SCS Weekly Newsletter 3.20.23
Week of March 20, 2023
Principals' Message
Hello SCS Families and Caregivers,
This week, we'd like to take a moment to show our immense appreciation for our Parent-Teacher Organization (PTO). Our PTO is made up of parents/caregivers, community partners, and our two co-principals. We are incredibly grateful of our generous volunteers and community partners who help provide the unique learning experiences offered to all SCS students by fundraising and volunteer efforts. This is yet another way SCS continues to focus on growth and belonging for all. You'll notice the following big events and fundraisers we've worked on this year center around opportunities to build community and connection.
So far this year;
- Nearby Nature - Our PTO financially supports this curricular program which provides opportunities for family members to teach hands-on science lessons monthly in our K-2 classrooms throughout the year
- Dynamic Dates - Provided an opportunity for adults to connect with students, and the funds raised from this event support our PTO grants which go right back to teachers to fund specific project proposals.
- Fall Fundraiser - Provided opportunities for community members to purchase local products, and profits from fundraiser went right back to teachers to use with students this year.
- SCS Directory - Provided a way for caregivers to connect with others throughout the community to arrange playdates, parties, events, and more.
- SCS FoodSmart - Provided nutritional education and hands-on experience with farm-to-table projects (ie Stone Soup schoolwide experience) and brought back Harvest of the Month - from planting, harvesting, preparing, and serving various culinary samples to students by students (and volunteers).
- Read-a-Thon - Provided a variety of events and experiences to engage all students and adults in reading throughout the month including a read-a-thon challenge (number of minutes read), book swap, book clubs, and author visits! The money raised from this fundraiser went right back to the teachers and students.
We are looking for additional volunteers for the following upcoming events;
- May 1st-5th Staff Appreciation Week
- May (TBD) Walk/Ride to School event
- June 9th Jog-a-Thon
- June 15th 8th Grade Graduation
- June 16th Staff Luncheon (last student day)
- August 30th First Day of School - Community Coffee & Carbs Event
- September (TBD) Open House
We hope you'll consider joining us for our monthly meetings on the second Tuesday at 6pm - complimentary childcare and pizza are provided during in-person meetings. Our next PTO meeting will be April 11th at 6pm.
We also understand that attending meetings is not always feasible with busy schedules, you can check out the PTO website to learn about the various ways to get involved at SCS to enhance your child's learning experience.
PTO is always seeking new members, and encourage you to join an upcoming meeting or check out their website below to learn more. One position that we are looking to fill for 2023-2024 is our PTO Chair, or two co-chairs. Please reach out to the PTO at shelburnepto@gmail.com if you are interested in learning more about this opportunity.
We look forward to our continued partnership with all of you and hope to connect at one of our upcoming events!
Take care,
Alison, Brett, & Emily
Mentoring at SCS - CY Mentoring (grades 5-8) and Everybody Wins! (grades 1-4)
If you've had experience with either of our mentoring programs - CY Mentoring and/or Everybody Wins! Mentoring - please share your thoughts about our mentoring programs with us using this Google Form.
Thank you!
Student Leadership Shout-Out!
Save the Dates - 8th Grade Graduation
PTO Read-a-Thon Update
Congratulations, SCS readers! During the 2023 school-wide read-a-thon, we had 210 readers participate, and together we read 106,490 minutes! We also raised more than $5,000 for the SCS PTO. Some shout-outs:
The middle level team that read the most was the GREEN TEAM! There were 28 readers, and they read 19,328 minutes together.
The elementary class that read the most was Ms. Hansen’s SECOND GRADE CLASS! There were 7 readers, and together they read 9,035 minutes.
To celebrate our reading successes as a school community, we had two author visits this past week:
On Wednesday, March 15, local author Chris Tebbetts (https://christebbetts.com/) visited with students in grades 5-8 in the gym.
On Thursday, March 16, local author Elizabeth Bluemle (https://www.elizabethbluemle.com/) visited students in grades preK - 4 for an interactive performance in the library with percussion accompaniment by Susanne Schmidt.
Thank you to the families, students, teachers, and staff at SCS who create such a love of reading in our school and who helped make this event a huge success!
Chris Tebbetts
Elizabeth Bluemle & Sue Schmidt
Having a blast!
Spread the Word - Inclusion!
If you'd like to join a lunch block to help present the "Spread the Word" campaign with our students, please sign up on this doc before Monday, so we can coordinate with you prior to the week of March 20th. Thank you!
Meal Time Reminders
Thank you for taking the time to discuss this with your child so we can help maintain a calm and comfortable eating environment for all.
Morning Movement Volunteers
If you could help us out one day per week, or five days per week, we'd be grateful! Please reach out to Alysia Wakeman at awakeman@cvsdvt.org for more details.
SCS Junior Iron Chef Team
SKAT Updates
Multicultural Movie Series Schedule At Pierson Library
March 25, 1-3 pm Science Fair
“Science Fair is a fascinating, inspiring documentary about teens competing in the prestigious Intel International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF), which is held each year; more than 70 nations are represented by 1,700 entrants…There are also strong themes of curiosity, communication, perseverance, and teamwork.”Commonsense Media.org.
Documentary. Ages 8+. 90 min.
Summer Programming Plans (so far)...
- Summer School will be July 10th through July 28th. This year Summer School will be Monday-Friday from 8am-11:30am. We will have one bus to provide transportation to and from SCS, and we will provide a breakfast snack for all students. The purpose of summer school is to reduce academic regression. Students currently receiving additional support for math and/or literacy during the school year, may be recommended to continue these services through summer school. Our Educational Support Team (EST) will reach out to families if we recommend that your child attend summer school this year. Attendance at summer school is extremely important, please register your child if your summer schedule allows for consistent attendance. For questions about SCS Summer School, please reach out to Amanda Donovan at adonovan@cvsdvt.org.
- Multilingual Language (MLL) Camp will be July 10th-July16th, Monday-Friday, from 8am-3pm. The purpose of MLL Camp is to provide experiential learning opportunities through local field trips and peer connections. If you have questions about MLL Camp, please reach out to Patti Tursi, Erika Monaghan, or Robyn Suarez.
- Part2 Camp will be held at Hinesburg Community School this Summer. For more information, please contact Part2 at www.part2kids.com.
CVSD Launches Vaping Prevention Campaign
We are excited to announce our CVSD and Connecting Youth Vaping Prevention Campaign. More information will be shared in alignment with the VT Department of Health's Prevention Week. In the meantime, please check out the following resources:
"Let's Talk About Vaping" - Informational video for educators and caregivers
"Up In Smoke" - Student video (featuring SCS alumni)
Helping all students make healthy choices is a community-wide effort, and we appreciate the support of our amazing families and caregivers in building and maintaining a culture where kids are empowered to do so. Thank you!
New Let's Talk Features!
We have been using Let's Talk for about a year now in the district and since the start of the school year in our schools. We strive to make it easy for any parent/caregiver, community member, staff, or student to contact the district or our schools. Anyone can use Let's Talk to ask questions, request information, and share feedback or compliments.
Here are two new features that we've recently added to Let's Talk.
- Translate: We have just added the ability to submit a Let's Talk form in 12 languages. When you go to our Let's Talk page, you'll see an option to Select a Language. It also works on the pop-out tab.
- Send us a text from a mobile device! Now, contacting us is even easier from a mobile device. The district and each school have a unique number just for Let's Talk texts. Send us a text with a question, suggestion, or compliment and you'll get a reply that way too!
Use these numbers to reach out via text: (Note: these numbers do not accept phone calls)
- District inquiries: 802-278-9468
- Allen Brook School: 802 278 0526
- CVU: 802 278 9510
- Charlotte Central School: 802 278 6935
- Hinesburg Community School: 802 278 0453
- Shelburne Community School: 802 278 9659
- Williston Central School: 802 278 6671
We hope that you feel comfortable using Let's Talk to reach out on any number of topics. You will get a response within 3 business days, though most often, it's sooner. Look for the Let's Talk tab or page on our district's website from your computer or mobile device.
Thank you from our CVSD Board of Directors
On behalf of the entire school district, we would like to express our sincere gratitude for your support in passing the budget for our students and our schools. Your decision to invest in education will have a positive impact on the lives of our students and the future of our community.
Your vote demonstrates a commitment to providing our students with the best possible educational experience, and we are grateful for your trust and confidence in us. We will continue to work hard to provide a safe, supportive, and inclusive learning environment for all of our students, and to help them reach their full potential.
Thank you again,
The Champlain Valley School District Board of Directors
CVSD Intra-District Choice
SCS Yearbook Orders
We are in our final weeks of sales for our 2022-23 Yearbook! The final date to order is April 7th which is less than 4 weeks away.
The cost of the yearbook is $32. All students at SCS are included in the yearbook. Orders can be submitted to your child's classroom teacher, the front office or on-line. The link for on-line orders is: Yearbook sales
If you need an additional order form please contact Nancy or Jane in the front office. My email is nnakhleh@cvsdvt.org.
Scripps Spelling Bee
Quinn T. emerged as the 2023 SCS Scripps Spelling Bee champion on February 21 after a spectacular showing from all involved. Quinn is a 7th grader on the Yellow Team. Over 200 students participated in the written qualifying exam this year, with the top 20% of spellers from each grade level being invited to compete in the school bee. The championship was decided after 25 rounds. Quinn will move onto the Vermont State Spelling Bee which will be held on March 21st at Montpelier High School. Good luck, Quinn!
New Spring Course Offerings From Access CVU
Wow! Don't miss the new offerings from Access CVU. Access CVU is pleased to announce the Winter/Spring 2023 Catalog is now open for registration! With over 170 classes and 80 instructors, there is something of interest for everyone and all ages. There are 63 in February alone! Get information about the courses, how to sign up, and more on this CVSD Story blog post.
Let's Talk
SCS PTO
Still Need More Information?
Website: https://www.cvsdvt.org/shelburne
Access Information on the CVSD Website
See the year at a glance on the 2022-2023 K-8 School Year Calendar.
The CVSD Mission is to develop citizens who learn, think, live, contribute, and pursue excellence. See The CVSD Story.
Shelburne Community School Administration
Brett Cluff, 5-8 Principal
Emily Cogan, Director of Special Education