EMS Newsletter
May 14, 2021
It's hard to believe that we are coming so close to the end of the 2020-21 school year. At the most recent Engage EMS PTO meeting, I spent some time reflecting upon all the topics that had been covered at the Engage EMS meetings from August through the present. The range of topics and potential solutions that were discussed as we all navigated this year together were immense. I need to thank all families as we made our way through this incredibly complex year with guidelines that continually evolved.
Looking forward, we also discussed the 8th grade Celebration of Learning event:
- It will be on Monday, June 14, at 2:30pm. (The rain date is June 15.)
- It will be conducted outdoors at the BHS campus.
- Each student will have access to 2 tickets to give to family members; this will be the policy for all ceremonies in Burlington School District due to Covid guidelines.
Also, please be aware that we have four half-days coming:
- June 7 = 11:30am dismissal for parent conferences
- June 8 = 11:30am dismissal for parent conferences
- June 11 = last day of school for 8th grade students
- June 14 = 11:30am dismissal for 6th & 7th grade (Afternoon Celebration of Learning)
- June 15 = 11:30am dismissal for 6th & 7th grade (Last day of school)
The return to having students on-site 4 days has been very smooth, and we are grateful to have students with us. We miss our fully remote students, and we look forward to having them returning on-site in the fall.
Take care, and enjoy these beautiful days.
James Kiefer
Algebra Final and Recommendations for High School
The Algebra Seminar Final Exam is scheduled for June 2nd, 2021, at 8:30-10:30 & 11:00-1:00.
On that day (6/2/21):
Students will return their textbooks in good condition (normal wear and tear is acceptable).
Notes are not allowed on the test, but students may bring a 5x8 index card where they write down any formula they think could help them in the exam. The teacher will provide each student a blank index card a week before the exam.
A day or two after the exam, the algebra teacher will make a final recommendation for high school, based on a grade of B+ in Algebra Seminar and 8th grade math as stated in the contract.
Have a great summer.
Fifth to Sixth Grade Step-Up Day
Hello EMS Families,
We will be having our annual 6th Grade Step-Up Day virtually this year. Each 5th grader will get a letter home in the mail by May 25th. This will tell them what 6th grade team they are on and how to access the Virtual Step-Up Day on May 26th. Their 5th grade teachers will also get the placements and will help the students get online and meet with their 6th grade teacher during school hours. Thursday, May 27th at 6:00pm is the Virtual 6th Grade Parent Information Night. A link will be sent to 5th grade families on May 26th. If there are any questions, please email Ms. Brady at klozier@bsdvt.org
Thank you,
The Transition Team
Juneteenth Art
Switch to new Learning Management System
Dear Parents/Guardians,
Edmunds Middle School is gearing up for summer break. While summer presents an opportunity to relax and enjoy the sunshine, we want our students to continue to find ways to learn while away from the classroom.
We have an exciting reading service available through Sora, the student reading app, which provides free 24/7 access to ebooks and audiobooks. What better way to engage your child’s mind than through reading?
From May 5 – August 20, 2021, the Sora Sweet Reads program will offer a collection of Juvenile and Young Adult titles that will be prominently displayed in Sora for quick and easy unlimited access. You can explore the title offerings and learn more about the program here: https://resources.overdrive.com/sora-sweet-reads/
How does it work?
Sora provides the quickest and easiest way to get started with digital titles from our school. Students can simply log in using school credentials and instantly access hundreds of ebooks and audiobooks on virtually any device. Get started today at https://soraapp.com or download the free Sora app for Android or iOS.
Go to https://soraapp.com/welcome and select Vermont Shared School Digital Collection - Edmunds Middle School. In the drop down menu select Burlington Public Schools. EMS students can easily log in using their school Google accounts.
Sincerely,
Carole Renca, EMS Librarian
Youth Leadership Team Informational Session
You are invited to join BSD’s YOUTH LEADERSHIP TEAM!! Are you interested in leadership, restorative practices and antiracist activism? Learn more at an Informational Session on Tuesday, May 25th from 5:00-6:00 pm. Click here to join via Google Meet!
The Office of Equity is recruiting youth leaders to join adults as partners to reduce racial disparities at BSD. This unique opportunity is open to ALL students in grades 5-12. As part of this process you will:
Receive comprehensive training in youth leadership and youth-adult partnership
Participate in Youth Participatory Action Research (YPAR)
Train school-based Restorative Practices teams starting in the fall of 2021
Serve as youth consultants for BSD equity initiatives and teams
Be financially compensated for your time!
Questions? Contact equity@bsdvt.org
Pre-Register your family now for the Summer Reading Challenge 2021:
Tails & Tales, sponsored by the Vermont Department of Libraries.
It's easy!!! Go to...
Summer Expanded Learning
Dear Burlington and Winooski Families,
The Burlington School District, Sara Holbrook Community Center, and Winooski School District are excited to offer the 2021 Middle School Summer Program, free of charge, to all incoming 6th - 9th graders of the Burlington & Winooski School Districts.
Academic classes and enrichment programs will run Monday - Friday, June 28th - July 30th. There will be no program on Monday, July 5th, and no program for Winooski students on Friday, July 2nd. Registration is open now through Friday, June 11th. The registration link and full schedule are included below.
Due to the Coronavirus pandemic we are making several modifications to the program to increase safety protocols for our students and staff. We are adopting and instituting the State of Vermont Health Guidance for Childcare Programs, Summer Programs and Afterschool Programs that continues to be updated. In addition, we are altering the capacity, operations, and program offerings to further enhance our safety protocols.
School bus transportation to and from the program is available in a limited capacity. We look forward to your child joining us this summer!
2021 Burlington / Winooski Middle School Summer Program
CONTACTS:
Hunt Middle School: Gracie Harvey - gharvey@bsdvt.org
Edmunds Middle School: Laura Wageman - lwageman@bsdvt.org
Winooski Middle School: Suzanne Skaflestad - sskaflestad@wsdvt.org
DATES / TIMES / LOCATION:
June 28th - July 30th (No program on July 5th & no program for Winooski students on July 2nd)
9:00 AM - 3:30 PM
Hunt Middle School, 1364 North Avenue, Burlington.
CRITICAL HEALTH DETAILS:
Masks are required for all students and staff unless lifted by both the State of VT and the Burlington School District
No shared common spaces will be open; no co-mingling of classrooms/spaces will occur
Students will remain with the same group for the duration of the program
Assigned seating and limited capacity on busses
BUS SCHEDULE:
Bus #1
Morning Bus - To go to HMS in the AM
8:30am Champlain Elementary School (front of school)
8:40am Edmunds Middle School (Union St. side)
8:50am Sustainability Academy (on N Champlain St side)
9:00am Arrive at HMS for breakfast
Afternoon Bus - Return to HMS for final pick-ups and drop-offs
3:30pm Drop off at Sustainability Academy (on N Champlain St)
3:40pm Drop off at Edmunds Middle School
3:50pm Drop off at Champlain Elementary
Bus #2
Morning Bus - To Go to HMS in the AM
8:20am Winooski Middle/High School
8:30am Salmon Run (at bus stop)
8:40am Integrated Arts Academy (in front on Archibald St)
8:50am Flynn Elementary School (in front of school)
9:00am Arrive at HMS for breakfast
Afternoon Bus - Return to HMS for final pick-ups and drop-offs
3:35pm Depart HMS
3:40pm Drop off at Flynn Elementary School (in front of school)
3:50pm Drop off at Integrated Arts Academy (in front on Archibald St)
4:00pm Drop off at Salmon Run (at bus stop)
4:10pm Drop off at Winooski Middle/High School
ENRICHMENT PROGRAMS:
- Due to strict health guidelines, we have adapted our model to allow students to register for one “Pod” of enrichment programs for the entire summer. Each pod contains an already-determined string of scheduled programs, and will contain the same small group of students and staff for the entire summer. Switching pods or any cross-pod interaction of any kind is strictly prohibited.
Due to limited space, it is expected that registered students are able to attend all 5 weeks of program, with priority registration given to those able to attend all 5 weeks. Due to our health guidelines, we are unable to fill an open spot if a student attends fewer than 5 weeks or only half-day.
ACADEMIC CLASSES:
- Each academic class runs M - F for 5 weeks. Due to the cumulative nature of the curriculum, it is expected that students attend all 5 weeks and do not miss any class time.
Students who are registered for an academic class may sign up for and participate in an enrichment Pod for the second half of their day.
Space is limited to 12 students per academic class.
REGISTRATION FORM:
PODS & POD DESCRIPTIONS:
AM Academic Classes:
6th Grade Math (June 28 - July 30, AM)
This class is designed for current 6th graders who will be going into 7th grade in the fall. Students will work on strengthening fundamental 6th grade mathematical concepts. There will be a strong focus on skills needed for 7th grade math courses.Geometry (June 28 - July 30, AM)
This course is designed for students looking to increase the understanding of core concepts of geometry. Geometry is the study of the properties and relationships of angles, triangles, polygons, and circles. Sign up to gain valuable critical thinking skills and problem-solving strategies!English Enrichment Program (June 28 - July 30 AM)
The English Enrichment Program (EEP), formerly known as New Arrivals, is a 5-week summer program to support students in learning English. This program is designed to minimize the summer slide in English proficiency. Licensed teachers create and teach a rich curriculum designed to strengthen English language skills while having fun and engaging in the summer. This allows teachers the chance to focus on teaching the content areas of literacy and math, as well as help students develop skills as lifelong language learners.
PM Academic Classes:
Math Exploration (June 28 - July 30, PM)
This class makes connections between the math topics learned in middle school and the math topics that will be learned in high school. This is a great way to review and strengthen middle school math topics and get a preview of high school math topics. Appropriate for 8th graders going into algebra or geometry in 9th grade and advanced 7th graders with permission.
Enrichment Pods:
Crafts & Games (June 28 - July 30) 5 weeks
In this camp you will learn new games to play with your friends and explore different types of art projects. Activities range from classic camp crafts and painting to strategy games and guitar lessons.Maker (June 28 - July 30) 5 weeks
Looking to stretch your creative muscles? Come build with us! Build remote control vehicles, make your own board games, learn pyrogragraphy, circuitry, woodworking, and more, in this engaging, STEAM-focused camp.Basketball Camp (June 28 - July 30) 5 weeks
If you enjoy basketball, this camp is for you! Join us for 5 weeks of games, drills, shooting contests, and all things basketball!Sports Camp (June 28 - July 30) 5 weeks
Join this Pod for an active mix of soccer, floor hockey, basketball, volleyball, softball, Ultimate, and more!Outdoor and Environment (June 28 - July 30) 5 weeks
Calling all explorers! If being outside and exploring your environment sounds like your ideal summer, this camp is for you! Get active with us, explore Vermont State Parks, get to know the ecosystems around you, and have fun with creative science experiments!Culinary Camp (June 28 - July 16) 3 weeks
Chop, Mix, Sizzle and Bake - Around the Globe - in this 3-week camp! Students have the opportunity to learn the basics of what it takes to be a chef and baker from BTC Culinary Arts Instructor Cheryl Niedzwiecki. They will travel around the globe by experiencing different cuisines and baking pastries, cakes, and cookies. At the end of this camp, students will get to show their skills by creating a menu and presenting it to their families. Limit: 8 students.
NOTE: If your child has a food allergy or dietary restriction, please contact the directors to discuss accommodations.
- Beta Masters (July 26 - July 30) 1 week
The dissemination of this material is intended to be of community service. Burlington School District does not endorse or sponsor this organization.
Vermont Technical College Summer Youth Camps are Back!
Boys Coder Camp - for campers who identify as boys entering grades 7-12
July 12-16, 2021 | 8:30 am-4:30 pm – Williston Campus
Work with Vermont Tech faculty to learn the basics of code in a supportive environment.
$175 includes all activities, lunch and snacks
https://www.vtc.edu/academics/high_school_students/youth-camps/coder-camp-for-boys/
Girls Coder Camp - for campers who identify as girls entering grades 7-12
July 26-30, 2021 | 8:30 am-4:30 pm - Williston Campus
Work with Vermont Tech faculty to learn the basics of code in a supportive environment.
$175 includes all activities, lunch and snacks
https://www.vtc.edu/academics/high_school_students/youth-camps/coder-camp-for-girls/
- Partial scholarships available for both camps.
- For all VTC camps visit: https://www.vtc.edu/academics/high_school_students/youth-camps/
- For summer Dual Enrollment options visit: https://www.vtc.edu/academics/summer_courses/