Catamount Update
The Weekly Newsletter for St. Johnsbury School Families
April 5, 2024
Greetings St. Johnsbury School Families!
Next Tuesday, April 9th, is the re-vote for the St. Johnsbury School District. We know that there are a lot of concerns that have been shared about the budget and the impact it is having on our community. We appreciate the kind words we have heard from many in our community for the work that we are doing at our school and recognize that the many of the challenges that exist in this situation are out of our control. Regardless of the outcome of next week's vote, please know that all of the educators at the St. Johnsbury School remain committed to providing the very best educational experience for the children of St. Johnsbury and look forward to continuing to work together in the important work of teaching your children!
There is a Budget Forum tonight, Friday, April 5th, in the school auditorium if you are interested in hearing more and asking questions about the proposed budget. Voting is at the Welcome Center on Tuesday from 8:00AM-7:00PM.
Students attended Eclipse assemblies today and all were sent home with Eclipse Kits. Check your child's backpack!
Wishing you all a wonderful weekend and an exciting Eclipse Day on Monday!
Sincerely,
Jeremy Ross and Lydia Cochrane
Our Personal Best
Eclipse Safety Video
Poem Town
I remember when I was in the 4th Grade in Miss Barrett’s classroom at Portland Street School
many moons ago. We memorized a poem in order to recite it. I’m not sure if I chose the poem
or if the poem chose me, but this poem has lived with me for all of the years in between then and
now. Emily Dickinson’s “A Bird, came down the Walk” was such an interesting poem for a
scrawny sensitive kid from Caledonia Street, but learning about the harsh realities of nature
served me well!
Before leaving for February break, some of our students accepted an invitation from Catamounts
Arts to write some poems that will be painted on windows throughout our community for the
Month of April when St. Johnsbury is transformed into Poem Town. (Here’s the LIST.) Our
students were thrilled to be a part of this project and were able to take the poems they had written
and connect them to the upcoming Solar Eclipse. Poetry is all around us and according to The
Atlantic, “Poetry can give students a healthy outlet for surging emotions. Reading original poetry
aloud in class can foster trust and empathy (too).” Please click here to learn about another Poetry
Opportunity through the Rural Arts Collaborative for students ages 16 +.
Upcoming Opportunities for Middle School Students
Vermont History Day: VT History Day
Bridge Building Competition at Lyndon Institute: Bridges due on Friday, March 22 between
noon and 5:00PM. Competition will be on Saturday, March 23, 2024. POSTPONED.
Vermont State Middle School Chess Tournament: April 20, 2024. Vermont State Chess.
Contact Mrs. Fallon for more information.
Get Ready, Spirit Week is Coming April 15-19!!
Monday: Beach Day (no swimsuits)
Tuesday: Iconic Duo/Twin Day--dress as a famous duo (school appropriate) OR twin with someone
Wednesday: Wacky Wednesday/Crazy Hair Day--participate in one or both!
Thursday: Class Color Day--See below
Friday: Fancy vs. Comfy Day--dress in your favorite fancy clothes OR come to school in your pj's!
PK and 8th Grade: Pink OR Black
K and 7th Grade: Blue
1st and 6th Grades:Yellow OR Purple
2nd and 5th Grades: Red
3rd and 4th Grades: Green
THE SUMMER PROGRAM DEADLINE IS LESS THAN A WEEK AWAY
Forms due by noon, April 12.
CatCH Fire is the district's free summer program for current K-8 students. You can find more info at this website: bit.ly/catchsummer24 . Registration forms also are available at the school's front desk.
Current 5th-8th graders: Afternoon project choices include engineering, arts, cooking, karate, and video-game design.
Questions? Please email bduff@stjsd.org or call 802-745-2817.
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Upcoming Events
April 5- April 12- Bookfair
April 5 at 6pm- Budget Forum (SJS Auditorium)
April 8 12:00- Early Dismissal
April 9 from 8am - 7pm- VOTING DAY (Town Offices)
The Mobile Dental Van Is On Its Way!
The Mobile Dental Van is coming to school this Spring from April 8th through April 16th. If your student or child does not have a dental home, please reach out to Katherine Siner, School Nurse, at katherine.siner@stjsd.org or (802)745-2737. Services from the licensed dentists, hygienists, and assistants include cleaning teeth, exams, fillings, x-rays, extractions, and sealants!