January 2016 Newsletter - Shelburne Community School

Shelburne Community
School News
January 2016
Pati Beaumont, PreK-5 Principal
Dates to Remember:
1/8
7:00 pm-9:30 pm
Band Bowl-athon
1/12
6:00 pm
PTO Meeting
1/12
7:00 pm
Budget Meeting @
Town Offices
1/18
NO SCHOOL
MLK Day
1/22
6:00 pm
PTO International
Potluck Dinner
1/29
6:00 pm-8:00 pm
Fifth Grade Social
SCS cafeteria & gym
Allan Miller, 6-8 Principal
Dawn Gruss, Director of Special Education
Happy New Year! January is always about fresh beginnings and
positive change - the promise of a New Year and all the possibilities that exist
for growth and renewal in the coming months. As we all ponder the year
ahead, it is our hope that everyone has a sense of exciting possibilities. We
are enthused as enter the early stages of the renovation project to the D and E
wings that voters so generously funded in November. The Shelburne School
Board has contracted with the architectural firm Dore and Whittier, and they are
hard at work creating the final designs for the wings. They have also been actively working to choose the firm that will provide the construction management,
which will allow final plans to be drafted for the transition to our new classrooms. If you would like to keep informed about this work, we will continue to
use the Building Our Future website to share information - here is the simple
link to that site: http://tinyurl.com/SCSRenovation
During break my daughter Sasha was reading I am Malala: the Girl
Who Stood Up for Education and Was Shot by the Taliban. Many of you
probably know her story well, as she is now an internationally known Pakistani
activist for female education and the youngest-ever Nobel Prize laureate. I am
particularly struck by one quote from this inspiring young woman:
"Let us remember: One book, one pen, one child, and one teacher can change
the world."
- Malala Yousafzai
As I read those words, I was struck by the simplicity. When we drill down into
what we truly need to provide education here at SCS, at the core is the means
to access new ideas, a method for sharing those ideas with others, someone
willing to explore those ideas and another human to share the thinking with. A
book, a pen, a student and a teacher - with just those simple elements, ideas
can grow and develop that will truly allow our young people to change the
world. When I ponder all the other pieces we are fortunate enough to be able
to provide at SCS, it really caused me to pause and just be so thankful that my
own children have access to what we are able to provide here. With that
thought - thank you as parents, guardians and supporters of our school for all
you do to make our school such an active and vibrant school all year round.
We are looking forward to a great year, and offer best wishes for a great 2016
to every member of SCS, children, teachers, staff, parents and community.
Allan Miller
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HAPPY NEW YEAR from the SCS PTO!
The Holiday Fair was a great community event as always! Thank you to all of the teams and students
who participated and to everyone who helped set up and clean up. Also a big thanks to Dave Kelly,
Randy Mushtare, Bob Miller and the entire custodial staff for their help!
SCS Annual Fund has been very successful so far this year as we have raised over $9,000 and were
able to distribute $425 to each team as well as the Music, PE, Art, Library and Cafeteria departments in
December.
The SCS Annual Fund is a new and easy way to support the PTO. 100% of your gift goes directly back to
our students.
These donations help to fund the many programs that the PTO supports such as Visiting Artist programs,
Capital Improvements to the school, the Hands-on Nature science program and $12,000 in grants to
teachers and staff each year.
Thank you for helping to ensure that these programs continue! You can donate by either sending in
a check to the school made out to the SCS PTO or clicking on the "donate" button on the PTO page on
the SCS website.
The popular International Pot-luck Dinner will be on Friday, January 22nd from 6:00 pm - 7:30 pm.
Bring your favorite internationally themed dish to share and spend an evening with other SCS families.
We will also have crafts and games. More information on this to come home soon.
The second annual SCS Bowl-A-Thon will be held at Champlain Lanes on Friday, February 5th.
Besides bowling at this family friendly event, dinner will be provided as well a silent auction and raffle
featuring great prizes! Tickets will go on sale the second week of January. Look for more information on
this soon!
Winter gear needed! The PTO is collecting winter gear (jackets, snow pants, boots, hats, mittens,
gloves, socks, base layers) in a box in the front office. Some will be used by Shelburne families and
some will go through the Gadues Cleaners program to be used where needed within the state.
Do you shop on AMAZON? If you do, click here to access the Amazon Smile website and a portion of
your total purchase will be automatically donated to the PTO! A quick and convenient way to support our
school!
Join us at our next meeting, Tuesday, January 12th at 6:00 pm in the "C" wing computer/conference
room. All are welcome! Pizza & babysitting provided!
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SCS Band
January 8th: Bowl-a-thon, 7:00 pm-9:30pm (tickets on sale at school!)
January 29th-30th: District III Music Festival, Essex Middle School (Concert at 2:00pm on
Saturday)
March 22nd: Winter Concert (Concert Band, Stage Band, 7th-8th grade small ensembles)
Congratulations to the 19 SCS band and chorus students who will attend the District III Jazz Festival at Essex Middle School: Bryce Bowen, Adam Franz, Jessica Ke, Clara MacFaden, River Mitchell, Jamie Portugal-Dunne, and Caitlyn Southworth , vocalists; and Delaney Brunvand & Kira
Serisky, euphonium; Sophie Dauerman & Samantha Morgan, oboe; Sydney Deavitt & Madeline
Love, clarinets; Advik Dewoolkar & Flynn Hall, trumpet; Katherine Lawton, horn; Hannah Hunt &
Nigel Wormser, percussion; and Matthew Ireland, trombone.
Find all updates, announcements, schedules, our handbook, and much more at our SCS Band web
page: http://www.scsvt.org/Page/709.
SCS Band
On December 21st, members of the middle school choirs traveled to the Wright House, a senior living community operated by Cathedral Square. They performed songs from their November concert
and led a sing-a-long of secular seasonal favorites. The students were so excited to have this opportunity to connect with members of the community. A great time was had by all! Check out our
blog: http://scsmiddlemusic.blogspot.com
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Shelburne Community School Preschool Lottery
Shelburne Community School offers community preschool for children 3-5 years old, 3 by
September 1, 2016. The on-site preschool program is part time with children attending three
mornings per week as assigned within Monday through Thursdays. There is no charge for this
preschool and children will be selected through a random lottery. If you are interested in your child
attending, please contact Liz Rider at [email protected]. If you do not have access to a computer,
please leave a message at 383-1178. Please send/leave your name, address, phone number,
child’s name and date of birth. The selection will by a random drawing on February 12. There is no
advantage to having been in the lottery prior to that date. Children currently enrolled in preschool
will remain enrolled if desired until age eligible for kindergarten. New children who are selected will
remain in the program until kindergarten if desired.
The school district also contracts with several area home child care providers and early education
programs for preschool spaces also. Depending on the teacher qualifications at the center or home,
parents will receive
reduced tuition at those sites. If you are interested in using your preschool
money at another child care center or program, please see the district website at www.cssu.org.
Under the student service tab there is a section on the district’s early education options and how to
apply for your funding. All families in the district are eligible for preschool funding.
Families will be notified by email if they have a space for the 2016-2017 school year. If your child is
selected in the lottery, you will receive registration material in the mail. Children enrolling in the fall
will need a copy of their birth certificate, immunization records, proof of residency and a registration
form.
Calling all 5-year-olds from Shelburne!!
Kindergarten Awaits!
The Shelburne Community School is attempting to locate all children who might be eligible for kindergarten for the 2016-2017 school year. If you have a child who will turn five before September 1st
of this year, be sure to call Patty Spagnolo at 383-1119 to pre-register him or her.
Also, if you have a child who will be entering the first grade at Shelburne Community School but is
not currently enrolled, please call Patty Spagnolo.
The school will place your child’s name on their mailing list to receive the registration packet at the
end of March, as well as future mailings about orientation events for incoming kindergarteners.
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Mentoring Corner
Our CY (Connecting Youth) Mentoring program here at SCS celebrated December with a
delicious pizza & craft party for 90 mentors, mentees, and mentee families. We decorated three
gingerbread houses that were raffled off at the Holiday Fair. We also investigated with little bits
electronics and constructed duct tape wonders!
The mentee students, in grades 5 – 8, meet once each week with a community member volunteer in
our vibrant mentoring room to snack, play games, do crafts, and talk. Building strong, positive
relationships is a top goal of our program.
To learn about our mentoring program, contact SCS Mentor Coordinator Alice Brown,
[email protected], 383-1126
The Everybody Wins! Mentoring program celebrated December as well on our usual Wednesday
meeting day. Mentors gave each of their mentees a gift book chosen especially for them (provided
by Everybody Wins!) and both mentees and mentors made appreciation bookmarks as gifts for each
other. Cookies and popcorn added to the festivities!
I am pleased to say that we have doubled the size of our program since September but we still have
students that would love a mentor. Interested in learning more? It’s not too late! Contact
Everybody Wins! SCS Coordinator Randy Sweeney at: [email protected]
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Student pick up
It has been brought to my attention that our community isn’t aware of our back up plan when
parents/guardians are late in picking up their children after school. The plan is that the teacher or
para would bring those students to the office. Depending upon the number of students, Esther will
have them sit and wait in the office or at the tables in the lobby. She will keep an eye on them, or
ask someone else who might be available in the office area to do this, until parents/guardians arrive
to pick up their child. Would you please include this in any weekly publication you send home to
families? Thanks for your help!
SCS ACCESS FOR EVERYONE! LATE WINTER/EARLY SPRING OFFERINGS
REGISTER @ [email protected] OR ONLINE @ https://goo.gl/kWxOoj
ALL CLASSES HELD AT SHELBURNE COMMUNITY SCHOOL
STUDENT OFFERINGS
CIRCUS ARTS
Grades K-5
Tumble, dance, juggle and spin! This great non-competitive class is for boys and girls of all levels.
This class is guaranteed to keep kids moving! Students will learn about 8-counts with fun activities,
work on basic tumbling skills and learn proper form for rolls, round-off’s, cartwheels and more.
They will learn how to do a toe turn and cat leap, learn circus arts to music including “Cirque du
Soleil” while spinning plates, juggling scarves, balancing feathers and LOTS MORE! A GymShow
will be performed at the end of the sessions for family and friends.
Tuesdays for 10 weeks, 2/2/16–4/12/16 (No class 2/23) 3:00–4:15 PM
Cost: $125 per student w/take home props included
Instructor: Ila Sewall of GymKids Academy, Inc.
Ila holds a number of professional certifications including: Kinder Accreditation for Teachers (KAT);
USAG Safety Certification; Level 1-4 Skill Evaluator Certification; and has judged competitive
gymnastics LIMIT: 15
MOSAIC GLASS WINDOW HANGINGS and more!
Grades 4-5
Students will learn the basics of mosaics such as tile preparation, grout mixtures, and even a bit of
mosaic history. Students will have a choice about what to produce and will leave proud of their new
skills. Tiled flower pots, coasters, glass pieces for your window garden stones, hot plates and tiled
name plates are among the possibilities.
Tuesdays for 8 weeks, 2/2/16–3/29/16 (No class 2/23) 3:00–4:15 PM
Cost: $125.00 per student
Instructor: Sarah Sprague LIMIT: 12
ART SAMPLER!
Grades 4-5
Be amazed at the prints that can be made with a small carving tool and a piece of softwood! Using
poplar or bass wooden blocks students will carve in detailed designs into the block. When the design is complete, we will roll ink across the wood and the print is transferred onto the paper. The
carving will be printed on paper first but final prints can be put in note cards, t-shirts, canvas bags
and more.
Tuesdays for 8 weeks, 4/5/16–5/31/16 (No class 4/19), 3:00–4:15 PM
Cost: $125.00 per student
Instructor: Sarah Sprague LIMIT: 12
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ART IN MOTION: POP-UPS!
Grades 4-5
Students will earn lots of simple - but magical - mechanisms that will make their artwork pop off the
page! Inspired by these magical mechanisms, they will create 3-D mixed media art pieces that
Incorporate drawing, painting, collage and a variety of decorative elements. Students will also learn
to make beautiful pop-up cards for every occasion!
Mondays for 6 weeks, 2/1/16–3/28/16 (No class 2/15, 2/22, 2/29) 3:00–4:15 PM
Cost: $115 .00 per student
Instructor: Jill Abilock LIMIT: 10
BOOKBINDING BASICS: BEAUTIFUL BOOKS TO KEEP OR SHARE! Grades 4-5
Students make their own books and journals! This class covers the essential skills needed to create
beautiful books - sewing, folding and gluing. Personal diaries with a ribbon tie will be made, a backto-back BFF book to share with a friend and a mini concertina book, perfect for secret messages or
tiny pictures!
Mondays for 6 weeks, 4/4/16–5/16/16 (No class 4/18) 3:00–4:15 PM
Cost: $115 per student
Instructor: Jill Abilock LIMIT: 10
CRAZY CRITTERS AND CUTE CREATURES Grades 4-5
We'll use fuzzy socks and furry fabric to create soft little critters to treasure or share with a friend.
From planning and designing to hand-sewing and stuffing, students will learn all the skills needed to
make a menagerie of lovable softies at home!
Thursdays for 6 weeks, 2/4/16–3/24/16 (No class 2/18, 2/25) 3:00–4:15 PM
Cost: $115 per student
Instructor: Jill Abilock LIMIT: 10
PUPPET THEATER: MYSTERY, MAJESTY AND MAYHEM! Grades 4–5
In this class students will create puppets (and their own puppet theater!) to act out favorite fairy tales
or a story they write themselves. They will make mysterious shadow puppets that can only tell their
story when the stage is lit and the room is dark. They will use paper mache and fabric to create
over-the-top puppet characters with personality and charm. Finally, students will make a majestic
convertible puppet theater suitable for both shadow puppet mystery and paper mache mayhem!
Thursdays for 8 weeks, 3/31/16–5/26/16 (No class 4/18) 3:00–4:15 PM
Cost: $150 per student
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ADULT OFFERINGS
MOSAICS
Students will learn the basics of mosaics, learning to cut glass, color selection, creating a pattern
and grout mixtures. We will also learn safety when using glass and tools. Students will have a
choice about what patterns to choose and what beautiful glass to use. Students will create a colorful
glass pieces for your window. Candle holders, coasters, hot plates and tiled name plates are among
other the possibilities.
Tuesdays for 4 weeks, 2/2/16–3/1/16 (No class 2/23) 5:00–7:00 PM
Cost: $125
Instructor: Sarah Sprague LIMIT: 10structor: Jill Abilock LIMIT: 10
CONVERSATIONAL GERMAN
Discover the basics of the German language in a fun and interactive way through illustrations, audio
and printed material. Led by Ulrich, a native speaker, the class will let you enjoy this language
through exercises and enjoyable activities to stimulate learning. Designed for beginners and near
beginners, conversation and pronunciation are emphasized in this class. All materials included in
fee.
Wednesdays for 12 weeks, 2/3/16–5/4/16 (No class 2/24, 4/20) 5:30–6:30 PM
Cost: $175
Instructor: Ulrich Schaefer LIMIT: 20
BASIC BOOKBINDING I: JAPANESE STAB BINDING
Open to adults and students age 16 and up
For those interested in making books, Japanese bookbinding is an ideal place to start. These books
are elegant in their simplicity, don't require many tools, are endlessly customizable and fun to make!
Student will make several mini journals with a variety of beautiful sewing patterns and an elegant,
hardcovered book that would make a wonderful photo album or guest book. No prior experience
required. All materials included in fee.
Thursdays for 4 weeks, 2/4/16–3/10/16 (No class 2/18, 2/25) 6:00–7:30 PM
Cost: $125
Instructor: Jill Abilock LIMIT: 10
BASIC BOOKBINDING II: SEWN BINDINGS FOR BEAUTY AND FUNCTION
Open to adults and students age 16 and up
In this class, student will learn the basics of bookbinding to create beautiful yet functional notebooks,
sketchbooks or journals. In addition to tools, materials and basic techniques, two bookbinding
stitches will be covered: the pamphlet stitch and the long-stitch. Versatile and easy to master, the
pamphlet stitch lends itself to many exciting variations, and students will make several small books
exploring different applications of this technique. Long-stitch bindings, like Japanese stab bindings,
offer an infinite variety of decorative patterns. However, unlike stab bindings, long-stitch bound
books lie perfectly flat, making them ideal journals or sketchbooks. Students will practice a variety of
long stitch patterns, and everyone will make a lovely, soft-covered journal with handmade paper and
a wrap-around tie. No prior experience required. All materials included in fee.
Thursdays for 4 weeks, 3/24/16–4/14/16 6:00–7:30 PM
Cost: $125
Instructor: Jill Abilock LIMIT: 10
PAPER POWER! ORIGAMI, KIRIGAMI AND IRIS FOLDING
Open to adults and students age 16 and up
Welcome to the magical world of paper! In this class, students will fold beautiful decorations,
practical boxes and a miniature design for a pendant or earrings. Using Japanese kirigami
(cut paper) techniques, students will turn a cut-paper design into a beautiful "stained-glass" window
hanging that will shimmer with color in the sunlight. Finally, using the cut-and-fold technique of iris
folding, students will create a beautiful design for adorning cards, book covers, or even framing! No
prior experience required.
All materials included in fee.
Thursdays for 4 weeks, 5/5/16–5/26/16 6:00–7:30 PM
Cost: $125
Instructor: Jill Abilock LIMIT: 10
ONE NIGHT U!
DATE NIGHT: A TASTE OF TEA
This class is designed to give the participant a taste of tea, figuratively and literally. It is meant to
whet your appetite and broaden your view of tea. Join John, owner of Vermont Liberty Tea in
Waterbury, to taste a variety of teas, including white, green, oolong, black, puerh and the popular
"non-tea" rooibos from South Africa. Some "tea food" will accompany the tasting. You will see some
of the many forms tea has taken over the centuries…loose leaf, powdered, compressed cakes,
bricks, and tuo cha, as well as flower teas and witch's broom. Interwoven into the tasting and showand-tell, there will be a discussion of the teas, and an overview of tea history, legend and culture. All
tea is included in fee.
Monday, 1 week 2/1/16 6:00–7:30 PM
Cost: $20
Hosted by John McConnell LIMIT: 25
SPACE EXPLORATION 2020 - NASA'S NEW FRONTIERS
What's NASA up to? Do you miss the thrill of the Apollo moon adventures - Neil and Buzz taking
those steps for mankind? If so come hear about some exciting space exploration that is happening
today and planned for the decade to come. Curiosity, Scott, Orion, Cassini, James Webb - if these
names don't rekindle that excitement come let Jet Propulsion Laboratory Solar System Ambassador
Allan Miller give you a NASA update.
Thursday, 1 week 3/17/16 6:00–7:30 PM
Cost: $20
Hosted by Principal Allan Miller LIMIT: 25
TECHNOLOGY RISKS AND THREATS
Trojans, malware and bots - Oh My! Almost everyday there is news of a hacker gaining access to a
database and stealing personal information. We regularly hear about new viruses being unleashed
from computers around the world. Should you be worried? How can you protect your devices, your
children’s devices and keep you and your family safe while using the Internet? This 1 day course
will help to answer those questions for you by reviewing common threats and providing information
for how to identify them and avoid them. Plenty of time will be provided for questions.
Monday, 1 week 2/8/16 6:00–7:30 PM
Cost: $20 LIMIT: 25
Hosted by Mike Kanfer, Director of Network Services for CSSU (His department is responsible for
maintaining the security and safety of the more than 4,000 technology users at the CSSU schools.
GOOGLE 101!
Google Docs, Drive, smartphone savvy and more.
Curious about why so many schools, businesses, and individuals are using Google for nearly
everything? Hoping to stay up with new trends in digital collaboration? Wondering what else you
can do with your Gmail account? Spend two hours with other beginners in a judgment-free and
hands-on tutorial for community members. Smartphone tips and tricks are available as requested
as well! It is recommended that attendees bring a laptop, tablet, or other device. If unavailable, contact ahead of time to ensure that we can accommodate those in need of a computer.
Monday, 1 week 2/15/16 6:00–7:30 PM
Cost: $20
Hosted by Middle Level Social Studies teacher Samuel Nelson LIMIT: 25
FITNESS FOR EVERYONE
Better health. One step at a time.
Hoping to lose some weight? In need of motivation to start a new training regiment? Hoping to PR
in the 5K? In this workshop-based seminar, we will discuss the basics of improving wellness (both
physical and mental) through exercise routines that work for people of all fitness levels. Themes include walking, running, cross-training and speed/strength training, as well as manageable lifestyle
and dietary changes.
Monday, 1 week 2/29/16 6:00–7:30 PM
Cost: $20
Hosted by (one time out-of-shape) marathon runner, long-distance hiker, novice cyclist, and walking
enthusiast Samuel Nelson LIMIT: 25
BEADING: ZIGZAG BRACELET
Tila Zig Zag Bracelet: This quick but stylish bracelet will make a fun addition to your wardrobe. We
will use the two-holed Tila Beads and Swarovski Crystals in this easy stringing project.
Thursday, 1 week 2/4/16 6:30–8:30 PM
Cost: $25 Kit Fee: $20
Hosted by Bead Crazy Owner Ginger Mortenson
CRYSTAL DIAMOND BRACELET
This is a needle and thread project using seed beads and Swarovski Crystals. You will definitely
add some sparkle to your life with this project!
Wednesday, 1 week 3/16/16 6:30–9:00 PM
Cost: $25 Kit Fee: $25
Hosted by Bead Crazy Owner Ginger Mortenson
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Jeh Kulu
In the spirit of building school community and bringing cultural awareness to our school, the climate
committee is excited to share that SCS will be welcoming Jeh Kulu, a West African Dance group, to
our school for a 4-day school wide artist residency program Jan 19th-22nd.
Jeh Kulu is an educational group who will bring the language, culture, and dance of West Africa to
our school. Each classroom K-8 will have at least one “Jeh Kulu” workshop in the gym where they
will experience live drumming and African dance. Teachers are welcome and encouraged to attend
this workshop with their students.
The Residency program will begin and end with a live performance. You’ll notice on Friday, January
15th you have been assigned to one of two morning performances to introduce Jeh Kulu and get us
energized for the following week. Likewise, on Friday, January 22nd you have been assigned to
one of two culminating school performances. We are also thrilled to tell you Jeh Kulu will perform at
the International Potluck dinner that is taking place that Friday night, January 22nd.
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