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.
Thank you Ms. Stevens and the 3rd graders for this performance at our PBIS assembly focusing on our CUBS (Caring, Understanding Brave, Safe) core values!
On Wednesday, November 5, we welcomed TIGER (Theatre Integrating Guidance, Education, and Responsibility) from Plymouth State University for a special performance of “True Blue You.”
This musical production highlighted the importance of being true to yourself and doing what’s right, even when it’s hard. Through theatre, music, and dance, students explored key themes of trust, inclusion, giving, empowerment, and respect—reminding us all to be our best selves and to care for others.
All K–4 students in OCSU enjoyed the performance. We were delighted to welcome students from Irasburg Village School and Orleans Elementary School to join in the fun.
This musical production highlighted the importance of being true to yourself and doing what’s right, even when it’s hard. Through theatre, music, and dance, students explored key themes of trust, inclusion, giving, empowerment, and respect—reminding us all to be our best selves and to care for others.
All K–4 students in OCSU enjoyed the performance. We were delighted to welcome students from Irasburg Village School and Orleans Elementary School to join in the fun.
On Tuesday, November 4 students enjoyed a special presentation from NorthWoods titled “Winter Birds.” This engaging program taught students about the birds that stay in Vermont through the winter and how they survive our coldest months. Students learned about migration, adaptations, and even get to see real bird artifacts up close!
This experience was sponsored by the Four Seasons Garden Club, and we’re excited to have welcomed some of their members to join us for the event.
This experience was sponsored by the Four Seasons Garden Club, and we’re excited to have welcomed some of their members to join us for the event.
Kudos to Mrs. McCargar's first-grade class for creating an excellent video on responsibility, showcasing our CUBS core values for our monthly PBIS assembly.
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1iQzNpcxwGWBqPnr4SGS3iahC2yJ4XVKm/view?usp=sharing
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1iQzNpcxwGWBqPnr4SGS3iahC2yJ4XVKm/view?usp=sharing
🌟Colleague Spotlight of the Week🌟
LINSAY MCCARGAR: Mrs. McCargar is a dedicated and reflective educator who is always eager to learn and grow in her practice. She is a strong advocate for her students and works diligently to ensure their needs are met. We’re so grateful to have her as part of our team!
As part of our recent PBIS assembly, Mrs. McCargar and her first graders created a wonderful video to highlight our Character Strong focus on Responsibility. Students had a great time acting, singing, and bringing the message to life!
LINSAY MCCARGAR: Mrs. McCargar is a dedicated and reflective educator who is always eager to learn and grow in her practice. She is a strong advocate for her students and works diligently to ensure their needs are met. We’re so grateful to have her as part of our team!
As part of our recent PBIS assembly, Mrs. McCargar and her first graders created a wonderful video to highlight our Character Strong focus on Responsibility. Students had a great time acting, singing, and bringing the message to life!
