Friday, January 27, 2017

Moretown School Update January 27, 2017



1st and 2nd grade students learn about kindness, helping others and
empathy by reaching out to an alumni who
was involved in a horrible automobile accident 

HUUSD Budget Update

As we get closer to Town Meeting day 2017 and the mailing of the annual town/school report we wanted to inform our school community of some changes this year.  The purpose of the annual report and pre-town school presentation is to provide information to the members of the Moretown School community about our educational programs and associated costs as a part of larger HUUSD school community.   The 2017-2018 school year adopted budget is now a part of the HUUSD (Harwood Unified Union School District) budget as established under the articles of agreements that guide our new merged school district.  The first annual meeting for the newly organized HUUSD board and its adopted HUUSD budget will be held on March 6th at Harwood Union.  Information on this combined budget will be presented at this new meeting.   Budget information regarding the Moretown School and all other WWSU (HUUSD) schools will be available  on the WWSU website www.wwsu.org.  

The Moretown School Board and the greater HUUSD Board continue to pursue opportunities to entice more families with children to call the excellent schools within HUUSD their home. Examples (within the Moretown School) include; providing all day childcare for 3 and 4 year old students supported fully by tuition funds, continued offerings of an after school, all day childcare program and comprehensive summer offerings through our successful MECA (Moretown Education Center for All) program. Continued enhancements and improvements to our core educational programs include; continued WWSU work on writing improvement and alignments of math and reading skills and assessments, the implementation of a nationally acclaimed STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) program (Project Lead the Way) for grades K - 6, continued support of our ECO program for grades K - 3, our integrated technology program supporting a 1:1 device ratio for students grades 3 - 6, development and implementation of student led conferences for grades pre-k through grade 6 and the furthering of a proficiency based and personalized education system for all students. We continuously look for ways to improve our school and strive to give all of our stakeholders a voice in its future.

Given the parameters around responsible fiscal spending and educational quality the HUUSD School Board adopted a budget at the January 18, 2017 meeting. The budget will be voted on by Australian Ballot on March, 7, 2017 (Town Meeting Day).  Budget information will be available on the WWSU website or at our local town clerk’s office.

6th grade students working with
members from the
Green Mountain Coffee Engineering team
on the design of our cafeteria
STEM project 


Proficiency Based Learning
By 2020, all students in Vermont will graduate with a proficiency-based transcript. Here's what it's all about.  Click on this link to learn more about PBL.  



Community Announcements
Please note that the opportunities/events listed below are not specifically endorsed or screened by school staff; as always, families should use their own standards and review processes to determine appropriate activities.

Parenting Class-"Guiding Good Choices", focusing on children ages 9-14, 5 week workshop series, March 15 - April 126:00-8:00pm, at Waitsfield School.  This parenting class is free and will cover topics such as: understanding the adolescent brain, risk factors; setting clear guidelines and following through with positive and negative consequences; preparing kids to respond to peer influence, refusal skills; conflict management, controlling and expressing anger constructively; and strengthening family bonds and increasing children's participation. Space is limited, pre-registration is required.  Childcare will be provided with reservations.  For more information and to reserve a spot, call Ann Gilbert at 802-223-4949 or emailinfo@cvndc.org.

"Why Are We So Afraid Of People Who Are Different?" :  a community Socrates cafe, 6:30-8:00January 30, Joslin Memorial Library.  Everyone is invited.  For more information email:  katerinewcadwell@gmail.com or joyworland@gmail.com

Fifth/Sixth Grade Dance     Warren School is hosting a 5th/6th grade dance, January 27th, 7pm-9pm.  The admission cost is $3.00 and snacks for 50 cents will be available. The theme for the dance is winter.

High Fives Foundation FAT Ski-A-ThonSunday, March 5th, Sugarbush Lincoln Peak, 8am-3pm, open to all ages.  Pledge forms may be picked up here at school if your child is interested. For more information, call Suzie Lowe or Jessie Murphy at VT North Ski Shop(583-2511).

Friday, January 20, 2017

Moretown School Update January 20, 2017


Mrs. Riccardi's Class
designing and building
machines to rescue a tiger

















Harwood Unified Union School District 
17-18 Budget Update 

The HUUSD board adopted a 2017-18 school budget on Wednesday, January 18 to be voted on by all HUUSD school communities on March 7th  (Town Meeting Day) by Australian Ballot.   As in past y there will be pre-town meeting held at the Moretown school on Monday, March 6th at which time an overview of both the adopted budget as well as the educational programs of the school will be presented.  

At the January 11th meeting the HUUSD board decided to establish a maintenance reserve fund for use by all HUUSD school as well as decided not to make reductions to teaching positions that were proposed initially.   Please note that the HUUSD homestead educational property tax rate will see a reduction over the next five years as part of the incentive to merge early and fully.  The reduction will be 10 cents in the first fiscal year of operation, 8 cents in the second year, 6 cents in the third, 4 cents in the fourth, and 2 cents in the fifth.  

The HUUSD adopted budget supports Moretown school's staffing levels with an increase in our part time custodial position from a .2 to a .5 position.    

Information on HUUSD  can be found:    
Minutes and Meeting Information - http://www.wwsu.org/link-group.php?id=10&lg=356
Mad River TV - http://www.mrvtv.com/


Successful Winter Sports Day
#2!  We hope the weather continues..  
























CALENDAR UPDATE

2016




January 24
Moretown Ski Day #3
January 26
Moretown School Board meeting
Moretown School Library
6pm  
January 31
Moretown Ski Day #4
January 31
Mid-Year progress reports
to be sent home
January 31
PTN meeting 6:30 at the school

Community Announcements
Please note that the opportunities/events listed below are not specifically endorsed or screened by school staff; as always, families should use their own standards and review processes to determine appropriate activities.

"Why Are We So Afraid Of People Who Are Different?" :  a community Socrates cafe, 6:30-8:00January 30, Joslin Memorial Library.  Everyone is invited.  For more information email:  katerinewcadwell@gmail.com or joyworland@gmail.com

Fifth/Sixth Grade Dance     Warren School is hosting a 5th/6th grade dance,January 27th, 7pm-9pm.  The admission cost is $3.00 and snacks for 50 cents will be available. The theme for the dance is winter.

KidsACT is now accepting enrollments for Spring Musical Theater Classes and Summer Musical Theater Camps. All classes and camps take place at the Valley Players Theater on Rt. 100 in Waitsfield.
This spring, students in grades 1-6 will learn stage movement, character development, and strengthen musical skills to present a 30-minute version of the popular musical Seussical. Starting March 9, classes for students in grades 1-3 will take place Thursdays from 3:00-4:00pm and Saturdays from 9:30-10:30am, and classes for students in grades 4-6 will take place Thursdays from 4:00-5:30pm and Saturdays 10:30am-12:00pm. There will be some unified classes in May. The performance will take place on Thursday, May 18 at 5:00 pm.
This summer, students entering grades 1 and 2 can attend a Musical Theater Camp July 24-28 from 9 am to 12 pm daily to perform the short musical play Lemonade.  This clever 20-minute musical is a good introduction for first time theater students. The performance will be at 5 pm on July 28, and is free and open to the public.
Students entering grades 3-7 can attend a Musical Theater Camp July 31-August 4 from 10am to 3 pm daily to perform The Jungle Book, based on the classic story by Rudyard Kipling and the Disney animated film. The performance will be at 6:30 pm on August 4, and is free and open to the public.
A limited number of partial financial-need scholarships are available from the Valley Players, and early registration and sibling discounts are available. For tuition rates, to register and for more information, go to kidsactvt.com, or contact director Ruth Ann Pattee at fun@kidsactvt.com or 802-793-4220.



6th grade working together
to provide a meal to a local family
way to go 6th grade 

Friday, January 13, 2017

Moretown School Update January 13, 2017

Moretown Recognizes Martin Luther King 

Moretown students recognized, discussed
and learned about the important role and leadership
Martin Luther King played with the
civil rights movement.

Harwood Unified Union School District 
17-18 Budget Update 

The HUUSD board continues to work on adopting a budget that will go before the voters on March 8, 2017 (Town Meeting Day) by Australian Ballot.   As in past years there will be pre-town meeting held at the Moretown school on March 7th at which time an overview of both the adopted budget as well as the educational programs of the school will be presented.  

At the January 11th meeting the HUUSD board decided to establish a maintenance reserve fund for use by all HUUSD school as well as decided not to make reductions to teaching positions that were proposed initially.  The board will finalize budget numbers and adopt their final budget on January 18 at 6pm at Harwood Union.   Please note that the HUUSD homestead educational property tax rate will see a reduction over the next five years as part of the incentive to merge early and fully.  The reduction will be 10 cents in the first fiscal year of operation, 8 cents in the second year, 6 cents in the third, 4 cents in the fourth, and 2 cents in the fifth.  

Information on these meetings can be found:    
Minutes and Meeting Information - http://www.wwsu.org/link-group.php?id=10&lg=356
Mad River TV - http://www.mrvtv.com/

Trout In The Classroom Update

Trout in the Classroom Update
Please see our Blog Post Here:  Moretown's Trout in the Classroom project


Mrs. Riccardi's Class
designing and building
simple machines during their STEM class 



Reading to Self
 Mrs. Fadden's class 


























January 16
No School
Martin Luther King Day
January 17
Moretown Ski Day #2
January 17
PTN meeting
6:30 at the school
January 18
HUUSD School Board Meeting at
Harwood Union 6pm
January 24
Moretown Ski Day #3
January 25
HUUSD School Board Meeting at
Harwood Union 6pm (tentative)
January 31
Moretown Ski Day #4
January 31
Mid-Year progress reports
to be senthome



Community Announcements
Please note that the opportunities/events listed below are not specifically endorsed or screened by school staff; as always, families should use their own standards and review processes to determine appropriate activities.

"Why Are We So Afraid Of People Who Are Different?" :  a community Socrates cafe, 6:30-8:00January 30, Joslin Memorial Library.  Everyone is invited.  For more information email:  katerinewcadwell@gmail.com or joyworland@gmail.com

Girl Scout Information Night for Girls and Their Families,K-6, January 176-7pm

, at Waitsfield School     Meet local girl scouts and volunteers, enjoy fun, girl-led activities, explore many girl scout programs, make new friend, learn about volunteer opportunities, register, and receive a free discover girl scouts patch. For more information call 888-474-9686 or email customercare@girlscoutsgwm.org

Fifth/Sixth Grade Dance     Warren School is hosting a 5th/6th grade dance,January 27th, 7pm-9pm.  The admission cost is $3.00 and snacks for 50 cents will be available. The theme for the dance is winter.

Immune Stimulating Remedies for WinterSunday, Jan. 22nd, 4pm, MoretownSchool  Join us for the start of our year-long series with clinical herbalist Allison Dellner, "To Be of the Earth: a Year of Herbs", sponsored by the Moretown Memorial Library. Meeting once a season, the workshops will explore natural ways to keep ourselves and our families well.  In "Mushrooms, Roots and Berries: Immune-Stimulating Remedies for Winter", learn what plants to look for while walking the woods and garden to keep you warm and well through the cold winter months. We will make two useful winter remedies for supporting a healthy immune system; a syrup, and a medicinal chai blend. The class is free, however you must register to attend. Call 802-496-9728 or email moretownlibrary@gmail.com to reserve a spot.


KidsACT is now accepting enrollments for Spring Musical Theater Classes and Summer Musical Theater Camps. All classes and camps take place at the Valley Players Theater on Rt. 100 in Waitsfield.
This spring, students in grades 1-6 will learn stage movement, character development, and strengthen musical skills to present a 30-minute version of the popular musical Seussical. Starting March 9, classes for students in grades 1-3 will take place Thursdays from 3:00-4:00pm and Saturdays from 9:30-10:30am, and classes for students in grades 4-6 will take place Thursdays from 4:00-5:30pm and Saturdays 10:30am-12:00pm. There will be some unified classes in May. The performance will take place on Thursday, May 18 at 5:00 pm.
This summer, students entering grades 1 and 2 can attend a Musical Theater Camp July 24-28 from 9 am to 12 pm daily to perform the short musical play Lemonade.  This clever 20-minute musical is a good introduction for first time theater students. The performance will be at 5 pm on July 28, and is free and open to the public.
Students entering grades 3-7 can attend a Musical Theater Camp July 31-August 4 from 10am to 3 pm daily to perform The Jungle Book, based on the classic story by Rudyard Kipling and the Disney animated film. The performance will be at 6:30 pm on August 4, and is free and open to the public.
A limited number of partial financial-need scholarships are available from the Valley Players, and early registration and sibling discounts are available. For tuition rates, to register and for more information, go to kidsactvt.com, or contact director Ruth Ann Pattee at fun@kidsactvt.com or 802-793-4220.



Have a great long weekend..
Don't forget about our
Winter Sports Program
on Tuesday, Jan 17!  

Friday, January 6, 2017

Moretown School Update January 6, 2017




Moretown's Ski/Ride and SnowShoe Program Begins

The Moretown School PTN's winter sports opportunity, under the direction of Pam Nelson, is proud to announce the beginning of our second annual Sugarbush Ski, Ride and Snowshoe program.  The PTN has worked to support this year's program through both our wreath and flat bread sales.   We are planning  a great winter program with perfect conditions (we paid extra for this)   The program will occur on the following dates:  January 10, 17, 24, 31, Feb 7 and 14 (Tuesdays)  Ski equipment can be dropped off prior to the school day and placed under our main entrance porch.  Hot school lunches on ski days will be a bagged lunch so our students can eat and get ready in their classrooms.  Please contact Pam Nelson at pamelabatesnelson@gmail.com for questions.  We can't wait.  














TROUT in the CLASSROOM
Our Trout Eggs arrived today!  
Check out our TIC blog for 
recent updates and information

CALENDAR UPDATE
2016

January 10
Moretown Ski Day #1
January 11
HUUSD School Board meeting at
Harwood Union 6pm
January 16
No School
Martin Luther King Day
January 17
Moretown Ski Day #2
January 17
PTN meeting
6:30 at the school
January 18
HUUSD School Board Meeting at
Harwood Union 6pm
January 24
Moretown Ski Day #3
January 25
HUUSD School Board Meeting at
Harwood Union 6pm (tentative)
January 31
Moretown Ski Day #4
Community Announcements
Please note that the opportunities/events listed below are not specifically endorsed or screened by school staff; as always, families should use their own standards and review processes to determine appropriate activities.

Mad River Youth Basketball will be starting a weekly clinic for boys and girls grades 1/2. This is open to any child in the Mad River Valley. This clinic will be hosted by Jesse Carst and other MRYB Coaches. We will focus the clinics on basic skills. Children of all abilities are welcome and encouraged.
Program Dates:
Mondays (1/9, 1/16, 1/23, 1/30)
Location: Fayston Elementary (if no school then no clinic)
Times: 5:30-6:30
Cost: $10 for entire 4 Clinic session
Limited to 16 1st and 2nd Graders
Please bring sneakers (no boots).  We will provide the basketballs.

Email Jesse at Jeslee21@hotmail.com to reserve space for your child.




Immune Stimulating Remedies for Winter, January 22, 2017,  MoretownSchool  Join us for the start of our year-long series with clinical herbalist Allison Dellner, "To Be of the Earth: a Year of Herbs", sponsored by the Moretown Memorial Library. Meeting once a season, the workshops will explore natural ways to keep ourselves and our families well.  In "Mushrooms, Roots and Berries: Immune-Stimulating Remedies for Winter", learn what plants to look for while walking the woods and garden to keep you warm and well through the cold winter months. We will make two useful winter remedies for supporting a healthy immune system; a syrup, and a medicinal chai blend. The class is free, however you must register to attend. Call 802-496-9728 or email moretownlibrary@gmail.com to reserve a spot.

"Why are we so afraid of people who are different?" :  a community Socrates cafe, 6:30-8:00January 30, Joslin Memorial Library.  Everyone is invited.  For more information email:  katerinewcadwell@gmail.com or joyworland@gmail.com