Weekly News 38 - Mill River Schools

May 23, 2016
SMS Principal’s News – 38
RSSU's Foundational Beliefs:
● Students feel cared for and loved.
● Students feel challenged every day.
● Students have lots of opportunities to learn.
● Students know what they are expected to learn.
● Students know why they are learning.
● Teachers communicate with families before, during, and after challenges
and successes.
● Students, staff and families work together.
Update: This week will be a little busy – with a field trip for 2-5 on Wednesday.
May 26th will be our Spring Concert, with all grades performing! The
informational flier that went home last week is attached. June 7th will
be our annual Move Up Night, celebrating all of our students as they make their
transition to the next grade. It’s hard to believe that we only have two and a half
weeks of school left!
I’ve attached a few informational fliers to this newsletter that outline some great
opportunities.
Shrewsbury Advisory: The new Mill River Unified Union School District held
an organizational meeting last Thursday – thanks to all of those that came out to
the meeting. The Shrewsbury Mountain School Board and I have a request, as we
transition to this new entity. We would like to create a Shrewsbury
Advisory committee include 4-8 Shrewsbury residents, and hope to
have representation from some parents and school volunteers.
Please see the attached flier and let me know if you’re interested by
emailing me at [email protected] . I’d like to set up an informational meeting for
those interested.
RSSU Summer Enrichment Camp: Brochures to sign up for camp are on
their way home. If you didn’t receive one, let us know!
Parent Workshop: Wednesday, May 18th 5:30-7:00pm CES will be hosting a
workshop on the adolescent brain. See the attached flier for details.
CES Summer Camp: In Clarendon, they discovered a need to provide a
quality camp program during the three weeks between the end of school and the
start of the SU enrichment camp. To help fill this need, the CES after school
program will be running a three-week summer camp at CES from June 13th July 1st. It will run Mon - Fri from 7:30 - 5:30; the camp itself is from 8:30 3:30 but they will be offering early drop off and late pick up options to help our
working parents. Cost of the camp is $70 per week with an additional $5 per day
for the early and/or late option. They are also offering an option for swimming
lessons. Information and forms are available on the website here.
Young Hacks: Young Hacks Academy is hosting a tech leadership camp this
summer at Stafford Technical Center in Rutland for 9-14 year olds called Young
Hacks Academy (http://www.younghacks.com). A blend of computer
programming, problem-solving, and teamwork, YHA teaches kids to build cool
video games about big challenges facing us on the local and global level, like
climate change, homelessness, and endangered wildlife. We aim to equip kids
with a foundation in programming, and to instill a passion for creative problem
solving and a commitment to service. RSSU’s own Joe Bertelloni is an
instructor for the program, for the second year in a row. If you have any
question, email Joe at [email protected] and see the flyer on the website here.
Pre-K registration: If you have a child that will be ready for preschool, call
Marj at 492-3435 to set up a time to register on May 20th from 9-11:30.
Call for Volunteers: Four Winds is a volunteer-run, hands-on, K-6, nature
program and we could use a few more volunteers for next year. The commitment
is a 2-hour workshop on the 1st Tuesday of the month 8 months of the year. As a
volunteer you will learn about that month's topic and how to teach the activities,
then spend about 3 hours prepping and teaching it to your classroom (often with
a partner). As a volunteer I am learning so much and having fun, and getting to
be a part of the school community from the inside. The students love the
program and ask excitedly "IS TODAY 4 WINDS?!" whenever they see me. If
you would like to volunteer, please contact Gretchen Gould at 492-2017 or
[email protected].
You don't have to have a child in SMS to volunteer, so please let family and
friends who might be interested know about this opportunity.
Calendar update: Attached is a memo outlining changes in next year’s
calendar, including regularly scheduled early release days. Also, Shrewsbury’s
schedule will be shifting 5 minutes next year. Next year, Shrewsbury will run
from 8:20-3:20. For more information, see the FAQ posted on the front page of
http://rssu.org
Odds and Ends: Please remember that if your child is ill with strep throat,
he/she must be on antibiotic for 24 hours before returning to school. If your
child has a stomach bug, he/she must be symptom free for at least 24 hours
before returning to school. If your child is sent home from school, he/she must
be symptom free for 24 hours prior to returning to school. I realize that this is
sometimes difficult, but it helps keep our school community healthy.
Outdoor Spring Recess: It’s mud season, so please make sure your child has
appropriate boots. It is warming up--but clouds and wind can make recess chilly
still. Please remember to send your child with the necessary outerwear to
participate in outdoor recess including hat, scarf/face protection, mittens or
gloves, snow pants, and winter coats just in case.
Shrewsbury Lunch Scholarship: The S.A.G.E foundation along with the
community recently held the 2nd annual harvest supper. Funds that were
collected will be offered as scholarship program for school meals for any family
that may not meet the criteria for free and reduced meal program. Scholarships
may cover all or part of the cost of school meals for your child. If you are
interested, please contact me at 492-3435 or [email protected]
Important Dates:
5/25/16 – Grades 2-5 field trip to Hildene
5/26/16 – SMS Spring Concert, 6:30pm
6/1/16 – Pre-K field trip to Jump Fore Fun
6/1-6/2 – 6th grade trip to NYC
6/3/16 – K/1 field trip to Montshire Museum of Science
6/6/16 - Field Day
6/7/16 - Move Up Night, 5:30pm
6/8/16 – Last day of school, a half-day for students!
Our website has a “Parent Dashboard” http://rssu.org/sms/dashboards/parent-dashboard/. Lunch menus and my
weekly newsletters are posted there. As always, if there is something you would
like me to include in my weekly newsletter, please let me know.
Thanks,
Brian
“Subterranean
Secrets”
An exploration in
art inspired by the
world beneath our
feet
Props!
Come to the Carving Studio and
Sculpture Center this summer to unearth
some creativity! Underneath the rolling
green hills of Vermont lie pristine beds
of white marble, glittery granite, and
multicolored slate. What else dwells
below? From burrowing beasts to
dinosaur bones, manmade pipes
to molten rivers, we will
investigate all things
underground. Through
theme-based sculptural
projects, stories, and daily
adventures, participants
will do more than scratch
the surface of this topic!
Let’s dig deeper!
9am - 3pm
July 18th –22nd
Ages 6-8
Tuition $160
“Sculpture Exploration”
with a twist!
This workshop will provide students
with the opportunity to sample many
sculptural methods and materials, with the
added component of incorporating their
projects into a performance at week’s
end. Participants will be given the
chance to try their hand at stone
carving and other traditional
sculptural techniques, as well as many
non-traditional materials and concepts.
Projects will become props, scenery,
puppets, costuming, etc. for the
performance of the participants’
choosing. Students will be encouraged
to fully experience the materials and
develop their own sculptural style,
while working together to create a
cohesive final product.
9am - 3pm July 25th – 29th
Ages 9-12
Tuition $160
Teacher/Director:
Zoë Marr Hilliard, local visual artist and dancer.
Limited space, please pre-register
802-438-2097 [email protected]
www.carvingstudio.org
Materials, tools and safety equipment for use in workshop are included in the fee.
The Carving Studio and Sculpture Center is a 501 (c) 3 non-profit arts education organization located at
636 Marble Street, P.O. Box 495 West Rutland VT 05777
Mother Myrick’s Fun Summer Reading Program
About to Begin!
Don’t miss out! Our Annual Summer Reading Program is about to get underway!
Children use our game board, which will be distributed through the schools, as a guide. Or
they can be picked up by student in grades K through 6 can stop at Mother Myrick’s
Confectionery (4367 Main St., Manchester). Or contact Jacki 802-362- 1560 - [email protected] for an email copy or to receive one through
the mail.
Now in it’s 27th year, the program rewards children for reading up to 12 books
throughout the summer. With the game board & it’s directions to guide each reader,
Mom or Dad can bring in the children to get a variety of rewards at different steps as they
progress. (We encourage younger siblings to also participate by having an adult read to
them). It’s lots of fun and keeps reading skills sharp until school starts again.
Mother Myrick’s Confectionery has been making artisan chocolates, cakes & confections
since 1977 in it’s retail shop and makes goodies available online
(www.mothermyricks.com ). Dedicated to promoting children’s life long love of
reading, Mother Myrick’s encourages all age eligible students to join in & read this
summer!
Mother Myrick's Confectionery
4367 Main St. Manchester
802-362-1560
[email protected]
GreetingsSMScommunity,
Thespringconcertisrightaroundthecorner,andIhopeyouareasexcitedasI
am!Thekidshavebeenhardatworkforthelastseveralweekspreparingan
excitinganddiverseconcertprogram.Youwillhearinstrumentalandchoralmusic
fromstudentsofallages,drawnfromawidevarietyofstylesandtraditions,andat
least3differentlanguages.Idon'twanttogiveawaytoomuch,sowithoutfurther
ado,herearesomeimportantdetailsforyoutoknow.
-TheconcertisonThursday,May26that6:30PMintheSMSGymnasium.You
maycomeasearlyas6:00PMtograbaprogramandagoodseat,butallstudent
performersmustbeattheschoolby6:20.Studentsinthebandmaywishto
comeearliertowarmupandpreparetheirinstruments.
-Forthisconcert,studentswillsitwiththeirfamiliesintheaudiencewhile
theyarenotonstage.Thisisdifferentfromthewinterconcert,wherestudentssat
ingroupsbyclassroom.Pleaseplanyourseatingaccordinglysothatyourstudents
canmakeaquicktransitiontothestagewhenitistheirturntoperform-Iwilldomy
besttosetuptheseatsinawaywhichwillmakethispossible.
-Thedresscodeforthisconcertwillbelessformalandmorecolorfulthanthe
winterconcert.
-Gentlemen:buttondownorpoloshirts(springcolorswelcome)withdark
orkhakipants.Tiesoptional.Niceshoesifpossible.
-Ladies:dressesorskirts/leggings/pantswithatop.Again,springcolors
welcome.Useyourbestdiscretion-Iamnotamasteratsettinggirl'sdresscodes,
butgirlsgenerallyseemtobemastersatlookingniceandpresentableforconcerts.
-Everyone:dresscomfortably,butlookpresentable.Colorisdefinitely
welcomeinthisconcert.Remembertodresstastefully-themusicshouldbethe
focusoftheconcert,nottheclothing,soperhapsavoidexcessivelybrightcolors.No
jeans.
Andthatshouldbeallfornow!Ifyouhaveanyquestionsatallabouttheconcert,
theseatingplan,orthedresscode,pleasedon'thesitatetocontactme
[email protected],ordropintoseemeatschoolonThursdaymorning,or
Tuesday/Thursdayafternoon.Ilookforwardtoseeingorhearingfromyou,andI
can'twaittoputonanotherwonderfulconcertwiththeawesomestudentsat
Shrewsbury.
Seeyouonthe26th!
Musicallyyours,
KyleWashburn
May2016
DearPrincipalsandGuidanceCounselors,
Here’swhatweknow:
• Vermonthasoneofthehighesthighschoolgraduationratesinthecountry,butoneofthe
lowestcollegecontinuationrates.
• Earningspotentialandemployabilityaredirectlyrelatedtotheamountoftrainingor
educationobtainedafterhighschool.
• Researchshowsthatstudentsarethreetimesmorelikelytocontinueandtocomplete
educationprogramsafterhighschoolifsomeoneissavingforthem.
VSAC’smissionistohelpfamiliestomakecollegeorothertrainingarealityfortheirchildrenby
combiningsavingswiththefinancialaidastudentmayreceive.
That’swhy,inadditiontoitsgrants,scholarships,andoutreachprograms,VSACadministers
Vermont’s529savingsplan,theVermontHigherEducationInvestmentPlan.VHEIPprovidesan
affordablewayforparents,grandparents,relatives,andfamilyfriendstohelpsaveforachild’s
education—startingwithacontributionaslittleas$25.AndasfamiliessavewithVHEIP,theycan
benefitwithaVermontstateincometaxcreditonannualcontributions.
We’dliketotalktoyourschool’sfamiliesaboutsavingfortheirchildren’sfutureeducation.We’re
availabletoworkwithyourschedulesthroughtheendoftheacademicyear.Canwe:
• presentataPTO/PTAorothermeeting
• setupaninformationtableatparent/teacherconferences
• provide“I’msavingforcollege”piggybanksforstudents(andparents)!
Pleasecontactus(RichWestman,SabinaHaskellorDeborahUnica)atVSACat1-800-642-3177or
(802)655-9602(select9fortheVHEIPoption)[email protected]
presentatyourschoolordiscusssavingforeducationbeyondhighschool.Welookforwardto
hearingfromyou!
Sincerely,
RichWestman
Allchildrendeservetheopportunitytobesuccessful.
Vermont’s529collegesavingsplancanhelpmakecollegepossible.
FriendlyReminder
RSSUSummerEnrichmentCamp
Registrationdeadlineis
June1,2016.
Pleasesendregistrationformsandpayments
into:
CherylManiery@
222MeadowcrestDr.
N.Clarendon,Vt.05759
Paymentplansareavailableuponrequest.
ContactMrs.Maniery@770-8122
withquestionsormoreinformation.