January 15, 2026: All afterschool activities for the schools of OCSU (Albany, Barton, Brownington, Glover, Irasburg, Orleans, and Lake Region) are cancelled for today as the National Weather Service warns of freezing at about 4:00 pm.
The next OCSU PTCA meeting is on January 22, 2026, 4:30pm, at Lake Region UHS. All are welcome! The main focus for the meeting will be completing planning for our SU-wide winter party event. More details are below:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1HB6bVL87oreDvTplRzBzaBAu4yZBU31KJE6Q3ld5PfI/edit?tab=t.0
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1HB6bVL87oreDvTplRzBzaBAu4yZBU31KJE6Q3ld5PfI/edit?tab=t.0
It’s Spelling Bee season! Barton Graded School has officially registered to participate in The Scripps National Spelling Bee! We have several students from 3rd & 4th Grade who will participate!
Participating in the Bee will help your student:
- develop vocabulary and language skills
- strengthen life skills like time management and goal setting
- inspire a lifelong love of learning
- gain confidence and camaraderie with their fellow students
- practice poise under pressure and public speaking skills.
Our 3rd & 4th grade Spelling Bee will take place on Friday, January 23, 2026, at 2:00pm in the gym. Parents & supporters are welcome to come!
Participating in the Bee will help your student:
- develop vocabulary and language skills
- strengthen life skills like time management and goal setting
- inspire a lifelong love of learning
- gain confidence and camaraderie with their fellow students
- practice poise under pressure and public speaking skills.
Our 3rd & 4th grade Spelling Bee will take place on Friday, January 23, 2026, at 2:00pm in the gym. Parents & supporters are welcome to come!
We are behind in our Colleague Shout-Outs so join us in celebrating our staff this week as we catch up.
🌟Colleague Spotlight of the Week🌟
December 15-19, 2025
We are so grateful to have Deb Waters as part of the Barton Graded School team this year. Although this is her first year with us, Deb brings many years of experience as a paraeducator and has been a wonderful, positive addition to our school community.
Deb is often one of the first friendly faces students and staff see in the morning, helping to set a welcoming and supportive tone for the day. Her dedication to her role, strong relationship-building skills, and consistent support of students make a meaningful difference each and every day.
Thank you, Deb, for all you do for our students and school!
🌟Colleague Spotlight of the Week🌟
December 15-19, 2025
We are so grateful to have Deb Waters as part of the Barton Graded School team this year. Although this is her first year with us, Deb brings many years of experience as a paraeducator and has been a wonderful, positive addition to our school community.
Deb is often one of the first friendly faces students and staff see in the morning, helping to set a welcoming and supportive tone for the day. Her dedication to her role, strong relationship-building skills, and consistent support of students make a meaningful difference each and every day.
Thank you, Deb, for all you do for our students and school!
We are behind in our Colleague Shout-Outs so join us in celebrating our staff this week as we catch up.
🌟Colleague Spotlight of the Week🌟
December 8-12, 2025
Lauren Holder joined our OCSU community last school year and has continued to rebuild and strengthen our music education program in meaningful ways. Recently, she worked closely with our K–4 students to prepare for the winter concert on December 11.
Lauren serves as the music educator for both Glover Community School and Barton Graded School, and she also plays a leadership role on our Partners in Pride committee at Barton, supporting school climate and culture across our community.
Lauren brings tremendous heart to her work. She delivers a rich and engaging music program where students deepen their understanding of musical concepts and language. Our students are excited, involved, and learning so much thanks to her dedication and creativity.
Thank you, Lauren, for all you do!
🌟Colleague Spotlight of the Week🌟
December 8-12, 2025
Lauren Holder joined our OCSU community last school year and has continued to rebuild and strengthen our music education program in meaningful ways. Recently, she worked closely with our K–4 students to prepare for the winter concert on December 11.
Lauren serves as the music educator for both Glover Community School and Barton Graded School, and she also plays a leadership role on our Partners in Pride committee at Barton, supporting school climate and culture across our community.
Lauren brings tremendous heart to her work. She delivers a rich and engaging music program where students deepen their understanding of musical concepts and language. Our students are excited, involved, and learning so much thanks to her dedication and creativity.
Thank you, Lauren, for all you do!
The temperatures haven't been our friends this winter season but the days we get out in the snow are loads of fun!
Dear Orleans Central Supervisory Union Community,
After hearing from our road crews across our Orleans Central Supervisory Union towns and their concerns about the potential for black ice on our dirt roads later this afternoon, we are calling for an early dismissal today out of an abundance of caution.
Preschool and middle schools will begin dismissal at 11:30 a.m.
Elementary schools will begin dismissal at 11:35 a.m.
The high school will dismiss at 11:45 a.m.
We will not be having any afterschool activities. Please look for additional communication from principals, athletic directors, and coaches about any games that are scheduled for this evening.
The safety of our students, staff, and families is always our top priority, and we appreciate your understanding and flexibility as we make decisions based on changing road conditions.
Please take care as you travel today, and thank you for your continued partnership and support.
Warmly,
Jackie Ramsay-Tolman - your OCSU Superintendent
December's Green Mountain Farm to School workshop included exploring different types of fiber. Kindergarten was able to work with wool to practice their felting techniques.
Mrs. McCargar's 1st grade class spent time in the Makerspace in December, exploring the various materials and working on a class gingerbread house with Mrs. M.
Kindergarten spent some time in the Makerspace before December break making gingerbread houses out of various materials.
The Lake Region Union UHS music department is hosting a midwinter solo and ensemble concert on Tuesday, January 6, at 6PM, at the high school. All are welcome to attend. Admission is free, but donations are welcome. Please see the event's flyer for more information. We hope to see everyone there!
Students from Lake Region's music department traveled to Barton today to perform for our K-4 students. Brass instrumentalists, select choir and the full chorus performed multiple numbers under the direction of Ms. Sara Doncaster. It's always fun for us to welcome back our previous students too!
Zayden, second-grader, remarked afterwards, "that performance was *chef's kiss*!"
"That song was so sweet it made my heart cry" - Tony, kindergartener
The OCSU winter party is coming! Please mark your calendars for February 7, 2026, 1:00-3:00PM, and check in January for more details
Want to send a candy-gram to your student? or a staff member?
Now's your chance. $1.00 each. Stop by the school office before Dec 16.
** only delivered within Barton Graded School.
Now's your chance. $1.00 each. Stop by the school office before Dec 16.
** only delivered within Barton Graded School.
On November 20, we hosted our annual Thanksgiving Luncheon for students, families, and staff. In addition to meals served to students and staff, we welcomed 70 family members who joined us for the celebration.
🌟Colleague Spotlight of the Week🌟
KARINA GARCIA, Ms. Karina: We’d like to recognize Karina for her continued commitment to learning and growing in her practice. This fall she has been enrolled in the Introduction to Orton-Gillingham course through the Stern Center, demonstrating her dedication to strengthening her specialized instruction and expanding her expertise in literacy. Since joining our team at Barton Graded School last year, Karina has consistently shown a passion for supporting students and refining her craft. We are grateful for your hard work, initiative, and the positive impact you make each day!
KARINA GARCIA, Ms. Karina: We’d like to recognize Karina for her continued commitment to learning and growing in her practice. This fall she has been enrolled in the Introduction to Orton-Gillingham course through the Stern Center, demonstrating her dedication to strengthening her specialized instruction and expanding her expertise in literacy. Since joining our team at Barton Graded School last year, Karina has consistently shown a passion for supporting students and refining her craft. We are grateful for your hard work, initiative, and the positive impact you make each day!
Thinking About Running for School Board?
The next OCSU PTCA meeting is December 4, 2025, 6pm, at Lake Region UHS. A remote option is also available. All families, staff, and community members are welcome to attend. A major focus for the next meeting is planning for the upcoming OCSU winter carnival. To learn more, as well as to access the remote link, please check out our agenda:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1IV1_qx8ecmWyQWyh4W_SfU1TH1RIk0M-kOkyLLCBkpY/edit?tab=t.0
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1IV1_qx8ecmWyQWyh4W_SfU1TH1RIk0M-kOkyLLCBkpY/edit?tab=t.0
🌟Colleague Spotlight of the Week🌟
MONIQUE SCHNEIDER, Mrs. Schneider: Thank you for your outstanding contributions to our school community. Monique serves as our representative on the Local Standards Board, guiding and supporting teachers through the licensing process with knowledge and care.
In her kindergarten classroom, Monique creates a warm, engaging, and inclusive learning environment. She incorporates a wide range of multi-sensory activities that help students explore, grow, and thrive.
With more than 25 years of teaching experience, Monique is an exemplary educator whose thoughtful, reflective, and intentional approach shines through in everything she does.
Thank you, Monique, for your dedication and for the positive impact you make each day!
MONIQUE SCHNEIDER, Mrs. Schneider: Thank you for your outstanding contributions to our school community. Monique serves as our representative on the Local Standards Board, guiding and supporting teachers through the licensing process with knowledge and care.
In her kindergarten classroom, Monique creates a warm, engaging, and inclusive learning environment. She incorporates a wide range of multi-sensory activities that help students explore, grow, and thrive.
With more than 25 years of teaching experience, Monique is an exemplary educator whose thoughtful, reflective, and intentional approach shines through in everything she does.
Thank you, Monique, for your dedication and for the positive impact you make each day!
Barton students wore Green to say yes to Kindness and Empathy- as well as celebrate Dwarfism Awareness Month with Ms. Sarah-mom to a 2nd grader and a community member living with a form of dwarfism (also called skeletal dysplasia). Sarah is an advocate who creates safe spaces for conversations, envisions a world that celebrates the differences of all humans, and deeply believes prevention education is a great tool for all ages.
Students were given opportunities to ask questions or share comments, listened to a story - “Louie’s Together Playground”, and then watched videos in support of the #thisisme campaign hosted by The Little Legs, Big Heart Foundation. Every student was given a wristband and pencil in support of Dwarfism Awareness.
Sarah submitted the request and received notice that the state of Vermont dedicated October 2025 as Dwarfism Awareness Month in Vermont, and that proclamation can be found here: https://governor.vermont.gov/document/dwarfism-awareness-month-proclamation-25-149
Information about LPA (Little People of America) and The Little Legs, Big Heart Foundation can be found at https://www.lpaonline.org/ and
https://www.littlelegsbigheartfoundation.org/
If anyone has questions feel free to reach out to Sarah at sarahelliotteducation@gmail.com.
Students were given opportunities to ask questions or share comments, listened to a story - “Louie’s Together Playground”, and then watched videos in support of the #thisisme campaign hosted by The Little Legs, Big Heart Foundation. Every student was given a wristband and pencil in support of Dwarfism Awareness.
Sarah submitted the request and received notice that the state of Vermont dedicated October 2025 as Dwarfism Awareness Month in Vermont, and that proclamation can be found here: https://governor.vermont.gov/document/dwarfism-awareness-month-proclamation-25-149
Information about LPA (Little People of America) and The Little Legs, Big Heart Foundation can be found at https://www.lpaonline.org/ and
https://www.littlelegsbigheartfoundation.org/
If anyone has questions feel free to reach out to Sarah at sarahelliotteducation@gmail.com.
