Bobcat Bulletin 1/28/22

Celebrating Kindness this week at MES!

School News:

PE

This month in PE students have been engaging in a wide variety of jump roping activities! From short ropes, to twirl and jumps, double dutch, and egg beater, their skills have been killer! In the past we have performed a big jump roping show at the end of the unit, but we did things a little differently this year. Hopefully next year we can get back to a big show! The best part about jump roping is that there are always ways to improve and new tricks to learn. There is always something for everybody. This month we are going to be diving into something totally new for PE! We are going to be trying a modified Survivor month! Kids will be in teams, and we will be doing a whole series of challenges where kids can earn points for their teams. Yes, there will even be hidden advantages! If you have no idea what I'm talking about, there are some great clips on youtube to check out what Survivor is all about. It's going to be a lot of fun!

Library Happenings

Book Award Winners:

Newbery - Last Cuentista

Caldecott - Watercress

https://www.npr.org/2022/01/24/1075270242/the-last-cuentista-and-watercress-win-top-childrens-book-awards

I Heart Art

Sand Painting and Burlap Weaving this week

School Counselor's Corner

Great Kindness Challenge

This week Moretown Elementary School participated in The Great Kindness Challenge. The purpose of the challenge is to highlight the importance of being kind to others, to provide ways to be kind and to notice kindness in others. Our participation in the challenge included a spirit week, with each day a different kindness-related theme:

• Monday - Dream of kindness: wear your favorite pajamas

• Tuesday - Silly for kindness: wear a silly hat or hair

• Wednesday - Score points by helping others: Wear sports attire

• Thursday - Powered by kindness: Dress as your favorite hero

• Friday - Moretown kids are KIND kids: Wear red or a Moretown shirt

In addition to the spirit themes, in wellness students learned about empathy, compassion and how they relate to being kind. We read The Invisible Boy by Trudy Ludwig and explored ways of including those who may feel “invisible.” They practiced random acts of gratitude/kindness and worked collaboratively on kindness murals for the multi-purpose room and main entrance. 

For suggestions on spreading kindness at home, check out the following:

• 17 Activities for Kids to Practice Kindness and Compassion

• 4 Kindness Activities for Kids at Home

Notes from the Health Office 

Please remember to pack more than one mask for your child.  The cold and snow lead to wet masks, and wet masks are not effective.  We have some to give, but we can't always match the type your student wants or needs.

ECO this week

We're taking a couple weeks off from ECO as we explore our outdoors in different ways!

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.

Friday, January 28^th~ Community members are invited to pick up free, fresh produce and other staples from 9 to 10:30 am by drive up distribution at the Barre Auditorium. Please enter the parking lot at 16 Auditorium Hill in Barre, remain in your car, and follow volunteer instructions. No registration is required.

 

Mental Health Advocacy Day is January 31st and is open to all mental health advocates, peers, family members, professionals, providers, community members and mental health stakeholders!

To learn how to register to share your story, about upcoming advocacy training dates, and more about the day's activities, please visit  https://tinyurl.com/2p8b89cm.

Click here for more information about Harwood Basketball Camp

Relay Write

Joslin Memorial Library

Month of February (please register a.s.a.p.! Everyone who signs up before Friday, February 4th will be guaranteed a turn)

All Ages

Join Joslin's Relay Writing game! Here's how it works: sometime in the month of February, you'll be notified that it's time for your leg of the relay write. Come to the library and pick up the story, read what others have contributed, add writing and/or illustrations for your chapter (you'll have a couple days to complete it), then drop it off so the team can continue to "The End". Colored pencils and a pen will be provided along with the book. When we're done, participants will have a chance to read the completed work. 

We'll assign relay "teams" based on how many folks sign up and their ages. Everyone from emergent writers to adults are welcome to participate - even young storytellers who need someone to transcribe can join in!

Registration link:

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdje8gSdvO6Vz1GR9Iv-e8ZYPV3K-v5Bl3Oy9VFPffC0ntlag/viewform?usp=sf_link

Spring soccer registration will open on January 24, 2022, for age groups U9-U19. (We will open registration up for younger players at a later date so please be on the lookout for that). Early bird pricing of $130 will be until February 6th. Pricing will increase to $150 after February 6th to the end of registration on February 27th.
PLEASE READ REGARDING NEW REGISTRATION PLATFORM: Vermont Soccer has implemented some changes with regards to Got Sport and the registration process - we think you find the new platform more streamlined (all children and coaches in the same family can be under one account), but you will have to create a new account. It's fairly straightforward, but please don't hesitate to reach out if you have any questions.
Registration fee is $130 until February 6th, 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 be put on a waiting list (you will not be charged unless a spot opens up for your player).

Link to register is https://system.gotsport.com/programs/A71707371?reg_role=player

General information:
Practice: Twice a week (general schedule, may be altered according to needs of coach and team schedule).
All is subject to change based on guidance from the VT Governor and Vermont Soccer Association regarding COVID-19 regulations.
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.
Equipment: The club provides uniform shirts, shorts and socks. Each player is required to wear shin guards under their soccer socks. The socks must entirely cover the shin guards. Each player must have a #4  or #5 ball (depending on level) and a water bottle.
Scholarships considered upon request

Bobcat Bulletin 1/21/22

 

Weaving Maples

School News:

This amazing program donated 22 pairs of mittens/gloves to Moretown School so all kids will have warm hands during play, ECO, Snowshoeing, Skiing, Snowboarding and beyond.  They are housed in our closet that all students can access as needed!!  Thanks to Gordini.  Check them out and show them support: https://gordini.com/

I Heart Art

School Counselor's Corner

Hello Moretown Families,

Knowing the significant impact the pandemic has had on our families, I wanted to take a moment

to share with you some supports available in our community:


The MRV Interfaith Council has funds available to cover summer camps, sports, arts classes or other enrichment programs. Families can contact the council directly or we can work with the council on your behalf.

If this is something you are interested in, please let me know.



The MRV Interfaith Council also provides emergency grants for rent, fuel assistance and more. Again, you can reach out to the council directly or we can work with them for you.

If this is something you are interested in, please let me know.



Contacts

Rev. Mark Wilson (802) 496-3065

Rev. Erin Reardon (617) 368-0165



Hannah’s House has funds available to support students’ participation in local enrichment programs. I have included links to some offerings and contact information below.

We can also work with Hannah’s House on your behalf. If this is something you are interested in,

please let me know.



MakerSphere (Waterbury)

Sculpture School (Waitsfield)

Blockhouse (Waitsfield)



Contact

Chrissy Rivers, Hannah’s House



(802) 839-8195

Notes from the Health Office 

Have an antigen test result to record with the state? https://survey.alchemer.com/s3/6507748/Vermont-COVID-19-Self-Test-Result-Reporting-Form

Free at-⁠home COVID-⁠19 tests from the federal government!

Every home in the U.S. can soon order 4 free at-⁠home COVID-⁠19 tests. The tests will be completely free—there are no shipping costs, and you don’t need to enter a credit card number.

 Ordering begins January 19.

https://www.covidtests.gov/

Here's the web address for Project N95 mentioned in the poster: https://www.projectn95.org/

ECO this week

Maples heading out an a mile hike in snowshoes!

PTO News

'The PTO is asking for your help! We are so excited to sponsor Troy Wunderle & his circus at MES this May and are looking for a place for him to stay while he is here. Do you have a place, or know of someone, who might be willing to offer their space for Troy to stay during May? Let us know- daniellegkent@gmail.com - THANK YOU!'

Hi Moretown Families

This Tuesday 1/25 is the start of our Winter Sports Program!  Hooray!

Reminders what parents need to do that day

1- pack your kids with boots and helmet and goggles

2- make sure they are wearing fleece/ synthetic clothes/ long underwear.  No cotton please!  Cotton gets wet with sweat then freezes making you miserable.

3- Make sure they have knee high synthetic/ wool socks!

4- Drop labeled ski/ snowboard/ poles out in front of the school and pick them up at the end of the day (except for snowmotion families- we have your kids skis/ boards)

5- IF your child has a sugarbush pass, please have them bring it.

6- update pick up patrol by 9:30am on Tuesday if they are staying at the mountain- and with whom.

Please review the ski program info in the attachment below for other details

Email us at moretownskiprogram@gmail.com with any questions!

Thanks! Hannah Flynn and Ashleigh Bergstrom

 Moretown PTO Winter Sports Program - Google Forms

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.

Free Winter Programming with The Children’s Room!

NATURE EXPLORATIONS: Tuesdays, 10-11:30 am @ various trailheads in the area. Get outside for some fresh air and fun! Every week we go to a different trailhead or natural area to explore and connect with the natural world and with each other. Activities are hands-on and facilitated by an instructor. Ages 0-6 and carriers are helpful for little ones! Email childrensroom@huusd.org to sign up. Enrollment is always open!

MUSIC & MOVEMENT: Wednesdays, 10:30-11:30 @ the SAL Room of the Waterbury Public Library. Ready for some singing, moving & playing? Come join us for Music & Movement! We begin by singing songs and moving together and allow time at the end to play on the swings and slide, as well as time for parents to socialize too! Ages 0-6. Masks required for all participants 2 years old and up. All The calendar will be updated the morning of by 8:00 am for cancellations.

SLEDDING & SKATING MEET UPS:  Come join The Children’s Room for some winter fun! We are doing monthly sledding and ice skating meet ups. Check the online calendar for weather cancellations. 10:00 am - 12:00 pm. Snacks provided too!

Sunday, January 23rd:   Sledding Hill Meet Up @ Waterbury Public Library

​Sunday, January 30th: Skating Rink Meet Up  @ Crossett Brook Middle School (bring your own skates)

Sunday February 6th :  Winterfest Sledding Party @ Waterbury Public Library, hot drinks provided too!

Saturday, February 12th: Skating Rink Meet Up @ Crossett Brook Middle School (bring your own skates)

BABY CIRCLE: Thursdays, 1:00-2:00 pm. This informal, drop-in, weekly meet-up group is for pregnant or postpartum parents & caregivers. Join us for connection and theme-based discussions via Zoom. Pre-register with Hayley hayley@goodbeginningscentralvt.org. Enrollment is always open!

PRACTICAL POSITIVE CO-PARENTING WORKSHOP: Wednesday, January 26 @ 7:00 pm OR Thursday, March 3rd @ 8:00 pm, 90 minutes in length. Cost is FREE. Pre-register by emailing childrensroom@huusd.org

The Children's Room is partnering with Dustin Bruley of Lighthouse Wellness to offer a Zoom parenting workshop. Parents will learn strategies and tools to improve

(and in some cases rescue) their relationship with their co-parent (whether or not that's their

current partner). There will also be activities and a Q & A. As a bonus gift, everyone who

completes the workshop will receive a free coaching session to implement what

they've learned into their individual situation.

For more information on The Children’s Room or programs, see The Children’s Room website, calendar or Facebook page, or email childrensroom@huusd.org.

Some very cozy Sledding Judges

Bobcat Bulletin 1/14/22

Shelly had some fun this week!

5th/6th graders so glad to hang with Shelly

School News:

We're at the end of a long week.  There have been many things hurtling in our direction: sub freezing windchills, a pesky variant causing lots of disruptions, and the end of a semester.  Thank you for working with us and being patient. Please take the long weekend to snuggle in, and take a breath.  

Next week, we will be sending home report cards with students on Wednesday.  I encourage you to prioritize reading through the comments and talking through what you see with your child.  They have all worked incredibly hard, learned an enormous amount, been caring and compassionate community members and shown amazing flexibility.  So much to celebrate!

Bonjour

The kindergartners made "anges de neige" (snow angels

I Heart Art

Notes from the Health Office 

        Order tests https://sayyescovidhometest.org/

ECO this week

Here are some shots of the 1st and 2nd graders practicing STEM! They built “mouse sleds” from recycled and found materials over two days last week and this week, and then tested them outside on the sledding hill yesterday. Fun stuff:)

PTO News

The Moretown School PTO is seeking housing for Troy Wunderle during the circus residency at the Moretown School this May. If any family has a small separate apartment or local rental unit that they might donate or rent to the PTO for a discounted rate from May 9-13 we would appreciate it!  Any donation is tax deductible as the PTO is a non profit organization.   Thanks!!

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.

 Deep in the winter quiet, the Jewish tradition of Tu B’Shvat celebrates the birthday of the tree.  The holiday is celebrated by eating different kinds of fruits and making yearly commitments as stewards of the earth.  Living Tree Alliance is offering family programs this MLK Day in the forests, fields and sledding hills of our farm. This year we add a special dedication to Martin Luther King Jr. as we commit to racial justice together.

 All are welcome to this multigenerational event. 

Monday January 17th 10 am – 12pm 
Living Tree Alliance, Moretown VT 

For more information check out  https://livingtreealliance.com/tu-bshvat/ 
or text with questions Melanie Kessler  8025039774

Bobcat Bulletin 1/9/22

 

We love it when we have snow!

Found treasures on the playground

Getting outdoors will be a priority in the next few weeks.  We are so fortunate that we have always taught outdoors and that students are ready to go out!  Please make sure your child is packed to go outside.  Indoors, we will have windows open in some rooms to increase air flow, when possible, please dress them in layers as it can get a little chilly.   

School News:

I know you have been inundated with emails and information over the weekend.  Please reach out if you have questions, we are hear to work through it all with you

We need pants!  Have you noticed that your child has outgrown some of their pants?  We'd love to have some donated for kids who may need to borrow a pair!  We'd most appreciate sizes 4-10 with elastic waists, but we will not turn a good pair of pants away:)

Masks! Please pack your child 2-3 masks each day.  When the weather is snowy the masks get very wet, very fast.  We have been so lucky to have a robust stock of cloth masks to hand out when students are in need, but our stocks are dwindling  Please also consider that masks should be at least three layers of material, and that many different non-cloth masks are available out there.

ECO this week

Exploring ice with 1/2 ECO this week.  

PTO News

Winter Sports Program is almost here!  We start January 25 thanks to the PTO for all their work on this!!