RIVER RAIDER

Dear BRMS Families,

It was a short week here at BRMS.  It was wonderful reconnecting with our students after the long break and they quickly returned to their daily routines. Spring seems to have arrived early and we have enjoyed going outside with the warm temperatures! Volleyball season is now in full swing.  Our first games are today with home and away competitions against Christ the King.  This program started about 10 years ago with only 10 students participating.  We now have over 50 students playing on four different teams as well as a developmental program for our 5th grade students.  It is amazing to see the growth in the skills of our players over the years.

It is time for our spring student conferences.  Teachers will be communicating with families to schedule times to meet in the next few weeks.  Please be sure to look for information from your child’s teacher for more information about scheduling a spring conference.

The Vermont Comprehensive Assessment (VTCAP) is happening this spring for the second 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:

Week of March 25th for 5/6 

Week of April 1 for 7/8

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

Kevin

Health Office Update 3.8.24

The CDC has updated COVID-19 guidance to include the removal of the 5 day isolation period with a positive case of COVID-19. The Vermont Department of Health plans to follow the guidance as well.  COVID-19 is now being treated as other respiratory illnesses. As a result MMUUSD will no longer require COVID positive students or staff to isolate for 5 days.  District guidelines do remain in place - If you are sick, please stay home.  Please read this updated link District Illness Guidelines. The district has a supply of masks and antigen tests if requested.  

CDC’s Respiratory Virus Guidance

Respiratory Virus Guidance Snapshot

This guidance provides practical recommendations and information to help people lower risk from a range of common respiratory viral illnesses, including COVID-19, flu, and RSV.

Preventing Respiratory Viruses

• Immunizations for Respiratory Viruses

• Hygiene and Respiratory Virus Prevention

• Taking Steps for Cleaner Air for Respiratory Virus Prevention

• Preventing Spread of Respiratory Viruses When You’re Sick

• Masks and Respiratory Virus Prevention

• Physical Distancing and Respiratory Viruses

• Testing and Respiratory Viruses

BRMS will be participating in the Spectrum Sleep Out on Friday, March 22, 2024.   

Please share your photos from this event with theresa.robinson@mmuusd.org for use in the 2023-2024 Yearbook!

We’re raising funds to help bring Sweethearts & Heroes to BRMS in Spring 2024!  Sweethearts & Heroes is a social and emotional wellness and youth leadership team focused on student empowerment and empathy activation.  Check out their website for more information:  https://www.sweetheartsandheroes.com/   

Click HERE to make a tax-deductible donation!