Hark! The Herald.
Friday, March 9, 2018
2018 Parent Survey
Dear SMS Parents,
It is that time of year where we need your thoughts and comments about how we are doing. You will find the 2018 SMS School Survey attached. Please take a few moments to thoughtfully complete the anonymous survey. We use the data collected to guide us in our programming, staffing, and long term planning. We will again share our results with you before the end of this academic year, so the survey will only be open for 3 weeks. I thank you in advance for your participation and look forward to hearing your thoughts. A few quick notes about the survey. In order to collect the most accurate data:
1. Please only fill out one survey per family
2. Please share your thoughts. We love reading comments - praise, suggestions for improvement, or anything constructive
3. The survey should be filled out in reference to K-11 students only (Pre-K will have their own survey)
4. The survey has 28 multiple choice questions, plus open-ended questions for typed comments
5. It should take about 10-20 minutes to fill out.
Peace and Blessings,
Mrs. Beam
From the Desk of the Principal: High School/Middle School Staffing change
Dear Middle/High School Families
Please note some updates to our staffing in the High School:
Due to an unexpected military obligation, Dr. Ferreira will reduce his teaching and time commitment at SMS for the remainder of this school year. For the first part of the summer, he will participate in a six-week deployment (as First Lieutenant Ferreira) to west Africa. This assignment brings Dr. Ferreira on mid-mission, and will demand a significant amount of time between now and this summer. In the meantime, Dr. Ferreira looks forward to continuing to work with SMS 6th graders in math, and with the 8th and 11th graders in literature!
Mrs. Linda Alvarez, who has been an SMS substitute, has agreed to teach Ancient Literature and Ancient History as well as US History for the remainder of the year.
Mrs. Alvarez comes to us with many years of experience as a licensed grade 6-12 Social Studies/History teacher while also holding a Reading/LA Specialist license in VT and FL. We are pleased to welcome her to our staff!
Snowy, Snowy March
Thank you parents for bearing with us for the last few snow storms!
Fortunately, the weather has been such that we didn't have to call a full day of school. This is promising for our end of the year calendar! We appreciate you making the effort to get your student(s) here, and maintaining a positive attitude.
A note on snow storms/snow days: We want you to be SAFE on the roads. We also want to have school when we can. Therefore, the policy regarding excused/unexcused absences during snow will be the following:
If the school district where you live has cancelled school and you cannot make it in to SMS, you will have an excused absence.
If the school district where you live did not cancel school, and you cannot can make it in to SMS, your student will have an unexcused absence.
In either case, if we are holding classes, it is your student's responsibility to get the missed work and make it up.
Thank you!
Xanadu, Jr!
Congratulations to all involved on a wonderful show last night!
You worked hard, and it showed.
Thank you, Thank you!
Spring into SMS: Development Newsletter
Trimester 2 ends Today!
It may feel like it's gone by quickly, but Trimester 2 concludes today!
Report Cards will go home next Friday, March 16th, so be on the lookout for them.
If you have questions regarding grades or report cards, please contact your student's teacher directly.
HIGH SCHOOL: Trimester 3 Elective Paperwork
Good afternoon!
Paperwork for High School student's trimester 3 electives went home today.
It is due back in the office on Monday, March 12th.
We understand this is a quick turnaround, but please do fill it out this weekend and get it back to us so all electives can begin on time.
Thank you for your cooperation!
Afterschool Volleyball
Through April 9, 2017, Mr. Milano will be hosting volleyball for the 8th-11th graders in Rand Hall. A permission slip must be filled out and handed into the office if your student(s) wish to participate.
Thank you!
March In-Service Days
For the month of March, there are 2 (two) Teacher In-Service Days on the calendar.
March 23, 2018 - Elementary In-Service Day. PK-8 students will NOT have school.
High School Students WILL have school.
March 29, 2018 - High School In-Service Day. Grade 9-11 students will NOT have school.
Elementary (PK-8) Students WILL have school.
Please let the office know if you have any questions.
Missed the last Parent Info Night? Have no fear - come on 3/22!
Reading is an Investment
It was awhile ago the elementary school received the forms, but the time is here:
The Vermont State Treasurer's office initiative drawing ends next Thursday, March 15th!
Please finish up those reading logs and get them postmarked by March 15th to be entered in the drawing on March 19th!
Thank you!
Help Support the Yearbook: Order your Yearbook AD today!
From the Diocese
This month's Diocesan newsletter contains some important information for families and friends regarding suicide prevention.
If you are interested, you may access the newsletter here.
Next Week at SMS:
Monday:
- 3:15-4:30 Volleyball (Grades 8-11)
- 3:15-4:30 Journalism/Yearbook Club
Wednesday:
- 8:45 Student Mass - families are always welcome to join this for this special mass!
Vocations Evening: Reflection
If you attended the Vocations Evening this past weekend, or any one in the Diocese of Burlington this year, then please respond to these questions!
When you are finished please send them directly to Mallorie Gerwitz: mgerwitz@vermontcatholic.org
Thank you!
For our High Schoolers: Driving School
SMS parents,
Good morning!
The Southern Vermont Driving School is reaching out to let Saint Michael School families know that there are still openings in the 2018 SVDS July-August class.
SVDS has extended SMS priority placement for applications for the 2019 January course! The January class would likely finish over February vacation 2019. If you are interested in reserving a spot, please contact David Kolkebeck and we'll work out the details!
David is in Brattleboro once or twice a week for private lessons and usually finishes between 3 and 4pm if you would like to meet and discuss. Saint Michael School actually holds a special geographic place in the drive schedule: we slowly circle through to get back into the courthouse triangle, where students learn how to make the perfect lane change before tackling 91!
Best wishes,
David Kolkebeck
SVDS
802 423-5595
Around Town....
Green Mountain Conservation Camp!
Wildlife education and outdoor skills are the focus of GMCC and the program’s goal is to cultivate a caring attitude among our youth for Vermont’s fish and wildlife resources
For students ages 12-16.
More great information here!
Sandglass Theater Series continues:
Sandglass Theater’s Winter Sunshine Series continues on Saturday, March 17th with two performances of Everybody Loves Pirates! by Frogtown Mountain Puppeteers at Sandglass Theater in Putney at 11 AM and 2 PM.
Eight-year-old Lucy and her pal Little Chucky are searching for buried treasure, but a gang of bumbling pirates keeps getting in the way! Tickets are $9 and can be reserved by calling (802)387-4051or email info@sandglasstheater.org.
We're here for you!
Email: kimmorrell@smsvt.info
Website: www.smsvt.info
Location: 48 Walnut Street, Brattleboro, VT, United States
Phone: 802-254-6320
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Saint-Michael-Roman-Catholic-School-163298257197450/
Twitter: @StMikesVT