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To the entire school team (Superintendent, Principal, School Nurse, Facility Manager, Administrative Assistants, District School Nurse Leaders, students, family, and other key partners of your school):
The Vermont Department of Health’s Asthma Program is pleased to recognize First Branch Middle School and Preschool as an Asthma-Friendly School in 2025-2026 at the gold level. This voluntary program recognizes teams that implement and/or enforce enough key actions to earn medal-level asthma-friendly recognition (bronze, silver, or gold). These efforts contribute to creating a healthier environment for the benefit of all students and staff, but particularly help students with asthma avoid triggers, maintain good asthma control, be able to breathe easier while learning, prevent missed school days and avoid costly asthma-related emergencies. With Vermont among the top ten states in the country in asthma rates, it is important for schools to be as asthma-friendly, as possible. I have attached a copy of your Asthma Friendly School certificate. Please share copies with your leadership and staff to display on their walls!
We are also pleased to recognize the following for being an Asthma Champion for demonstrating exceptional commitment to improving and promoting asthma-friendly policies and practices in your school. I have attached the Asthma Champion certificate(s) as well. Please be sure these are shared with those recognized.
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Rachel Cleveland, RN, School Nurse, First Branch Middle School and Preschool & Erik Anderson, Math and Shop Teacher; Lou Maraget, Facilities Manager; & Maggie Reddecliff, Gym Teacher;
We look forward to highlighting your school’s achievements on the Asthma Friendly Schools in Vermont webpage, including the interactive map, and through other means as well. We have attached a public announcement that you may adapt and use for your own purposes, including sharing with local media, posting in school newsletters, etc.)
The Asthma Friendly School Recognition Program is an annual program, and we encourage all schools to participate and “go for gold” every year. Visit the Vermont Asthma Friendly School web page to review the checklist and engage wellness teams, parent-teacher associations, school nurses, facility managers, administrators, students, and other staff to put into place the recommended low-cost and easy to implement best practice steps each year. Most schools are at bronze level for work they already do.
Technical assistance is available to schools to address the best practice criteria and submit a nomination form before the May 31st annual (the end of National Asthma Month). For any questions or technical support please contact the Vermont Asthma Program.
Congratulations!
Karen Casper, PhD
Respiratory Health Director | COPD Program and Asthma Program Manager
Vermont Department of Health | Division of Health Promotion and Disease Prevention
280 State Drive, Waterbury, VT 05671-8380
Karen.Casper@vermont.gov
www.healthvermont.gov
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