Calais Cougar Chronicle

March 8, 2024

Chat with Ms. Cat

Hello Calais Cougars!

On Tuesday our town came together at school to hold our annual town meeting. This was my first year being a resident of Montpelier and I found myself missing the close connections I know we have in Calais. Big gratitude goes out for all who supported the midday lunch. You’ve probably also heard by now that the district school budget did not pass. Given the complex issues our state has faced around so many issues related to taxes and education, this isn’t surprising. That said, it is hard! I’m grateful to be a part of a community that I know can pull together and come up with a plan for a budget that our five towns can support. Stay tuned for more information from our school board and superintendent on next steps.

Please remember, this Sunday, 3/10/24, Daylight Savings Time goes into effect and we turn the clocks forward an hour. I’ve noticed the impact on students when we change time can vary widely but for some, it can be significant. Please be sure you are helping your child with this transition with attention over the weekend to healthy food, exercise, fresh air, and an adjustment to bedtime routines.

The sun is shining outside my window today. I hope it’s shining for you wherever you are as well and that it continues into your weekend.

Ms. Cat, CES Principal

Note from Nurse Maria

Happy Spring….until it’s not! Despite the recent warmer days, your children will need to remember all their outdoor gear for a while yet! This week we had a large amount of kiddos without boots, snow/rain pants and hats/gloves. The recess field is soaking wet and it’s just cold enough to be miserable if you get wet at recess. Again, for Grades 3 and under, please make sure your child has a change of clothes at school every day. They can leave a bag hanging from their hook in case they get muddy or wet.

Please remember to give the school a call or email if your kiddo is out. This helps me track illness and Danielle track attendance. Please remember that everyone needs to stay home if they are sick until it has been over 24 hours without fever, vomiting, or diarrhea WITHOUT the use of any medication.

PreK Screening

We have been working on scheduling a screening date for PreK for the 2024-2025 school year and we are close to having a date scheduled but we are not there quite yet. We hope to send everyone that information ASAP.

In the meantime, check out our website under "PreK Information" to see instructions on how to register for next year or follow the link here: https://www.wcuusd.org/resources/prek-information

Important Dates

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3/9 - Lacrosse Clinic

3/10 - Daylight Savings Time

3/11 - Spaghetti Dinner/Raffle Reservation Forms Due

3/14 - "Unspoken Word" performed by Stage 32

3/15 - Spaghetti Dinner/Raffle - Friends of Calais

3/16 - Lacrosse Clinic

3/22 - Family Conferences - No school for students

3/23 - U32 Spring Craft Fair

3/29 - "Unspoken Word" performed by Stage 32

4/8 - Solar Eclipse - Half day for students - Dismissal at 12:30

Student Section

Note from Ms Scoop

Hi Calais Cougars!

Today I don't have anyone to interview. But I can still talk about things. So did you know Calais is not that old? I don't know the exact date but I will look it up and tell you! (Sorry for the wait).

Bye for now. Stay calm!

Comic by Franny

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Congratulations to the 1/2 Basketball Team!

They won their game on Saturday February 25th against Rumney. They took a team picture but are missing one student and one coach. Go Cougars!

Our new volleyball net!

This is a student lead interest driven by the 5/6 girls who started playing in the snow without a net in December. They put this up on their own and will be in charge of putting it up and taking it down.

The kids are so happy to have Mr. Andrew back. Here he is giving tips on how to best hit the volleyball.

And here is Mr. Andrew greeting the kids on his first day back!

All School Meeting

In addition to "Beach Day," Kindergarten hosted an "all school meeting" on the Friday before Winter Break. They taught us a good morning song, how to say "Aloha" in Hawaiian and in sign language and then they each shared a fact about a nature animal that they chose to do research on! 🐿️

Beach Day 🌴

7th Annual Spaghetti Dinner & Raffle Fundraiser Reservation Form

These are due to the office by March 11th. There are over 30 raffle items!! Make sure to reserve your spot!

Annual Report Summary QR Code

Community

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Stage 32, U-32 High School's award-winning Theater program, proudly presents Unspoken Word.

Join us for an enchanting evening as Stage 32, U-32 High School's award-winning Theater program, proudly presents Unspoken Word. This original on-act play, written by director of theater and playwright Erin Galligan-Baldwin, along with U-32 junior Calister Boyd, features writing and poetry contributed by members of Stage 32.

Unspoken Word tells the story of Piper, a 10th-grade student grappling with bullying and harassment following her parents' divorce and a move to a new school. To guide Piper through her challenges and facilitate a transformative journey, a magical visitor from the past emerges – none other than the pioneering 17th-century scientist and illustrator, Maria Sybilla Merian. Renowned for being the first to observe and document metamorphosis, Maria Sybilla Merian's story intertwines seamlessly with Piper's, creating a captivating experience for all.

Running less than an hour, Unspoken Word is a family-friendly production that promises to captivate hearts and minds alike. Join us for public performances on March 14 and March 29 at 7:00 PM in the U-32 Middle and High School Theater. Admission is by donation, making this accessible to all. For more details, please contact Erin at egalliganbaldwin@u32.org.

Opportunities to Serve Calais

This past year, perhaps more than any other in recent history, we have been reminded of what we can accomplish when we all step up and work together. Given that, we invite you to consider how you might join us in service to the Town of Calais.

Please consider volunteer membership on one of our Town Boards, Committees, or Commissions, or as an annually-appointed volunteer. Even if you're not quite ready to commit to a position, please feel free to contact the Town Office (456-8720) to find out how you can sit in on a meeting or meet with a representative from a Board/Committee/Commission to learn more.

WANT MORE INFORMATION?

Go to http://www.calaisvermont.gov/vertical/Sites/%7B226D684E-C864-4AFA-B4A5-59BE32741B77%7D/uploa[...]pdf to find out more about each volunteer opportunity and how you can apply. The Calais Selectboard will be making these appointments in late March.

Please feel free to post this information to your Facebook page, and/or forward to anyone you think might be interested. Thank you.

We look forward to hearing from you soon!

Barbara Butler, Assistant Town Clerk / Assistant Treasurer