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Community Interest

The Marion Cross School is contacted by local businesses and non-profits to make our parents aware of upcoming opportunities. We publish information that directly supports or enhances our Pre-K-6 population. Please note that these are not school sponsored events.

If you have a program you'd like featured, please contact Jessica Liddy in the front office. Items will be featured for the month with updates each Friday.

Week of May 4 - May 8

Summer Camps

Most of Norwich Recreation Summer Camps are open again*, but the available spots are greatly reduced (10 campers per session) in order to follow COVID-19 protocols.  You can sign up via norwichrecreation.org.  All registrants are placed on a waitlist, or can check out with printed invoice to be paid later.  Once we are certain that camps are able to run, you will be able to pay your fees and secure your child's space at camp.  We are asking that you consider the needs of our essential and healthcare workers, and only put your child on the list if you need a spot in order to complete your work.  Please don't hesitate to call or email me if you need assistance signing up.  (*you can find Sports, Good Life and Trails camp online.  I will update that list as the staff commits to the season)


Norwich Community Nurse

The Norwich Community Nurse board wants to make sure you (and your department/organizaation) are aware that Norwich now has a Community Nurse. Please share the following contact information with anyone who might need her help, or any other town resource folks we may have forgotten:
 
Mary Young, RN, has been hired as Norwich's first Community Nurse. She began work on May 1.  Mary is available 10 hours a week by phone (802-281-2722) or email (norwichnursevt@gmail.com) to help Norwich residents access medical equipment, find health-related services in Vermont, connect with medical providers, and navigate today's complicated healthcare system. She plans to have office hours once a week in Tracy Hall once the building reopens to the public.
 
More information about Norwich Community Nurse, Inc., can be found on Facebook and at www.norwichcommunitynurse.org.
 
Many thanks,
 
Ann Waterfall

for Norwich Community Nurse, Inc


Puppets in Education

Hello VT Schools:
 
I hope everyone is well and finding some balance in these strange times. Many of you have already received the Vermont Family Network’s Puppets in Education Anxiety video. For those who have not, find that information in #2. The puppets have two new videos. Share this with parents, friends and other families.
 
1. Video #1 is Dr. First talking with puppet Jordan about how to keep kids safe if they are experiencing abuse. https://youtu.be/Od-Zw15O5UI
 
In collaboration with Vermont Family Network’s Puppets in Education, the University of Vermont Children’s Hospital has put together this 9-minute video for children to learn what to do if they are experiencing abuse at home. https://youtu.be/Od-Zw15O5UI The letter from Dr. Metz for educators is attached with the key points.
 
Dr. Lewis First, chief of the Children’s Hospital offers advice to children, with the key points being:
  • It’s not your fault if something is happening to you. It’s a grownups job to keep kids safe.
  • It is never ok to hurt someone else.
  • You can say “no” to an adult if you are trying to keep your body safe.
  • Everyone should have a list of helper adults with whom they can share secrets.
  • You can reach out to one of your helper grown-ups, including teachers, if you aren’t feeling safe.
  • You can call 1-800-649-5285 anytime if you are not feeling safe.
 
We ask that you help keep children safe by sharing this video. Remember, it is all our responsibility to keep children safe by reporting suspicions and concerns. It is our duty as mandatory reporters. Some suggestions for after-video discussion:
  • Everyone should have a list of people that they can reach out to if they aren’t feeling well or have something they want to talk about. Discuss ideas for developing a list of helper adults.
  • Reemphasize the phone number for DCF (1-800-649-5285) and emphasize that it can be called any time of day or night.

Additional resources:

  • Child Help National Child Abuse Hotline (24/7 national hotline to help children experiencing abuse of any kind). Call 1-800-4-A-CHILD or text 1-800-422-4453.
  • Crisis Services through your local community mental health agency. Find which agency serves your county at: https://mentalhealth.vermont.gov/services/emergency-services/how-get-help
  • The Trevor Project (confidential, 24/7 text or phone support for LGBTQ youth). Text START to 678678 or call 1-866-488-7386.
 
2. Video #2 is an excerpt from Puppets in Education’s brand new Anxiety program for Grades PK-4. You can find it here on the Vermont Family Network’s YouTube page. https://youtu.be/Dwu6jbf09Wg
It is a great resource for students, families and teachers. Add this to the remote learning tools and send far and wide. Below is the copy to send out to families. There are tips, tools and resources in the details of the video, but I included them here as a PDF attachment if you would like more content to send out.
 
The Puppets in Education Team, from Vermont Family Network, has made a "home-edition" (thanks to the Vogelsang-Card family) of the PK-Grade 4 Anxiety Puppet program that you can watch here. The direct link on YouTube can be found here https://youtu.be/Dwu6jbf09Wg
It provides some tips and tools for you and your child to use when worry is feeling big. Watch the clip together, talk about worry, and what tools you can use when it feels big.  For additional mental health resources, visit The Vermont Family Network website.
 
Big hugs to you from the Puppets during remote learning and the constant flexibility needed in these trying weeks.  Be well, be safe and warmest wishes from us at Vermont Family Network.
 
Sincerely,
Sarah
 
Sarah Vogelsang-Card
She/Her/Hers
Program Manager
Puppets in Education
A program of Vermont Family Network
Vermont Family Network
802-876-5315, ext. 247
 

American Red Cross Blood Shortage

COVID-19 has temporarily disrupted normal life in many communities, but the need for blood hasn’t changed. The American Red Cross has implemented several enhanced blood donations protocols in the interest of safety, and there is an urgent and critical need for volunteers to support these protocols.

A new volunteer opportunity, Blood Donor Screener, will help pre-screen blood donors entering drives or donation centers.

 
Please also consider donating blood as we are facing a severe blood shortage due to unprecedented number of blood drive cancellations during this coronavirus outbreak. You can make an appointment to give blood or platelets at RedCrossBlood.org.
 
***When considering volunteering, please review the risk guidance provided by the CDC and your healthcare provider.
 
Please reach out to Erica at Erica.Fuller@redcross.org with any questions!

IASC MHPSS RG children's storybook 'My Hero is You - How kids can fight COVID-19!'