Moretown School Newsletter

December 3 Newsletter

2010-12-03T10:21:00.000-08:00

I have attached the newsletter in Word format as well as a PDF file.

Pam

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2010-06-21T00:19:00.001-07:00

MORETOWN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL NEWSLETTER

June 11, 2010

School Website: www.moretownschool.org

Dear Parents and Friends,

This will be the last newsletter of the year. It is also the end of my first year. I’d like you to know how much I have enjoyed getting to know our students, our staff, and our community. I look forward to seeing your children grow, and I know they’ll be so much bigger when we return to school on August 25! As I look back on the year, there were so many wonderful things that happened for our students. Below is just a part of the list we brainstormed as a staff:

· The kite residency with Jeremy Seeger involved children in all grades building, painting, and flying kites

· Read Around Moretown celebrating Dr. Seuss’ birthday with guest readers and local dignitaries

· Monthly assemblies organized with older and younger students paired as assembly buddies; Assemblies included many special presentations including a VINS Raptor Presentation, SlimGoodBody Health and Wellness; TIGER Theater Performance from Plymouth State, Vermont Symphony Brass Trio, as well as in-school Sing-Along’s and Reader’s Theater

· Author visit – Tanya Lee Stone, a Vermont author who has written more than 90 fiction and nonfiction books, mostly for children!

· Planting of raised bed gardens by our 1^st and 2^nd graders – food was eaten during our Field Day lunch. Kindergartners beautified our grounds planting sunflowers

· The purchase of our first full technology lab – 20 netbooks

· Moretown Community: nice kids, nice parents, nice community

· Academic Successes

Our faculty has been working to revamp our Educational Support and Special Education processes. We’ve been evaluating how best to support students who need that extra bit of help in ways that are sustainable with a decreasing student population. We are moving toward 90 minute blocks for literacy and math. Next year, we’ll have both guidance and health instruction in each classroom.

This has been an extremely busy year filled with joy, successes, changes and challenges. Whew…I think students and faculty alike are looking forward to the summer. Wishing you all the best.

Respectfully,

Debbie Lesure, Principal

Sunday, June 13 is the big event for our Girls on the Run participants. 24 girls from Moretown have been training their hearts, minds, and bodies for the past 10 weeks to get ready for a 5K (3.1 mile) event with girls from across Northern Vermont. The event will take place at 10:00 am at the Champlain Valley Fairgrounds in Essex Junction, Vermont.

Girls participating from Moretown are: Anna Schmeltzer, Cheyanne Green, Sage Evans, Hannah Goodman, Maura Riley, Aenea Mead, Ciara Mead, Zoe Pierson, Maya Pierson, Erin Magill, Josie Allison, Lauryn Green, Emma Helmkin, Kathryn Pilliod, Sophy Furlong, Adrienne Strassberg, Abby Reagan, Isabella Harris, Mary Harris, Francie Aiken, Christie Gibbs, Emily Dow, Erica Dow, and Lucie Banevicius.

Be sure to cheer the girls on when you see them!

The students organized and ran a used book sale during the month of month. They raised $89.50 for the Library, to be used to purchase new books. They surveyed other students, including first and second graders, and gave Mrs.Allison a list of some possible new titles. Great job!

Important Dates

June 11 6^th Grade graduation – 6:30 p.m.

August 25 First Day of School…see you then!!!

Afternoon Adventure Camp

Afternoon Adventure camp 12:30-4:30 Arts/crafts, Water games/swimming, Playground/field games Contact Liz Harris @ 496-9442 Thank you so much and have a wonderful summer.

MORETOWN MEMORIAL LIBRARY

SUMMER 2010 READING PROGRAM

This year’s summer reading program includes Make a Splash, Read! for children, Make Waves at Your Library for teens and Water Your Mind, Read! for adults. The Moretown Memorial Library will have its kick-off party at the Moretown Town Hall on Saturday, June 26^th at 1 p.m. The reading program will run from June 26th through August 7^th with game nights on Thursday nights and story time on Friday mornings.

There will be activities for everyone including a “Lake Champlain sea monster Champ puppet” contest and an “Under the Waves” painting contest for children and teens. Adults get to identify a plant each week. Patrons will vote for their favorite puppet and painting.

Word finds, crossword puzzles and other activity sheets will be available for all levels to complete at the library or bring home. A variety of incentives will be available as you read or complete activities. These include buttons, temporary tattoos and iron-on T-shirt transfers.

For each five books read, program attended, or activity completed your name will be entered in the GRAND PRIZE DRAWING. On August 7^th at 10:30 a.m. names will be drawn to win a MP3 player as first prize. Second prize is two tickets to the Splashwater Kingdom at the Great Escape.

Valley School Day at Sugarbush

Friday, June 25th is Valley School Day at Sugarbush. School-age kids are invited to come sample zipline rides, chairlift rides, disc golf, the inflatable bounce house, golf, tennis, and pool activities FOR FREE. Parental guidance required. Details at sugarbush.com.

Alligator Summer Camps at Moretown School

We are happy to be able to once again offer summer Theater and Science Camps at Moretown School. Theater Camp will run from July 19 to July 23, 9 am to 1 pm. Science camps will be July 26 to July 30 and August 2 to August 6, 9 am to 1 pm. Science camps will be structured so that each week is different, so children may attend one or both camps. Camp fees are $150 per week for Theater Camp and $160 per week for Science Camps (Science Camp fee includes cost of materials). Discounts available for multiples. Camps are open to ages 7 to 14. Camp instructors include Thom McAllister (Mr. Alligator) and Deb Fadden (Ms D.) For additional information and registration forms contact Thom McAllister (thommca@gmavt.net or 434-4977). Registration is open until all slots are filled.

Summer Fun at Camp Sugarbush

This summer, Sugarbush is offering a variety of week-long Monday through Friday camps for kids interested in outdoor adventure:

Mini Campers (ages 4-6) and Day Camp (ages 6-11) provide campers a traditional day camp with a touch of adventure. Activities include lift rides, hiking, swimming, tennis, rock climbing, biking, art, nature crafts, field trips and more. June 21-August 20.

Adventure Camp (ages 7-17) activities include biking, zipline, hiking, naturalist tours, disc golf, swimming, and climbing. July 5-9; July 26-30; August 9-13; August 16-20.

Mountain Bike Adventure Camps (ages 7-17) are similar to the Adventure Camps but with an emphasis on mountain biking. July 19-23 and August 2-6.

And the Junior USPTA/USPTR Tennis Camp (ages 6-12) offers tennis in the morning followed by afternoon adventures. August 2-6.

Both Adventure Camp and Mountain Bike Adventure Camp offer an optional Thursday overnight adventure at Allyn’s Lodge. Single-day, multiday and weekend tennis, golf, tennis/golf combo, adventure, and mountain bike camps, clinics and schools also available. For reservations and more information, call 800.53.SUGAR or visit sugarbush.com. Register by April 17 and receive a discount.

Mad River Soccer Volunteer Needs

We are looking for a number of parents to pass the torch to for some important Mad River Soccer positions for the Spring Travel Program. The Spring Travel program includes the towns of Duxbury, Fayston, Moretown, Waitsfield, Warren and Waterbury. Getting involved with Mad River Soccer gives you the opportunity to get to know parents and kids beyond your own town and give back to your community. Training will be provided. Contact Anne Greshin (greshin@madriver.com).

Spring Coordinator . Responsible for managing the Spring Travel Program including recruiting coaches, managing tryouts, scheduling of home games, preparing team announcement letters and being communication link between coaches and league. (Timing is September thru June, with bulk of activity in October and March thru May.)

Spring Registrar. Responsible for ensuring that all players and coaches are registered with the Vermont Soccer Association in a timely way and that coaches receive player passes for their team. (Timing is September thru June, with bulk of activity in October and Jan. thru March).

Spring Fields Czar. Set the lines for the fields. This is a one time task that is done about a week before the season begins, usually the last week in April. Other volunteers are available to help.

Volunteer Recruiter. Help recruit people for special projects such as pre-season set up or post season take-down, field line maintenance and the positions above. We’re looking for recruiters from Fayston, Waitsfield, Duxbury and Waterbury.

Register now for Fall soccer at www.madriversoccer.org
The Mad River Valley Soccer Association invites players of all skill levels (Grades K-6 in Fall 2010) to register for the Fall season. The Fall program is focused on team play, skill development, and having FUN.

Please register online: www.madriversoccer.org

Fees: Kindergarten: $30; Grades 1-6: first child $40; siblings $35.
Deadline: Registration after June 30 will require a $10 late fee per family.

May 28,2010

2010-05-28T10:18:00.000-07:00

MORETOWN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL NEWSLETTER

May 28, 2010

School Website: www.moretownschool.org

Dear Parents and Friends,

As we approach the end of my first year at Moretown, we are embarking on significant changes within our school. According to educational researcher, Larry Lezotte (2005), “Schools are either improving or declining; they cannot maintain the status quo.” Ours is one of the very best schools in the state, but we won’t rest on our laurels. We choose to keep improving.

This year we created a new Educational Support Team. This team serves as a resource to teachers when a student is struggling with learning or behavior – a think tank, of sorts. It’s been a positive process. We’ve shared ideas, strategies, interventions and supports for many students this year. It is our expectation that, by intervening early and by improving the effectiveness of our team process, we will significantly reduce the number of students who require long term Educational Support or 117 Plans. I’d like to thank Kathi Orr, Patty Riccardi, Sara Baker, and Deb Fadden for all of their hard work.

Always striving to improve student learning, we are making changes in our classroom schedules next year. We are moving toward 90 minute math and literacy blocks. This will better allow teachers to meet the needs of all students within the classroom setting. It will also help us to reduce individual tutorials outside of the classroom. Currently the instructional block is one hour. The additional thirty minutes will allow teachers to target and work with small groups of students who need additional time and instruction, a little extra practice, or enrichment for those who would benefit from “stretching”.

Change is never easy, but I am confident we are doing what is right by kids!

Respectfully,

Debbie Lesure, Principal

Coffee With the Principal

An open dialogue time for parents to ask questions

and share ideas!

Thursday, June 3, 8:15 in the Multipurpose Room – Please

RSVP to Pam Kathan at 496-3742

“It Takes A Village”

Dear Moretown Parents,

This spring we are working as a school community to define a “vision” for our school. In education a school’s vision is the “big picture” of how we as a community would ideally like our school to be, what the curriculums would entail (both academic and social), what the school’s climate might feel like and what the relationships might look like that exist within the school’s population (students, teachers, staff, parents, community members).

To truly give this document meaning we invite your thoughtful reflection on each of the following sections. Your responses will be considered as we draft our school’s vision. Thank you for taking the time to respond to our survey. – Moretown Staff

Please feel free to also write on the other side of page if needed!

What should we keep doing (what are our strengths?):

What should we start doing (any new innovative ideas?):

What should we stop doing (what are our weaknesses?):

Any additional comments?:

Turn the page to …. Jacquelyn Moreno!

What do you like about being a library page?

I really like checking books in and out. I like it because my mom used to do it and now I know how and I can check out my own books.

Favorite authors and books?

Rick Riordan, Suzanne Collins, Margaret Peterson Haddix, Anthony Horowitz, Trenton Lee Stewart, Jennifer Allison, and the 39 Clues series.

Claim to fame:

Jacquelyn read all 30 books on the 2009-10 DCF Master List!

Dear Families,

May 27th is the last day for students to check out or renew library books.

Please help your child locate and return their library books before summer vacation. If you have any questions or are unable to locate a missing book, please let me know.

The library will be having it's used book sale through June 3rd. All books will be priced to sell ... no more than 25 cents each! All proceeds will go toward purchasing new library books. The sale is organized by the 6th grade Student Library Advisory Board. Thank you for your support.

Sincerely,

Mrs. Allison

School Librarian

mallison@moretownschool.org

Step up day is June 2nd and all 6th grade students should ride their morning bus to HU. Students will tour the school, meet middle school teachers and have lunch at the school. Students will then board buses at 11:30 and return to their elementary school to finish their day.

Important Dates

May 31 Memorial Day, NO SCHOOL

June 1, 2 Preschool Field trip to Shelburne Farms

June 2 Kindergarten Night, 6:30 – 7:30

June 2 6^th grade step up to Harwood

June 3, 4 6^th Grade trip to Boston

June 4 No School for KINDERGARTEN CLASS ONLY

June 4 Kindergarten Open House for next year’s Kindergarten students

June 7 Teacher Appreciation Breakfast

June 8 Field Day activities

June 8 Preschool Performance, 6:30 pm

June 10 K-5 Step Up Day

June 11 Last day of school – FULL DAY

June 11 6^th Grade graduation

May 31 NO SCHOOL - Memorial Day

June 11 Last day of school – FULL DAY

June 11 Sixth Grade Graduation – 6:00 P.M.

Staff Appreciation Breakfast

Valley School Day at Sugarbush

Alligator Summer Camps at Moretown School

We are happy to be able to once again offer summer Theater and Science Camps at Moretown School. Theater Camp will run from July 19 to July 23, 9 am to 1 pm. Science camps will be July 26 to July 30 and August 2 to August 6, 9 am to 1 pm. Science camps will be structured so that each week is different, so children may attend one or both camps. Camp fees are $150 per week for Theater Camp and $160 per week for Science Camps (Science Camp fee includes cost of materials). Discounts available for multiple Camps are open to ages 7 to 14. Camp instructors include Thom McAllister (Mr. Alligator) and Deb Fadden (Ms D.) For additional information and registration forms contact Thom McAllister (thommca@gmavt.net or 434-4977). Registration open until all slots are filled.

Summer Fun at Camp Sugarbush

This summer, Sugarbush is offering a variety of week-long Monday through Friday camps for kids interested in outdoor adventure:

Adventure Camp (ages 7-17) activities include biking, zipline, hiking, naturalist tours, disc golf, swimming, and climbing. July 5-9; July 26-30; August 9-13; August 16-20.

Mountain Bike Adventure Camps (ages 7-17) are similar to the Adventure Camps but with an emphasis on mountain biking. July 19-23 and August 2-6.

And the Junior USPTA/USPTR Tennis Camp (ages 6-12) offers tennis in the morning followed by afternoon adventures. August 2-6.

Mad River Soccer Volunteer Needs

Spring Fields Czar. Set the lines for the fields. This is a one time task that is done about a week before the season begins, usually the last week in April. Other volunteers are available to help.

Volunteer Recruiter. Help recruit people for special projects such as pre-season set up or post season take-down, field line maintenance and the positions above.

MORETOWN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL NEWSLETTER

MAY 28, 2010

School Website: www.moretownschool.org

Dear Parents and Friends,

Change is never easy, but I am confident we are doing what is right by kids!

Respectfully,

Debbie Lesure, Principal

Coffee With the Principal

An open dialogue time for parents to ask questions

and share ideas!

Thursday, June 3, 8:15 in the Multipurpose Room – Please

RSVP to Pam Kathan at 496-3742

“It Takes A Village”

Dear Moretown Parents,

Please feel free to also write on the other side of page if needed!

What should we keep doing (what are our strengths?):

What should we start doing (any new innovative ideas?):

What should we stop doing (what are our weaknesses?):

Any additional comments?:

Turn the page to …. Jacquelyn Moreno!

What do you like about being a library page?

I really like checking books in and out. I like it because my mom used to do it and now I know how and I can check out my own books.

Favorite authors and books?

Rick Riordan, Suzanne Collins, Margaret Peterson Haddix, Anthony Horowitz, Trenton Lee Stewart, Jennifer Allison, and the 39 Clues series.

Claim to fame:

Jacquelyn read all 30 books on the 2009-10 DCF Master List!

Dear Families,

May 27th is the last day for students to check out or renew library books.

Please help your child locate and return their library books before summer vacation. If you have any questions or are unable to locate a missing book, please let me know.

Sincerely,

Mrs. Allison

School Librarian

mallison@moretownschool.org

Important Dates

May 31 Memorial Day, NO SCHOOL

June 1, 2 Preschool Field trip to Shelburne Farms

June 2 Kindergarten Night, 6:30 – 7:30

June 2 6th grade step up to Harwood

June 3, 4 6th Grade trip to Boston

June 4 No School for KINDERGARTEN CLASS ONLY

June 4 Kindergarten Open House for next year’s Kindergarten students

June 7 Teacher Appreciation Breakfast

June 8 Field Day activities

June 8 Preschool Performance, 6:30 pm

June 10 K-5 Step Up Day

June 11 Last day of school – FULL DAY

June 11 6th Grade graduation

Staff Appreciation Breakfast

Valley School Day at Sugarbush

Alligator Summer Camps at Moretown School

We are happy to be able to once again offer summer Theater and Science Camps at Moretown School. Theater Camp will run from July 19 to July 23, 9 am to 1 pm. Science camps will be July 26 to July 30 and August 2 to August 6, 9 am to 1 pm. Science camps will be structured so that each week is different, so children may attend one or both camps. Camp fees are $150 per week for Theater Camp and $160 per week for Science Camps (Science Camp fee includes cost of materials). Discounts available for multiple Camps are open to ages 7 to 14. Camp instructors include Thom McAllister (Mr. Alligator) and Deb Fadden (Ms D.) For additional information and registration forms contact Thom McAllister (thommca@gmavt.net or 434-4977). Registration open until all slots are filled.

Summer Fun at Camp Sugarbush

This summer, Sugarbush is offering a variety of week-long Monday through Friday camps for kids interested in outdoor adventure:

Adventure Camp (ages 7-17) activities include biking, zipline, hiking, naturalist tours, disc golf, swimming, and climbing. July 5-9; July 26-30; August 9-13; August 16-20.

Mountain Bike Adventure Camps (ages 7-17) are similar to the Adventure Camps but with an emphasis on mountain biking. July 19-23 and August 2-6.

And the Junior USPTA/USPTR Tennis Camp (ages 6-12) offers tennis in the morning followed by afternoon adventures. August 2-6.

Mad River Soccer Volunteer Needs

Spring Fields Czar. Set the lines for the fields. This is a one time task that is done about a week before the season begins, usually the last week in April. Other volunteers are available to help.

Volunteer Recruiter. Help recruit people for special projects such as pre-season set up or post season take-down, field line maintenance and the positions above.

MORETOWN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL NEWSLETTER May 21, 2010

2010-05-21T11:33:00.001-07:00

MORETOWN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL NEWSLETTER

May 21, 2010

School Website: www.moretownschool.org

Dear Parents and Friends,

This was a simply perfect day for Walk and Bike to School Day! Our students seemed to really enjoy the opportunity to be outdoors as the school day began. Greeting students as they climbed off the buses at the General Store, I noted big smiles and much enthusiasm. Students on the sidewalk cheered as other buses and bikers arrived. One student commented that it was like being in a parade. We observed parents bike riding with their children, and one father running alongside as his daughter biked. I’ve never seen so many bikes on our bike racks. Upon arrival, the children were treated to fresh cut-up fruits prepared by parents and our PTN. Our thanks go to Dara Torre and the Safe Routes to School Committee for organizing this event. This was simply a perfect way to begin today!

As I end my first year here and we look toward the future, our staff has been talking about our vision for our school. Ours is a school always striving to be the best we can be. What is the better, future version of our school? What do we want our school to be? Where are we heading? What is our collective vision? To that end, we would like to have parent input. Included in this newsletter, you will find a page with questions that will help us to better “paint a picture” of our future goals and directions. Please give some thought and provide us with input as we look to establishing a long range vision for what Moretown Elementary School. Return it to the office before the school year closes. Thank you in advance!

Respectfully,

Debbie Lesure, Principal

“It Takes A Village”

Dear Moretown Parents,

To truly give this document meaning we invite your thoughtful reflection on each of the following sections, your responses will be considered as we draft our school’s vision. Thank you for taking the time to respond to our survey. – Moretown Staff

Please feel free to also write on the other side of page if needed!

What should we keep doing (what are our strengths?):

What should we start doing (any new innovative ideas?):

What should we stop doing (what are our weaknesses?):

Any additional comments?:

Important Dates

May 26 3/4 Celebration of Learning

May 27 PTN Meeting

May 31 Memorial Day, NO SCHOOL

June 1, 2 Preschool Field trip to Shelburne Farms

June 2 6^th grade step up to Harwood

June 3, 4 6^th Grade trip to Boston

June 7 Teacher Appreciation Breakfast

June 8 Field Day activities

June 8 Preschool Performance, 6-8 pm

June 11 Last day of school – FULL DAY

June 11 6^th Grade graduation

May 31 NO SCHOOL - Memorial Day

June 11 Last day of school – FULL DAY

June 11 Sixth Grade Graduation – 6:00 P.M.

Staff Appreciation Breakfast

Moretown Wellness Committee

Children consume about 50% of their daily calories during the course of a school day. With the short time left in the academic year, the Wellness Committee is looking at the food that children eat at school and hoping to encourage healthy food choices throughout the dayHere is a simple snack recipe that many children can prepare with a little help:

"Ants on a Log"

-One stalk of celery

-Peanut butter, sunflower butter or cream cheese-- different spreads can be used in classrooms where there are concerns over nut allergies -A dried fruit like raisins, currants, cranberries, cherries, strawberries, blueberries etc

Method: Wash and cut the celery stalk into three or four pieces. Wipe out any excessive water. Spread peanut butter (or alternative spread) inside the celery pieces. Place dried fruit on top of the spread and gently press them in a little. Each celery piece will probably fit three or four pieces of dried fruit at the most. Place the "logs" in a plastic container and refrigerate overnight if the snack is for the next day.

This snack contains fiber, protein, and several vitamins. Children seem to enjoy the combination of the sweetness of the fruit, the smooth texture of the spread, and the crunch of the celery.

Valley School Day at Sugarbush

Alligator Summer Camps at Moretown School

We are happy to be able to once again offer summer Theater and Science Camps at Moretown School. Theater Camp will run from July 19 to July 23, 9 am to 1 pm. Science camps will be July 26 to July 30 and August 2 to August 6, 9 am to 1 pm. Science camps will be structured so that each week is different, so children may attend one or both camps. Camp fees are $150 per week for Theater Camp and $160 per week for Science Camps (Science Camp fee includes cost of materials). Discounts available for multiple Camps are open to ages 7 to 14. Camp instructors include Thom McAllister (Mr. Alligator) and Deb Fadden (Ms D.) For additional information and registration forms contact Thom McAllister (thommca@gmavt.net or 434-4977). Registration open until all slots are filled.

Summer Fun at Camp Sugarbush

This summer, Sugarbush is offering a variety of week-long Monday through Friday camps for kids interested in outdoor adventure:

Adventure Camp (ages 7-17) activities include biking, zipline, hiking, naturalist tours, disc golf, swimming, and climbing. July 5-9; July 26-30; August 9-13; August 16-20.

Mountain Bike Adventure Camps (ages 7-17) are similar to the Adventure Camps but with an emphasis on mountain biking. July 19-23 and August 2-6.

And the Junior USPTA/USPTR Tennis Camp (ages 6-12) offers tennis in the morning followed by afternoon adventures. August 2-6.

National Foster Care Month

May is National Foster Care Month. Vermont’s foster families not only provide temporary homes, safety, and nurturing to our children, but they also help primary families by ensuring that children can be safely reunited with them.

If you are interested in learning more about becoming foster parent, please call Joan Rock, Resource Coordinator, Barre Family Services at 802-479-4260. Make a Difference – Be A Foster Parent!

2010-05-14T11:37:00.000-07:00

MORETOWN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL NEWSLETTER

May 14, 2010

School Website: www.moretownschool.org

Dear Parents and Friends,

What a beautiful week for kite flying! It was wonderful to watch our students outside on our blustery Monday with their kites launched in the air. Several kites broke loose and had to be rescued from trees. As we held our staff meeting on Tuesday afternoon, we watched with pleasure as a number of children came to the back hill to fly their kites yet again.

As we end the school year, we will be saying good-bye to several staff members. Jill Brown, our School Nurse, has resigned for personal reasons. She is such a caring professional who has taken excellent care of our students and been a resource to all. Jill, we wish you the best in your future endeavors.

Lisa Moreno and Michelle Beard will not be returning. Both are highly respected and have done truly wonderful work with students. This is a loss to our school and we wish them all the best. Due to a decrease in our student population and the current financial climate, two paraeducator positions were eliminated from next year’s school budget. Positions in a reduction in force are reduced based upon seniority. Lisa and Michelle have each worked here for many years, but they are the least senior members of our paraeducator staff. Tina Kennedy’s position was also reduced to four days per week.

School Quality Standards for Vermont require that each school have a Guidance Counselor. The School Board is working to ensure that we meet that obligation, and our model of school counseling will change next year with guidance in the classroom. Of course, we will continue to address children’s individual needs as they impact their education. This requires that we hire a certified, part-time guidance counselor. We are working with Fayston Elementary School in this search process. If you are interested in being on this search committee, please call me for more information.

A wonderful group of volunteers installed the swing structure on the upper playground on Friday night. Be sure to thank the following volunteers when you see them and let them know we appreciate their help! Chris & Sarah Zschau, Kevin Beard, Mike Morelli, David Bolger, Jan & Chris Tierson, Hugh Dow, Martin Cameron and Moretown Sixth Graders, who spread the mulch as part of their community service project.

As we begin this week focused on physical activity and walking or biking to school, I urge you to think about your child(ren) and safety. Route 100B is busy road. Please make decisions to allow walking or biking based on your child’s experience near roads, understanding of safety rules, and personal level of responsibility. Some children may pay more attention to their friends than to cars and curbs. Some students ride with their helmets on the handlebars instead of on their heads. We want all of our students to arrive at school safely and happily!

I hope that many of you were able to attend the Art Show last night. Our students’ work was simply incredible. There was a variety of pieces, from drawing and water colors to clay pinch pots, beading, and more. Mrs. Harvey often links art instruction to the goals of classrooms or to literature. What a rich program!

Whew! So many things to let you know about as we end the year…It’s been a busy, busy time. Enjoy the weekend – it promises to be beautiful!

Respectfully,

Debbie Lesure, Principal

Safe Routes to School

Next week, it's all about walking and biking in the Mad River Valley!!

With the goal of improving traffic flow/safety for walkers, the school will test out using one 2-way entrance. Starting Monday, the south driveway will be closed off to vehicles for the week. Cars will enter/exit via the Town Clerk driveway. Walkers and bikers will use the south driveway and access the school through the main entrance. Thank you for helping us conduct this trial.

Friday, May 21st, is our first spring Walk and Bike to School day. School buses will join the effort and drop students at the Town Hall for a parade in to school. If you normally drive your child to school, consider dropping off at the Town Hall/Ward parking lot instead. We will have sheriff and constable support at the intersection, but would like as many parents as possible to walk or bike with students. The south driveway will be accessible to pedestrians and bicyclists only next week.

News from the Library Media Center

Announcing the 1^st Annual Spring Cleaning Used Children Book Sale Bonanza!

When: The weeks of May 10^th and May 17th

Where: The Library Media Center

What: Dust off your gently used books and donate them to our used book sale. Books will be priced to move. As an incentive, a donation of 1-5 books receives a voucher for a free book. Donations of 5-10 books get two vouchers.

Why: The Student Library Advisory Board is helping to organize this sale. Let’s help make it a success! All books will be priced at 25 cents and 50 cents.

Drop off your books in the box outside the library. Questions? Email Mrs.Allison, mallison@moretownschool.org

Important Dates

May 16 Bike Safety Fair

May 17-21 Driveway Closure

May 19 Vermont Symphony Orchestra @ MES, 8:45 – 9:30 am

May 21 Walk and Bike to School Day

June 11 Last day of school – FULL DAY

June 11 6^th Grade graduation

May 31 NO SCHOOL - Memorial Day

June 11 Last day of school – FULL DAY

June 11 Sixth Grade Graduation – 6:00 P.M.

Staff Appreciation Breakfast

Moretown Wellness Committee

The Moretown School Wellness Committee is being developed in accordance with the Moretown School's Wellness Policy and Action Plan. The purpose of the committee is to enhance the health and wellness of our student body through a comprehensive health curriculum. This curriculum includes varied opportunities for physical activity both during and after school. It also encompasses promoting good nutrition through education, discussions around cafeteria choices, and an interest in classroom nutrition. The Wellness Policy is online at www.moretownschool.org. Once you are at the home page, click on the "school wellness newsletter" and follow the link found there. Paper copies of the wellness policy are also available at the school office.

The Wellness Committee's interest in gradually implementing the school's Wellness Policy is part of a national trend. President Barack Obama has called for national attention on children's health, especially around concerns over rising childhood obesity and increased incidents of juvenile type II diabetes. Recently on NPR, Michelle Norris interviewed Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack and others in a two part series entitled "Soda in America." If you would like to hear the interview or read the transcript, and you can find it online:

http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=126536437

Alligator Summer Camps at Moretown School We are happy to be able to once again offer summer Theater and Science Camps at Moretown School. Theater Camp will run from July 19 to July 23, 9 am to 1 pm. Science camps will be July 26 to July 30 and August 2 to August 6, 9 am to 1 pm. Science camps will be structured so that each week is different, so children may attend one or both camps. Camp fees are $150 per week for Theater Camp and $160 per week for Science Camps (Science Camp fee includes cost of materials). Discounts available for multiple Camps are open to ages 7 to 14. Camp instructors include Thom McAllister (Mr. Alligator) and Deb Fadden (Ms D.) For additional information and registration forms contact Thom McAllister (thommca@gmavt.net or 434-4977). Registration open until all slots are filled.

Soccer Intro for 5/6 year olds.

Mad River Soccer will offer a series of 4 fun, introductory soccer clinics for kids age 5 thru 1^st grade. The clinics will be held from 3 to 4 pm on Sunday, May 16,

June 6 and June 13 and on Saturday, May 22 from 10 to 11 am. All clinics will be held at the Waitsfield Elementary School field. Please arrive at 2:45 pm on the day of the first clinic to enroll your child. Bring a ball if you have one. Kids should wear shin guards (check with a friend to see if you can borrow some). The coaches encourage parents to participate (more fun for you and your child)! The cost for the 4 sessions is $15, which covers insurance and equipment costs. Checks should be made payable to MRVSA.

Valley School Day at Sugarbush

Summer Fun at Camp Sugarbush

This summer, Sugarbush is offering a variety of week-long Monday through Friday camps for kids interested in outdoor adventure:

Adventure Camp (ages 7-17) activities include biking, zipline, hiking, naturalist tours, disc golf, swimming, and climbing. July 5-9; July 26-30; August 9-13; August 16-20.

Mountain Bike Adventure Camps (ages 7-17) are similar to the Adventure Camps but with an emphasis on mountain biking. July 19-23 and August 2-6.

And the Junior USPTA/USPTR Tennis Camp (ages 6-12) offers tennis in the morning followed by afternoon adventures. August 2-6.

Family Bike & Trike Sale

Sale - Saturday, May 15, 9am-4pm

Drop off - Friday, May 14, 3pm-7pm

Waitsfield Elementary School

Everybody needs a bike!

Buy a 'new' bike in time to take part in the Valley Walk & Roll Festival, or sell one you've outgrown to someone who will use it. Lots of kids' bikes!

Only bikes in working condition can be included in the sale. Free bike safety check available at drop off on Friday, courtesy of our local bike shops - Fit Werx, Inverness, Stark Mountain (Waitsfield) or Green Mountain Bikes (Rochester).

Proceeds to benefit the Mad River Valley Health Center Health Education Committee.

For more information, contact Sue Frechette (sue_frechette@madriver.com) or go to www.ValleyWalkAndRoll.com.

National Foster Care Month

If you are interested in learning more about becoming foster parent, please call Joan Rock, Resource Coordinator, Barre Family Services at 802-479-4260. Make a Difference – Be A Foster Parent!

May 14, 2010 Newsletter

2010-05-14T11:26:00.000-07:00

Teachers, please forward the attached newsletter to your parent groups for your class.

2010-05-08T09:59:00.000-07:00

MORETOWN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL NEWSLETTER
May 7, 2010
School Website: www.moretownschool.org

Dear Parents and Friends,

Last Saturday, parent volunteers came for clean-up and yard work around our school. We had a great group of parents and students who worked hard to weed and edge trees on the primary playground, weed and fertilize the entryway flower beds, rake up and deal with the leaves under the trees at the front of the building, trim trees, rake out and weed the perennial bed at the front of the school, as well as weed and fill the raised beds with compost. Have you noticed how nice our school is looking now? Many thanks go out to all of the parents who participated and to Sarah Zschau, who organized this effort.

This week, Jeremy Seeger is here working with all of our students. They are learning about the art of kite making. Students are creating their own individual kites. Monday is kite-flying day – hope for a sunny and breezy day! Thanks to the PTN for helping us to make this happen.

Parents, I would like your input. Do you feel that teachers should continue providing written narratives at each marking period? It is typical of other schools in our supervisory union for teachers to report student progress on report cards only.

It is very important to us that you have a good understanding of your child’s academic progress, yet the narratives often express the same information that you receive in your parent-teacher conference. Teachers spend many, many hours writing narratives that outline student performance, generally taking a professional day to complete these. Then, teachers also spend time completing report cards. Please let me know what you find most valuable as you receive reports on your child’s progress. Send a note into the office. I would like your feedback.

Respectfully,
Debbie Lesure, Principal

Vermont Days

Vermont Days is June 12th and 13th. All Vermont State Park day areas, state-owned historic sites, and Vermont’s History Museum will be open and free to the public. Saturday, June 12th is free fishing day – the one day in the year when residents and non-residents may go fishing without a license. Locations and events are open and free for both residents and nonresidents. Vermont Days is a free statewide event celebrating Vermont’s natural resources, history, and culture (brought to you by the Departments of Forests, Parks & Recreation, Fish & Wildlife, Tourism & Marketing, the Division of Historic Preservation, and many supportive state employees and volunteers). Check for details on this weekend and for information on Vermont’s fishing, state parks, and historic sites at http://http://www.vermontdays.vermont.gov/.

News from the Library Media Center

Announcing the 1st Annual Spring Cleaning Used Children Book Sale Bonanza!

When: The weeks of May 10th and May 17th

Where: The Library Media Center

What: Dust off your gently used books and donate them to our used book sale. Books will be priced to move. As an incentive, a donation of 1-5 books receives a voucher for a free book. Donations of 5-10 books get two vouchers.

Why: The Student Library Advisory Board is helping to organize this sale. Let’s help make it a success! All books will be priced at 25 cents and 50 cents.

Drop off your books in the box outside the library. Questions? Email Mrs.Allison, mallison@moretownschool.org

Vermont 2010 Oral Health Survey

How many Vermont children have protective dental sealants on their molars?
Do Vermonters have difficulty finding dental care for their children?
Do our kids have more or less untreated decay than other states?
What percentage of children have never had a cavity?

These are some of the questions that our school will be helping the 2010 Vermont Oral Health Survey to answer this spring. With parent/guardian consent, a dental hygienist will take a quick look into the mouths of our first, second and third graders to count the number of sealants, fillings and obvious dental problems. This screening is for all students, even those that have a regular dentist. It will show what Vermont is doing well, and what we need to improve. This helps the Vermont Department of Health to plan future programs to keep children healthy and ready to learn. Only 22 schools statewide have been given an opportunity to participate. The survey is sponsored by the Vermont Child Health Improvement Program at UVM.

Our school dental screening date is June 1, 2010. The consent form and letter sent home contains additional important details about the screening. Please return it as soon as possible so that your child can participate and receive a free toothbrush!

Dental Hygienist Erica Brown is visiting our school to screen first, second and third grade students.

Soccer Intro for 5/6 year olds.
Mad River Soccer will offer a series of 4 fun, introductory soccer clinics for kids age 5 thru 1st grade. The clinics will be held from 3 to 4 pm on Sunday, May 16,

June 6 and June 13 and on Saturday, May 22 from 10 to 11 am. All clinics will be held at the Waitsfield Elementary School field. Please arrive at 2:45 pm on the day of the first clinic to enroll your child. Bring a ball if you have one. Kids should wear shin guards (check with a friend to see if you can borrow some). The coaches encourage parents to participate (more fun for you and your child)! The cost for the 4 sessions is $15, which covers insurance and equipment costs. Checks should be made payable to MRVSA.

Important Dates
May 10 School Board Meeting 6:00 pm
May 10 PTN Meeting 7:00 pm
May 12 Early Release Day
May 13 Art Show, 6:00 – 8:00 p.m.
May 16 Bike Safety Fair
May 19 Vermont Symphony Orchestra @ MES, 8:45 – 9:30 am
May 21 Walk and Bike to School Day
May 31 NO SCHOOL - Memorial Day
June 11 Last day of school – FULL DAY
June 11 Sixth Grade Graduation – 6:00 P.M.

Staff Appreciation Breakfast

Let the great people at the Moretown School know how much you appreciate all they have done for our students this past year! Each year, the Moretown Elementary School’s PTN coordinates a Staff Appreciation Breakfast for our teachers, paraeducators and staff members. On Monday June 7 from 7:30 - 9:30 a.m we will hold our annual appreciation event in the school library. Show that you care by contributing either an item for the breakfast, or helping out with set up and/or clean-up. Please contact Amy Bolger if you can provide a goodie (baked item, fruit, a beverage, etc.) We also need plates, napkins, cutlery or cups. Two people to set up at 7 a.m. and two to break down at 9:30 a.m. is helpful.You can call Amy at 496-5935 or email her at bolger@gmavt.net. Thank you in advance for your contribution to this important end-of-year event.

Alligator Summer Camps at Moretown School
We are happy to be able to once again offer summer Theater and Science Camps at Moretown School. Theater Camp will run from July 19 to July 23, 9 am to 1 pm. Science camps will be July 26 to July 30 and August 2 to August 6, 9 am to 1 pm. Science camps will be structured so that each week is different, so children may attend one or both camps. Camp fees are $150 per week for Theater Camp and $160 per week for Science Camps (Science Camp fee includes cost of materials). Discounts available for multiple Camps are open to ages 7 to 14. Camp instructors include Thom McAllister (Mr. Alligator) and Deb Fadden (Ms D.) For additional information and registration forms contact Thom McAllister (thommca@gmavt.net or 434-4977). Registration open until all slots are filled.

Parenting in a Technological World
A program designed to educate parents about how to parent in a technological world will be held at The Warren School on May13th from 6 - 7:30pm. Parents will learn about the newest technology related activities and how children are using them. Kathy Kretz and Erin McKenney from Prevent Child Abuse Vermont will present information about how parents can safely introduce technology to young children and how to encourage safe online behavior of older children while using these technologies. There will be 2 different presentations offered. Each presentation will offer information directed toward specific age groups (pre-K - grade 2, and grades 3 - 8). This program is being sponsored by Spring Hill School and The Warren School. Limited space and childcare are available. Call 279-3218 or e-mail sheilam@madriver.com
Valley School Day at Sugarbush
Friday, June 25th is Valley School Day at Sugarbush. School-age kids are invited to come sample zipline rides, chairlift rides, disc golf, the inflatable bounce house, golf, tennis, and pool activities FOR FREE. Parental guidance required. Details at sugarbush.com.

Summer Fun at Camp Sugarbush
This summer, Sugarbush is offering a variety of week-long Monday through Friday camps for kids interested in outdoor adventure:
Mini Campers (ages 4-6) and Day Camp (ages 6-11) provide campers a traditional day camp with a touch of adventure. Activities include lift rides, hiking, swimming, tennis, rock climbing, biking, art, nature crafts, field trips and more. June 21-August 20.
Adventure Camp (ages 7-17) activities include biking, zipline, hiking, naturalist tours, disc golf, swimming, and climbing. July 5-9; July 26-30; August 9-13; August 16-20.
Mountain Bike Adventure Camps (ages 7-17) are similar to the Adventure Camps but with an emphasis on mountain biking. July 19-23 and August 2-6.
And the Junior USPTA/USPTR Tennis Camp (ages 6-12) offers tennis in the morning followed by afternoon adventures. August 2-6.
Both Adventure Camp and Mountain Bike Adventure Camp offer an optional Thursday overnight adventure at Allyn’s Lodge. Single-day, multiday and weekend tennis, golf, tennis/golf combo, adventure, and mountain bike camps, clinics and schools also available. For reservations and more information, call 800.53.SUGAR or visit sugarbush.com. Register by April 17 and receive a discount.

Seminary Art Center
Two note worthy activities coming up at Seminary Art Center in April.

‘A Taste of Art’ 4/17 & 18 Noon to 4 pm
Each day the SAC will be offering an opportunity to play with a little clay, make an art project, check out the school, summer camp programs and meet teachers. Children’s teachers will be available to talk about the after school program, vacation Art Camps and the expanded summer Art Camps program. On display in the art gallery will be completed samples of upcoming camps art and adult workshops. Also on hand will be instructors of the adult program to share information about the next workshop series as well as ongoing classes in Clay, Visual Arts and Glass Fusing. Meet Teachers, See Samples, Check Out Space, Peruse Programs & Make Some Art!

Beverages and snacks will be provided but be warned – A Taste of Art just might leave you hungry for more!

Family Bike & Trike Sale
Sale - Saturday, May 15, 9am-4pm
Drop off - Friday, May 14, 3pm-7pm
Waitsfield Elementary School

Everybody needs a bike!

Buy a 'new' bike in time to take part in the Valley Walk & Roll Festival, or sell one you've outgrown to someone who will use it. Lots of kids' bikes!

Only bikes in working condition can be included in the sale. Free bike safety check available at drop off on Friday, courtesy of our local bike shops - Fit Werx, Inverness, Stark Mountain (Waitsfield) or Green Mountain Bikes (Rochester).

Proceeds to benefit the Mad River Valley Health Center Health Education Committee.

For more information, contact Sue Frechette (sue_frechette@madriver.com) or go to http://www.valleywalkandroll.com/.

National Foster Care Month
May is National Foster Care Month. Vermont’s foster families not only provide temporary homes, safety, and nurturing to our children, but they also help primary families by ensuring that children can be safely reunited with them.

If you are interested in learning more about becoming foster parent, please call Joan Rock, Resource Coordinator, Barre Family Services at 802-479-4260. Make a Difference – Be A Foster Parent!

MidVTFencing Club http://midvtfencing.pbworks.com/
What: Fencing instruction
Who: Anyone with an interest! Beginners and advanced fencers aged 9 to 90+
When: Mondays and Wednesdays 6:30-8:00 PM starting May 10th.
8 Sessions with one-to-one and open fencing 8:00-9:00 PM
Where: CBMS gym in Duxbury.
Why: Learn basic fencing or refine your current skills.
Cost: $100.00
*Space is limited so register quickly! Questions please call Digger(Keith Puffer) @ 802-989-8014*
Fencer's name: ______________________________ Grade: _____________
Phone Number: ___________________ Allergies: __________________
Emergency Contact: _______________________ Phone Number: ______________
I, _____________________, understand that fencing is a physical activity with
potential health and physical injuries that may arise. I do not hold, Digger (Keith Puffer),
Crossett Brook Middle School and the staff members, or any volunteers, accountable if
an injury were to occur. I give Digger (Keith Puffer) and his volunteers/staff to act appropriately
if reason for medical assistance were needed. If a medical situation/injury were to occur
I/we will use our child’s/family insurance policy to cover any injury expense, thus not holding
Digger (Keith Puffer) or Crossett Brook Middle School responsible for such costs.

Signed: ________________________________ Date: _________

April 30 2010

2010-04-30T17:24:00.001-07:00

MORETOWN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL NEWSLETTER

April 30, 2010

School Website: www.moretownschool.org

Dear Parents and Friends,

Haven’t we had the most interesting weather this week? At my house we had over a foot of snow. I kept saying to myself that snow makes our valley so very beautiful. Truly though, I wanted to see those daffodils and tulips – not more snow!

Now that the weather is turning nicer, parents and community members will again be volunteering their time to serve as crossing guards for our students each morning between 7:30 and 8:00 am. This will begin next week. Thanks go to Safe Routes to School and Dara Torre for their organization and support.

As we hear about initiatives that encourage physical activity and walking or biking to school, I urge you to think about your child(ren) and safety. Route 100B is busy road. Please make decisions to allow walking or biking based on your child’s experience near roads, understanding of safety rules, and personal level of responsibility. Some children may pay more attention to their friends than to cars and curbs. I’ve noted students riding with their helmets on the handlebars instead of on their heads. We want all of our students to arrive at school safely and happily!

Respectfully,

Debbie Lesure, Principal

Turn the page to …. Lily!

Why did you want to be a library page?

Because I like making the library a better place and making it easier for people to find things.

What do you like best about the job?

I like getting to see the new books that come in before anyone else.

Who are some favorite authors and books?

Suzanne Collins, Rick Riordan, The Other Side of the Island, Into the Dark, Michael Buckley, Trenton Lee Stewart.

Personal motto: It doesn’t matter who does it, it just matters that it gets done.

Helmets

In conjunction with our safe routes to school program, the Moretown PTN is once again pleased to offer low cost helmets and safety gear through Provider. Forms should be arriving home this week. Please indicate the items you wish to order and provide a check made out to Moretown PTN. Please include a $1.00 shipping fee per item. Orders are due back by May 5^th. Any questions, please contact Mrs. Brown or the office.

Important Dates

May 1 School Grounds Clean-Up Day and Potluck - Noon

May 3 School Board Strategy Retreat

May 10 School Board Meeting 6:00 pm

May 10 PTN Meeting 7:00 pm

May 12 Early Release Day

May 13 Art Show, 6:00 – 8:00 p.m.

May 16 Bike Safety Fair

May 19 Vermont Symphony Orchestra @ MES, 8:45 – 9:30 am

May 21 Walk and Bike to School Day

June 11 Last day of school – FULL DAY

June 11 6^th Grade graduation

Spring Clean Up Day and Potluck is This Saturday!

Please come to help spruce up the school grounds this Saturday, May 1, starting at noon. We need as many parents as we can get to finish the projects listed below. Please bring garden tools if you have them (rakes, pruners, weeders, shovels, etc.), and bring a potluck dish to share after the work is done. Here's what we're working on.

• weeding the front entrance to the school and planting new flowers

• building a new perennial bed at the Main Street entrance to the school

• moving the shed by the upper-grade playground and replacing it with pea stones and log benches

• installing a new trash can on the playground

• general clean up

If you haven't helped with a PTN project this year, here is your opportunity! If you can make it, please contact Sarah Zschau at zone4@accessvt.com or 496-3097. The rain date is May 2.

After School Yoga

The after-school Yoga classes have been cancelled due to low interest. We will be setting up times to share this experience in the classrooms before the end of the year. That way, all who would like to participate will have a chance and teachers can include techniques in their classrooms. Sorry for the inconvenience.

Jill Brown, RN

Alligator Summer Camps at Moretown School

We are happy to be able to once again offer summer Theater and Science Camps at Moretown School. Theater Camp will run from July 19 to July 23, 9 am to 1 pm. Science camps will be July 26 to July 30 and August 2 to August 6, 9 am to 1 pm. Science camps will be structured so that each week is different, so children may attend one or both camps. Camp fees are $150 per week for Theater Camp and $160 per week for Science Camps (Science Camp fee includes cost of materials). Discounts available for multiple Camps are open to ages 7 to 14. Camp instructors include Thom McAllister (Mr. Alligator) and Deb Fadden (Ms D.) For additional information and registration forms contact Thom McAllister (thommca@gmavt.net or 434-4977). Registration is open until all slots are filled.

Parenting in a Technological World

A program designed to educate parents about how to parent in a technological world will be held at The Warren School on May 13th from 6 - 7:30pm. Parents will learn about the newest technology related activities and how children are using them. Kathy Kretz and Erin McKenney from Prevent Child Abuse Vermont will present information about how parents can safely introduce technology to young children and how to encourage safe online behavior of older children while using these technologies. There will be 2 different presentations offered. Each presentation will offer information directed toward specific age groups (pre-K - grade 2, and grades 3 - 8). This program is being sponsored by Spring Hill School and The Warren School. Limited space and childcare are available. Call 279-3218 or e-mail sheilam@madriver.com

Valley School Day at Sugarbush

Summer Fun at Camp Sugarbush

This summer, Sugarbush is offering a variety of week-long Monday through Friday camps for kids interested in outdoor adventure:

Adventure Camp (ages 7-17) activities include biking, zipline, hiking, naturalist tours, disc golf, swimming, and climbing. July 5-9; July 26-30; August 9-13; August 16-20.

Mountain Bike Adventure Camps (ages 7-17) are similar to the Adventure Camps but with an emphasis on mountain biking. July 19-23 and August 2-6.

And the Junior USPTA/USPTR Tennis Camp (ages 6-12) offers tennis in the morning followed by afternoon adventures. August 2-6.

Seminary Art Center

Two note worthy activities coming up at Seminary Art Center in April.

‘A Taste of Art’

4/17 & 18 Noon to 4 pm

Each day the SAC will be offering an opportunity to play with a little clay, make an art project, check out the school, summer camp programs and meet teachers.

Children’s teachers will be available to talk about the after school program, vacation Art Camps and the expanded summer Art Camps program. On display in the art gallery will be completed samples of upcoming camps art and adult workshops.

Also on hand will be instructors of the adult program to share information about the next workshop series as well as ongoing classes in Clay, Visual Arts and Glass Fusing. Meet Teachers, See Samples, Check Out Space, Peruse Programs & Make Some Art!

Beverages and snacks will be provided but be warned – A Taste of Art just might leave you hungry for more!

April 15 Newsletter

2010-04-27T04:34:00.001-07:00

MORETOWN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL NEWSLETTER

April 15, 2010

School Website: www.moretownschool.org

Dear Parents and Friends,

Vacation is upon us. Once we return on Monday, April 26, we will have only seven weeks of school left this year. The last day of school will be a full day of school on Friday, June 11. We expect that graduation will be that evening. As we approach the end of the year, it remains important that we continue to focus on student learning. Please take some time to read with your child(ren) during the vacation and find ways to highlight your use of math in your day to day lives.

Did you hear about the raptors? This week we had a special presentation by the Vermont Institute of Natural Science (VINS). A great-horned owl, a barn owl, a red-tailed hawk, and a turkey vulture helped our students learn from direct observation that raptors have three characteristics in common: strong talons, a curved beak, and very keen eyesight. This assembly helped to support the unit on Owls in kindergarten and Birds in the 3^rd/4^th grades. Our thanks go to the Moretown General Store and Jolley who awarded us the ExxonMobil Educational Alliance Grant allowing us to bring VINS to our school.

Mrs. Moore has been a wonderful addition to our school staff for the past six months. Due to changes in our requirements for special education staffing, she will not be returning as a paraeducator. It is our hope that she will return on a regular basis to substitute and reconnect with our students and staff. Did you know she is a certified teacher? We wish her the best as she seeks a teaching position!

Enjoy the vacation. Let’s hope the weather turns warm and sunny once again.

Respectfully,

Debbie Lesure, Principal

Moretown School Spring Clean Up Day

We are looking for able-bodied parents to help spruce up the school grounds on Saturday, May 1, starting at noon. We need as many hands as we can get to help with projects including:

• weeding the front entrance to the school and planting new flowers

• building a new perennial bed at the Main Street entrance to the school

• moving the shed by the upper-grade playground and replacing it with pea stones and log benches

• installing a new trash can on the playground

• general clean up

If you haven't helped with a PTN project this year, here is your opportunity! If you can make it, please contact Sarah Zschau at zone4@accessvt.com or 496-3097. The rain date is May 2.

Turn the page to … Shane!

Why did you want to be a library page?

I thought it would be a different experience and something that would be interesting. I wanted to try something I hadn’t done before.

What are some of your favorite books?

I love to read about World War II. Also Winter War, Soldier X as well as The Percy Jackson series and the Hunger Games. I love reading … it’s awesome!

Personal motto: Don’t give up : there’s always something to look forward to.

Vermont Families Needed to Host Educators from Moldova

Waitsfield, VT – March, 2010 – PH International (formerly Project Harmony) will be hosting ten educators from the Republic of Moldova who are participating in a Community Connections program sponsored by USAID and administered by World Learning. These visitors will be studying secondary school administration and management by spending time at a number of schools, and receiving training from a diverse array of education representatives in the State of Vermont.

PH is currently seeking families in Washington and Chittenden Counties to host one or more of these participants for all or part of the 18 days during which the group is in Vermont, from April 22 – May 10, 2010. While the delegation is mainly comprised of school principals (former teachers), they are also here to learn about how parents and the community enhance the educational learning environment. The hope is that teachers, principals and parents of school children will volunteer to host our guests so that learning can happen in the host families as well as in the more formal, program-planned activities. Host families are asked to provide a comfortable and clean place to sleep, breakfast and dinner, minimal transportation to centralized pick-up and drop-off locations, and some weekend activities.

Importantly, the program will offer Moldovans an experience of life in the United States and afford Vermonters an opportunity to establish new relationships while learning about the culture and history of this unique country through the homestay experience.

For more information about becoming a host family, please contact Renee Berrian at (802) 496-4545 (x106) or email at renee.berrian@ph-int.org.

PH is an international nonprofit organization based in Waitsfield, Vermont. Additional information about PH and the Community Connections Program is available at http://www.ph-int.org/

Summer Fun at Camp Sugarbush

This summer, Sugarbush is offering a variety of week-long Monday through Friday camps for kids interested in outdoor adventure:

Adventure Camp (ages 7-17) activities include biking, zipline, hiking, naturalist tours, disc golf, swimming, and climbing. July 5-9; July 26-30; August 9-13; August 16-20.

Mountain Bike Adventure Camps (ages 7-17) are similar to the Adventure Camps but with an emphasis on mountain biking. July 19-23 and August 2-6.

And the Junior USPTA/USPTR Tennis Camp (ages 6-12) offers tennis in the morning followed by afternoon adventures. August 2-6.

Valley School Day at Sugarbush

Alligator Summer Camps at Moretown School

Seminary Art Center

Two note worthy activities coming up at Seminary Art Center in April.

‘A Taste of Art’ 4/17 & 18 Noon to 4 pm

Each day the SAC will be offering an opportunity to play with a little clay, make an art project, check out the school, summer camp programs and meet teachers.

Beverages and snacks will be provided but be warned – A Taste of Art just might leave you hungry for more!

Vacation Art Camp 4/19 – 22 9 am to 2:30 Monday through Thursday

This is the perfect stay-cation for your child. Mornings the art will be with clay and afternoons will be visual arts and crafts. Between projects we will run around outdoors, weather permitting. Enroll for just mornings, just afternoons ($140) or all day ($210). Either way, pack a lunch and some snacks – we will be working hard!

SAC is located in the beautiful Green Mountain Seminary building at 201 Hollow Road in Waterbury Center.

Contact Mame McKee at 253-8790 or seminaryart@gmail.com or visit http://sites.google.com/site/seminaryartcenter/ for more information.

FW: Sunday Red Sox Tix Fundraiser - Act Fast!

2010-04-14T05:02:00.001-07:00

Teachers, please forward this email to your parent groups ASAP.

Dear Moretown School Parents and Staff,

The Moretown PTN has just received a donation of two tickets to this Sunday's (4/18) Red Sox game (Tampa Bay Rays) at Fenway Park at 1:30 PM.

Good seats! Section 26, Box 148, Row EE, Seats 1 & 2 (see seating chart: http://boston.redsox.mlb.com/bos/ballpark/seating_pricing.jsp)

Starting bid $180. Email mesptn@gmail.com with your offer! Bids are due this Thursday at noon. Please provide your contact phone and email info. Winner will be notified on Friday.

Proceeds will benefit the Moretown Parent Teacher Network. Thanks for your support!

2010-04-09T12:13:00.000-07:00

MORETOWN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL NEWSLETTER

April 8, 2010

School Website: www.moretownschool.org

Dear Parents and Friends,

On Tuesday, we had a special performance from Slim Goodbody about health and wellness. In very creative ways, he spoke, rapped, and sang to our students. See the information below provided by our school nurse who received a grant and arranged this assembly. Thank you, Mrs. Brown.

Nutrition lessons seem to have taken hold. Paul Morris, Food Service Director at Harwood Union who provides our school lunches, reported that yesterday’s localvore lunch was a big success. He appreciated that our students tried the Junior Iron Chef’s Winning Chicken and Butternut Squash “Pan” Chilada. He’d heard that many students consider this their new favorite lunch!

There are so many benefits to eating healthy. I remember reading a book by Jane Goodall titled, Harvest for Hope. Although I no longer have the book to quote from directly, there was a section about a food trial conducted in a state prison. Inmates were given a healthy diet that significantly limited sugars, artificial flavors and coloring. Researchers found a marked decrease in aggressive behaviors and inmates reported feeling generally happier. I wonder the implications for all of us?

Here at Moretown Elementary School, we are forming a Health and Wellness Committee comprised of staff, parents, School Board, and perhaps student representatives. We will be looking at research in nutrition, our school policies and practices regarding treats and sweets, and other topics as suggested. Please let Mrs. Brown know if you have ideas for our meeting agendas.

Have a healthy weekend with nutritious food and enjoyable exercise!

Respectfully,

Debbie Lesure, Principal

MES SCHOOL BOARD MEETINGS

School Board Meetings are held the first Monday of each month at 6:00 in the Moretown School Library. Parents and community members are welcome to attend and these meetings are open to the public. You can find meeting minutes on the Moretown School website, moretownschool.org, under School Board. This will help you stay informed on the work of the School Board.

Free/Reduced meal eligibility

Did you know that a family of four earning as much as $40,000 a year may qualify for free or reduced hot lunch? This is a federal program designed to ensure that children have adequate nutrition for growth and learning. Many families may be unaware that qualifying incomes were changed in the past year. If your economic situation has changed or you may meet the new requirements, please ask Pam Kathan for the forms. Information on who receives free or reduced meals is kept confidential. If you believe that you are eligible, please apply. This program provides additional funding to our school. You child may still bring lunch from home if that is your preference.

Slim Goodbody presents: Lighten up The Great American Nutrition Musical

The Moretown Elementary School hosted an assembly promoting good nutrition and physical activity with the famous Slim Goodbody. This interactive show transported children through the human body and along the journey of one child. The students learned how to balance calories in and calories out to stay healthy. This assembly was held at the conclusion of the Know Your Body nutrition units being taught in the elementary health classes. During this assembly we also talked about the importance of physical activity and that we should have an hour each day of some kind of physical activity.

Important Dates

April 12 PTN Meeting, 7:00 p.m.

April 19 – 23 NO SCHOOL - Spring Break

May 10 PTN Meeting

May 13 Art Show, 6:00 – 8:00 p.m.

May 31 NO SCHOOL - Memorial Day

Turn the page to … Lucie!

What is the best part of being a library page?

I read books that I wouldn’t normally read. I feel really helpful. I know how to find the books I need so that I’m not wandering around.

What are some of your favorite books and authors?

The Hunger Games and Catching Fire, The Graveyard Book, Babar, Calvin & Hobbes, Garfield, Savvy, Diamond Willow, Stolen, and the author Kate Klise, who wrote me a letter last year. When I was little I loved Raising Dragons.

Personal motto:

Wag more, bark less.

Vermont Families Needed to Host Educators from Moldova

For more information about becoming a host family, please contact Renee Berrian at (802) 496-4545 (x106) or email at renee.berrian@ph-int.org.

PH is an international nonprofit organization based in Waitsfield, Vermont. Additional information about PH and the Community Connections Program is available at www.ph-int.org

After school survey

Please go to the school website at www.moretownschool.org and complete the after school needs survey, there will be a link on the homepage of our website.

Sugarbush Adventure Games Kids’ Triathlon

On Saturday, April 10, 2010, kids twelve and under can enjoy the competitive spirit of the Sugarbush Adventure Games by participating in the Kids’ Triathlon. Participants can compete as teams of three or as bionic athletes running, biking and kayaking their way to the finish. Day-of registration from 10:30 AM-12:30 PM at the snowmaking pond by the Kingsbury Bridge Greenway, Mad River Path. Race starts at 1:00 PM. Registration is $12 in advance or $15 at the event. For more information visit madriverpath.com.

Summer Fun at Camp Sugarbush

This summer, Sugarbush is offering a variety of week-long Monday through Friday camps for kids interested in outdoor adventure:

Adventure Camp (ages 7-17) activities include biking, zipline, hiking, naturalist tours, disc golf, swimming, and climbing. July 5-9; July 26-30; August 9-13; August 16-20.

Mountain Bike Adventure Camps (ages 7-17) are similar to the Adventure Camps but with an emphasis on mountain biking. July 19-23 and August 2-6.

And the Junior USPTA/USPTR Tennis Camp (ages 6-12) offers tennis in the morning followed by afternoon adventures. August 2-6.

Valley School Day at Sugarbush

Alligator Summer Camps at Moretown School

Seminary Art Center

Two note worthy activities coming up at Seminary Art Center in April.

‘A Taste of Art’ 4/17 & 18 Noon to 4 pm

Each day the SAC will be offering an opportunity to play with a little clay, make an art project, check out the school, summer camp programs and meet teachers.

Beverages and snacks will be provided but be warned – A Taste of Art just might leave you hungry for more!

Vacation Art Camp 4/19 – 22 9 am to 2:30 Monday through Thursday

SAC is located in the beautiful Green Mountain Seminary building at 201 Hollow Road in Waterbury Center.

Contact Mame McKee at 253-8790 or seminaryart@gmail.com or visit http://sites.google.com/site/seminaryartcenter/ for more information.

HABITAT FOR HUMANITY vs HARLEM AMBASSADORS

SLAM DUNK FUN

The internationally-acclaimed Harlem Ambassadors will be visiting Central Vermont for a game at the Barre Auditorium on April 14, 2010. Tip off at 6 pm

Habitat for Humanity has fielded a team of volunteers including TJ Sorrentine, Benson Callier, Jen Neibling, Germain Njila Mopa, and others anxious to play for you and the Habitat partner families.

The Harlem Ambassadors offer a unique brand of Harlem-style basketball, featuring high-flying slam dunks, dazzling ball-handling tricks and hilarious comedy routines.

The Ambassadors feature non-stop laughs and deliver a positive message for kids wherever the Ambassadors play. “At our shows, we want the kids to know that they’re part of our team too,” Coach Ladè Majic said. “We invite as many kids as we can to come sit on the bench, have a front row seat during the show, and get involved in all of the fun stuff we do.”

The Ambassadors set themselves apart from other “Harlem-style” basketball teams by working with local not-for-profit and service organizations and holding Harlem Ambassadors shows as community fundraising events. For the Central Vermont event the Ambassadors have partnered with Habitat for Humanity to help raise funds to complete 3 homes in the region this summer 2010.

“It feels good to be able to provide quality entertainment and create memories that the fans will take with them,” Moss explained. “We’re able to give even more when we can help provide funding for a Habitat for Humanity house or new computers for the school library, and that feels great.”

Tickets will be available at the door $5 students/seniors, $10 adults

April 2

2010-04-03T06:39:00.001-07:00

MORETOWN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL NEWSLETTER

April 2, 2010

School Website: www.moretownschool.org

Dear Parents and Friends,

Have you noticed our new website? If not, please go to http://www.moretownschool.org/. Thank you to Mr. Isham for his work in design and getting this new website up and running. You’ll see it looks very different and has some new features. Check out the staff pictures – all drawn by students here at school! Over the new few months, there will be changes, updates, and additional links. We hope this will enhance communication and provide you with easy access to school and teacher newsletters, our calendar, the school lunch menu, and more. We plan to add a Kid’s Resource page and links to Moretown community sites. Please feel free to let me know if you have ideas for features that you would find helpful.

We are looking for a few parents to help us develop our new School Action Plan. Each year, schools are required to develop or review this plan. Reading, math and school climate goals are required. It will be developed collaboratively with teachers and staff, parents, School Board, and myself. Data analysis and school/community input will help us to define areas that we believe we should focus on for the next three to five years. Would you like to be involved? Give me a call!

Enjoy this beautiful weekend. Spring fever is upon us!

Respectfully,

Debbie Lesure, Principal

Tax Season Means Good News for Your Family

Did your family apply for and receive the Earned income Tax Credit (EITC) on your most recent income tax return? If so, your household is automatically eligible for the 3 Squares VT program, which helps to provide monthly benefits to make food more affordable. If your family both receives EITC and applies for 3 Squares VT, your children can receive free school meals – which helps provide your local school with funding and resources. Free school meals are good for your school, your family, and can mean saving hundreds of dollars per month on your grocery bill. For more information on the 3 Squares VT program, visit http://www.vermontfoodhelp.com/ . For a school meals application, visit http://www.vtnohunger.org/schoolmealapplication.pdf .

MES SCHOOL BOARD MEETINGS

Slim Goodbody presents:

Lighten up

The Great American Nutrition Musical

The Moretown School is pleased to welcome Slim Goodbody for a school wide assembly on Monday April 5^th 2010. The show will run from 1:30-2:30. Parents are welcome to attend. This program is made possible by a generous grant from the Vermont Caring Foundation. Please contact Jill Brown with any questions you may have.

Vermont Families Needed to Host Educators from Moldova

For more information about becoming a host family, please contact Renee Berrian at (802) 496-4545 (x106) or email at renee.berrian@ph-int.org.

PH is an international nonprofit organization based in Waitsfield, Vermont. Additional information about PH and the Community Connections Program is available at http://www.ph-int.org/

After school survey

Please go to the school website at http://www.moretownschool.org/ and complete the after school needs survey, there will be a link on the homepage of our website.

Alligator Summer Camps at Moretown School

Habitat Partners vs. Harlem Ambassadors

Tickets will be available at the Door $5 Students/Seniors, $10 Adults

Kids under 5 FREE!

April 14, 2010 - 6 pm - Barre Auditorium

Advance Tickets ($4 and $8) are available

4/2, 4/8 6:30 - 8:30 or 9pm Barre Auditorium during the last 3 home games of the Frost Heaves 3/21-22

Waterbury Home & Garden Show- Crossett Brook Middle School

Northfield: Norwich Univ. Dining hall front desk

Waitsfield: Lincoln Peak Properties, Chittenden Bank, Lee-Parrish Gallery

Waterbury: Zach's

Randolph : Cover to Cover, Main St.

Barre: Nelson's Ace, Main St

Thygesen's Sports, 51 Smith St

Number 9 Boutique Main Street

Montpelier: Onion River Sports, Langdon St

Number 9 Boutique Main Street