common; playing, laughing, running about and most importantly learning.
I would like to make the case that Newbury Elementary School should remain open as a school. What grade levels the school would house would be at the discretion of the school board. The case can be made that the Newbury Elementary building is sound. Due largely in part to the care and maintenance of our Buildings Operations Supervisor Sim Cook. Our building was built from the bricks of the Newbury Seminary showing that not even the fire of 1913 would stop our community from educating its students. Our school is built to last and is prepared to provide a safe learning environment for students and staff for many years to come.
Building Highlights
Classroom space for 300 students (per the 1992 bond article)
11 acre outdoor classroom with lean-tos, storage shed & composting toilet
(structures were grant funded no cost to the local budget)
Greenhouse
Septic rated for 330 people
No radon issues
No asbestos issues
No electrical issues
No septic issues
New roof on edition and town hall
Slate roof inspected and in good condition
New boiler system that can shift between heating oil or wood pellets as the market costs shift (grant funded at no cost to the local budget)
Energy efficient windows in many of the classrooms in the original building
(grant funded at no cost to the local budget)
Upgraded heating, cooling & HVAC in all classrooms on the third floor
(grant funded no cost to the local budget)
New controls system for the HVAC system
LED lightbulb upgrades throughout the entire school
Security cameras inside and out
Magnetized door holders (in case of fire or emergency) in all classrooms & hallway doors
Fresh paint in all halls, stairwells, cafeteria and gymnasium
Control system for monitoring HVAC and indoor air quality
Interior & exterior PA system
I would ask that should the communities decide to close a school in the future, that serious thought and research be done so that an educated decision can be made. Deciding to close a school should not solely be made based on student population numbers. I urge community members to seek a unified approach to address the issues facing our district. Through communication, collaboration and commitment I know we can find a way to do what is best for all members of our communities.
Respectful Submitted,
Loretta R. Cruz
Newbury Elementary School Principal
Dear Families,
This week, our school community will focus on the character strength of Leadership. Leadership means valuing each person in your group and encouraging everyone to do their best.
Leadership can be formal, like being a team captain, or informal, like helping others work together. It’s about getting things done while keeping the group’s spirit strong. Leadership isn’t just about telling people what to do — it’s about listening, understanding others, solving problems, and inspiring everyone to work toward a common goal.
As students learn more about leadership, they will see how working together with others can help them achieve more. Being a good leader helps build confidence and a strong sense of self.
To practice and encourage the character strength of leadership at home, please visit The Positivity Project’s mobile-friendly P2 for Families (available in English and Spanish), where you will watch a video together and discuss a quote and three questions. Below are links to this week’s P2 for Families lessons. Click on the grade level that best meets your child’s needs.
Thank you for your support!
Energy Drinks and Youth: What Parents Should Know
Energy drinks have become increasingly popular among children and teenagers, but many parents may not realize what is actually inside these beverages or the potential health risks they carry.
What Are Energy Drinks?
Energy drinks are beverages designed to increase alertness and energy. Unlike sports drinks, energy drinks often contain:
- Large amounts of caffeine
- Added sugars
- Stimulants such as guarana and taurine
- High doses of vitamins and other additives
Popular brands include:
- Alani Nu
- CELSIUS
- Monster Energy
- Red Bull
- PRIME
- Bang Energy
- Rockstar Energy
Why Are Energy Drinks Dangerous for Children and Teens?
The American Academy of Pediatrics states that energy drinks are not recommended for children or adolescents.
Children and teenagers are more sensitive to caffeine because their brains and bodies are still developing. Energy drinks can affect:
- Heart rate and blood pressure
- Sleep
- Mood and anxiety
- Hydration
- Concentration and learning
Research and medical experts have linked energy drinks to:
- Dehydration
- Increased heart rate
- Heart palpitations
- Abnormal heart rhythms
- High blood pressure
- Reduced blood flow
- Decreased oxygen delivery to the body
- Chest pain and other cardiac concerns
- Anxiety and panic symptoms
- Sleep disturbances
Caffeine and Sugar Amounts in Popular Energy Drinks
DrinkApprox. CaffeineApprox. Sugar
Alani Nu200 mg0–2 g
CELSIUS200 mg0 g
Monster Energy (Original)160 mg54 g
Red Bull (12 oz)114 mg37 g
PRIME Energy200 mg0 g
Bang Energy300 mg0 g
Rockstar Original160 mg63 g
Many energy drinks contain as much caffeine as several cups of coffee.
Recommended Caffeine Limits
Children Under 12
- Pediatric experts recommend no caffeine
Ages 12–18
- No more than 100 mg of caffeine per day
- Energy drinks are discouraged entirely
Adults
- The FDA states that up to 400 mg of caffeine per day is generally considered safe for healthy adults.
Recommended Sugar Limits
Children
The American Heart Association recommends:
- Less than 25 grams of added sugar per day
Adults
- Women: less than 25 grams per day
- Men: less than 36 grams per day
Many energy drinks exceed or nearly reach a child’s entire daily sugar recommendation in just one can.
Healthy Alternatives
Encourage children and teens to choose:
- Water
- Milk
- Fruit-infused water
- Low-sugar electrolyte drinks when appropriate
Energy drinks may be heavily marketed toward young people, but they are not healthy or safe choices for children and teenagers.
Helping students build healthy habits now can protect their heart, brain, sleep, and overall well-being for years to come.
~Nurse Sam
Principal Loretta Cruz
Email: loretta.cruz@oesu.org
Website: https://www.nesvt.org/
Location: 214 Pulaski Street, Newbury, VT, USA
Phone: 802-866-5621
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/newburyelementaryVT