Tuesday, July 31, 2018

Moretown School Update July 31, 2018





Greetings to the Moretown families and community,

I am struck daily at what a wonderful and friendly community I have been lucky enough to join.  I have been watching the MECA camp engage kids all over the building and grounds in the most respectful and cool ways.  I swear, almost every one of them have come through the office to say "hi." What a kind bunch.




I have been keeping a bulleted list on my desk of all the things I want to share with folks, and as August is on the horizon-quite literally with the sun rising tomorrow, here are some highlights to get us started:
  • We have some new faces around here... I am not the only one. Please join me in welcoming:
    • Our new pre-K teacher Heather Von Trapp 
    • Our new Interventionist Kathy Haskell 
    • Our new Librarian and Tech Integrationist David Green-Leibovitz
    • Our new 3/4 teacher Stefanie Clymer
  • There are no Calendar updates:
    • Reminder: The first day of school for all students in HUUSD is Monday August 27, 2018.  We look forward to seeing everyone then.
  • Fingerprinting
    • ALL coaches, volunteers, and chaperones will need a background and records check in order to work or volunteer at MES or accompany children on field trips
      If you know in advance that you will be volunteering in ANY capacity during the year it would make sense to get the background check done as soon as possible e.g. classroom volunteers, ski program, field trips, etc.  The process could take 3-6 weeks, and sometimes longer.  The steps to do so are:
      1. Call Laura Titus at HHUSD Central Office @ 583-7953 to make an appointment. All inquiries about the process go to ltitus@wwsu.org.
      2. Be prepared to:
        1. Bring two forms of ID.
        2. A check made payable to HUUSD for $12.00 (or the exact change)
        3. Next you will make an appointment to be fingerprinted at the Sheriff’s office (you will need two forms of ID there also).
        4. Fingerprints cost $25.

      If you were background checked and fingerprinted during the 2017-18 school year you do not need to do it again. If not, then summer is a good time to get this done so you're ready for the start of the school year.
  • PTO Update (much more to come)
    • We are collecting Box Tops for Education this year.
      • Snip them from food/product packaging and send them in with your student.  We will have a collection receptacle in the area of the main office soon.  
  • HUUSD Bus schedules will come home first week of school
    • We will be asking families for regular schedule for students for a regular week
      • We will have a paper copy or an electronic copy of each student's regular schedule to and from school.  
      • I know fall schedules are falling into order as the weeks go on.  Our goal is to have a posted schedule for each class by week 2.
    • Drop off/pick up
      • Quick reminder: A student may be picked up from school only by a parent unless otherwise noted.  We need written permission.
      • Parents please take a moment to communicate any restrictions about pick-ups as well.
A more in-depth newsletter is to come with far more information, but I wanted to reach out and say Happy (almost) August! You will be hearing from classroom teachers/teams soon as well outlining essential information for the 2018-2019 school year.  I am also in the process of updating the Moretown Student Handbook and will upload that live link above as soon as it is complete.

Best, 
Mandy Couturier