RES August Newsletter
8/21/2023
Dear RES Families,
I hope this summer has treated you well, and allowed the opportunity to create meaningful and long-lasting memories. The community was certainly challenged by the effects of the weather in July, and the response I saw reminded me of what is so special about small towns. Neighbor helping neighbor, lending hands and working towards the greater good of everyone. Similarly, the education of our students at RES is a shared responsibility between the school, parents, and students.
With this shared responsibility in mind, we would like to take this opportunity to outline essential information that will play a role in contributing to a successful and engaging school year. Creating a safe, collaborative, and supportive learning environment will be our initial focus to start the year. Our highly qualified and passionate educators are dedicated to providing challenging and comprehensive lessons that align with the academic standards while promoting student-centered learning. I encourage you to maintain open lines of communication with your child’s teachers to ensure a strong partnership between home and school.
As we prepare for the upcoming 2023-2024 school year, I would like to provide you with some important updates and information.
Free Breakfast and Lunch Program: We are pleased to announce that Vermont will once again be offering the Free Breakfast and Lunch Program for all students this year. This program aims to ensure that all students have access to nutritious meals during the school day. No application is required, and all students will automatically be eligible to receive free breakfast and lunch.
Bus Routes for the 2023-2024 School Year: Please take a moment to review the bus routes for the 2023-2024 school year, which are available on the district website. Additionally, here is a link to the Bus Route Revision Process and Criteria.
School Hours: Please see the schedule below:
7:55 a.m. to 2:40 p.m.
Bus arrives at 7:40 a.m.
Bus departs at 2:40 p.m.
Supervision in the morning begins at 7:40 a.m. for K-4; supervision ends in the afternoon at 2:45 p.m.
PreK Drop Off is from 7:55 to 8:05 a.m.; PreK pick up is from 2:30 to 2:40 p.m.
PreK/K Meet and Greet Night: PreK/K families, please join us on Monday, August 28 from 4:00-5:00 for a meet and greet evening. More details to follow directly to those families.
Parent/Guardian Emergency Information Guide: Here is a link to Vermont’s School Emergency Information Guide.
District Movie Screening: The Mountain Views Supervisory Union (formerly WCSU) is proud to announce a screening of the movie The Right to Read on August 24th at 6:30 at the Woodstock Union Middle/High School Auditorium. Here is more information on the screening.
Calendar: Here is the link to the calendar. The first day of school is Wednesday, August 30th.
Staffing: We are pleased to have our core teaching staff of Lois Fein (PreK/K), Pamela Boyer-Sheldon (1/2), and Patty Collins (3/4) returning for another fantastic year. A few more familiar faces returning are Justine Montgomery (Administrative Assistant), Jen Cerrone (PreK Paraprofessional), Sandy Morgan (Food Service), and Kyle White (Custodian). Additionally, Lisa Kaija (Visual Arts), Karen Payne (Physical Education), Elizabeth Linsley (Music/Band) will be returning as well. Unfortunately, Joyce Babbitt (Library/STEM) has left the district. This position is posted, and interviews will occur as applications come in. A new face joining the team as Social Emotional Learning Educator is Carolyn Zuaro.
Finally, I want to say thank you. Starting a new position presents its own challenges, and the school community has made me feel welcome from the beginning. From the district office, to the RES staff, to community members, and the PTO, all have made me feel a sense of belonging. I am greatly appreciative of this. I cannot wait to get this year started and look forward to seeing our students back in the building.
Cheers,
Brandon Hill
Principal
Reading Elementary School
Reading, VT 05062
(802)484-7230 Ext. 1501
Pronouns: he/him