SCS Weekly Newsletter 2.6.23
Week of February 6, 2023
Principals' Message
Hello SCS Families and Caregivers,
Happy February to all! Punxsutawney Phil saw his shadow yesterday, and this weekend's weather seems to confirm that we've got at least six more weeks of winter in store. We hope you are all staying safe and warm despite the deep freeze outside.
Even though the "official" holiday is now in the rear-view mirror, many days of the 2022-23 school year feel like Groundhog Day. Our staff members have been struggling with many of the factors that have made working in public education so challenging, particularly over the last few years. Each day, we creatively staff our recess and lunch blocks, collaborate to address the increasing needs of our students and families, and do our best to fill academic gaps that still persist from remote learning. Doing all this without burning out our hard-working teachers and support staff is, on many days, a Herculean task. We cannot thank them enough for their dedication to making sure each student's growth and belonging stays at the forefront of our work.
One way to keep our spirits up is to recognize all the amazing things taking place at SCS, many of which are highlighted below. Anyone who attended the Open House saw how excited students are about their learning and their connections in the building. As many of you pointed out, we haven't had the same level of community "buzz" in the building for several years! We have a variety of extracurricular offerings through our after-school SKAT program. Our students' academic progress remains strong as we launch into our winter assessment window over the next few weeks. Some of the most memorable learning experiences even extend beyond the walls of our building, like the First Lego League trip to Norwich University and the upcoming District Music Festival.
If you want to uplift a member of our staff community, please submit a shout-out using the button below. Better yet - come work with us or spread the word about our open positions! We still have open paraprofessional positions, and we could desperately use support at recess, lunch, and on crosswalk duty before and after school. We've always got room for more mentors if you'd like to volunteer to work 1-1 with a student as well.
It certainly takes a village to do the work that we do, and we're grateful for your partnership along the way.
Take care,
Alison, Brett, & Emily
CVSD Statement about Athletics Events
Many of you may be hearing in the local and national news that there have been issues and altercations at middle and high school athletic events and other school events. The Vermont Principals Association (VPA) sent a reminder to all Vermont school districts. This pregame statement will be read at each event.
Our School:_________ and (name of away school) remind participants and spectators of the requirement to behave in a respectful manner. Sportsmanship and safe playing environments are the top priorities for all Vermont school-sponsored activities. This is especially true with respect to a person’s race, gender, sexual orientation, religion, national origin, ethnic differences, or disability. Any violation on the field or in the stands can result in game stoppages, ejections, or forfeits.
Let’s work together to ensure a positive, supportive, and healthy learning environment for everyone involved and have a great game!
We very much want everyone to have a positive experience at school events and we are all there to support our students and our schools. Our school leaders, site administrators, and athletic directors will address behaviors that violate the pre-game statement. This may include actions up to the expulsion of those that do not adhere to the requirements.
Please make every effort to ensure that our students are allowed to perform to their greatest abilities at all CVSD events without unnecessary interruptions. Let’s have fun and support our students!
Our American Heart Association - Kids Heart Challenge is HERE!
We are getting ready to kick off our event on Tuesday, January 31st with a Virtural Assembly, hosted by the American Heart Assocation! Get a head start and go online to register to take a Challenge to Move More or Be Kind.
Click here to find our school (Click Here for Link).
When students join the Kids Heart Challenge, not only will they raise funds to help kids — and all people — with special hearts, but they’ll also learn about their heart health. Activities and interactive technologies make it fun to learn how to keep your heart and brain strong and emphasize both physical and emotional wellness. Plus, our school can earn PE equipment!
SKAT Updates
First Lego League Competition
SCS Kindergarten Registration (for 2023-2024) is Now Open - Help us Spread the Word!
All children who will be 5 years old by September 1st, 2023 should be registering for Kindergarten for the 2023-2024 school year. Registration will be completed via PowerSchool online - please reach out to Patty Spagnolo at pspagnolo@cvsdvt.org with any questions, she's more than happy to help!
CVSD DEI Committee - ~VOLUNTEERS NEEDED~
CVSD is looking for volunteers to sit on a feedback committee to give feedback on the shared vision/ understanding for the Diversity Equity and Inclusion (DEI) .
We hope to have 17-20 members on this committee from teachers, students, parents, community, support staff, and admin.
If you are interested or have any questions please feel free to contact Lashawn Sells SCS DEI Coach at 802 985-3331 or email me at lsells@cvsdvt.org. The committee is looking to start in February .
8th Grade Family Night
Wednesday, Feb 8, 2023, 06:30 PM
Champlain Valley Union High School, C V U Road, Hinesburg, VT, USA
February 13th is our 100th Day of School!!!!
SCS Read-a-Thon is coming soon!
The PTO is sponsoring Shelburne Community School's first ever school-wide Read-a-thon from Thursday, February 9 through Friday, March 10! Check out the attached calendar of events and join us at our kick-off BOOK SWAP in the Green Team Common Room.
WHAT? FREE Book Swap
WHEN? Thursday, February 9 from 5:45 - 7:15 pm
WHERE? Green Team Common Room
TELL ME MORE! Bring gently used books to swap, and join us for pizza and crafts as we celebrate the start of our month-long Read-a-thon! Donations will be accepted beginning Thursday, January 26 in the SCS lobby (or just bring your books on February 9). All are welcome -- you do NOT need to donate books to attend. Please RSVP here so we order enough pizza.
To find out more about the Read-a-thon and see frequently asked questions, go here. We are using a web-based platform called PledgeStar to track minutes read and donations made during the event. Before February 9, please register your family on PledgeStar or search for the PledgeStar app on your phone and use event code "SHELBURNE." Fundraising is optional, and all families can participate by logging minutes read throughout the month and tracking each classroom's progress on the school leader board!
Questions? Please email scsreadathon@gmail.com.
Happy reading!
CVSD Strategic Planning - We Welcome Your Input!
The CVSD Strategic Planning committee has drafted some elements of the plan and is seeking input from all community members. That includes parents/caregivers, those without children in our schools, faculty/staff, and students.
Please view this set of slides, which were shared at last week's virtual Town Hall, and then use this form to share your thoughts. These links are also available on the Strategic Planning page of the district's website. Please contribute your input by February 15. Thank you!
A few more pictures from our Open House...
CVSD Intra-District Choice
SCS Yearbook Orders
The 2022-23 SCS Yearbook is now on sale! The cost is $32. All students at SCS are included in the yearbook. Orders can be submitted to your child's classroom teacher or on-line until April 7th. Order forms went home last week.
You are also welcome to order online anytime until April 7th. The link to order on-line is: Yearbook sales
SCS Band Winter Newsletter
Check out the SCS Band winter newsletter for all the latest updates. There are lots of events coming up later this winter and spring. The District Music Festival has been moved to next Friday and Saturday (2/10 and 2/11). Good luck to all of our musicians and singers who will be performing!
New Spring Course Offerings From Access CVU
Wow! Don't miss the new offerings from Access CVU. Access CVU is pleased to announce the Winter/Spring 2023 Catalog is now open for registration! With over 170 classes and 80 instructors, there is something of interest for everyone and all ages. There are 63 in February alone! Get information about the courses, how to sign up, and more on this CVSD Story blog post.
Let's Talk
SCS PTO
Still Need More Information?
Website: https://www.cvsdvt.org/shelburne
Access Information on the CVSD Website
See the year at a glance on the 2022-2023 K-8 School Year Calendar.
The CVSD Mission is to develop citizens who learn, think, live, contribute, and pursue excellence. See The CVSD Story.
Shelburne Community School Administration
Brett Cluff, 5-8 Principal
Emily Cogan, Director of Special Education