November 21, 2018

School News:

Buddies

• As part of ECO, the first and second graders have chosen an animal that lives in Vermont to represent themselves while in the forest each week. They call these their "Nature Names". Last week the children spent time researching their chosen animal, made their animal out of clay and created a miniature habitat.  Each child had the opportunity to spend time with a third, fourth, fifth or sixth grader researching their animal using books and online resources (se below).  Due to the plentiful white fluffy stuff, they also were able to get outside and build a snow version of their animal! 

• So Many amazing pictures to share from the last two weeks:

Kindergarten and 3/4 buddies roasting apples at base camp.

Celebrating being thankful in kindergarten with 3/4 Buddy guests.

Quite a spread for the kindergarten Thankful Feast

SNOW!

Monster Mash:

• Thank you to everyone who helped our Scholastic Book Fair to be a success!

Bonjour:

• Bon appétit!

• By now, families of students in grades 1 through 6 should have received an invitation from Sign up Genius to bring in a French food to your child’s French class. This is completely optional. It allows those who wish to bring in a French food (or food from a French speaking country or region) on one of the designated days (the second Monday of each month). The food can be store bought or homemade.  I’ve limited it to 2 foods per class each month. In the past, we had one Fête de la Cuisine Française (or French Food Celebration). With so much food I found students either ate too much and felt sick (not the point of the day!) or didn’t have a chance to try everything. If you have not received an email please let me know (elindberg@wwsu.org). I am happy to sign you up. Merci et joyeuse Action de Grâce!

Number corner in Ms. Hopper's room

PTO

Community News

• Mrs. Claus at the LibraryThursday, December 13th, 6pm
  Join Mrs. Claus at the Moretown Library for a special evening of Christmas stories, songs and snacks. Wear your PJ's and bring your letters for Santa, all ages are welcome!
• Harwood Youth Basketball Association Announcement:
• There is still room available on both 3rd and 4th grade boys and girls in-house basketball teams. Registration will stay open until Friday, Nov. 30th. This is a great place for less competitive players, with limited experience, to learn to play. Follow this link for on line registration:https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeB1LWDjtIIDBK0MwRm348xfPRO99YYU8ZNK-3kt2t9fDkwVg/viewform

School Board

SUBJECT: HUUSD School Board Meeting Updates - Nov 7, 2018

__________________________________________

Dear members of our six town community,

Below please find the votes and key agenda items from the HUUSD board meeting on November 7.

1. Approved the following items as part of the consent agenda for November 7, 2018:  Approve Minutes of 10/24/18, Accept Director of Finance Report, Accept pre-approved Board warrants (1101 for $116,224.61 and 1102 for $$97,536.69 Total = $213,761.30), Approve use of Moretown Maintenance Reserve funds for DDC upgrade of HVAC system at Moretown Elementary School, Confirm 2nd December HUUSD Board Meeting for Dec. 19, 2018

2. After discussion, approved telephone lease.

3. After discussion, approved final HUUSD BOD asset management goal.

4. After discussion, accepted the board leadership report and HUHS principal letter with the caveat that we will have board discussion before any more action is taken.

6. As part of budget work, the BOD reviewed enrollment data and projections for preK - 12 students at all seven HUUSD campuses and expects to review further projection reports at its next meeting on Nov. 28.

Our next HUUSD board meeting is scheduled for 6:00 pm on Wednesday, November 28th at the HUHS library.

On Monday, November 12, the board participated in legal training/Q&A with Attorney Pietro Lynn. On Tuesday November 13, the board hosted a community engagement workshop at HUHS library.

    

For more information, please visit wwsu.org for board agendas and minutes and to find the link to watch board meetings. The direct link to watch this and past meetings is: https://mrvtv.com/category/school-board-meetings/

Thank you for your continued support and engagement.

Respectfully,

The HUUSD Board

Christine Sullivan (Waitsfield)  *Chair

Caitlin Hollister (Waterbury)  *Vice Chair

Alycia Biondo (Warren)

Jill Ellis (Fayston)

Gabe Gilman (Moretown)

Linda Hazard (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)

Moretown School Update November 16, 2018

School News:

The snow day on Friday was a surprise... I hope everyone had a safe and snowy day!

Lunch menu change for this week:
Monday’s menu will be Pizza!
Tuesday will be Turkey Tacos!

One of my favorite things to see at Moretown School is kids working together and helping one another.  During their buddy time, the older students put their best foot forward with the younger students.  It's awesome to see.  Thank you Mrs. Puffer for the photos!

PTO 

Wreaths: The wreath sale has started!  Easy online ordering and local pick up as well as Direct Ship options are available, so feel free to send this link to out of town family for a touch of Vermont! https://ThreeRiversFundraising.com/fund/moretownpto-wreath2018

Pick up orders must be placed by November 26th.  Pick up will be at the Moretown Elementary School on November 30^th.

Direct Ship orders can be placed until November 30th.

Please email the Moretown PTO at MoretownPTO@gmail.com  with any additional questions.

Winter Sports Committee:  Please return Winter Sports program forms and feel free to email the moretownPTO@gmail.com if you have any desire to volunteer for mountain duty and have not already contacted Pam Nelson.

Advisory Committee: The Advisory Committee survey requesting input on mission and vision is continuing! Please take a minute to complete the survey paper copies of the survey are also available in the town hall.  https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/LQ9GPH7 The next Advisory Committee meeting is November 27^th.

PTO Announcements: Remember to check out the PTO announcement board for volunteer opportunities and important winter sports program

announcements!

Next Advisory Committee Meeting: Tuesday November 27^th  at 5:30 p.m.. Next PTO meeting, Tuesday November 27^th at 6:00 p.m. Both at Moretown School.

Community Events

Harwood Youth Hockey

House Mite and Learn to Skate Registration

Learn to Skate/Initiation Program (Ages 3+)

$75/Season

Practices: Sundays 5:00-5:45, Beginning December 2^nd – February

Basic skating instruction, stick & puck skills & introduction to the game of hockey.

On loan hockey gear (helmet, pads & bag) available.

House Mite Program (Ages 5+)

$250/Season

Practices: Tuesdays, 5:45-6:45, and Sundays, 3:45-4:45* beginning November 11^th – February

Games: a few Saturday jamborees may be scheduled. Half-ice mini games with area teams. For children who have basic skating skills.

*Sunday time will change to 5:00-6:00 beginning December 2^nd, no practice on Sunday 11/18

Register at www.harwoodhockey.org

Board News

Find all the latest news at https://www.wwsu.org/huusd-board

Moretown School Update November 9, 2018

Admittedly, I am not a skier... but am so excited for the Winter Sports Program here at MES!

School News:

• Last call for Thanksgiving Basket Requests! The Mad River Valley Interfaith Council is looking for any families who have any needs for Thanksgiving.  I sent home forms earlier in the week and have extras in my office, if anyone wants to call me I will complete the forms and send them along.
• Winter Sports Program packets went home on Friday.  They are due back on November 19th (some forms say the 12th, but should say the 19th).  While I am not super excited about the snow coming down, I am very excited about watching the student engaging in such a cool activity.
• We all a full blown SeeSaw school.  All classrooms pre-k through 6th grade are using SeeSaw to showcase student work.  Parents and Families can access their child's work a number of different ways.  Here is a link to the app, and connect with your child(ren)'s teacher(s) for more information about access if needed.

Monster Mash:

• The Book Fair is coming soon. Book Fair will run Monday November 12th through Friday November 16th. Anyone who is interested in volunteering please contact David or Lindsay Staples. Below is more information on dates and times.

• Day	Date	Time
  Monday	November 12th	7:30 am - 7:00 pm
  Tuesday	November 13th	7:30 am - 7:00 pm
  Wednesday	November 14th	7:30 am - 7:00 pm
  Thursday	November 15th	7:30 am - 4:00 pm
  Friday	November 16th	7:30 am - 4:00 pm

MECA Movie Night: Friday November 16,2018

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B7vW8Pi68G3MY091THJXRnRmUnBCY0Jyd09TUDN4SjdZeWpZ/view?usp=sharing

PTO 

A HUGE thanks to all the helped out with and attended the Halloween party.  It was a marvelous time for the kids and it was so fun to see all of the wonderful costumes. 

Wreaths: The wreath sale has started!  Easy online ordering and local pick up as well as Direct Ship options are available, so feel free to send this link to out of town family for a touch of Vermont! https://ThreeRiversFundraising.com/fund/moretownpto-wreath2018

Pick up orders must be placed by November 26th.  Pick up will be at the Moretown Elementary School on November 30^th.

Direct Ship orders can be placed until November 30th.

Please email the Moretown PTO at MoretownPTO@gmail.com  with any additional questions.

Winter Sports Committee:  Stay tuned for Winter Sports program forms and feel free to email the moretownPTO@gmail.com if you have any desire to volunteer for mountain duty and have not already contacted Pam Nelson.

Advisory Committee: The Advisory Committee survey requesting input on mission and vision is continuing! Please take a minute to complete the survey paper copies of the survey are also available in the town hall.  https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/LQ9GPH7 The next Advisory Committee meeting is November 27^th.

PTO Announcements: Remember to check out the PTO announcement board for volunteer opportunities and important winter sports program

announcements!

Next Advisory Committee Meeting: Tuesday November 27^th  at 5:30 p.m.. Next PTO meeting, Tuesday November 27^th at 6:00 p.m. Both at Moretown School.

Community Events

Registration for Harwood Youth Basketball is now open until Nov. 17th for any student in the HUUSD in grades 1-4. Information about start date, practice times, cost and scholarships are included on the online registration form. There is limited space on the 3&4 travel teams and will be filled on a first come, first served basis. 

Registration Link:

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1SkKK7iUyXard_iOjwrMRR7TzpXSBYTrfP3wxxI_zW48/prefill

We are looking forward to an exciting basketball season.

The Harwood Youth Basketball Association

Harwood Youth Hockey

House Mite and Learn to Skate Registration

Learn to Skate/Initiation Program (Ages 3+)

$75/Season

Practices: Sundays 5:00-5:45, Beginning December 2^nd – February

Basic skating instruction, stick & puck skills & introduction to the game of hockey.

On loan hockey gear (helmet, pads & bag) available.

House Mite Program (Ages 5+)

$250/Season

Practices: Tuesdays, 5:45-6:45, and Sundays, 3:45-4:45* beginning November 11^th – February

Games: a few Saturday jamborees may be scheduled. Half-ice mini games with area teams. For children who have basic skating skills.

*Sunday time will change to 5:00-6:00 beginning December 2^nd, no practice on Sunday 11/18

Register at www.harwoodhockey.org

Board News

Reminder: if you are interested in participating in the November 13 School Engagement Workshop with the HUUSD board, please RSVP BY SUNDAY November 11! We are looking forward to working with you!

Background:

The HUUSD School Board would like to invite members of the public, faculty, students, and HUUSD administrative team to the community engagement workshop on November 13, from 5:30 pm - 8:30 pm. Food will be provided. Please RSVP at this link: https://goo.gl/forms/ytGcY6UOYl0cNRcv2 (note, the rvsp is also available on the board page of the district website (www.wwsu.org/huusd-board)

This is the final workshop related to our work with our engagement consultants and will build on learning and themes that came out of the September 26 workshop held at the Waterbury Municipal Offices.  

Key outcomes for the Nov 13 workshop are:

1. To identify and prioritize district-wide and school based issues that will require significant engagement in the coming months and years
2. To establish a set of possible roles and possible responsibilities related to district and school-level engagement work
3. To identify existing infrastructure, assets and barriers to implementing engagement across the district

We hope to see you there!

Respectfully,

The HUUSD Board

Christine Sullivan (Waitsfield)  *Chair

Caitlin Hollister (Waterbury)  *Vice Chair

Alycia Biondo (Warren)

Jill Ellis (Fayston)

Gabe Gilman (Moretown)

Linda Hazard (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)

Moretown School Update November 2, 2018

More spooky, more celebrating, Moretown

School News:

It was a very busy week! Here's a couple highlights:

Fifth graders had an awesome overnight experience at the Boston Museum of Science

3rd and 4th Graders visited the Vermont State House

The Book M0nster Monster Mashup

PTO 

Wow!  What a great party put on by the PTO to celebrate Halloween!

Don't forget to clip and send in Box Tops.

Community Events

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.
 Mountainfilm on Tour is coming back to the Valley! This event brings a selection of culturally rich, adventure-packed and incredibly inspiring documentary films curated from the Mountainfilm festival held every Memorial Day weekend in Telluride, Colorado. The tour will soon visit Waitsfield at the Big Picture Theater on November 3, 2018 with films that will explore the themes connected to Mountainfilm's mission: using the power of film, art and ideas to inspire audiences to create a better world. A Mountainfilm presenter will guide the audience through the program providing insight on the films, filmmakers and subjects.
Doors open at 6:00 pm and the show kicks off at 6:30 pm. Tickets for Mountainfilm on Tour can be reserved by calling The Waitsfield Children's Center at (802) 496-3372. Tickets will also be available the day of the event at The Big Picture. The cost is $20.00 per adult and $12.00 per child or student, or $60.00 per family (limit 4). Recommended for ages 9 and up; please note the show runs until about 10PM. See the complete playlist at www.mountainfilm.org/tour/schedule.
Mountainfilm on Tour in Waitsfield is hosted by The Waitsfield Children's Center in partnership with local Valley businesses.

Board News

Dear members of our six town community,

Below please find the votes and key agenda items from the last two HUUSD board meetings on October 10 and Oct 24.

October 10 Actions and Key Agenda Items

1. Approved our consent agenda including meeting minutes, board warrants, and financial report.
2. Approved our FY 2020 budget goals.
3. Approved requests for the Superintendent and the HUUSD administrative team to submit both a level funded budget (based on Per Pupil Expenditure) and level service budget.
4. Approved motion to acknowledge Open Meeting Law violation and approve solution moving forward - that the BOD will not use anonymous feedback methods in the board room or among board members.

October 24 Votes and Key agenda items

1. Approved SMART Goals related to Developing Process for Monitoring District Performance (2.1 and 2.2)
2. Various motions related to voting weights for each HUUSD board representative following the discovery of incorrect population data:  1) Unanimously approved a motion finding that the matrix appearing in Article 7 is/was in error; 2) Unanimously approved a motion to substitute a corrected matrix for the one found in Article 7; 3) Approved a motion (using the newly adopted matrix) to confirm and ratify all actions taken by the Board from July 1, 2017 to the present date (10/24/18). Note the policy on voting patterns will also be updated.
3. Other:  Vermont Secretary of Education Dan French attended the meeting and answered questions from the board for an informative and interesting conversation
4. A representative from the auditor RH Smith attended the meeting and gave information/answered questions from the board.

Our next HUUSD board meeting is scheduled for 6 pm on Wednesday, November 7 at the Harwood Union High School library. On November 12, the board will have legal training with Attorney Pietro Lynn, On Tuesday November 13 we hope a variety of stakeholders will attend our community engagement workshop (look for more information on this soon).

For more information, please visit wwsu.org for board agendas and minutes and to find the link to watch board meetings. The direct link to watch this and past meetings is: https://mrvtv.com/category/school-board-meetings/

Thank you for your continued support and engagement.

Respectfully,

The HUUSD Board

Christine Sullivan (Waitsfield)  *Chair

Caitlin Hollister (Waterbury)  *Vice Chair

Alycia Biondo (Warren)

Jill Ellis (Fayston)

Gabe Gilman (Moretown)

Linda Hazard (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)