RIVER RAIDER

Dear BRMS Families:

Spring officially arrived at BRMS yesterday morning and winter immediately returned today!

You may have noticed several snow-covered tents in our front field when you dropped off your child this morning. We had nearly 70 students who participated in the Spectrum Sleep Out last evening. This event is meant to raise awareness and financial support for the homeless youth of Vermont.  We have been focusing on this topic in our weekly NEST groups and our students have had many meaningful conversations about the needs in our community.  Our students raised over $20,000 for this event.  The students who slept out last night were able to briefly experience the challenges and hardships that youth without shelter face on a daily basis. We are proud of their efforts. Thank you to Mr. Martin and Mr. Warren for organizing such a powerful event.  Those 70 students will sleep well when they get home from school today!

Kevin

Dear Parents and Caregivers,

I'm reaching out to let you know about the Vermont Comprehensive Assessment (VTCAP) happening this spring. This is the third year of the statewide VTCAP assessment, and it will be conducted similar to llast 

year. VTCAP is required by the State of Vermont Agency of Education (VT AOE). 

Students will be assessed in the following subject areas: 

• English Language Arts (Grades 3-9)

• Mathematics (Grades 3-9)

• Science (Grades 5, 8, & 11)

Why Assessments Are Important

The Vermont Comprehensive Assessment Program (VTCAP) is important for several reasons:

• It provides valuable information about student learning. VTCAP results can help teachers, parents, and administrators identify areas where students need additional support. This information can be used to develop targeted interventions and improve instruction.

• It helps ensure that all students are making progress. VTCAP results are used to monitor student growth over time. This information can be used to identify students who are falling behind and need additional support.

• It provides accountability for schools and districts. VTCAP results are used to hold schools and districts accountable for student learning. Vermont schools need to achieve 95% participation rate statewide to determine the allocation of federal funds. The Vermont Agency of Education does not offer an option for families to opt out of this assessment.

• It helps to improve teaching and learning. VTCAP results can be used to identify areas where instruction can be improved. 

The schedule will be as follows:

Science testing for 5th and 8th grade students will take place during regularly scheduled science classes.

If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact me. Thank you for your support.

Kevin

Browns River Middle School Radon Testing

Last week our school was tested for the presence of Radon. Fuss &O’Neil consultants sample the air quality throughout our building. All sampled locations were under the EPA action level for radon of 4.0 pCi/L and ranged from <0.4 pCi/L to 1.6 pCi/L. No further action is required at this time. Please contact Kevin Hamilton if you  have any questions about our results.

Measles Information for Families and Staff

U.S. Measles Cases are Rising–Make Sure Your Family is Protected

Dear MMUUSD Community,

In the first few months of 2025, there have been multiple outbreaks of measles. Notably, there is an ongoing outbreak of measles in Quebec. Most cases have been in children and teens who are unvaccinated against measles. Get current information about cases and outbreaks (CDC). This is a very serious disease that can cause death. 

Measles is not just a little rash. Measles is a highly contagious respiratory virus that

can be dangerous, especially for babies and young children. Some may suffer from

severe complications, such as pneumonia (infection of the lungs) and encephalitis

(swelling of the brain). Nearly 1 to 3 of every 1,000 children who become infected with

measles will die from respiratory and neurologic complications.

Measles is almost entirely preventable with vaccines. While most people in the U.S.

and Vermont are vaccinated against measles, communities with lower vaccine coverage

are at higher risk for outbreaks. Vaccinating your family protects other children from

measles who can’t get vaccinated because they are too young or have medical

conditions. Being vaccinated against measles is your best defense against measles.

Here’s how you can help keep your family, school, and community healthy:

• Make sure you and your family are vaccinated against measles—especially if you plan to travel outside of the U.S. Measles is still common in many parts of the world. Every year, measles is brought into the U.S. by unvaccinated travelers who get measles while they are in other countries. 

  • Children should get two doses of measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine—the first dose at 12-15 months and the second dose at 4-6 years.

  • Babies 6-11 months old who are traveling internationally should get an early dose of the MMR vaccine at least two weeks before travel.

• If your child is sick with measles symptoms, stay home and call your doctor. 

  • Symptoms usually start with a high fever, then a cough, runny nose, and red and watery eyes. A rash usually appears three to five days after the first symptoms. 

  • If you do not have a health care provider, call 2-1-1 to be connected to care. 

  • If you suspect measles, make sure to call before going to a doctor’s office, the hospital, or a clinic to let them know about symptoms. Because the virus is so contagious, the office will need to take precautions before you arrive. 

  • While there is no treatment for measles, your doctor will have the best guidance on how to care for a child with measles.

For more information on measles and vaccines, visit HealthVermont.gov/measles.  Thank you for your attention to this important health information. 

Best regards, 

Tara McMahon, School Nurse Coordinator

John Alberghini, Superintendent 

SAVE THE DATE:

5/6 Spring Party!

The 5/6 Party is Friday, April 18th from 3:00 - 4:15pm.

What is the 5/6 Party?  An after-school event for 5th & 6th grade students. 

There will be music, games and prizes in the cafeteria.  The gym will be open, and if the weather’s nice, we’ll open the doors for outdoor space too!  

How do 5/6 students sign up? All it takes is $5.00 per student and this permission slip. Families needing financial support may contact kevin.hamilton@mmuusd.org.

What else do I need to know? We need volunteers! 

Sign up HERE to provide a snack, help set up, run a game, etc.    

Thank you BRMS Students, Families and Community! We had our annual Spectrum Student Sleep Out last night with rain, snow, cold and a heaping amount of awareness to the struggles the homeless can endure. Eighty seven students registered and were able to raise $20,397.00, and counting, to directly help Vermont teenagers in need of shelter, a warm meal and resources to help them get back on their feet towards a brighter future. Thank you all. This is a community that cares for all...

Track & Field sign ups are hanging up outside the gym. Track & Field is open to 5th-8th graders. The season is scheduled to start the week after April break. All are welcome! The sign up deadline is April 11. 

Here is the link to online forms to ensure your child is eligible for season, complete the online paperwork on Rank One- https://sites.google.com/mmuusd.org/brmsathletics/home

More information will be sent out soon. 

Email Matt Lennon with any questions- matthew.lennon@mmuusd.org

Girls on the Run is Coming to BRMS -Register Now!

When girls feel a sense of pride and have confidence, they shine differently. From the first practice to crossing the 5K finish line, Girls on the Run participants learn that their self-worth is so important to all that they do. Our lessons help girls unleash their inner superstar and teach them to never let their light dim. Unlock your girl’s limitless potential and join us this season! 

Our 10 week season is for students in grades 5-6. Our season begins the week of March 24. The season will culminate with our team crossing the finish line at GOTRVT’s 5K Celebration May 31! Our team will meet on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 3:00 pm to  4:30 pm.

The registration fee is $130 GOTRVT provides financial assistance directly on the registration form for qualifying families. 

Visit gotrvt.org to register! Questions? Contact Coach Michele at justasheep6@gmail.com.

BRMS Ultimate Frisbee Club

April 7th to June

Tuesdays and Thursdays 2:45 to 3:25

We will start in the gym. After we get outside we will run practice until 4. 

No equipment required! 

Open to all BRMS students

contact: phil.ortego@mmuusd.org with questions. 

Mount Mansfield Youth Lacrosse - Registration Open

Mount Mansfield Boys Youth Lacrosse (3-8th grade) 2025 Spring Season and Tiny Sticks (All Genders, K-2) registrations are open.

Limited spots are available for 3-8th grade players, so if your child would like to play, please sign up ASAP. No experience necessary at any level. All are welcome.

To register and get more information on the program(s) go to the link below (apologies but you may need to copy and paste link into your browser): https://docs.google.com/document/d/1g6Ag6sM5m-uPjMVI96glCtr8ioIk2pojK4L753m1nBY/edit?usp=sharing

VTeen Science Pathways Cafés, March 22, April 12 & May 10

Join us for monthly hands-on science workshops by UVM faculty, graduate students and other STEM professionals. These are excellent opportunities to learn about a breadth of careers and current research in a variety of STEM fields. Workshops are for teens age 13+. Cafés take place on UVM campus on Saturdays from 5:00-7:00 pm and pizza and soft drinks provided. Upcoming topics include: 

March 22 Medical Laboratory Science

April 12 Brain Parasites, Behavior, and Public Health

May 10 Stop the Bleed: Emergency Medicine

Please register for these free events here: https://go.uvm.edu/afe. Space is limited for some cafés. You will receive an email before the event with campus location, parking and other information (please provide your email address). To request disability-related accommodation, please contact Margaret at mcoan@uvm.edu, or (802) 656-7634, 3 weeks prior to the session you want to attend so that we may assist you.

Hold the Dates: 

STEM Showcase on March 29

AgroTek Conference on June 28

Natural Resources Management Academy on July 11-13