Gertrude Chamberlin School
Family Newsletter March 12, 2021 Volume 15 Issue 30
BLM Flag Raising
Here are some of the 5th graders words:
"Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. once said, "If you can't fly then run, if you can't run, then walk, if you can't walk then crawl, but whatever you do, you have to keep moving forward." To e, raising the Black Lives Matter flag means moving forward to show that we welcome everyone and spread love."
"To me, raising the Black Lives Matter flag means no matter the color of your skin, you are welcome at this school. It is important to me to show everyone they are welcome, and here you will not be judged."
"To me, raising the Black Lives Matter flag means that racism is not okay and people of color are human as well. Raising the flag here shows that all people of color are welcome."
"To me, raising the Black Lives Matter flag means that black lives should never be disrespected and their lives are just as important as white lives."
"To me, raising the Black Lives Matter flag means no matter what color your skin is you are welcome at this school. That is why I love this school. It always welcomes everyone and I wish life could be this way everywhere. I wish people could live in harmony. Thank you."
"I recently saw on the news a lot of violence towards Asian Americans and I wanted to say that raising the Black Lives Matter flag doesn't mean only Black Lives Matter, it means people of color matter and they shouldn't be disrespected and discriminated against."
Before the flag was raised, a 5th grade read a quote from Amanda Gorman: "There is always light. If only we're brave enough to see it, if only we're brave enough to be it."
Students from each class then raised the BLM flag with our American flag, with the help of Mr. Melen, while the song "Rise Up" by Andra Day played. Ms. Kane gave closing comments and appreciations.
Photos from the assembly were taken by Bryan Yager and generously donated from Beltrami Studios.
Kindergarten Registration
Girls On The Run
We are so excited to be able to offer Girls on the Run this year to our 5th grade girls. Typically, the program is for 3rd-5th grades but due to the pandemic and accompanying limitations and number of girls allowed in each team we are only opening it up to 5th graders. Hopefully, next year we will be able to run the program as we have done in the past.
Registration is on a first come first serve basis so if your 5th grade daughter is interested please pay close attention to the registration time of March 22nd at 6pm. If you do not have access to a computer or other device at that time and need assistance please let Kerry Farrell or Sharon Davis know in advance. kfarrell@sbschools.net 652-7449 or sdavis@sbschools.net.
We look forward to a fun season of Girls on the Run.
Kindergarten students
engaging in maple yoga
during Farm to School!
Farm To School - Maple Syrup
Hello South Burlington Families and Friends!
We are entering the sweetest time of year in Vermont - Maple Season! As the air gets warmer during the day and cool at night, the sap in our native sugar maple trees begins to flow. The process of collecting sap and boiling it down to a syrup is a long-time tradition here in Vermont, thanks to the discovery by the Abenaki people. For many years, this has been a time to bring the community together to share the first harvest from the Earth - a sweet treat that will wake us and energize us after a long cold winter.
This week in Farm to School, we found some energy in maple-inspired yoga and discussed the “Sap to Syrup” process. Did you know that it takes 40 gallons of sap to get one gallon of maple syrup?! We took some time to give gratitude to those who have worked so hard to collect and boil down all of that sap for us to enjoy - all while enjoying some carrot fritters with syrup drizzled on top! We hope you give this recipe a try at home.
Carrot Fritters with Maple Syrup
Makes about 6-8 fritters
Ingredients:
● 2 cups carrot, grated (2-3 medium-sized carrots)
● 1 chia seed “egg” - 1 Tbsp chia seeds and 2.5 Tbsp water
● 1 Tbsp maple syrup (plus more to drizzle on top when serving)
● 2 heaping Tbsp corn flour
● ⅛ tsp cinnamon
● Salt, generous pinch
● Olive oil, for frying in the pan
Directions:
1. Grate your carrot, using a box grater or food processor.
2. Make the chia seed egg by combining the chia seeds and water in a small bowl. Set aside for 2-3 minutes until the mixture thickens.
3. Combine the grated carrot, corn flour, cinnamon, and salt in a large mixing bowl.
4. Add the chia egg and maple syrup to the carrot mixture.
5. Heat 2 Tbsp of olive oil in a pan over medium heat.
6. While the pan is heating, shape your carrot mixture into small thin patties.
7. Fry the patties in the pan until crispy and golden brown - about 3 min on each side.
8. Serve with a drizzle of warm maple syrup.
Fun fact: The Abenaki name for tree sap is “wskidakuam” (pronounced whs-kee-dah-koo-ahm). Can you say that?
News from the Common Roots Farm at South Village: Our Farmstand memberships are filling up fast! Join us this summer by purchasing a membership to get great deals on produce grown on our organic farm, along with local meats, cheese, dry goods and other artisan products. Find more info on our website at commonroots.org.
Till next month, Nourish to Flourish!
Lauren Jones, Common Roots - Farm to School Educator
Common Roots Maple Moon Gathering
Health Office Updates
DO I NEED TO QUARANTINE? This chart includes information about General Quarantine Guidance, if you had COVID-19, and if you are Vaccinated: Vermont COVID-19 Quarantine Guidelines chart (click). WHAT DOES QUARANTINE MEAN AGAIN? Quarantine is used to keep someone who might have been exposed to COVID-19 away from other people. Quarantine means you need to stay home and away from other people for 14 days. This means you can’t do any activities outside of your home, like going to school, work, or out to do errands. You should separate yourself from others and check yourself for symptoms. For more details visit here. People who are under quarantine should wear a mask in common spaces (in their home), use a separate bathroom (if possible), eat separately, and otherwise not be in close contact with others in the household who are not under quarantine. Be sure to disinfect commonly touched surfaces, and be aware of symptoms for 14 days.
TESTING
The Vermont Health Department encourages testing as a critical tool to slowing the spread of the virus. The sooner you know if you have the virus, the sooner you can protect yourself, your loved ones and your community.
COVID VACCINE: PHASE 5
Vermonters with certain high-risk health conditions are able to make vaccine appointments beginning on these dates:
- March 8, 2021: ages 55 and older with one or more high-risk health conditions (listed here)
- March 11, 2021: ages 16 and older with one or more high-risk health conditions
- Visit "Getting the COVID-19 Vaccine" site on the health department's website by clicking here.
- If you know someone who can't make an appointment online or needs to speak with someone in a language other than English, call: 855-722-7878.
March 5th Update from Superintendent Young
March 5, 2021
Dear Parents/Guardians,
While the mid-winter break provided some much needed time to relax and recharge, I’m thrilled to have had our students and staff back in our schools this week (albeit abbreviated). As some of you may know, we received a lot of positive news this week. First, our FY22 budget passed thanks to our supportive community and the Governor announced that K-12 school staff will be eligible to receive a COVID-19 vaccine beginning March 8.
As you read my letter, you may be wondering, “Wait, where are the school happenings?” Not to worry, they’ll return next week, so stay tuned! I did want to note that the Black Lives Matter Flag raising at Gertrude Chamberlin School, initially scheduled for this morning had to be postponed due to the brutal wind chills. A new date will be chosen and communicated soon. Thanks for reading!
FY22 Budget and Articles Pass
I am happy to report that our school budget as well as all of our ballot articles passed on Town Meeting Day March 2. You can review complete Town Meeting Day election results, including the city's budget and ballot articles here. The passage of our budget as well as the $2.5 million facilities improvement bond will allow us to continue to provide the education our students and community have come to expect. The majority of the bond will be used to replace the roof at Frederick H. Tuttle Middle School. We are thankful for your support!
Welcome New Board Members!
I wanted to offer a warm welcome to our two new school board members who participated in their first school board meeting March 3. Travia Childs has been elected to the two year seat while Rebecca Day has joined the board in the three year position. They have joined the board after long time members, Elizabeth Fitzgerald and Martin LaLonde concluded their combined 26 years on the board this March. Thanks again to Elizabeth and Martin for your service! The next school board meeting will be held March 17 at 7:00 pm via zoom. You can also always stream the meetings at The Media Factory website.
COVID Update: Vaccines
Governor Scott announced March 2 the next phase of the state’s vaccine rollout to include
K-12 school staff and expanded public safety beginning March 8. We continue to receive details on vaccine options for staff from the state and have communicated information including who is and is not eligible and options for booking appointments. The state will be offering more guidance on this rollout within the coming days and we are excited our staff will have numerous options available to them. At the moment, we are continuing to follow the State's Strong and Healthy Start Guidance and will update families with any changes as they become solidified.
COVID-19 Surveillance Testing
Even with vaccines beginning for school staff, statewide voluntary COVID-19 surveillance testing will continue as a one way to monitor transmission in our schools and the South Burlington School District will participate in its fourth round of testing Tuesday, March 9. You can read more about school staff surveillance testing here.
The SB Boosters are Looking for Members
The SB Boosters are looking for members! Three of their officer positions are opening at the end of this school year. The boosters meet the first Thursday of each month at 6:00 pm (currently via zoom). Interested individuals can reach out to Christy Beltrami at Christy@beltramistudios.com.
Have a wonderful and safe weekend!
Thanks,
David
Family Resources:
Family Resources from our Howard Clinician
Caregiving is hard enough without a global health pandemic! Now more than ever, it is CRITICAL that we encourage our caregivers to practice diligent self-care. Our health depends on it, and the health of our children depends on it. It is difficult for caregivers to put themselves first – and we know they are equally as deserving and in need of it. Please consider using these helpful resources.
The Importance of Care for Caregivers (National Association of School Psychologists)
Parenting During Coronavirus: You are Enough (PBS Kids)
Parent/Caregiver Guide to Helping Families Cope (National Child Traumatic Stress Network)
COVID Support VT (from 211)
Apps for Self-Care and Wellness
Your School Services Clinician,
Sharon Davis
Family Support with Technology/Chromebooks
Here's the link to the breakfast and lunch menus.
Gertrude Chamberlin School
Email: hrouelle@sbschools.net
Website: https://vt01819219.schoolwires.net/Domain/10
Location: Chamberlin School, White Street, South Burlington, VT, USA
Phone: 802 652 7403
Twitter: @hrouelle