🏀 Physical Education focused on updating rubrics for our student grading system, SmartScore.
🎨 Art Education worked on curriculum mapping.
🎶 Music Education focused on classroom management and curriculum mapping for our middle schools.
We love seeing our Allied Arts team use their time to learn, collaborate, and continue finding ways to support our students! ❤️
Dear OCSU Families and Community,
Every day across Orleans Central, our students walk into classrooms where our amazing teachers help them learn, grow, think, question, problem-solve, and discover what they are capable of. There is so much that goes into making those moments successful, and this week I wanted to share a little about the work happening across OCSU to support strong teaching and learning in every classroom.
Student learning is at the heart of why we are here. Every student, no matter which OCSU school or classroom they are in, must have access to the essential learning they need, and it is our responsibility to make sure they learn. Our teachers know their students and bring their own strengths, expertise, and professional judgment to this work every day. Across OCSU, we are becoming clearer and more consistent about what students must learn, how we will know when they’ve learned, and what we will do when they need more time, additional support, or greater challenge. Our responsibility doesn’t end with teaching the content; it includes paying attention to whether students are learning and responding when they need something different.
That is why we have intentionally provided additional time this year for teachers to work and learn together. They are identifying the most essential learning for students, looking together at evidence of student progress, sharing instructional practices, and planning how best to respond to their students. This time allows teachers to strengthen instruction and respond more effectively to each student’s learning needs. It also gives our teachers the opportunity to learn from one another and ensures they have the clarity, time, and support to do this important work well.
We have much to be proud of in our schools, and we also know there is important work ahead of us. We want more of our students to demonstrate proficiency in literacy, mathematics, and all of the content areas (including unified arts!). This year, we have specific OCSU learning goals connected directly to our strategic plan and student achievement. While assessment results are one way we understand how our students are doing, this work is about much more than test scores. It is about making sure our students develop the knowledge, skills, confidence, and opportunities they will need throughout their lives. Accomplishing this takes all of us, with teachers providing strong instruction, students engaging in their learning, and families continuing to support and encourage learning at home.
The work we are doing is grounded in some of the strongest research and best practices we have about how schools improve student learning, and this is truly shared work. Our principals are working side by side with district leadership, and our teachers are doing the important work of bringing these practices to life with students every day. From Pre-K through grade 12, we are building greater consistency and connection across our schools so that district leaders, principals, and teachers are all moving in the same direction, with student learning at the center.
Our vision at Orleans Central is that all our students will have pathways that lead them to success throughout their lives. That is a big promise, and fulfilling it happens through the work we do together every day. This work happens in our classrooms, in our schools, and in partnership with our students, families and communities.
Thank you for your continued partnership and for the trust you place in us and our schools!
Yours in education,
Jackie Ramsay-Tolman
Your OCSU Superintendent
Very Important: November 3 Election – Orleans Central Board Seats
With the State Board’s approval of our Articles of Agreement, we are moving forward with the November 3 vote on the formation of the Orleans Central Unified Union School District.
In addition to voting on the formation of the new district, voters will elect the initial members of the new Orleans Central Board. If the formation vote is successful, those individuals will serve as the initial board.
The approved Articles establish a 14-member board, with two seats allocated to each of our seven communities (Albany, Barton, Brownington, Glover, Irasburg, Westmore, Village of Orleans). Candidates must be registered voters and residents of the community associated with the seat they are seeking. Because this is a modified at-large model, candidates run for a seat associated with their community, but voters throughout the proposed district vote on the candidates.
Anyone wishing to be a candidate must file the required nominating petition and written consent with Kristin Atwood, Barton Town Clerk no later than 5:00 p.m. on Monday, September 28. You may email the documents to bartontownoffice@gmail.com or you may drop off at the Barton town clerks office. Petitions need at least 30 signatures and they can be from anyone in the District, not just your town.
To have your name printed on the November 3 ballot, the completed petition and written consent must be filed with Barton town clerk by 5:00 p.m. on Monday, September 28.
We can accommodate write-in candidates but they must be qualified for that office.
The necessary candidate forms are linked here for your convenience. If you wish to be a candidate, you will need to print and complete the forms, obtain the required 30 signatures, identify the specific term you are seeking, and file the completed materials with the Barton town clerk by the deadline.
Here are the forms for you to print:
local_candidate_petition.pdf
consent_candidate_local_elections.pdf
The initial terms established in our Articles are:
Albany: 1-year and 2-year
Barton: 1-year and 3-year
Brownington: 1-year and 2-year
Glover: 1-year and 3-year
Irasburg: 1-year and 2-year
Westmore: 2-year and 3-year
Village of Orleans: 2-year and 3-year
These initial staggered terms are established in Article 10 of the approved Articles of Agreement.
We will also have hard copies of the petition and consent forms available for you to pick up at COFEC between the hours of 8:00-3:30 daily
.
Please pay close attention to the filing deadline if you are interested in seeking a seat on the new board.
Dear OCSU Families,
I hope your school year is off to a great start! It’s been great to see students back in the buildings and settling into the daily routines! For the rest of this month, I will be sending out one note each week as part of my Strong Start September communications. This week, I want to talk about one of our OCSU goals for the year, which is to increase our student attendance rates. We know that every day a student is in school is another opportunity to learn, to build on previous learning, participate in what’s happening in the classroom, connect with friends and trusted adults, and get support when it’s needed. Simply put, we want our students in school as much as possible because we want them to get everything they can from their time with us.
Of course, we also know that missed days can add up quickly. Missing just two days a month can mean missing about 10% of the school year. Vermont has a new attendance law that places a greater focus on chronic absenteeism, which is defined as missing 10% or more of school days, whether excused or unexcused. We absolutely have a responsibility to follow the law, but our goal is bigger than compliance. We want to notice concerns earlier, reach out sooner, and work together with families before a few missed days become a bigger concern.
To help us with this, I want to let you know that Danielle Greenwood will be working this year as OCSU’s School-to-Home Coordinator. Danielle will work with students, families, schools, and community partners if attendance becomes a concern. She can help us understand what may be getting in the way, connect families with resources, and bring the right people together to help. We know that sometimes getting to school can be difficult, for all kinds of reasons, and families don’t need to have the problem figured out before reaching out to us. That’s where we can work together.
As we get this school year underway, I’m asking for your partnership. When your child is healthy and able to be at school, we hope you will continue to partner with us and support regular attendance.
Please keep an eye on how many days have been missed and, whenever possible, schedule appointments, trips, and other activities outside of school time. Most importantly, if getting to school is becoming difficult for any reason, please talk with us. The earlier we know, the earlier we can work together to help.
If you’d like to learn more, Attendance Works has helpful information for families about attendance and chronic absence, including their quick 10 Facts About School Attendance resource, which shows how quickly missed days can add up and why regular attendance matters.
Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you have questions about Vermont’s new attendance law or the work we are doing here in OCSU, and thank you in advance for your continued partnership as we move through our school year!
Look for another note from me next week as we continue our Strong Start September! Warmly,
Jackie Ramsay-Tolman Your OCSU Superintendent
📍Carousel Board Meeting
👉 Join in person: Lake Region Union High School
👉 Join by link: meet.google.com/irf-chqz-meu
👉Join by phone: (US) +1 318-596-1109 PIN: 645 706 067#
📍LR Board Meeting
👉 Join in person: Lake Region Union High School
👉 Join by link: meet.google.com/tfr-wxby-asi
👉Join by phone: (US) +1 661-527-2801 PIN: 196 719 273#
📍EMS Board Meeting
👉 Join in person: Lake Region Union High School
👉 Join by link: meet.google.com/whv-mnjv-pps
👉Join by phone: (US) +1 240-544-6527 PIN: 686 452 785#
👉 Board meeting agendas, past meeting minutes, and recorded meetings can be found at https://www.ocsu.org/documents/school-boards/2026-2027-school-board-agendas-and-minutes/26680669
August 6, 2026
Dear OCSU Students, Families, Staff, Board Members, and Community Partners,
As the first week of August arrives, our thoughts naturally begin turning toward a new school year and the opportunities it brings. Across Orleans Central Supervisory Union, classrooms are being prepared, schedules are being finalized, and students and families are preparing for the excitement of the new beginning that each first day of school brings. While our roles may be different, we are all united in OCSU by a common vision: All of our students will have pathways that lead them to success throughout their lives. Our vision is our promise to our students, and guides the decisions we make, the relationships we build, and the way we work together every day to help each student in OCSU learn, grow, and thrive.
As we begin another school year together, I am filled with optimism because I have seen what is possible when an entire community comes together on behalf of its children. One of OCSU's greatest strengths is not found within the walls of any one school or in any single program or initiative. It is found in the connections between our schools, our families, our communities, and every person who believes in the potential of our students. When those connections are strong, students experience support, opportunity, encouragement, and a true sense of belonging. These relationships are the foundation of our shared success and inspire all of us to do our best for our students.
The progress we made last year gives me, and I hope you as well, confidence in what we can accomplish together. This year, we will continue strengthening our teaching and learning systems, ensuring all students are learning at high levels, fostering a strong sense of belonging, and ensuring every student has the support they need to thrive. As the year begins, you will also hear more about several important changes required by Vermont law, including updated attendance procedures that emphasize prevention, early intervention, and partnership with families, as well as revised student cell phone expectations designed to support safe, focused learning environments.
As we prepare to begin a new school year, I want to sincerely thank each member of our OCSU community for your ongoing efforts and the vital role you will play in making this a remarkable year.
To our students, thank you in advance for bringing your curiosity, creativity, perseverance, and unique gifts to our classrooms. You each have something meaningful to contribute, and we cannot wait to see you learn, grow, and discover all that is possible.
To our families and caregivers, thank you for the trust you place in us and for the partnership you bring to our schools. Your encouragement, support, and involvement make a meaningful difference in the lives of our students, and we are grateful to work alongside you throughout the year.
To our entire dedicated staff, thank you for the expertise, compassion, and commitment you will bring to each day. The relationships you build, the encouragement you offer, and the opportunities you create have a lasting impact on the lives of our students. Together, you help ensure that every child is known, valued, challenged, and supported.
Together, each of us plays an important role in helping students discover the pathways that will shape their futures. Those pathways are built not through the work of one individual, but through an entire community united by a shared commitment to every child. That is how we build pathways to success. That is how futures are shaped. And that is both our responsibility and our privilege.
I am so excited to begin my second year in OCSU serving as your superintendent. Enjoy these last few weeks of summer, and I look forward to welcoming everyone back for another year of learning, growth, and opportunity very soon!
Take good care,
Jackie Ramsay-Tolman
Your OCSU Superintendent
📍OCSU Board Meeting - Wednesday, August 5, 5:30PM
👉 Join in person: Lake Region Union High School
👉 Join by link: meet.google.com/rkd-mhat-fzq
👉Join by phone: +1 336-663-1765 PIN: 128 586 654#
✅ Board meeting agendas, past meeting minutes, and recorded meetings can be found at https://www.ocsu.org/documents/school-boards/2026-2027-school-board-agendas-and-minutes/26680669
Make a Difference in Your Community!
The Lake Region Union Elementary Middle School District is seeking community members to fill school board vacancies. Following the LRUEMSD Annual Meeting, several seats remain unfilled, and community participation is essential to ensure strong representation for each town.
Open Seats Available In:
- Westmore
- Orleans
These positions play an important role in supporting our schools, students, and community.
WHY SERVE?
- Help shape the future of local education
- Represent your town’s voice in decision-making
- Support students, staff, and families
- Be part of meaningful community impact
WHO CAN APPLY?
- Residents of Westmore or Orleans
- Individuals interested in education and community service
- No prior board experience required
If you’re interested in serving or want more information, please reach out to Orleans Central Supervisory Union (802) 525-1204 or email Lisa Worden, lworden@ocsu.org.
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Ag8eNZkSZin4feKKdIGxXoujQnwlWrLDO-bmBxUzH3A/edit?tab=t.0
https://www.ocsu.org/page/ocsu-employment-opportunities
🇺🇸🚌 OCSU 8th Graders take on Washington, D.C.! 🏛️
Here they are seen on their visit to Capitol Hill.
