Dear OCSU community,
Due to the extremely cold weather this weekend, the LR Modern Band concert has been rescheduled for Sunday, February 1st, 3:00 PM in the LR Cafeteria. I hope you can attend! Thank you
Due to the extremely cold weather this weekend, the LR Modern Band concert has been rescheduled for Sunday, February 1st, 3:00 PM in the LR Cafeteria. I hope you can attend! Thank you
A reminder there is an OCSU PTCA meeting on January 22, 2026 at 4:30pm at Lake Region Union High School to complete planning for our winter event. More information is below:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1HB6bVL87oreDvTplRzBzaBAu4yZBU31KJE6Q3ld5PfI/edit?tab=t.0
We hope to see everyone there!
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1HB6bVL87oreDvTplRzBzaBAu4yZBU31KJE6Q3ld5PfI/edit?tab=t.0
We hope to see everyone there!
Winter Modern Band Concert
The LR Music Department will present the Winter Modern Band concert on Sunday, January 25th, 3 pm. In the LR Gum. This is a fundraiser for music lessons and workshops. Admission is by donation. We will be having a bake sale and selling refreshments. This show will be a lot of fun and a great way to celebrate our OCSU community. Three of our bands will be presenting music by Chicago, 21 Pilots, Black Sabbath, Duke Ellington, Sublime, Stevie Wonder, Joe Cocker, Goodbye June, Lenny Kravitz, Pat Benetar and more, including three original works by students. For further information please contact Sara Doncaster at (802) 754 - 2500 x219 or email at sdoncaster@ocsu.org
⭐Colleague of the Week⭐
KAREN LAWSON: For the last month or so, Karen has been helping to organize our very first spelling bee for third and fourth grade students that will be held this Friday.We're excited for our students to have this new and engaging opportunity.
In addition to this, Karen has shown a strong commitment to her professional growth by immersing herself in learning how to use Educlimber in her role as EST Coordinator. She’s been enhancing her skills and knowledge to better support both our team and our students, and we truly appreciate her dedication to continuous improvement in her role.
Karen has been with OCSU for the past three school years providing targeted intervention support for students, and before joining us, she brought 14 years of experience as a math interventionist and 10 years as a classroom teacher. We’re grateful for her continued commitment to the field of education.
KAREN LAWSON: For the last month or so, Karen has been helping to organize our very first spelling bee for third and fourth grade students that will be held this Friday.We're excited for our students to have this new and engaging opportunity.
In addition to this, Karen has shown a strong commitment to her professional growth by immersing herself in learning how to use Educlimber in her role as EST Coordinator. She’s been enhancing her skills and knowledge to better support both our team and our students, and we truly appreciate her dedication to continuous improvement in her role.
Karen has been with OCSU for the past three school years providing targeted intervention support for students, and before joining us, she brought 14 years of experience as a math interventionist and 10 years as a classroom teacher. We’re grateful for her continued commitment to the field of education.
January 15, 2026: All afterschool activities for the schools of OCSU (Albany, Barton, Brownington, Glover, Irasburg, Orleans, and Lake Region) are cancelled for today as the National Weather Service warns of freezing at about 4:00 pm.
The next OCSU PTCA meeting is on January 22, 2026, 4:30pm, at Lake Region UHS. All are welcome! The main focus for the meeting will be completing planning for our SU-wide winter party event. More details are below:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1HB6bVL87oreDvTplRzBzaBAu4yZBU31KJE6Q3ld5PfI/edit?tab=t.0
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1HB6bVL87oreDvTplRzBzaBAu4yZBU31KJE6Q3ld5PfI/edit?tab=t.0
It’s Spelling Bee season! Barton Graded School has officially registered to participate in The Scripps National Spelling Bee! We have several students from 3rd & 4th Grade who will participate!
Participating in the Bee will help your student:
- develop vocabulary and language skills
- strengthen life skills like time management and goal setting
- inspire a lifelong love of learning
- gain confidence and camaraderie with their fellow students
- practice poise under pressure and public speaking skills.
Our 3rd & 4th grade Spelling Bee will take place on Friday, January 23, 2026, at 2:00pm in the gym. Parents & supporters are welcome to come!
Participating in the Bee will help your student:
- develop vocabulary and language skills
- strengthen life skills like time management and goal setting
- inspire a lifelong love of learning
- gain confidence and camaraderie with their fellow students
- practice poise under pressure and public speaking skills.
Our 3rd & 4th grade Spelling Bee will take place on Friday, January 23, 2026, at 2:00pm in the gym. Parents & supporters are welcome to come!
We are behind in our Colleague Shout-Outs so join us in celebrating our staff this week as we catch up.
🌟Colleague Spotlight of the Week🌟
December 15-19, 2025
We are so grateful to have Deb Waters as part of the Barton Graded School team this year. Although this is her first year with us, Deb brings many years of experience as a paraeducator and has been a wonderful, positive addition to our school community.
Deb is often one of the first friendly faces students and staff see in the morning, helping to set a welcoming and supportive tone for the day. Her dedication to her role, strong relationship-building skills, and consistent support of students make a meaningful difference each and every day.
Thank you, Deb, for all you do for our students and school!
🌟Colleague Spotlight of the Week🌟
December 15-19, 2025
We are so grateful to have Deb Waters as part of the Barton Graded School team this year. Although this is her first year with us, Deb brings many years of experience as a paraeducator and has been a wonderful, positive addition to our school community.
Deb is often one of the first friendly faces students and staff see in the morning, helping to set a welcoming and supportive tone for the day. Her dedication to her role, strong relationship-building skills, and consistent support of students make a meaningful difference each and every day.
Thank you, Deb, for all you do for our students and school!
We are behind in our Colleague Shout-Outs so join us in celebrating our staff this week as we catch up.
🌟Colleague Spotlight of the Week🌟
December 8-12, 2025
Lauren Holder joined our OCSU community last school year and has continued to rebuild and strengthen our music education program in meaningful ways. Recently, she worked closely with our K–4 students to prepare for the winter concert on December 11.
Lauren serves as the music educator for both Glover Community School and Barton Graded School, and she also plays a leadership role on our Partners in Pride committee at Barton, supporting school climate and culture across our community.
Lauren brings tremendous heart to her work. She delivers a rich and engaging music program where students deepen their understanding of musical concepts and language. Our students are excited, involved, and learning so much thanks to her dedication and creativity.
Thank you, Lauren, for all you do!
🌟Colleague Spotlight of the Week🌟
December 8-12, 2025
Lauren Holder joined our OCSU community last school year and has continued to rebuild and strengthen our music education program in meaningful ways. Recently, she worked closely with our K–4 students to prepare for the winter concert on December 11.
Lauren serves as the music educator for both Glover Community School and Barton Graded School, and she also plays a leadership role on our Partners in Pride committee at Barton, supporting school climate and culture across our community.
Lauren brings tremendous heart to her work. She delivers a rich and engaging music program where students deepen their understanding of musical concepts and language. Our students are excited, involved, and learning so much thanks to her dedication and creativity.
Thank you, Lauren, for all you do!
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!
