The Howler - February 2, 2025

Dear families,

Lots of news this week!

**CORRECTION** In the last Howler, I noted that PreK did not have school on March 20. PreK does have school on March 20 as an early release dismissing at 12:45, same as K-5th grade.

Assisting a family in our community: Last week, one of our Hartford families lost their home in a house fire. The family is accepting contributions from the community. Please see below for more information.

We also know that some of you live very close to the home that was lost, or your child watched the fire from further away. If you or your child needs support around this tragedy, please reach out to our school counselor Kara Hemenway at hemenwayk@hartfordschools.net or (802) 295-8654, or our district clinical director Dr. Slammon at slammonk@hartfordschools.net

Changes in the cafeteria: In keeping with our Wolf Way character strengths, our staff has collectively decided to foster respect for custodial and kitchen staff, as well as awareness of our school environment, by empowering students to assist in caring for our cafeteria. Some examples include helping wipe tables, sweeping up if/when we make a mess, and stacking chairs.

Celebration: For our February all-school celebration, OQS will be participating in he "Global Day of Play" on Friday, February 7 .

Fire Drill: We have a fire drill coming up on February 6. We routinely practice emergency drills throughout the year to be sure that everyone knows their role and is prepared.

Have a great week,

Amelia Donahey

Principal

2/1/2024: First Day of Black History Month

2/4/2025: Early Release Day - Students dismiss at 12:45pm (no school for PreK)

2/7/2025: Friday ski day #3

2/17 - 2/21/2025: February break - no school

2/28/2025: Friday ski day #4

3/1/2025: First Day of Women's History Month

3/3/2025: All School Celebration (Read at the Beach Day!)

3/7/2025: Ski makeup date

3/18: Early Release Day - Students dismiss at 12:45pm (no school for PreK)

3/20: Early Release Day for Student Led Conferences - Students (including PreK!) dismiss at 12:45pm

3/21: No School (Student-Led Conferences)

4/4: Weather At Your School (WCAX Broadcasts from OQS 4:00-8:00am)

4/14 - 4/18: No School (Spring Break)

5/2: Better World Day

Dear Parent or Guardian,

Some students and staff at Ottauquechee School and throughout Hartford are sick with vomiting and diarrhea. During this time of year, many illnesses are going around, and one of the most common causes of sickness is norovirus. Fortunately, people with norovirus usually recover quickly with rest and hydration. There are actions you can take to help limit the spread of the illness, even if your child is not experiencing symptoms.

The two most important things you can do are:

• Make sure your child washes their hands properly.
• Keep your child at home if they are sick. In line with our district illness protocol, students must be fever/vomiting/diarrhea-free for at least 24 hours (without the aid of medication) before returning to school.

What is norovirus?

Norovirus is a virus that spreads quickly from person-to-person in closed environments and group settings. It’s sometimes called the “stomach flu” but it’s not related to influenza (flu). Most people with norovirus get better within 1-3 days. There is no specific medicine to treat norovirus but it’s important to drink plenty of liquids to prevent dehydration.

Symptoms include:

• abrupt onset of diarrhea
• vomiting
• nausea
• stomach cramping
• sometimes fever

How does norovirus spread?

• Direct contact with someone who is sick, for example, sharing food.
• Touching a contaminated surface (like faucets, toys or doorknobs) and then touching your mouth.
• Eating food or drinking food and liquids contaminated with the virus.

How can parents and guardians help prevent norovirus from spreading?

• If your child is sick, keep them home from school or child care for 24 hours after vomiting and diarrhea have stopped.
• Make sure members of your household wash their hands often, especially after using the bathroom, cleaning, changing diapers, or before making or eating food.
• Ensure everyone is washing their hands properly: Cover all parts of hands with soap, rub lathered hands together vigorously for at least 20 seconds, and thoroughly rinse with water.
• Do not share food or drinks with others if you have vomiting or diarrhea.
• Clean and disinfect surfaces and areas when someone vomits or has diarrhea. Use a mix of ¼ cup household bleach and one gallon of water as a disinfectant.
• Immediately remove and machine wash and dry any clothing or linens soiled by vomit or diarrhea.

For more resources, please visit www.healthvermont.gov/norovirus.

One of our HMMS/HHS families experienced a house fire on January 27 that has displaced them from their home and impacted their daily lives. Two of their children recently attended OQS. The family has let us know they are open to support from the community during this challenging time.

If you are able, here is a list of items that would be especially helpful:

• Gift Cards: These are especially appreciated to help meet immediate needs.

• Adult womens medium pants, small tops and size 7.5 shoes
  

• Adult mens size 34 pants, size 12.5-13 shoes

• 15 month old: size 24 months-2T; size 4 diapers and wipes

• Dog and cat food

• Cat litter

If you would like to contribute, items and gift cards can be dropped off at the Ottauquechee School or Hartford Memorial Middle School office. We will ensure they are delivered to the family.

When “Anti-Racism” is brought up, folks can feel defensive because they often don’t fully understand the concept of anti-racism and believe that it’s working against individuals or people rather than against systems and structures that perpetuate racial inequity. Most people believe that they are not racist and that should be enough. However, anti-racism is the belief that we ALL have to be part of the active practice of identifying and opposing racism to benefit society as a whole.

Racism exists on four different levels.

Internalized racism occurs when a person believes negative messages about their own, and other’s cultures and races; or an internalized privilege - beliefs about superiority or entitlement by white people. This type of racism comprises our private beliefs and biases about race and racism, influenced by our culture.

Interpersonal racism occurs when a person's conscious or subconscious racial bias influences their interactions and perceptions of other people. This is the form of racism that most people are familiar with, as it is one of the most overt forms, and can range from microaggressions to the use of slurs or even physical violence. This bias is often informed by stereotypes and misinformation, and results in a lack of respect, suspicion, avoidance, and dehumanization of people because of their race.

Institutional racism occurs within institutions and systems of power. This refers to the unfair policies and discriminatory practices of particular institutions (schools, workplaces, etc.) that routinely produce racially inequitable outcomes for people of color and advantages for white people.

Structural racism is racial bias among institutions and across society. This involves the cumulative and compounding effects of an array of societal factors, including the history, culture, ideology and interactions of institutions and policies that systematically privilege white people and disadvantage people of color.

We must address racism on all levels if we are to be truly anti-racist. Institutional and structural racism can be harder to combat unless you have status and power to enact change. We all, however, can work on our internalized and interpersonal racism, which can lead to societal shifts. To begin, we need to reflect on our own bias, privilege, and beliefs that perpetuate racism. More on privilege next week!

Listen (21 min) Not Racist is Not Enough (NPR)

Read: What does it mean to be anti-racist? (NEA)

Terms and Definitions: What is Racial Equity?

The Joy of AntiRacism

Check out a one page summary of the legislative proposal here.

Students in grades 1 - 4 are invite to audition for the children's chorus for the upcoming middle school musical. The show is Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. Auditions are on Feb. 8, 2025, from 1 - 3 PM at HMMS in room 104 (the chorus room). Parents should contact Ms. Chapman at chapmank@hartfordschools.net for information and the signup genius for time slots to audition.

Looking for quality programming for your child this summer? You can find a directory of summer camps in the area, with registration information, here: https://norwichvt.myrec.com/info/activities/program_details.aspx?ProgramID=30011

Join the Special Needs Support Center for a Disability Awareness Training, hosted by the Hartford Area Chamber of Commerce at the Quechee Gorge Visitor Center. This free, interactive session covers disability definitions, respectful communication, identifying barriers, and workplace accommodations. Enhance your understanding of disability inclusion, improve workplace interactions, and take a step toward becoming a Certified Disability-Friendly organization.

Date: February 26th

Time: 12:00-2:00 PM

Location: Quechee Gorge Visitor Center

HMMS Pride club is selling pride-themed Hurricanes apparel through the GrandStand Apparel Store, proceeds benefit the HMMS Pride club.