Moretown School Update June 22, 2018

“The beginning is the most important part of the work.” 

-Plato

Greetings,

I’m thrilled to be writing to all of you, saying hello as the soon-to-be principal of Moretown Elementary School. I had the privilege to spend time at MES this spring. I was struck by the welcoming classrooms, bustling with connection and warmth. Moretown is a great school, and I feel honored to be joining this wonderful staff and community.

My hopes and dreams for the summer are many. I hope to find the perfect chair for my new office. I plan to bring my three kiddos to play at the amazing playgrounds and rec fields right here in Moretown. I hope to spend time outdoors, as much time as possible, soaking in the sunshine and the fresh air. I dream of hikes on the hills and mountains that surround our valley and kayaks on the reservoir. I look forward to time at the ocean, where the waves are deafening and the smiles are infectious. And I hope to meet many of you and see many of your children enjoying summertime fun at MECA.

My summer will also be spent working and learning. Mr. Pierson has graciously agreed to help me learn the ropes and answer all my questions (I’m generating more by the second.) Also, I will be spending time exploring the school and the grounds, learning every nook and cranny under Mr. Wagner’s expert guidance. I will continue to read and learn about the things I am most passionate about; children and social/emotional well being. And there may be a class or workshop to fit in as well (we’ll see).

What an exciting adventure to be embarking on. What better way to work than to be surrounded by the sounds of play, problem solving, laughter and determination?

Wishing you all a safe and wonderful summer filled with experience and wonder.


Mandy Couturier

Moretown School Update, June 15, 2018

Moretown 6th Graduation Ceremony
Celebrating their past and looking forward to their future

Good luck in your next adventures 

Mrs. D and Mrs Wood, you will be missed!  

Moretown Messenger, Final School year 2018 Edition
Click on the Weather Bloopers link for a
video!   Click on the Messenger Link below:

https://sites.google.com/a/wwsu.org/moretown-messenger/home

Have a great summer everyone... 

HUUSD Board Meeting Update
Dear members of our six town community,
At our last meeting on June 6, 2018, the Harwood Unified Union SchoolDistrict (HUUSD) Board took action on the three (3) items below:

1. We approved the unanimous recommendation of the hiring committee to appoint Mandy Couturier for the position of Principal at Moretown Elementary school (2 year contract).
2. We approved multiple board warrants
3. We confirmed Torrey to be an added board member on the executive project committee on the Harwood project.

We also were advised on the project committee’s current thinking about the June 21 middle school workshop which will include staff and administrators who work with middle school students, board members, parents from the community, and non-parents from the community.
It is our hope to send updates and previews of each HUUSD Board meeting in the future. Thank you for your continued support and engagement.
Our next meeting is Wednesday, June 13 from 6:30 - 9:30 pm and will be held in the Harwood Union High School library. Please note it will be preceded by an executive session for the purpose of superintendent evaluation.
You can visit wwsu.org for board agendas and minutes, and watch past meetings at https://mrvtv.com
Respectfully,
The HUUSD Board 
Christine Sullivan (Waitsfield)  *Chair, Caitlin Hollister (Waterbury)  *Vice Chair, Alycia Biondo (Warren), Jill Ellis (Fayston), Gabe Gilman (Moretown), Peter Langella (Moretown), Garett MacCurtain (Duxbury), Maureen McCracken (Waterbury), Theresa Membrino (Fayston), Melissa Phillips (Waterbury), Torrey Smith (Duxbury), Alexandra Thomsen  (Waterbury), Rosemarie White (Warren), Rob Williams (Waitsfield)

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.

Central Vermont Gymnastics Academy SUMMER CAMP 2018 . Full-day camps run from 8am 4pm for children ages 6 and up (Please contact us about younger children.)Half-day camps for younger campers (ages 4+) run from 8am 11:30am.Full-day campers will enjoy swimming and picnic lunch every afternoon at the Waterbury Reservoir (weather-permitting). Friday Pizza Parties for $5 (Tired of packing lunch? Let us do it for you every Friday!) Full Day Week is $235 per week or $60 per day. Half Day week $145 per week and $40 per day. First 9 WEEKS FULL DAYS FOR $1,500
First 9 WEEKS HALF DAYS FOR $1,000 . Day Camps are offered the following weeks: June 18-22, June 25-29, July 2-6, July 9-13 , July 16-20 , July 23-27, July 30-August 3, August 6-10, August 13-17, August 22-24. CONTACT: Central Vermont Gymnastics Academy , e-mail: info@cvtga.com , website: www.cvtga.com , phone: 802-882-8324.
 

Inaugural Mad Mile for kids age 7-13 will launch on Sunday, July 8th at the start line for the Mad Marathon.  Start time will be just after the 7AM start for the marathon runners.  The Mad Mile will be on the USATF Sanctioned course from the start at Irasville General Store heading north to Bridge Street and then turning back to the Mad River Green Finish.    Registration fee is $5.00 per runner who will each receive a finisher medal along with a Mad Mile shirt.   Long time announcer and sportscaster Peter Graves will welcome each runner home though the Mad Marathon Finish Gantry. The Mad Mile is sponsored by Sugarbush Real Estate
For more information contact dori@madmarathon.com
  Runners who wish to run for a fund to benefit Hannah’s House, a local non-profit mental health center, are invited to join Team Hannah.
For more information, contact Joe Robinson-jrobinson@wwsu.org
or Cindy Carr – cindy@hannahshousevt.org
Or go to:  http://www.hannahshousevt.org/mad-marathon-fundraiser/

Fencing Instruction and Beyond: Tuesdays and Thursdays, July 10-Aug 9, 6:30-8:30pm, Memorial Park in Stowe, Ages 12+, with Keith(Digger)Puffer.  Visit Stowerec.org to register online or call Stowe Parks and Recreation at 802-253-6138.

HUMS XC Adventure Running Camp, for kids going into 7th grade in the fall, July 2nd - July 6th and July 10-July 14th, 9am-11am, at Harwood. The fee is $200.  For more information, contact Lou Bevacqui atvcacupuncture@gmail.com.

Equine Guided Youth Leadership Summer Camp at Horses & Pathfinders in Moretown, 9:00 am – 4:30 pm ET each day, June 25-29th, recommended Ages: 9-14; up to 10 participants. We focus on supporting youth to discover natural strengths, talents, gifts, explore  self-leadership, expand creativity, master challenges and connect with themselves, others, and the world. In addition to interactive leadership and team-working Equine-Guided experiential exercises and activities every day, we offer: swimming, trail walk with the horse, somatic-bareback learning and experience, and other nature-related crafts, animal observation and nature knowledge. What to expect: A week of practicing leadership, team building, experiential learning, creativity, fun, achievement, connected relationships and unique experiences. We also offer optional overnight camping, recommended for 12-14 year olds! To register or find out more please contact: Lucinda@horsesandpathfinders.com or 802-223-1903 or visit: “Courses" at Horsesandpathfinders.com

Host Families Needed Exchange students are really brave kids who step outside their comfort zones to become part of new families, schools, and communities. They are smart, engaged, and excited to share their country’s culture, traditions, and language.  They believe that America welcomes the world.  Exchange students bring new perspectives that can open minds, creating opportunities for engagement and understanding that strengthen schools and communities alike. Many host families develop a relationship that lasts a lifetime with the student they host. We have many students still awaiting a family to call their own and visa deadlines are fast approaching. Families can learn more about CIEE by visiting www.ciee.org/highschool  or starting an application at www.ciee.org/host.  I’m certainly here to help as well and can be reached at susankuegel10@gmail.com  
 

4-H Is looking to start a Horse Club Near You! 4-H is a youth directed program and allows youth to explore different project areas alongside volunteers in a club setting as they develop leadership, citizenship, and life skills. 4-H clubs are open to youth ages 8-18.  Youth ages 5-7 may join Cloverbuds which offers a non-competititve learning experience.  For more information contat Allison Smith at 802-476-2003 or Allison.smith.2@uvm.edu

Moretown School Update, June 8th, 2018

Moretown 6th graders on their adventure to
Ottawa, the capital of Canada.  A visit to the
Governor General's Estate, History Museum, a
re-enactment walk through old town, caving and
a finish by white water rafting.. perfect way to
end their time at Moretown.  

Moretown Engineers
learn about  and take apart
a Combustion Engine.. 

School Year's Landing......

The end of the school year often brings mixed emotions for students, school staff and families.  Often calendars are filled with the "count down" to the final day of classes.   No doubt the year's "landing" can be seen as the finish line for many.  We often find ourselves so occupied with piloting through the turbulence of the final days of our school's landing that we forget to look out the window and really appreciate the view.  The many successes and learning experiences that we have all witnessed should provide a sense of pride and accomplishment and perhaps a glimer of the opportunities that lie ahead.   As our life instrument panel blinks, whirls and buzzes, and our landing shakes under the stresses of a runway touch down, take a moment to appreciate those around you and capture the memories, as they are fleeting.  Cherish these moments.  Take a look out of the window.....  its amazing out there. 

Mr. Pierson

For the last two weeks of school, we will be riding bikes in PEclass. If students would like to bring their own bikes, that is fine as long as they don’t have training wheels! We have access to an entire trailer of bikes and helmets, so bringing personal bikes is not necessary. However, personal helmets are recommended as they might fit better than the ones on the trailer. 

A great fun filled way to end the year!   

CALENDAR UPDATE

May 2018  

June 8	Class placements for 18-19 school year sent home
June 13	Field Days in the PM
June 14	Graduation
June 15	Last Day of School Half Day Moretown Dismissed at 12:15

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.

The Inaugural Mad Mile for kids age 7-13 will launch on Sunday, July 8th at the start line for the Mad Marathon.  Gun time will be just after the 7AM start for the marathon runners.  The Mad Mile will be on the USATF Sanctioned course from the start at Irasville General Store heading north to Bridge Street and then turning back to the Mad River Green Finish.  

Registration fee is $5.00 per runner who will each receive a finisher medal along with a Mad Mile shirt.   Long time announcer and sportscaster Peter Graves will welcome each runner home though the Mad Marathon Finish Gantry. The Mad Mile is sponsored by Sugarbush Real Estate

For more information contact dori@madmarathon.com

OPTIONAL:  Runners who wish to run for a fund to benefit Hannah’s House, a local non-profit mental health center, are invited to join Team Hannah.

For more information, contact Joe Robinson-jrobinson@wwsu.org

or Cindy Carr – cindy@hannahshousevt.org

Or go to:  http://www.hannahshousevt.org/mad-marathon-fundraiser/

Stretch -n - Sketch, with Mindy and Jill, June 10th, 12:-3pm, at IDEAS inWaitsfield, boys and girls ages 7-12, $35.  Relax with yoga first, then paint on canvas and shells.  For more information visit: www.cognitivesstudios.org

Central Vermont Gymnastics Academy SUMMER CAMP 2018 . Full-day camps run from 8am 4pm for children ages 6 and up (Please contact us about younger children.)Half-day camps for younger campers (ages 4+) run from 8am 11:30am. Full-day campers will enjoy swimming and picnic lunch every afternoon at the Waterbury Reservoir (weather-permitting). Friday Pizza Parties for $5 (Tired of packing lunch? Let us do it for you every Friday!) Full Day Week is $235 per week or $60 per day. Half Day week $145 per week and $40 per day. First 9 WEEKS FULL DAYS FOR $1,500
First 9 WEEKS HALF DAYS FOR $1,000 . Day Camps are offered the following weeks: June 18-22, June 25-29, July 2-6, July 9-13 , July 16-20 , July 23-27,July 30-August 3, August 6-10, August 13-17, August 22-24. CONTACT: Central Vermont Gymnastics Academy , e-mail: info@cvtga.com , website: www.cvtga.com , phone: 802-882-8324.
 
The Inaugural Mad Mile for kids age 7-13 will launch on Sunday, July 8th at the start line for the Mad Marathon.  Start time will be just after the 7AM start for the marathon runners.  The Mad Mile will be on the USATF Sanctioned course from the start at Irasville General Store heading north to Bridge Street and then turning back to the Mad River Green Finish.    Registration fee is $5.00 per runner who will each receive a finisher medal along with a Mad Mile shirt.   Long time announcer and sportscaster Peter Graves will welcome each runner home though the Mad Marathon Finish Gantry. The Mad Mile is sponsored by Sugarbush Real Estate
For more information contact dori@madmarathon.com

OPTIONAL:  Runners who wish to run for a fund to benefit Hannah’s House, a local non-profit mental health center, are invited to join Team Hannah.
For more information, contact Joe Robinson-jrobinson@wwsu.org
or Cindy Carr – cindy@hannahshousevt.org
Or go to:  http://www.hannahshousevt.org/mad-marathon-fundraiser/

Northfield Seeks Host Families for 8th Annual Chinese Cultural Exchange Summer Program: The program will take place July 22-August 4th.  Families are needed to house at least two students, but up to four students, for two weeks.  You will receive a stipend of $200 per student to help with expenses. Students will study at Northfield/middle/High Schoo Mondaythrough Friday from 8:30am-4:30pm. Host families provide housing, meals and evening activities that showcase what Vermont families do in the summer.  We can help with transportation. For more information or to help, please contact host family coordinator Brandi Peloquin at 802-477-2994 or emailbpeloquin77@gmail.com or Michele Tofel Murray at 802-485-7304 or emailmtofelmurray@gmail.com
Drive for Refugees and Immigrants Harwood's International Refugee Club is collecting diapers and sanitary pads for resettling families in Vermont. This drive will take place Monday, May 21st --Monday June 11th. Donation box locations are: Warren Elementary School, the Warren Public Library, FaystonElementary School and the Waisfield Town Office. All donated diapers and sanitary pads will be given to the Vermont U.S. Committee for Refugees and Immigrants (USCRI). These products will then be available too all USCRI clients. If you would prefer to donate money to our diaper/sanitary drive rather than to donate specific products checks can be made out to the Harwood International Refugee Club and sent to Harwood ( 458 VT-100, Moretown, VT 05660 ). Any amount of donation is greatly appreciated!

HUMS XC Adventure Running Camp, for kids going into 7th grade in the fall, July 2nd - July 6th and July 10-July 14th, 9am-11am, at Harwood. The fee is $200.  For more information, contact Lou Bevacqui atvcacupuncture@gmail.com.

Equine Guided Youth Leadership Summer Camp at Horses & Pathfinders in Moretown, 9:00 am – 4:30 pm ET each day, June 25-29th, recommended Ages: 9-14; up to 10 participants. We focus on supporting youth to discover natural strengths, talents, gifts, explore  self-leadership, expand creativity, master challenges and connect with themselves, others, and the world. In addition to interactive leadership and team-working Equine-Guided experiential exercises and activities every day, we offer: swimming, trail walk with the horse, somatic-bareback learning and experience, and other nature-related crafts, animal observation and nature knowledge. What to expect: A week of practicing leadership, team building, experiential learning, creativity, fun, achievement, connected relationships and unique experiences. We also offer optional overnight camping, recommended for 12-14 year olds! To register or find out more please contact: Lucinda@horsesandpathfinders.com or 802-223-1903 or visit: “Courses" at Horsesandpathfinders.com

Host Families Needed Exchange students are really brave kids who step outside their comfort zones to become part of new families, schools, and communities. They are smart, engaged, and excited to share their country’s culture, traditions, and language.  They believe that America welcomes the world.  Exchange students bring new perspectives that can open minds, creating opportunities for engagement and understanding that strengthen schools and communities alike. Many host families develop a relationship that lasts a lifetime with the student they host. We have many students still awaiting a family to call their own and visa deadlines are fast approaching. Families can learn more about CIEE by visiting www.ciee.org/highschool  or starting an application at www.ciee.org/host.  I’m certainly here to help as well and can be reached at susankuegel10@gmail.com  
 

4-H Is looking to start a Horse Club Near You! 4-H is a youth directed program and allows youth to explore different project areas alongside volunteers in a club setting as they develop leadership, citizenship, and life skills. 4-H clubs are open to youth ages 8-18.  Youth ages 5-7 may join Cloverbuds which offers a non-competititve learning experience.  For more information contat Allison Smith at 802-476-2003 or Allison.smith.2@uvm.edu

Moretown School Update, June 1, 2018

Moretown Pig Roast Back Up Singers! 
Thanks to everyone and especially the PTO for a great event.. even in the rain.
The PTO raised funds to support our popular ski program
and school residencies..   

HUUSD School Board 5/23 Meeting Recap

 

Dear members of our six town community,
At our last meeting on May 23, 2018, the Harwood Unified Union School District (HUUSD) Board took action on the ten (10) items below:

1.  We entered into executive session for the purpose of superintendent evaluation.
2.  We approved previous meeting minutes with edits.
3.  We accepted Maureen McCracken’s request to rescind her resignation – reinstated her as a Waterbury representative to the HUUSD.  We also recognized and appreciated the person who was willing to serve and agreed to send a note of appreciation on behalf of the board.
4. We provided pre-approval for multiple international trips planned for high school aged students in the FY18-19 year, including: Rwanda / Greece & Italy / Denmark.
5. We accepted recommended meal price changes for 2018-2019 to align prices across the district.
6. We confirmed board membership on the project committees related to the Harwood Bond project and middle school evaluation process.
7. We asked the policy committee to research lack of policy on challenging educational materials and report back to the board regarding recommended next steps.
8. We agreed that within the next year each board member would connect one on one with each other and with Michelle Baker and Brigid Nease – in an effort to develop connections and enhance team building.
9. We accepted the request by the district administrative team to not vote on the Community Engagement proposal before June 27 and to allow them to submit their own proposal for consideration on that date.
10. We approved multiple board warrants.

At this meeting, we also heard a presentation by elementary school leaders about learning expectations at the elementary level and how they are assessed across the district.
It is our hope to send updates and previews of each HUUSD Board meeting in the future. Thank you for your continued support and engagement. Our next meeting is a short one on Wednesday, June 6 at 6 pm to hear and act on recommendations from the Moretown hiring committee as appropriate.  Our next full board meeting is Wednesday, June 13, from 6 pm to 9:30 pm and will be held in the Harwood Union High School library.
You can visit wwsu.org for board agendas and minutes, and watch past meetings at School Board May 23, 2018
Respectfully,
The HUUSD Board
Christine Sullivan (Waitsfield)  *Chair, Caitlin Hollister (Waterbury)  *Vice Chair. Alycia Biondo (Warren), Jill Ellis (Fayston), Gabe Gilman (Moretown), Peter Langella (Moretown), Garett MacCurtain (Duxbury) , Maureen McCracken (Waterbury), Theresa Membrino (Fayston), Melissa Phillips (Waterbury), Torrey Smith (Duxbury), Alexandra Thomsen  (Waterbury), Rosemarie White (Warren), Rob Williams (Waitsfield) 

CALENDAR UPDATE

May 2018  

June 7  and 8	6th Grade Class Trip to Ottawa
June 8	Class placements for 18-19 school year sent home
June 13	Field Days in the PM
June 14	Graduation
June 15	Last Day of School Half Day Moretown Dismissed at 12:15

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.Stowe and Mad River Dance Academy present Snow White and an evening of dance, June 1 & 2, at 6pm, and June 3 at 1pm, at Dibden Center for the Arts at Johnson State College. Tickets are $20-$24 and are available at: www.stowedance.com or 802-253-5151.  Many of our Waitsfield School students are in the Saturday night show.

Boy Scout Troop 700 Car Wash and Interior Cleaning, June 2, 10:30-3:30, at Waitsfield School, Suv: wash $15, interior and wash $30, interior only $20, Car: wash $15, interior and wash $25 and interior only $15.

Northfield Seeks Host Families for 8th Annual Chinese Cultural Exchange Summer Program: The program will take place July 22-August 4th.  Families are needed to house at least two students, but up to four students, for two weeks.  You will receive a stipend of $200 per student to help with expenses. Students will study at Northfield/middle/High Schoo Monday through Friday from 8:30am-4:30pm. Host families provide housing, meals and evening activities that showcase what Vermont families do in the summer.  We can help with transportation. For more information or to help, please contact host family coordinator Brandi Peloquin at 802-477-2994 or email bpeloquin77@gmail.com or Michele Tofel Murray at 802-485-7304 or email mtofelmurray@gmail.com
Drive for Refugees and Immigrants: Harwood's International Refugee Club is collecting diapers and sanitary pads for resettling families in Vermont. This drive will take place Monday, May 21st --Monday June 11th. Donation box locations are: Warren Elementary School, the Warren Public Library, Fayston Elementary School and the Waisfield Town Office. All donated diapers and sanitary pads will be given to the Vermont U.S. Committee for Refugees and Immigrants (USCRI). These products will then be available too all USCRI clients. If you would prefer to donate money to our diaper/sanitary drive rather than to donate specific products checks can be made out to the Harwood International Refugee Club and sent to Harwood ( 458 VT-100, Moretown, VT 05660 ). Any amount of donation is greatly appreciated!

HUMS XC Adventure Running Camp, for kids going into 7th grade in the fall, July 2nd - July 6th and July 10-July 14th, 9am-11am, at Harwood. The fee is $200.  For more information, contact Lou Bevacqui at vcacupuncture@gmail.com.

Equine Guided Youth Leadership Summer Camp at Horses & Pathfinders in Moretown, 9:00 am – 4:30 pm ET each day, June 25-29th, recommended Ages: 9-14; up to 10 participants. We focus on supporting youth to discover natural strengths, talents, gifts, explore  self-leadership, expand creativity, master challenges and connect with themselves, others, and the world. In addition to interactive leadership and team-working Equine-Guided experiential exercises and activities every day, we offer: swimming, trail walk with the horse, somatic-bareback learning and experience, and other nature-related crafts, animal observation and nature knowledge. What to expect: A week of practicing leadership, team building, experiential learning, creativity, fun, achievement, connected relationships and unique experiences. We also offer optional overnight camping, recommended for 12-14 year olds! To register or find out more please contact: Lucinda@horsesandpathfinders.com or 802-223-1903 or visit: “Courses" at Horsesandpathfinders.com