Bobcat Bulletin- March 29

 

School News:

PE: Congratulations to Ms. Ally on her new Baby Thea!

School Counselors Corner:

Notes from the Health Office :

This is a reminder that COVID-19 is still circulating in Vermont, with new cases being diagnosed every day.  This calls us to remain vigilant in order to keep our students safe and healthy. The following are COVID-19 symptoms:

Cough, Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, Loss of taste or smell, Fever, Chills, muscle or body aches, headache, sore throat, fatigue, congestion/runny nose, nausea, vomiting or diarrhea.  

Please do not send your child to school if they have any of the above symptoms. They will most likely be sent right back home if they have any of the above symptoms!  

If your child is sent home please, keep them inside and away from other children until they are well again. Contact your child's pediatrician to see if they recommend COVID testing and keep in touch with us so we can help determine if your child can safely return to school.

Community News/Opportunities

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.

Want to participate in the Warren Public Library's 2021 Peeps® Diorama Competition but need some materials in front of you to get started? Sign up to receive a Peeps® Inspiration Kit. Your kit will include one package of marshmallow Peeps®, white glue, popsicle sticks, pipe cleaners, pompoms, construction paper, tape, and perhaps a few surprise odds and ends. Use a few of the materials in your completed diorama or use them all; it's up to you

Kits may be picked up from the Warren Public Library during normal curbside hours during the week of March 29-April 3.


Register to receive a kit while supplies last: Peeps® Diorama Inspiration Kit Sign Up Form

Peeps® Diorama Competition Guidelines: Peeps® Diorama Competition rules and entry form

Waterbury Historical Society - Youth Writing Project

The Waterbury Historical Society is looking for youth in our community to participate in a writing project about their experience during the COVID-19 pandemic. All submissions will be cataloged in the Historical Society collection, and some selected submissions may be featured in Waterbury’s new history book to be published at the end of 2021.

Writers should respond to one of the following prompts:

What has been the best part and/or worst part of the pandemic?


Describe how a particular part of your life has been impacted (good or bad) by the pandemic.


Write a letter to yourself during the pandemic. What do you want your future self to know about this time?


How will you describe this time to future generations? What important aspects of this experience should be remembered and shared?


Submissions should be no longer than 300 words, and include the writer's name and age. Open to youth of all ages. Deadline for submission is Friday, April 9th.


Email submissions to: WaterburyHistoricalSociety@gmail.com.

School Board Updates

SUBJECT: HUUSD Board Update, March 24, 2021
BODY:
The HUUSD School Board met remotely by Zoom last Wednesday evening, March 24th.
The Board briefly discussed the middle school merger. At its next meeting (April 14th), the
Board will be delving more deeply into a report about the costs and scope of facilities changes
that are being considered at Crossett Brook in order to best support having all 7th and 8th
graders there beginning in the fall of 2022.
The Board discussed a plan to identify a new name for Thatcher Brook Primary School. The
plan, which includes school staff, children and community members, will take place this spring
and be completed by the end of June. This timeline would enable students to begin next year in
their newly-named school. Please keep an eye on Front Porch Forum, school newsletters and
local news outlets for ways you might get involved in the renaming.
The Board discussed committees and committee assignments for the coming year. In addition
to ongoing Finance, Policy and Negotiations committees, two new ad hoc committees will be
developed to help draft the RFP for the superintendent search and to make recommendations
around community engagement concerning the middle school merger. Assignments will be
finalized at the next meeting.
The Board had two executive sessions this week. The first was to consult with the district’s
attorney and the second was to hear about the contract negotiations currently underway. No
action was taken by the Board after either session.
The next regular Board meeting will be April 14th, at 6:00PM. Remote meetings have made it
easier than ever to participate in or view School Board meetings, and we hope you will consider
joining us. You can also email the board with your thoughts at cen-huusdboard@huusd.org
-- To participate live through Zoom, simply click on this link at the meeting’s start time:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/386460007#success
-- To view either live or after-the-fact on YouTube, use this link:
tinyurl.com/huwebapp-youtube-live
To view on Mad River Television, use this link: www.mrvtv.com
Thank you for continued support,


The HUUSD Board

Bobcat Bulletin March 21, 2021

Do these books belong to your child?... please let me know as they are waiting in the library to be claimed.

Speaking of Lost and Found... recognize any of these items?

ECO survey for our Friends of Moretown ECO group.  

Please take a minute to fill this out https://bit.ly/3cT0G5X

School News:

Reminder- NO School on Friday March 26.  This is a non-student day.

Conferences- sorry about Canyon Creek snafu.  The sign-up window closed abruptly, and then the link was non-functional.  Please, if anyone didn't get a conference slot let me know, I will set it up.

Bonjour:

"Qu'est-ce que c'est?" means "What is this/that?" and the answer is under the question.

Community News/Opportunities

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.

 this week's bulletin

Storywalk at Moretown Rec Fields
The Moretown Library invites you to the Rec Fields to walk the new trail and enjoy the delightful picture book "Everything you Need for a Treehouse" by Carter Higgins. Celebrating the universal allure of the treehouse, it may even inspire you to build your own shelter in the forest. Look for the pages nestled in the trees along the path until the end of March.

The Warren Public Library announces the sixth annual Peeps® Diorama Contest!

Creative thinkers of all ages are invited to create a book-themed diorama using Peeps®. This year the contest will be entirely virtual. Both team and individual submissions are encouraged.

Diorama photos must be submitted to kids@warrenlibrary.com by April 10, 2021. Public viewing and voting for the Peeple’s Choice Award will be held online between April 11 -17. On April 18, votes for the Peeple’s Choice Award will be tallied, and prizes will be awarded! Find complete rules and entry form here.

Youth Sports Gear Swap: Saturday April 24, 1-4pm, at the Pavilion at Mad River Park. Drop off will be on Friday 4/23 between 4:00 and 6:00pm. The swap serves as an opportunity for parents to get gear up for the upcoming sports season without having to buy new gear. One change we are making this year is we are asking parents to attend by age group to help promote social distancing, starting with the oldest kids first (assuming that gear will be dropped off the day of the event that the younger ones could use). We will have signage indicating that masks must be worn and have a hand-sanitizing station. I am looking for volunteers to help check in and sanitize gear on the night before and help fit gear on the day of the event. If you can not bring gear the night before, you can drop it off on the day of the event. The expectation is that all gear is to be donated.  All donated gear will be available free of charge. Please no bicycles or ski-related equipment. You do not need to bring gear to get gear.  To help maintain proper social distancing, we ask that parents show up by age groups as follows: youth 12 and older 1:00-2pm, ages 10-12  2:00-3:00, ages 8-10 2:00-3pm and under 8 years 3:00-4:00pm.  For more information, visit https://www.facebook.com/MRVRD1/

Drive Through Easter Egg Hunt: Waitsfield Telecom, March 27th.  Waitsfield and Champlain Valley Telecom (WCVT) will hold their Covid-friendly Easter Egg Hunt. Since we are unable to gather in the field as we usually do, WCVT will be doing a drive through format instead.  Families are invited to drive through the  WCVT parking lot to receive a bag filled with stuffed Easter eggs and activities you can do at home. Of course, the Easter Bunny will be making an appearance. The event will be held at the Waitsfield and Champlain Valley Telecom business office located at 3898 Main Street (across from the Waitsfield Elementary School).  The event is open to children of all ages and is free of charge.  For more information, please contact Lorraine Keener at 496-3391 or lkeener@corp.wcvt.com.

Spring Soccer Registration  Registration is open! Registration fee is $130 until midnight Wednesday February 10th, after that the fee will be $150 IF there is a spot available in your child's age group. If there is not a spot, you may register and you will be put on a waiting list (you will not be charged unless a spot opens up for your player).  Link to register is HERE.
          General information: Practice: Twice a week (general schedule, may be altered according to needs of coach and team schedule). All subject to change based on guidance from the VT Governor and Vermont Soccer Association regarding COVID-19 regulations.
Scholarships considered upon request. Please email registrar.mrvsa@gmail.com to inquire.

MVR Libraries offerings 

•  Adventure, Play, Peace: Being Outdoors Together, Sundays, March 7th & 28th, 4pm (In person meeting outside TBD) Register HERE
• Young children are mud pie makers, fort builders and rock stackers. That is, they’re scientists, artists, mathematicians, and engineers learning about the world around them. Join the MRV Libraries and Four Winds Nature Institute to explore nurturing your young learners by being outside together. We’ll be reading the book "Adventure, Play, Peace" by Nancy MacPhee Bower and sharing strategies for creating peaceful family communities that foster children’s curiosity, compassion and confidence.
• Among Us: If you are in grades 3-6 you are invited to play the popular online game in a trusted environment.  Can you spot the imposter and stop them before the destroy your ship and crew mates?  Reister for one or more of the Tuesday session in March: 3/9, 3/16, 3/23, 3/30.  Each session runs 3:30-5pm.  You will recieve a Zoom link and instructions for downloading the game before your session.  Register at the following link: http:// https://forms.gle/vB8uN3mAMUGbAiVv8
• The MRV Libraries invoite students in grades 4+ to a virtual book club.  This month's selection is the graphic novel This Was our Pact by Ryan Andrews. Read the book in advance and join us via Zoom at 3 pm on March 24 for a discussion and fun activities.  Contact http://kids@warrenlibrary.com for more information and to register.

Little League Registration: No experience is required. There are three levels: Tee-Ball for ages 4-6, Farm Leagues for ages 6-8(for baseball and girls-only softball), and Advanced softball and baseball leagues for ages 9-12.  Registration fee includes a full uniform(jersey, pants, socks and hat).  Full and partial scholarships available.  The League has a high coach to player ratio.  The league is committed to offering a safe and positive experience consistent with Vermont COVID-19 guidelines. To register for the 2021 season visit MadRiverLittleLeague.com. You may also contact Charles Goodman with questions at: ceg4goodmanconstructionvt.com 

Everyone Eats and Share MRV Free Healthy Meals Free meals are available to anyone in the community who has been impacted in any way by the pandemic.  Not only will you get a delicious meal, but you are helping your local economy by supporting a valley restaurant and its employees.  Come to the Big Picture Theater and grab a meal for you and your neighbor on Saturdays 11-1:00.
For more information, call 8802-505-9149 or send an email to ShareMRA @gmail.com.

School Board Updates

March 10 HUUSD Board Meeting Recap - First, a thank you from the School Board to the community for its support of the budget articles on the town meeting day election. Both articles passed by about a twenty-point margin.

Also as a result of the election, the School Board welcomes several new members: Brian Dalla Mura of Duxbury, Marlena Tucker-Fishman of Waterbury, and Jonathan Young of Warren. We also welcomed back three returning, re-elected members, Caitlin Hollister of Waterbury, Theresa Membrino of Fayston and Kristen Rodgers of Moretown. We are grateful to Alex Thomsen of Waterbury and Rosemarie White of Warren for their many years of dedicated service on both the HUUSD and local boards and wish them well as they move on to other things.

The newly composed Board met remotely on Wednesday, March 10th. The meeting began with Board reorganization -- the election of leadership positions for the coming year. Torrey Smith was elected as Chair, Tim Jones as Vice Chair, Theresa Membrino as Finance Officer, Michael Frank as Assistant Finance Officer, Lisa Mason as Recording Secretary, and Christine Sullivan as the HUUSD Statewide Health Insurance Voting Delegate. School administrators were designated as Truancy Officers.

The Board was updated on the candidate search for the Thatcher Brook Primary School co-principals, and unanimously confirmed the appointment of Sarah Schoolcraft and Chris Neville. We would like to congratulate Sarah and welcome Chris to our district.

The Board approved a motion for the Director of Finance to draft an RFP for a search firm to facilitate the hiring process for our next Superintendent, who will begin in July 2022. The firm will help the Board, school staff, and community define the qualities and skills it is looking for in its next Superintendent and find qualified candidates for the position.

The Board heard two reports, first from the Harwood Union Educators Association (HUEA) regarding teacher RIFs and the reduction of a middle school team at HUMS and then from the Superintendent, centered around the first round of teacher/staff vaccinations that week, which included over 90% of our staff.

The Board discussed and approved a motion to rescind its February 17th decision to reduce a team at HUMS next year. This decision reinstates the two teams, or eight core teachers, serving HUMS.

The Board entered two executive sessions at the end of the evening. The first, which lasted for about 20 minutes, was to review legal advice. The second, pertaining to an employee disciplinary matter, lasted about 5 minutes, and was requested to achieve clarity on the subject of the matter. No action was taken after either session, and further discussion and action is expected to take place at a future meeting.

The next regular Board meeting will be March 24th, at 6:00PM. Remote meetings have made it easier than ever to participate in or view School Board meetings, and we hope you will consider joining us. You can also email the board with your thoughts at cen-huusdboard@huusd.org.

-- To participate live through Zoom, simply click on this link at the meeting's start time: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/386460007#success
-- To view either live or after-the-fact on YouTube, use this link: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLXYP13VKG4qlm8gkDjfQQQthjK6AOFxCe
-- To view on Mad River Television, use this link: https://mrvtv.com/

Thank you for continued support,
The HUUSD Board

Bobcat Bulletin March 10, 2021 (Midweek Blogging)

 

School News:

The Conference link is live, please sign up for a virtual spring conference:

• Follow this link to go directly to the scheduler. https://www.canyoncreeksoftware.com/scheduler/vt/wwsu/index.cfm
• From the Online Scheduler Home Page
• Choose your student’s school from the drop down list and click “GO”
• Enter the school password: 3742
• Enter your student’s “Student ID”. If you do not know their Student ID, use the LOOKUP STUDENT ID button to access the system.
• Verify the student’s birth date
• A list of your student’s teachers will be displayed. Check the box next to the name of each teacher(s) you would like to meet with.
• If you have more than one student in the school you can see all of your students’ teachers’ schedules at one time by answering YES to this question “Do you want to schedule conferences for another student?” then repeat the steps above for your other students. If you only have one student, answer NO to that question.
• You will then see the available time slots for each teacher you selected.
• Select the times that work best for your schedule.
• Enter your email address (recommended) if you would like an email reminder sent to you. (Your email address is kept private.)
• Once you have finished you can confirm your appointment details and print your conference schedule.
• Write down the Confirmation Number (you will need this number to cancel your appointment).

Notes from the Health Office 

GOTR 2021

Every season, Girls on the Run creates a safe and FUN place for 3rd-6th grade girls of all abilities to make new friends, establish new healthy habits and create new memories. With many changes in our community, you can count on Girls on the Run to support and encourage girls who need us. Spaces are limited so register now for our spring season at gotrvt.org/register-now.

Our season begins the week of April 5 and is 8 weeks. Our team will meet at the pavilion on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 2:30 to 4:00. We have comprehensive COVID-19 protocols in place. All activities have been modified to ensure physical distancing, and coaches and participants must wear masks. To ensure the girls’ experience is not disrupted, our team is prepared to transition to virtual sessions, if needed, in response to inclement weather or changes in our community. The season will culminate with an empowering 5K Celebration hosted at our site!

The registration fee is $100. GOTRVT provides financial assistance directly on the registration form for qualifying families. Please contact GOTRVT directly at 802-871-5664 regarding financial assistance options.

Interested in volunteering to coach? Visit gotrvt.org/coach for more details or to register as a coach.

If you have any other questions you can reach out to me anytime. jtierson@gmavt.net or 802-595-3329.

Looking forward to seeing your girls out on the field.

Your Coaches,

Chris Tierson

Jan Knutsen

PTO News:

Thank you to our PTO for their continued support and recent very generous 

Community News/Opportunities

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.

Moretown Library Offerings

Amphibian Ecology and Road Rescue Training

Thursday, March 11th, 7pm

Salamanders and frogs migrate by the thousands from forests to wetlands each spring, often crossing roads at great peril. These seldom-seen amphibians radiate charisma, inspiration, and moxie on the rainiest spring nights. And they need our help!

Each spring, local volunteers rescue thousands of amphibians and collect important data used by town planners and ecologists through the Amphibian Road Crossing community science project. Join North Branch Nature Center's biologist Zac Cota online for an evening of local amphibian ecology, then learn how you can be a part of our team of amphibian "crossing guards" this spring!

This event is sponsored by MRV Libraries and Friends of the Mad River.

Zoom meeting login info:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82236153531
Meeting ID: 822 3615 3531

Community Seed Swap

Saturday, April 3rd, 1-4pm 

At Lareau Farm Pavilion

Registration Deadline 3/27, visit a library website to sign up.

Mask up and join your friends and neighbors in getting ready for the upcoming growing season with a community seed swap hosted by the MRV Libraries and ShareMRV. All remaining seeds after the swap will be donated to the Little Seed Libraries created by the Sculpture School and GMVS students for future use by community members.

Everyone Eats and Share MRV Free Healthy Meals Free meals are available to anyone in the community who has been impacted in any way by the pandemic.  Not only will you get a delicious meal, but you are helping your local economy by supporting a valley restaurant and its employees.  Come to the Big Picture Theater and grab a meal for you and your neighbor on Saturdays 11-1:00.
For more information, call 8802-505-9149 or send an email to ShareMRA @gmail.com.

She's the First  Harwood Union High School "She’s the First" group is running a raffle to raise money to send girls to school who are the first in their families to attend high school in Ethiopia and Uganda. We have gathered prizes from many local restaurants and businesses including Mad River Taste Place, Tucker Hill Inn, Vermont North Ski Shop, Sweet Spot, Waterbury Sports and many more! Tickets are $5, or a book of 5 for $20. To purchase a ticket, please email shesthefirsthu@gmail.com with your name, email, phone number, mailing address, and preferred method of payment. Payment can be accepted through Paypal (shesthefirsthu@gmail.com) or Venmo (@shesthefirsthu). Cash and checks (payable to She’s the First Harwood Union) can be mailed to Kate Stauss at Harwood Union High School, 458 VT RTE 100 Moretown, VT 05660. The raffle drawing will be over Zoom on March 8th (International Women’s Day), along with a showing of a short film, Brave Girl Rising. An email with the zoom link will be sent to you after you purchase a ticket (you do not need to be present to win a prize). Please email krush2021@huusd.org if you have any questions. Help us support this important cause!

2021 Spring Lacrosse Registration @ www.madriverlax.com        Mad River Valley Youth Lacrosse will offer both girls and boys lacrosse again this year. There are four separate grade levels including k-2nd, 3rd-4th, 5th-6th and 7th-8th. Equipment will be provided for k-4th grade players as supplies allow. First timers are welcome at every level.
      Early Registration at www.madriverlax.com is highly recommended as teams often fill to capacity. Player space is open on a first-come, first-serve basis. Team assignments will be provided by March 10, 2020. Mad River Youth Lacrosse encourages athletes who might play other spring sports to also play lacrosse.  http://www.mrvrd.org/2020/04/16/recreation-opportunities-during-covid-19/ Mad River Youth Lacrosse will also follow any additional guidance from the state as it relates to their return to play guidelines prior to returning to play. https://accd.vermont.gov/ Should the pandemic continue and we are therefore unable to play we will provide refunds. For more information or to register for the 2021 season, please go to www.madriverlax.com.

Spring Soccer Registration  Registration is open!  We are hopeful that soccer will be able to happen in some form, but as with everything during this pandemic we may all have to be flexible with any changes that may occur. Registration fee is $130 until midnight Wednesday February 10th, after that the fee will be $150 IF there is a spot available in your child's age group. If there is not a spot, you may register and you will be put on a waiting list (you will not be charged unless a spot opens up for your player).  Link to register is HERE.
          General information: Practice: Twice a week (general schedule, may be altered according to needs of coach and team schedule). 
All subject to change based on guidance from the VT Governor and Vermont Soccer Association regarding COVID-19 regulations.

U10 Girls– Mad River Park on Tu/Th,       U10 Boys– Mad River Park on Mo/We 
U12 Girls– Mad River Park on Mo/Wed,    U12 Boys– Mad River Park on Tu/Th 
U14 Girls– Mad River Park on Tu/Th         U14 Boys– Mad River Park on Mo/We

Games: MRVSA spring travel teams play games all over central Vermont and occasionally in more distant locations such as Rutland and Derby. Most games are within an hour’s travel. Games begin the first weekend in May and end in mid-June. Games are generally on Sunday afternoons, but there may also be a couple of Friday evening games and a Saturday game. During some weekends there will be two games..

Scholarships considered upon request. Please email registrar.mrvsa@gmail.com to inquire.

MVR Libraries offerings 

•  Adventure, Play, Peace: Being Outdoors Together, Sundays, March 7th & 28th, 4pm (In person meeting outside TBD) Register HERE
• Young children are mud pie makers, fort builders and rock stackers. That is, they’re scientists, artists, mathematicians, and engineers learning about the world around them. Join the MRV Libraries and Four Winds Nature Institute to explore nurturing your young learners by being outside together. We’ll be reading the book "Adventure, Play, Peace" by Nancy MacPhee Bower and sharing strategies for creating peaceful family communities that foster children’s curiosity, compassion and confidence.
• Among Us: If you are in grades 3-6 you are invited to play the popular online game in a trusted environment.  Can you spot the imposter and stop them before the destroy your ship and crew mates?  Reister for one or more of the Tuesday session in March: 3/9, 3/16, 3/23, 3/30.  Each session runs 3:30-5pm.  You will recieve a Zoom link and instructions for downloading the game before your session.  Register at the following link: http:// https://forms.gle/vB8uN3mAMUGbAiVv8
• The MRV Libraries invoite students in grades 4+ to a virtual book club.  This month's selection is the graphic novel This Was our Pact by Ryan Andrews. Read teh book in advance and join us via Zoom at 3 pm on March 24 for a discussion and fun activities.  Contact http://kids@warrenlibrary.com for more information and to register.

Little League Registration : no experience is required. There are three levels: Tee-Ball for ages 4-6, Farm Leagues for ages 6-8(for baseball and girls-only softball), and Advanced softball and baseball leagues for ages 9-12.  Registration fee includes a full uniform(jersey, pants, socks and hat).  Full and partial scholarships available.  The League has a high coach to player ratio.  The league is committed to offering a safe and positive experience consistent with Vermont COVID-19 guidelines. To register for the 2021 season visit MadRiverLittleLeague.com. You may also contact Charles Goodman with questions at: ceg4goodmanconstructionvt.com 

School Board Updates

Title: HUUSD Board Meeting Recap 2/17/21


Body: The HUUSD Board met remotely on February 17, 2021, via Zoom. The Board received an update from its student representatives. There was also discussion about next steps after last meeting’s decision to pursue a name change for Thatcher Brook Primary School. Board members were appointed to draft a process, based on public input and previous models, which they will bring back to the board in March.

At the previous meeting, the Board had unanimously agreed to consider the question of reducing a team of middle level teachers at Harwood Union. At this week’s meeting, the Board took up the matter and voted to eliminate four positions due to very small class sizes projected for next year in the 7th and 8th grades at the Harwood campus. Our administrators expect this may result in one teacher layoff and that other teachers can be reassigned based on upcoming retirements.

The Board also decided to add action items to future agendas on several topics: comparing our HUUSD budget to that in other districts, staff exit surveys, and possibly adopting a policy on retirement bonuses for administrators.

Voting is currently underway for the Fiscal Year 2021-2022 HUUSD Budget Articles. Please contact your local town clerk for an absentee ballot. Walk up voting will also be available on Town Meeting Day, March 2, at your local polling station. We invite you to join us at 6PM via Zoom (https://us02web.zoom.us/j/386460007) on March 1 for an informational meeting on the budget. A recording of a prior online budget presentation is also available on our YouTube channel, HUWebapp. Budget information, including our Annual Report, can be found on our website (huusd.org). Thank you in advance for your participation and continued support.

Respectfully,

The HUUSD Board