Bobcat Bulletin 11/23/2021

 

From my school lunch this week... taken to heart <3

School News:

I am thankful for moments spent with students... they are magical!

Catching snowflakes on our tongues and in our hair with the Maples!

I am thankful for this wonderful community and all we can offer each other.  It all feels a little easier when we lift each other up.

Wishing you all a Happy Thanksgiving where you enjoy those closest to you, and reflect on traditions of gratitude.

Read this week's HUUSD bulletin here.

Library Happenings

https://mesbobcatlibrary.blogspot.com/2021/11/november-in-library.html

I Heart Art

Art Choice this week

Making our own stamps

flip book making

American Gothic :)

The holiday season will be here soon and I imagine many of you have begun gift shopping. Each year the Mad River Interfaith Council provides us with Joys of the Season coupon booklets. Each booklet is worth $80 and the coupons can be spent like gift cards at stores in the Mad River/Waterbury area, such as The Collection, Bridgeside Books, and Clearwater Sports. If you would like a booklet - we can provide one per child - please let me know. I can be reached at jstevenson@huusd.org.

ECO this week

A huge thank you to Friend for Moretown ECO for the gear and supplies essential for making our nature-based program sustainable!  One such gift was these blaze orange vests...

PTO News

Look for a separate email about Winter Sports.

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.

GREEN MOUNTAIN PERFORMING ARTS 2021-2022 ENROLLMENT OPEN  Let's Dance! Green Mountain Performing Arts will be offering a wide variety of weekly dance classes and after school activities for ages 5 and up. Dance styles that are offered include:  Ballet (Ages 3 and up), Hip Hop (Ages 5 and up) , Modern (Ages 7 and up),  Irish (Ages 7 and up),  Highland (Ages 9 and up), Tap (Ages 6 and up), Jazz (Ages 5-8)
Registration is now open! Please visit our website to see our full schedule.  Want to know more about the dance styles offered? Visit our Programs page here.    Contact Us-   Email: gmpavt@gmail.com   Phone: (802) 244-8600

School Board Updates

https://huusd.org/huusd-board

Bobcat Bulletin 11/19/21

 

A little rain won't stop the game

School News:

As a district, it has been decided that selling only milk is not an option. So the expectation is that students should get at least 3 components (milk, fruit, and something else) if they want the milk for FREE!!!!

This means cold lunch students need to come through the line and get a tray if they want milk & must sign up ahead of time!

Also, please remind students that they need to stick with what they ordered (or skip it) and not choose a different choice in line. They do not have to have the main entree, just three components. For ordering purposes they must choose one though.

Breakfast choices - Free to all students!

Here are typical choices - subject to change:

Daily we offer cereal & bagels, milk & juice, cheese sticks & fruit!

Monday & Tuesday - Banana or Pumpkin Bread

Wednesday & Thursday - Yogurt & Granola

Thursday & Friday - Muffins

Friday - Breakfast Sandwiches: Egg, Cheese on English Muffin (NEW)

Interested in Volunteering at Moretown School?  We would love to have you, and we are ready to roll.  Please start this process (even if you have volunteered in the past) by completing this form.  Also Alyssa Dybala from central office will be here at Moretown Tuesday 11/30/21 at 7:20 to help people sign up during drop off.

PE

Spikeball in the gym

     Music Notes

 

 

    The music programs at MES are in great shape this year, with participation at  60% in the band, instrument lesson and chorus programs! This is especially satisfying considering that music program participation suffered greatly last year under covid restrictions.

     Many students are taking an instrument for the first time this year. Having a new instrument in your hands is very exciting and students are usually very motivated to get their new instrument out of it’s case at home and work on those first sounds. After a few weeks though, some of that momentum starts to fade and practicing starts to become a battle.

     Developing good practice habits is directly tied to student success. Here are some strategies to help motivate your student:

 

1.    Refer to practice time as playing time. Perception is everything!

2.    Tie playing time to homework time. Make practicing your instrument part of your homework. Even 10 minutes a day will yield good results, and won’t feel like a burden.

3.    Encourage your student to get their instrument out and play a song for you.

4.    Keep track of playing sessions and offer a reward that you mutually agree on when a certain number of sessions is reached. For young players a balance of intrinsic and extrinsic motivation is very helpful.

5.    Plan for playing time. Schedule playing time as you would any other commitment ( like sports practice ). Students have busy lives and practice that is left to chance often doesn’t happen.

6.    Encourage your student to set a goal for their playing time that is realistic and achievable. When the goal is met ( or progress made ), that playing session is complete.

Bonjour

• Check out the latest news on the French blog; https://frenchwithmadamelindberg.blogspot.com/

I Heart Art

• Check this out!   https://www.valleyreporter.com/index.php/news/artsent/16336-besharat-arts-foundation-donates-photography-exhibit-to-moretown-school

School Counselor's Corner

•  https://counselingcommons.weebly.com/ 

Notes from the Health Office 

• Have questions about "test to stay" antigen testing or testing for ill students in school?  many do.  Please read through this information sheet that Claire has prepared.

ECO this week

Learning about White Tail Deer with Kindergarten!

listening with our deer ears

hiding like baby fawns

on a hunt for deer tracks 

We found tracks!!

Forest choice is the best!

PTO News

From the PTO:

November is the month of giving for many corporations and employers offering a donation matching program when employees donate to the nonprofits of their choice.  

Just a reminder especially during this month that that the PTO is a 501c-3 non-profit organization and we fund the circus, ski program, Halloween party, school skating day, and teacher and staff appreciation!  We also reach for additional funding opportunities throughout the year to be in the position to be able to provide for teacher requests for funding as they are submitted to the PTO.  This is a fairly new program that allows teachers to submit funding requests to the PTO.  Most recently we have been in the position to support some wonderful diversity and inclusion tools for our teachers because of the funding that we have available!  

Granting those requests would have not been possible without the support of the Moretown School Community.  Therefore, in this season of giving, the Moretown PTO wanted to give thanks to the school community, especially those who have participated in fundraising! 

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.

School Board Updates

https://huusd.org/huusd-board

Bobcat Bulletin 11/12/21

 

Preschool learning about what they value and support

School News:

Lots of information in this week's HUUSD bulletin: Read the bulletin.

Have a 5th grader at home?  Check out the 5th grade Ski Vermont Passport! https://skivermont.com/fifth-grade-passport%20%20

Conferences: Most teachers have conferences this week.  I hope you all are enjoying goal setting and learning more about your child as a learner.  We are working hard to meet al students where they are at, and supporting their development academically, socially and emotionally. 

•  Haven't signed up a for a conference yet?  It's not too late, just reach out to the classroom teacher and they will help get you scheduled.

Interested in volunteering this year?  Please fill out the 21/22 volunteer application (HERE) 

I Heart Art

Moretown Pines painting with Legos

Legos can paint and print

School Counselor's Corner

The holiday season will be here soon and I imagine many of you have begun gift shopping. Each year the Mad River Interfaith Council provides us with Joys of the Season coupon booklets. Each booklet is worth $80 and the coupons can be spent like gift cards at stores in the Mad River/Waterbury area, such as The Collection, Bridgeside Books, and Clearwater Sports. If you would like a booklet - we can provide one per child - please let me know. I can be reached at jstevenson@huusd.org.

5th and 6th graders have been working on a unit around resilience.  One of the things that can help us be resilient is our natural supports.  Mr. Stevenson had the 5th/6th graders make word clouds about what they are grateful for:

Notes from the Health Office 

We work really hard to keep everyone safe and well at Moretown School, and sometimes injuries can occur.  In case an injury happens, we want to make sure any injuries to your child are treated appropriately and as quickly as possible.  If an injury occurs, we will reach out to you right away and may ask you to pick up your child.  We will have an accident report printed for you, which may be helpful if further medical attention is needed. If your child is seriously injured or injured in such a way that they cannot walk to the nurses office, our campus is large and hilly, we may have to call 911 to have the local EMS come to Moretown to evaluate your child and transport them to the nearest emergency facility. We will, of course, let you know if such action is necessary, when contact you.

ECO this week

Preschool headed to ECO on a chilly morning!

PTO News

If you haven't yet, please check out PTO's facebookpage: https://www.facebook.com/MoretownPTO

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.

GREEN MOUNTAIN PERFORMING ARTS 2021-2022 ENROLLMENT OPEN  Let's Dance! Green Mountain Performing Arts will be offering a wide variety of weekly dance classes and after school activities for ages 5 and up. Dance styles that are offered include:  Ballet (Ages 3 and up), Hip Hop (Ages 5 and up) , Modern (Ages 7 and up),  Irish (Ages 7 and up),  Highland (Ages 9 and up), Tap (Ages 6 and up), Jazz (Ages 5-8)
Registration is now open! Please visit our website to see our full schedule.  Want to know more about the dance styles offered? Visit our Programs page here.    Contact Us-   Email: gmpavt@gmail.com   Phone: (802) 244-8600

Little Glove Project 
 
Gordini is a Vermont-based brand, located in Essex Junction, with a 65-year history of making gloves and mittens fit for foul weather, frozen fingers, and the beloved snow day. Our mission is simple: keep hands warm and dry so you can stay outside longer. This purpose feels more important than ever in our local communities and neighborhood schools. In the spirit of the Giving Season, Gordini commits to a starting goal of providing handwear for 2000 little hands in need this winter. 
 
With the help of the Vermont State School Nurse Association and the Vermont Principals’ Association, Gordini will distribute winter gear to elementary schools across the state. Every purchase made on Gordini.com through the end of the year will be matched by a direct donation to equip Vermont’s youngest students with the right outdoor gear to play, learn and explore more. 
 
Local families can help contribute to their community schools by holiday shopping on Gordini.com. More information on the “Little Glove Project” is available at Gordini.com or by contacting brett_wagenheim@gordini.com. 
 
May bus stops, recess, outdoor classrooms, and field trips be a little warmer this winter!

School Board Updates

https://huusd.org/huusd-board

Lost and found and post vaccination message from the nurse.

A couple of notes from the nurse:

Many students are getting their first COVID vaccine in the coming weeks.  For some it might cause some side effects.  These side effects can show up the day of the vaccine or in the few days after your child's shot. These can be treated with pain relievers such as acetaminophen or ibuprophen ("Tylenol" or "Advil").  If you administer any medication to treat side effects before your child comes to school, please email or call the nurse, Claire Lindberg, to let her know. This will enable Claire to better evaluate and treat your child.  Claire's contact information is clindberg@huusd.org and 802 583 7858.

LOST and FOUND

Please take a look at our Lost and Found display (below) and let us know if you recognize anything as belonging to your child.  *Note, if an item has a name in it we automatically return it to that child.  Please mark your child's coats, mittens, hats, sweatshirts and boots with their name.

We will donate all items left after the winter break.

Thank you!

Mandy

 

Bobcat Bulletin 11/5/21

 

It was chilly this week... brrr.

School News:

Love to spend time with students?  Love to laugh, learn and support the community?  Have you considered being a substitute or a paraprofessional?  

We currently have a need for an on-staff substitute, general subs and 2 paraprofessional positions.  Please reach out to Mandy if you would like more information. mcouturier@huusd.org

PE

BIKES!  (pictures coming)

Musical Notes

5th/6th graders created compositions to play on the xylophones:

Notes from the Health Office 

In the above links there is information about what to do if your child is ill.  Illness are common this time of year, even in a preCOVID existence.  In addition to the guidelines outlined in that document, please know that we will be following up with you when your child is ill and hope that you will follow up with us when they are feeling better.  Claire collects all COVID negative letters and adds them to your child's school medical file.  We also love to hear when symptoms have cleared up within the 24 hour time frame.  Thanks for working with us on this as we try to keep everyone healthy and well.

ECO this week

preschool pics coming!

ECO <3

PTO News: Winter Sports Program

HI Moretown Families- The Winter Sports Program is firing up for this snow season and we wanted to share the dates so that parents can plan time to volunteer.  Our winter sports program is FULLY DEPENDENT on parent volunteers! Without you, there is no program!  There are roles on and off the snow, helping gear up, transport gear, and skiing, snowboarding and snowshoeing.  We need you if you can volunteer one day or all 6 days.  Here are the dates

January 25

February 1

February 8

February 15

March 8

March 15

March 22 only as a make up day.

The program time at the mountain is a commitment from roughly 11:30-2:30.  You get a free ski pass for the remainder of the day. You do need to be approved through HUUSD as a parent chaperone- fingerprinting and background check, so let us know if you need help with this process. Additionally all school volunteers must be vaccinated.

Please make this program a success for our kids and volunteer!  Registration info and volunteer forms should be out next week, so stay tuned!

~  Hannah Flynn and Ashleigh Bergstrom

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.

School Board Updates

https://huusd.org/blog/2021-10-27-huusd-board-meeting-recap

Mid week bulletin- Conferences and Lost and Found

 

The Conference link is live, please sign up for a Fall 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 your child's classroom teacher.
• 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).

LOST and FOUND:

Recognize any of these items?  Send Brenda or myself an email and we will send it along home with your child.