The Braintree Buzz

We have had another great week! Our preschool class is all in after a staggered start, and classes are continuing to build community and expectations. You'll notice a new name on our newsletter. Our intermediate students submitted lots of wonderful suggestions. Thank you to Jacob Young for the winning entry! Read on to get the buzz around Braintree!

If you or someone you know is looking for work during the school day, we have openings at Braintree! We are currently looking for a Head Cook as well as a part time paraeducator. Please email me (psprague@orangesouthwest.org) if interested!

OSSD knows that families are an essential component of every child’s education. It is important to us that parents and guardians feel welcome and included in our schools. In order to gauge our success in accomplishing this goal, the three elementary schools, Randolph, Brookfield, and Braintree, have created a survey for families. Please take 2-3 minutes to tell us how we are doing. We will use this district and school-level data to continue our work in creating safe and welcoming schools for all members of our community. The survey will be open until September 19th.

While breakfast and lunch are free for all students this year, we ask that all families complete the Free and Reduced Lunch Application. While you may or may not qualify, the information is used for distribution of other funding and resources. For example, reduced lunch rates are being used at the state level to determine if the free lunch program should continue beyond this year. At the building level, we did not qualify for the free fruit/vegetable program this year as we have in the past. It is unlikely due to a change in the socioeconomic status of our families, but without the applications, we could not provide evidence for qualification. If you do not receive a packet or need another, please call the main office at (802) 276 - 3153 or send a note in with your child.

Now that we are back to a more normal school year with fewer visitation restrictions, Braintree is ready to welcome families as partners in our work in creating the best educational opportunities for students. Whether we call it a PTO, Family Advisory Council, or something else, we hope that you will join us. If you are interested in joining a family group responsible for organizing events, advising school decisions, etc. please email Principal Patti Sprague (psprague@orangesouthwest.org) with your name and contact information. We will determine what days/times work best for interested folks.

Braintree is so fortunate to have a partnership with Drift Farm. This week, newcomer Anne met with intermediate students to clean garden beds and get them ready for the winter. In the coming weeks and months, the work will continue, and students will get to taste test some veggies!

Friday, September 16 - Inservice Day - No school for students

Friday, September 23 - 4/5/6 Snorkeling Field Trip

Wednesday, September 28 - Picture Day - Order forms will come home soon!

Thursday, October 6 - 4/5/6 Mount Cardigan Field Trip

Tuesday, October 11 - Inservice Day - No school for students

Wednesday, October 12 - Conference Day - More info to come!