WEEKLY FAMILY FOCUS June 30, 2021
RICK MARCOTTE CENTRAL SCHOOL Principal Kathleen Kilbourne
Reflections On This School 2020-2021 Year
Dear RMCS Community,
This school year certainly has been one we could never have predicted. The pandemic has forced us to be creative, innovative, and flexible. School looked and felt different this year, and yet there were also many lessons learned, and new skills developed. We were quickly reminded that in addition to traditional learning of academic subjects there are life skills and human characteristics that enable us to continue to grow and learn.
This school year, we learned as a community, how to take care of both ourselves and one another. To stay safe and healthy we had to work together and depend on one another to create an environment where we could stay together in person. We practiced how to ask for what we need and check in on others. It became quickly apparent how much we all need human connection and belonging. While SB schools have been a place where inclusion, equity, and diversity have been a focused priority, this year the sense of belonging for all became even more critical. We learned that separation and isolation did not set up us well to be active learners or productive citizens. We do in fact benefit from learning from one another and differing perspectives.
The most memorable and proud moment of this school year was watching our fifth graders plan, prepare, and raise the Black Lives Matter Flag with the support of staff and administration across the SB school district. We were able to hold our first Affinity Group for our older BIPOC students with the support and leadership of Lisa Bedinger, the Director of the South Burlington Community Justice Center. This work is long overdue and is one step in the creation of a community where all feel welcomed and safe.
As our oldest students transition to the middle school, I wish for them curiosity, exploration, and belonging. Middle school is a great time to meet new people, try new activities, and strengthen your passions and interests. Please consider returning to RMCS to share your experiences, mentor, or volunteer and serve the younger students in your community and beyond in the future.
In Partnership,
Principal Kilbourne
DATES OF IMPORTANCE- MARK YOUR CALENDARS
July 23rd- SB Public Library OPEN HOUSE and Ribbon Cutting
August 24th- First day of school at RMCS for Students
Oct. 6,2021- Picture Day at RMCS
News from the South Burlington Public Library
“Tails and Tales!” The 2021 Summer Reading Program, will run from June 1st to August 20th. Summer Reading Kits for ages 0-3, 4-12 and teens are available from June 1st to June 11th at the University Mall location, and can also be picked up at the end of the Bag ‘n Wagon Parade on June 13th. Kits will also be available at the new location starting July 19th. Pick up a kit and start reading! More information can be found on our website. Summer Reading 2021: "Tails and Tales" (southburlingtonlibrary.org)
The Moving Timeline: Details for Patrons
It’s happening! We’re packing, we’re sorting and we’re organizing to make the move to 180 Market Street. Our University Mall location will remain open for browsing or curbside pick-up—but just until June 11th. On that date, at 5pm, we will close the University Mall location, and won’t re-open until mid-July when we are settled into our new location at 180 Market Street. Click this link for a Moving Timeline: Library Closed - Moving (southburlingtonlibrary.org)
NOW is the time to grab as many books, books on CD, DVDs and magazines as you will need to get you through this transition! There are no renewals after June 11, but also no late fines. The Bookdrop will also NOT be available after June 11th, so please hold on to any returns until we are on Market Street.
Important Library Policy Updates
After July 19th, when you visit our new library, please know that children in fourth grade or lower must be accompanied by an adult. Children in fifth grade and up may attend the library unaccompanied. All patrons, regardless of age, are expected to follow our Patron Code of Conduct PATRON CODE OF CONDUCT.pdf (southburlingtonlibrary.org).
Additionally, the Library supports the right of all persons, regardless of age, to have equal access to the Internet. Parents are encouraged to accompany their children and guide their Internet exploration. The Library does not assume responsibility for monitoring Internet content accessed by children. Click the link for the full policy.
Computer and Internet Policy 1 16 20.pdf (southburlingtonlibrary.org)
Thanks for your understanding and patience during this transition period. We look forward to seeing you in our beautiful new space!!
Save the Date: July 23rd, The Official Open House and Ribbon Cutting Ceremony. All Welcome!
Mrs.Bailey's class
Classifying Living and Non Living Things
In the final weeks of 3rd Grade
Vermont PBS: Kids and Education July Resources
The Vermont Agency of Education and Vermont PBS have compiled Vermont PBS Kids and Education: July 2021. This resource is based on the PBS Kids Summer of Possibilities, which provides children with opportunities to play and learn through hands-on activities, games and tips that support literacy, math, science and life skills. Visit the new Vermont PBS Kids and Education page to find more online and printable resources for summer learning. For more information about the partnership between the Vermont Agency of Education and Vermont PBS, visit the AOE’s Vermont PBS webpage.
RMCS YEARBOOKS
Summer Meals Offered
The 2021 USDA Summer Breakfast and Lunch Program will be available to all students and children in the South Burlington Community from Monday, June 21st until Thursday August 19th. The USDA Summer Food Service Program is free to all children under 18 yrs. old. Meals are available via pickup or delivery Monday-Thursday.
Household deliveries within South Burlington will occur between 9:30-11:00 Monday-Thursday with Thursday's delivery containing meals for Friday-Sunday as well.
Pickup time at FHTMS main lobby is from 9:00-10:00 AM, Monday-Thursday with Thursdays pickup containing meals for Friday-Sunday as well.
Meals must be ordered in advance on a week-by-week basis via an online meal ordering system.
Rhonda L. Ketner
Nutritional Services Director
South Burlington School District
500 Dorset Street
South Burlington, VT 05403
Office: 802-652-7160
Fax: 802-652-7288
E-mail: rketner@sbschools.net
COVID VACCINE:
COVID Vaccine:
People 12 and older can make appointments. Part-time Vermont residents, including college students, are also eligible to get vaccinated. The health department is arranging for more walk-in clinic opportunities. Visit the "make appointment" link above to find a walk-in near you!
The Vermont Department of Health is offering a series of online town hall meetings with local pediatric providers for parents who may have questions about the vaccine. Here is the DOH link to these meetings:
https://www.healthvermont.gov/covid-19/vaccine/about-covid-19-vaccines-vermont#vaccinesforchildren
Annual Student Update Forms Are Open for the 2021-2022 School Year
Get started today! Please register your student for the 2021-2022 School Year by completing the Annual Student Update forms before August 17th. These forms help families verify and share important health and contact information as well as allow for permissions to be set for school technology devices. To start, click this link: Getting Started: Register a Returning Student. If you have questions or need assistance with this process, please contact your school directly.
Final 5th Gr Circle
Carnation Buddies
Reflections on the Year
FOOD SHELF INFORMATION with COMMON ROOTS
As Common Roots completes our 13th year of Farm to School lessons in your 3 elementary schools, we would like to say Thank You for welcoming us as essential educators this year, and accolades have expressed for our bringing Farm to School lessons with taste tests to your children.
Several of you have already come to our Farm with your children and picked up your FREE Seed Starter Kits, very exciting! We have plenty more!
This Saturday, June 5th is our Farm Hop. 11-2 at the Farm at South Village, 55 Allen Road East, simply follow the signs. Your children may walk our farm with you, hear stories from our educator, taste yummy foods, and meet our honey bees in person (safely in their habitat)!! Lauren, who has worked with your children will be ready to meet you at our Farmstand. See the attached poster to learn about this fabulous event we have prepared for you!
If you cannot make the Farm Hop, please stop by our farm for a visit. We are open Monday through Saturday, 8 am - 6 pm.
The Food Shelf continues to be open and likely in July, you will be able to go inside and select what you would like. Common Roots Farmstand is set up every time it is open. You select whatever you like for the week and we bring it fresh 3 times a week.
SOUTH BURLINGTON FOOD SHELF
356 Dorset Street
OPEN
Thursdays 4:30 - 6:30 pm
Fridays and Saturdays 8-10 am
If you would like to get texts with updates throughout the summer, e-mail carol@commonroots.org
If you know anyone who needs food, send them our way!
Thank You and Nourish to Flourish,
Carol McQuillen
Director of Common Roots
RMCS School Garden
Did you know? RMCS has a lovely vegetable and fruit garden tucked in the courtyard behind the gym. Your children may have already planted spinach and peas in it last week with Farm to School, or will be going out in the next few weeks to plant potatoes, carrots, or squash with their classes. The garden belongs to the whole school community and I encourage you to visit this relaxing (and delicious!) space with your children. The strawberries will soon be ready so please pick and enjoy! All excess produce will be donated to the South Burlington Food Shelf, as we did last summer. If you would like to know more, or would be willing to help with watering over the summer, please contact me at amyfsimone@gmail.com or (802) 343-3660. Thank you! Amy Simone, UVM Extension Master Gardener
Moving or Transitioning? Let us know ...
FALL 2021 Kindergarten Registration
Registration will open for Incoming Kindergarten students on March 1, 2021. If you would like to register a student who will be 5 on or before September 1, 2021, please visit www.sbschools.net/register .
South Burlington School District Online Registration link
Need Help with Technology? Use this link to access Tech supports!
https://sites.google.com/sbschools.net/sbsdedtechforstudentsfamilies/home
Rick Marcotte Central School
Email: kkilbourne@sbschools.net
Website: sbschools.net
Location: 200 Market Street, South Burlington, VT, USA
Phone: 802 652 7200
Twitter: @rmcschool