As I send this newsletter, we are experiencing our first extra cold days and nights of the season. I'm always surprised how quickly I forget that feeling! I hope you all are able to stay warm and cozy in these next few weeks. We have received a few questions about how we handle extreme cold in terms of school closure. Know that we have the safety of our students and staff at the forefront, as with all closure decisions. We work with our transportation and facilities teams to make sure our buses can start and have heat, and that our buildings are warm.

I am sure that many of you, like me, have been alarmed and saddened by the recent news stories in Vermont about fan and athlete behavior at sporting events. It is a reality that shows us just how much work we still have to do to ensure a welcoming environment for all. In contrast, though, I wanted to take a moment to re-share a celebration about youth leadership and sportsmanship between our U-32 girls basketball team and the Spaulding girls basketball team, who came together in late January to raise money and awareness for a family in need. I'm proud of our student athletes for their collective focus on caring and what really matters. Check out this highlight from BUUSD Superintendent, Chris Hennessey:

"Over the past two weeks we've had our Nights of Hope games at SHS, which raised thousands of dollars both for cancer research and for a BUUSD teacher and their family....It's been a joy to see all of the support from our community, coming out to these games, and cheering on our kids! The sportsmanship we witnessed from Tide Nation and our opponents was top-notch. Kudos to everyone involved in this effort! I also have to mention the incredible generosity shown by families from U-32, CVU, Hazen and other opponents/neighbors these last few weeks. Thank you!"

February is a short month on the calendar and with our winter break from February 27th - March March 7th (back to school on Wednesday, March 8th), but we have plenty to share with you!

- Meagan Roy, Superintendent

Our Superintendent, Meagan Roy, in her January newsletter asked, “How can we honor and acknowledge someone (Martin Luther King Jr.) while still understanding that the real work comes from continuing the legacy on all days, not just his birthday?” This question is also relevant for thinking about how best to honor, celebrate and learn when it comes to all of the "months" across the year.

Here we are at the very beginning of Black History Month with Women’s History, Sexual

Assault Awareness, Asian American & Pacific Islander, LGBTQ+ Pride, Disability, Latinx

Heritage, Native American and International Day of Persons with Disabilities to follow (check out this resource from the Harvard University's Office for Equity, Diversity, Inclusion & Belonging).

These monthly designations offer us a minute to stop and listen to the stories of our history; its promises, disappointments, and hope for the future. People are always emerging, asking new questions and developing awareness. This is American history in the making.

James Baldwin said, “The great force of history comes from the fact that we carry it within us, are unconsciously controlled by it in many ways, and history is literally present in all that we do.” To realize how people are “unconsciously controlled” by the forces of history sheds light on the present. A more just and harmonious world will take a lot of hard work. Knowing our history, our whole history with everyone in it, will strengthen our communities to work together for our kids, who are our future. Join me in using these "months" (and every day) to learn about our past and inform our present.

Speaking of months...February is School Board Recognition month. It is a time when I hope you can take a moment to thank our hard-working Board members, who take time away from their busy lives and families to advocate for and support our great schools.

The members of your local school board are a critical part of the "village" who help direct the course of our public schools. If you are able, please take a moment and show your gratitude for school board members’ time, dedication and effort year-round. Thank them for advocating on behalf of our collective interest, and most importantly, for making the success of our children their priority.

We appreciate:

Flor Diaz Smith, Chair (East Montpelier)

Kari Bradley, Vice Chair (Calais)

Jonas Eno-Van Fleet, Clerk (Worcester)

Eric Anderson (East Montpelier)

Natasha Eckart Baning (Worcester)

Vera Frazier (Berlin)

Jonathan Goddard (Berlin)

Lindy Johnson (East Montpelier)

Daniel Keeney (Calais)

McKalyn Leclerc (Worcester)

Chris McVeigh (Middlesex)

Diane Nichols-Fleming (Berlin)

Joshua Sevits (Middlesex)

Ursula Stanley (Middlesex)

Maggie Weiss (Calais)