Good afternoon,
In an effort to improve our schools' communication with students and their caregivers, the EMS district schools have adopted a new grading and reporting system called SmartScore. This system has many helpful tools and features that will hopefully make feedback more clear, accurate, and helpful for students. We hope that it will also make students' growth and progress easier for families to see and understand as well. Please review the attached document that provides an overview of the new system and provides you with login information so you can sign in and see how your student is doing. Teachers are working on putting student work into the new system right now, so please be patient as the transition takes place and we get everything up and running.
Please don't hesitate to reach out with any questions you might have. Thank you for your support of our schools!
Erica Harryman
Director of Instruction
Kyle Chadburn
Access & Opportunities Coordinator
Curriculum and Instruction Department Update ---
There continues to be a strong focus on creating rich learning experiences for students across OCSU. Here's an overview of our key initiatives and progress.
At the start of the year, staff across all buildings participated in professional learning focused on Universal Design for Learning (UDL). This framework is essential in supporting all learners by providing multiple means of engagement, representation, and expression. Educators have been collaborating on how to apply UDL principles in their classrooms to ensure learning is accessible and inclusive for every student.
Our first early release Professional Learning Communities (PLCs) of the year have successfully taken place across the district. During these sessions, teachers met in their respective grade-level or subject teams to collaborate on student performance rubrics, curriculum planning, data-driven instruction, and targeted student interventions. There is never enough time for this critical work, so our dedicated time together as a district is incredibly valuable for educators to be able to share best practices, analyze student work, and set instructional goals for the upcoming quarter. PLCs are central to our focus on continuous improvement and professional collaboration, and we look forward to the momentum building as we progress throughout the year.
Training on student progress reporting has been rolled out to ensure consistent and transparent communication about student achievement and growth. This effort aligns with our commitment to keeping families informed and engaged in their children's learning journeys.
Beginning-of-the-year assessments were underway in all buildings during the month of September. These assessments provide critical baseline data, allowing educators to identify areas of strength and opportunities for growth for each student. Teachers are using this data to inform their instructional planning and to differentiate learning experiences, ensuring that each student receives the appropriate support and challenge to meet their learning goals.
Assessment data will also play a key role in our early release PLC discussions, where teams will work together to develop targeted strategies based on the outcomes of these assessments.
Learning is actively taking place in all buildings, and it's exciting to see evidence of these efforts each day. We are committed to maintaining a strong focus on collaboration, data-driven instruction, and inclusive learning practices throughout the year.
OCSU Employment Opportunities: OCSU is currently looking for a staff accountant, Spanish teacher, Health Office Staff and others. Check out the full listing here: https://orleanscentralvt.sites.thrillshare.com/page/employment-opportunities
Vermont PBIS School Spotlight — Albany Community School: https://www.pbisvermont.org/school-spotlight-albany-community-school/
The Lake Region Union Elementary-Middle School Board is hosting a Public Tour of the Glover Community School on Thursday, September 12th from 6:00 - 7:00 p.m.
OCSU preschoolers have enjoyed their first week of school! Teachers prepared for their arrival by putting pictures and names in their cubbies, filling their classrooms with learning materials that are fun and interesting, and preparing activities like painting and gluing. They are getting to know each other, learning about school routines, and becoming familiar with their new classrooms. The weather has been beautiful, so they have had fun playing outside and exploring our playground. We look forward to an exciting year with OCSU's youngest learners!
Fingerprinting OPEN HOUSE, today, Tuesday, August 6!
OCSU Fingerprinting Open House—August 6, 2024—2:00-6:00 pm
Fingerprint Open House Canceled!
The Orleans County Sheriff's Department has notified us that the Fingerprint Open House scheduled for tonight (7/30/2024) has been canceled due to flood-related road closures.
We will spread the word when the OCSD schedules the next fingerprint open house.
Be well and be safe.
Newest Employment Opportunities: Administrative Assistant (Curriculum & Instruction) https://www.schoolspring.com/jobdetail?jobId=4721804; Art Teacher https://www.schoolspring.com/jobdetail?jobId=4729714
Free Lunches
Due to flooding there will be no meals at the Orleans Federated Church today 7/11/2024. The program will resume as normal on Monday 7/15/2024. Please stay safe.
"This institution is an equal opportunity provider."
Opening for Lake Region Union High School Board Member from Glover The LRUHS board is currently seeking someone to fill a vacant spot on the school board. Candidate would need to be a resident of Glover. The school board meets every other Monday at 6:00 pm. If you are interested, please contact Lisa Worden, Administrative Assistant to the Superintendent at lworden@ocsu.org or 525-1204 ext. 134.
OCSU Site Presentation FAQs: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1zkrbZBz-dRt4wQkXH4HrV30P3nmdUR5G/view?usp=sharing
Summer Food Service Program - REVISED
Free Meals for Kids and Teens
Good Afternoon OCSU Summer Program Families,
We have made the decision to close all OCSU Elementary Summer Programs for tomorrow, Wednesday, June 19th due to the heat advisory.
Stay cool tomorrow!
Orleans Central Supervisory Union is participating in the Seamless Summer Food Service Program: Check out all the details here; https://5il.co/2nq8h
From the Superintendent's Office:
The Lake Region Union Elementary Middle School District (LRUEMSD) FY25 Budget Reconsideration Vote will occur on Monday, June 3, 2024 at 7:00 p.m at Lake Region Union High School.
Please visit www.ocsu.org to review the June 3, 2024 Warning and March 11, 2024 LRUEMSD Annual Report.
Last Student Day for all OCSU schools EXCEPT Brownington: Thursday, June 13th and will be a half day. Brownington's last student day is Friday, June 14th - also a half day.