May 9-backwards day

May 16-dress as you favorite book character

May 23-cool glasses day

May 30-wear something with your favorite food on it.

With so much going on this time of year we thought that it might be helpful to create an End of The Year Calendar of Events for parents! This is a live document that can be easily accessed electronically though I will print out paper copies for students upon request. Pay special attention to the hyperlinks embedded as they contain event details, sign up sheets and more! We will still send out information for upcoming events via email and student folders but you can also refer to this document to keep all of the many things in one place! As always, please reach out with any questions! Thank you!

Dear Salisbury and Ripton Community,

We want to share an update on the Salisbury Principal Hiring process with you. The final day for candidates to apply to the position is next Friday, April 18th. A Screening Committee will hold screening interviews during the week of April 28. Candidates who advance from the screening interviews will be invited to return to the school later that week or early the week of May 5 to tour the school, meet with staff, and meet with families. Staff and families from Salisbury and Ripton will be invited to meet with the candidates and offer feedback. Dr. Baker hopes to advance a final candidate to the Board on May 14th. Please reach out to Emily Blistein eblistein@acsdvt.org with any questions.

T-shirts, shorts, crocs or sandals can be worn on their own outside (meaning no additional layers required) when the temperature is 40 + degrees

Long sleeves are ok to be worn on their own outside when the temperature is 39-32 degrees

Coats, hats, gloves & boots are required for temperatures under 32 degrees

• Water bottle
  

• A daily snack

• Sneakers on Tuesday & Friday PE days!

Spirit Fridays

May 2-crazy hair day

May 9-backwards day

May 16-dress as you favorite book character

May 23-cool glasses day

May 30-wear something with your favorite food on it.

With so much going on this time of year we thought that it might be helpful to create an End of The Year Calendar of Events for parents! This is a live document that can be easily accessed electronically though I will print out paper copies for students upon request. Pay special attention to the hyperlinks embedded as they contain event details, sign up sheets and more! We will still send out information for upcoming events via email and student folders but you can also refer to this document to keep all of the many things in one place! As always, please reach out with any questions! Thank you!

Salisbury Community School would like to invite all interested Ripton parents, students, and community members to come visit the school, learn about systems and logistics from principal Bjarki Sears, and share what you are thinking about, and feeling that you need, as we move toward joining together next year! The dates will be Tuesday, April 29th and Wednesday April 30th from 6:30-7:30 (come for as long or as little as you would like!). We are holding it on two different nights so that if students have things (like sprots practices) that prevent them from coming one night, they can come the other. This will be a very "information-based" session with the principal. We will have more robust community-building events with both communities (social events and potlucks) as we get into the warmth of May

Dear Salisbury and Ripton Community,

We want to share an update on the Salisbury Principal Hiring process with you. The final day for candidates to apply to the position is next Friday, April 18th. A Screening Committee will hold screening interviews during the week of April 28. Candidates who advance from the screening interviews will be invited to return to the school later that week or early the week of May 5 to tour the school, meet with staff, and meet with families. Staff and families from Salisbury and Ripton will be invited to meet with the candidates and offer feedback. Dr. Baker hopes to advance a final candidate to the Board on May 14th. Please reach out to Emily Blistein eblistein@acsdvt.org with any questions.

May is quickly approaching and that means it's time to think about May Day! Every year Ripton students deliver flowers and treats in decorated bags to community members and friends! This year we will be delivering bags on Wednesday, April 30th at 8:00. As there is a break between now and this year's delivery date I wanted to get this email and sign up sheet circulating early! We expect to deliver 50 (+/-) bags with two treats per bag. If you are able to help with baking a sweet treat and/or deliveries please sign up here! Thank you!

Best,

Erin Robinson

T-shirts, shorts, crocs or sandals can be worn on their own outside (meaning no additional layers required) when the temperature is 40 + degrees

Long sleeves are ok to be worn on their own outside when the temperature is 39-32 degrees

Coats, hats, gloves & boots are required for temperatures under 32 degrees

• Water bottle
  

• A daily snack

• Sneakers on Tuesday & Friday PE days!

In addition Puppets in Education presented workshops about anxiety/worry. The students were engaged and had great questions and comments. Many strategies to deal with anxious thoughts were talked about and practices during each session.

A great big thank you to Melissa O'Neill and Sarah Metcalf for bringing these programs to our school.

Upcoming events

Spirit Fridays

4/18-Game day

April break 21-25

Salisbury Community School would like to invite all interested Ripton parents, students, and community members to come visit the school, learn about systems and logistics from principal Bjarki Sears, and share what you are thinking about, and feeling that you need, as we move toward joining together next year! The dates will be Tuesday, April 29th and Wednesday April 30th from 6:30-7:30 (come for as long or as little as you would like!). We are holding it on two different nights so that if students have things (like sprots practices) that prevent them from coming one night, they can come the other. This will be a very "information-based" session with the principal. We will have more robust community-building events with both communities (social events and potlucks) as we get into the warmth of May

Dear Salisbury and Ripton Community,

We want to share an update on the Salisbury Principal Hiring process with you. The final day for candidates to apply to the position is next Friday, April 18th. A Screening Committee will hold screening interviews during the week of April 28. Candidates who advance from the screening interviews will be invited to return to the school later that week or early the week of May 5 to tour the school, meet with staff, and meet with families. Staff and families from Salisbury and Ripton will be invited to meet with the candidates and offer feedback. Dr. Baker hopes to advance a final candidate to the Board on May 14th. Please reach out to Emily Blistein eblistein@acsdvt.org with any questions.

Hello Ripton Fourth and Fifth Grade Friends and Families!

A reception honoring our amazing Ripton School 4th & 5th Grade Artists, along with the students of several other Vermont schools, will be held at the Chandler Art Center in Randolph, VT this Friday, April 11, from 5-6:30pm. Refreshments will be served and everyone is invited to construct a "Flag of Hope and Wellness".

As an added bonus this year, a free concert by a Ugandan youth based performing arts group immediately follows the reception. Here's a little more about the group. It sounds like it will be a wonderful evening!

"Dance of Hope is a Ugandan youth based performing arts ensemble that brings Africa’s rich cultural heritage to the world through concerts and outreach with their vibrant spectacle, pulsating with invigorating drum beats, exhilarating choreography and enchanting harmonies."

If you can't make the reception, the art will be hanging all month in the Chandler Art Center Gallery. The Gallery will be open during regular business hours. Please be in touch if you have any questions.

Artfully Yours,

Eileen Gombosi

May is quickly approaching and that means it's time to think about May Day! Every year Ripton students deliver flowers and treats in decorated bags to community members and friends! This year we will be delivering bags on Wednesday, April 30th at 8:00. As there is a break between now and this year's delivery date I wanted to get this email and sign up sheet circulating early! We expect to deliver 50 (+/-) bags with two treats per bag. If you are able to help with baking a sweet treat and/or deliveries please sign up here! Thank you!

Best,

Erin Robinson

T-shirts, shorts, crocs or sandals can be worn on their own outside (meaning no additional layers required) when the temperature is 40 + degrees

Long sleeves are ok to be worn on their own outside when the temperature is 39-32 degrees but it’s time to pack up the crocs & sandals!

Coats, hats, gloves & boots are required for temperatures under 32 degrees

• Water bottle
  

• A daily snack

• Sneakers on Tuesday & Friday PE days!

Welcome to April!

A month where we transition from winter weather to spring weather. Often times we are kept in limbo by mother nature, not knowing what to wear each day, boots, heavy coats or just a sweatshirt. This may resonate even more for some of you right now after hearing the result of the board meeting last night from the RES community. In my experience the unknown can be more difficult, yet that feeling of something ending and a new transition beginning can bring a variety of emotions, sadness, worry, excitement. No matter where you are in those feelings, you're not alone. We are here for all of you. If you need anything feel free to stop in, call or send an email.

Ben and his family made it to the VT Statehouse to see his art, along with the rest of the Ripton School Fourth Grade Art, which was selected to be displayed during the month of March at the Vermont Statehouse in Montpelier. Way to go Fourth Graders!

Dear Families of Fifth Graders,

Please join Bjarki Sears and me for an information session about Keewaydin Environmental Education Camp (KEEC) on April 7th at 6:00 at RES.

Fifth grade students will be attending KEEC the week of May 19-23 for the full week and staying overnight in the cabins. We will be talking about what the experience will be like and how to help prepare your fifth grader for their week at KEEC.

Please let us know if you are able to attend this meeting by emailing me at sogilvie@acsdvt.org

802 Smiles Dental Hygiene Program is returning this Spring to offer free dental screenings and preventative care to all ACSD students.

Please complete the forms below if you would like your child to participate in this event. Any student that was enrolled in the fall will automatically be on the list to receive services and does not need to fill out the forms again, but if you do not want your student to receive services in April, you should reach out to the school nurse to take them off the list.

Enrollment deadline is April 1st.

ACSD 802 Smiles Letter

802 Smiles Consent Form

802 Smiles Enrollment Form

T-shirts, shorts, crocs or sandals can be worn on their own outside (meaning no additional layers required) when the temperature is 40 + degrees

Long sleeves are ok to be worn on their own outside when the temperature is 39-32 degrees but it’s time to pack up the crocs & sandals!

Coats, hats, gloves & boots are required for temperatures under 32 degrees

• Water bottle
  

• A daily snack

• Sneakers on Tuesday & Friday PE days!

We hope you can join us for a special community meal on Monday, March 17th! Maryann will be serving Shepherds Pie in honor of St. Patrick's Day alongside other delicious treats made by our wonderful community members. Please RSVP to riptonoffice@acsdvt.org before Friday March 14th and be sure to include the number of adults who plan to be in attendance. Thank you!

This free event will take place on March 27th from 5-7 pm at Middlebury Union High School for local Parents and Guardians. Dinner included!
Register for a chance to win a free book written by Guest Speaker Jessica Leahy.
Registration Link!

Please see the attached flyer.

The VT Dept. of Health confirmed the first measles case in Vermont in 2025. Measles is an extremely infectious, airborne illness that can cause severe illness and even death. Babies, young children, and people with weak immune systems are at higher risk of getting very sick from measles.

Important facts to keep your family safe:

• Symptoms usually start with high fever, cough, runny nose, and red/watery eyes. The characteristic rash usually appears 3-5 days after first symptoms. Call your healthcare provider with any symptoms.

• Measles is one of the most contagious diseases. It is airborne and spread through direct contact with infectious droplets.

• Vaccination is the best way to prevent and protect your family against serious illness. The measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine is safe and effective. Two doses are about 97% effective at preventing measles; one dose is about 93% effective.

• Contact your health care provider to ensure your family is up-to-date or to get vaccinated. Measles vaccines are free in Vermont.

• Learn more about measles symptoms, spread, and prevention in the full update from our ACSD nurses and at HealthVermont.gov/measles

802 Smiles Dental Hygiene Program is returning this Spring to offer free dental screenings and preventative care to all ACSD students.

Please complete the forms below if you would like your child to participate in this event. Any student that was enrolled in the fall will automatically be on the list to receive services and does not need to fill out the forms again, but if you do not want your student to receive services in April, you should reach out to the school nurse to take them off the list.

Enrollment deadline is April 1st.

ACSD 802 Smiles Letter

802 Smiles Consent Form

802 Smiles Enrollment Form

T-shirts, shorts, crocs or sandals can be worn on their own outside (meaning no additional layers required) when the temperature is 40 + degrees

Long sleeves are ok to be worn on their own outside when the temperature is 39-32 degrees but it’s time to pack up the crocs & sandals!

Coats, hats, gloves & boots are required for temperatures under 32 degrees

• Water bottle
  

• A daily snack

• Sneakers on Tuesday & Friday PE days!

What an amazing day here at Ripton Elementary School! It started with our stop and read time, everyone sat with a book of choice for ten minutes. Then it was All School meeting where we heard who our top readers were for the Read-a Thon. As the day progressed our Author, Ceila Botto arrived and shared some incredible time with students sharing her work and creating together. She will continue her presentation tonight with families at our Literacy Night. I hope to see many of you here.

Vermont Common Assessment Program (VTCAP)
All Vermont School Districts are required to administer the Vermont Comprehensive Assessment Program (VTCAP). This computer-based test is adaptive and will assess our state standards for English Language Arts (ELA), math, and science. ACSD schools will administer these assessments this year between March 10 and April 25. These assessments include:

• VTCAP Language Arts and Mathematics: Grades 3-9

• VTCAP Science Assessment: Grades 5, 8, and 11

Your school's principal will be in touch with specifics about the timing of the VTCAP at your school.

• 
  

  1. Preschool Screening for 3 & 4 year olds

  If you have a child who will be 3 or 4 before September 1st, 2025, they are invited to attend our free developmental screening days. You can attend any of the following screening dates:

  • Friday, April 4, 2025 at Bridport Central School, 3442 VT 22A. Contact Linda Barrett with questions 802-758-2331. Or;

  • April 4, 11, or 18, 2025 at Mary Hogan Elementary School, 201 Mary Hogan Drive, Middlebury. Contact Deb Martin with questions 802-382-1761.

  What to expect: Come and play with the ACSD Early Education team! They will engage in activities to help observe your child’s physical, social-emotional, speech/language, and cognitive development. Observations will be shared with the family/caregiver.

  1. ACSD Preschool Interest Survey

  If you are interested in having your child attend one of our ACSD preschool programs, please read the informational letter and fill out our preschool interest survey.

• 
  

As the temperatures drop, please keep in mind:

We are expecting students to have on a coat, snow pants, hat, mittens and boots in order to play in the snow. On days that the "feels like temperature" falls below 0 degrees we are inside for recess.

T-shirts, shorts, crocs or sandals can be worn on their own outside (meaning no additional layers required) when the temperature is 40 + degrees

Long sleeves are ok to be worn on their own outside when the temperature is 39-32 degrees but it’s time to pack up the crocs & sandals!

Coats, hats, gloves & boots are required for temperatures under 32 degrees

• Water bottle
  

• A daily snack

• Sneakers on Tuesday & Friday PE days!

If you are looking to get winter gear for your student(s) please contact Haysal Jones hjones@acsdvt.org or Tammie Johnson tammiejohnson@acsdvt.org

It's hard to believe that when we return from the February break we will be In March. March brings with it longer days, warmer temperatures and the 3 m's, mud, maple sugaring, March madness. I could do without the mud but knowing that it means spring is right around the bend I will accept it.

-March 5-7 Stop Drop & Read for 10 minutes each day when Mrs Greene announces it over the intercom. Have a good book ready!

-March 7th Author visit and Family Literacy Night. Come join the fun!

Parents, Caregivers, Students, Staff & Community, we want to hear from you! In the Spring of 2024, ACSD began a two year process toward joint accreditation by NEASC and IB (read more here). We are currently in the self-study and evidence gathering phase and we want to hear from you! Please take 10 minutes to fill out this NEASC Learning Community Survey to help inform how we are doing in key areas and where we need to focus and improve in the future.

Please choose the survey links that best fits your role and school affiliation.

ACSD Elementary Schools:

• PARENTS: https://surveys.neasc.org/s3/NEASC-CIE-Parents-Fall-2024?id=54

• FACULTY: https://surveys.neasc.org/s3/NEASC-CIE-Faculty-Staff-Fall-2024?id=54

• STUDENTS: https://surveys.neasc.org/s3/NEASC-CIE-Students-Fall-2024?id=54

As the temperatures drop, please keep in mind:

We are expecting students to have on a coat, snow pants, hat, mittens and boots in order to play in the snow. On days that the "feels like temperature" falls below 0 degrees we are inside for recess.

T-shirts, shorts, crocs or sandals can be worn on their own outside (meaning no additional layers required) when the temperature is 40 + degrees

Long sleeves are ok to be worn on their own outside when the temperature is 39-32 degrees but it’s time to pack up the crocs & sandals!

Coats, hats, gloves & boots are required for temperatures under 32 degrees

• Water bottle
  

• A daily snack

• Sneakers on Tuesday & Friday PE days!

If you are looking to get winter gear for your student(s) please contact Haysal Jones hjones@acsdvt.org or Tammie Johnson tammiejohnson@acsdvt.org

During the month of February we have a few events we'd like to invite you to.

-On Monday February 10th, our Ripton chorus and band will perform in the Salisbury Community School gym at 6:30 (6:00 call for performers, 2/17 snow date). Band members will need their band materials in school that Monday. The multi-school rehearsals at Salisbury that day are open for families to listen in case they can't be in the audience that evening (band 12:30-1:45, chorus 1:45-2:20). We will also hold our Ripton-only version of the concert at Ripton School on Th. 2/20 at 2:00. All are welcome!

-February 12th Early Release Day

-Our Read-a-thon will begin on 2/14. More information from Ms. O'Neill will be coming soon.

As the temperatures drop, please keep in mind:

We are expecting students to have on a coat, snow pants, hat, mittens and boots in order to play in the snow. On days that the "feels like temperature" falls below 0 degrees we are inside for recess.

T-shirts, shorts, crocs or sandals can be worn on their own outside (meaning no additional layers required) when the temperature is 40 + degrees

Long sleeves are ok to be worn on their own outside when the temperature is 39-32 degrees but it’s time to pack up the crocs & sandals!

Coats, hats, gloves & boots are required for temperatures under 32 degrees

• Water bottle
  

• A daily snack

• Sneakers on Tuesday & Friday PE days!

If you are looking to get winter gear for your student(s) please contact Haysal Jones hjones@acsdvt.org or Tammie Johnson tammiejohnson@acsdvt.org

The students had a cold but fun time skiing at Rikert on Tuesday. A great big thank you to all of the volunteers getting kids there. We have two more scheduled times on February 4th and February 11th.

Mrs. Doria came to Ripton this week to share her knowledge of the Lunar New Year. She taught students in Mrs. Giroux's class how to say color and fruit names in Chinese. Everyone brought home a souvenir of "good luck" as well!

During the month of February we have a few events we'd like to invite you to.

-On Monday February 10th, our Ripton chorus and band will perform in the Salisbury Community School gym at 6:30 (6:00 call for performers, 2/17 snow date). Band members will need their band materials in school that Monday. The multi-school rehearsals at Salisbury that day are open for families to listen in case they can't be in the audience that evening (band 12:30-1:45, chorus 1:45-2:20). We will also hold our Ripton-only version of the concert at Ripton School on Th. 2/20 at 2:00. All are welcome!

-February 12th Early Release Day

-Our Read-a-thon will begin on 2/14. More information from Ms. O'Neill will be coming soon.

-Friday February 21st, will be our last TaeKwonDo class with Master Thomas. You are invited to come and see what the students have learned. More information coming next week.

As the temperatures drop, please keep in mind:

We are expecting students to have on a coat, snow pants, hat, mittens and boots in order to play in the snow. On days that the "feels like temperature" falls below 0 degrees we are inside for recess.

T-shirts, shorts, crocs or sandals can be worn on their own outside (meaning no additional layers required) when the temperature is 40 + degrees

Long sleeves are ok to be worn on their own outside when the temperature is 39-32 degrees but it’s time to pack up the crocs & sandals!

Coats, hats, gloves & boots are required for temperatures under 32 degrees

• Water bottle
  

• A daily snack

• Sneakers on Tuesday & Friday PE days!

If you are looking to get winter gear for your student(s) please contact Haysal Jones hjones@acsdvt.org or Tammie Johnson tammiejohnson@acsdvt.org

Upcoming events:

No school on January 20th and 21st

Our Rikert ski days have been scheduled for Tuesdays, January 28th, February 4th, February 11th.

You will find further information about the trip here. Please complete the form and return it by Friday January 24, 2025. We will send a hard copy home on Wednesday.

Please note that report cards will be sent home in students’ backpacks on January 31st. Parents should anticipate a phone call from their child’s teacher shortly thereafter. The purpose of this phone call is to follow up on students’ first semester progress reports and see if families have any questions. Thank you.

• Do you have a 3-5 year old ready for preschool? Every preschool age child in ACSD is eligible for 10 FREE hours of preschool at a pre-qualified preschool program and NOW* is the time to begin thinking ahead to the 2025-26 school year. Visit https://mbaker61.wixsite.com/uprek/partners for a list of preschools and more information. Reach out to Ashley Bessette, Universal Prek Coordinator, at abessette@acsdvt.org for support or to ask questions.
  *Most preschool programs will begin enrolling in February/March for the 2025-26 school year.

Do you have a child who plans to start Kindergarten in 2025-2026? Make sure they are on our incoming student list! If your child will be 5 years old by September 1, 2025 (or you know a friend or neighbor whose child will be) please reach out to our front office at 802-388-2208

As the temperatures drop, please keep in mind:

We are expecting students to have on a coat, snow pants, hat, mittens and boots in order to play in the snow. On days that the "feels like temperature" falls below 0 degrees we are inside for recess.

T-shirts, shorts, crocs or sandals can be worn on their own outside (meaning no additional layers required) when the temperature is 40 + degrees

Long sleeves are ok to be worn on their own outside when the temperature is 39-32 degrees but it’s time to pack up the crocs & sandals!

Coats, hats, gloves & boots are required for temperatures under 32 degrees

• Water bottle
  

• A daily snack

• Sneakers on Tuesday & Friday PE days!

If you are looking to get winter gear for your student(s) please contact Haysal Jones hjones@acsdvt.org or Tammie Johnson tammiejohnson@acsdvt.org

Yesterday's celebration of music with the band and chorus was impressive! Having so many families and community members in the audience to hear our students voices and musical talents shine makes me happy!

Upcoming events:

No school on January 20th and 21st

Rikert days are still in the planning stages

We have held our Title 1 Annual Meeting. For those of you who missed it, here is an overview of our discussion points:

• RES is a Title 1 school.
• Title 1 helps to fund staffing and enrichment opportunities for students.
• Our goal is to create a successful partnership between our school and our families.
• Visit our website to read the Parental Guide to Title 1 programs in ACSD (http://ripton.acsdvt.org/families/new-page).
• Parent involvement is critical to the educational success of your child(ren).
• Our collaboration can make all the difference for our students’ success.

Please note that report cards will be sent home in students’ backpacks on January 31st. Parents should anticipate a phone call from their child’s teacher shortly thereafter. The purpose of this phone call is to follow up on students’ first semester progress reports and see if families have any questions. Thank you.

• Do you have a 3-5 year old ready for preschool? Every preschool age child in ACSD is eligible for 10 FREE hours of preschool at a pre-qualified preschool program and NOW* is the time to begin thinking ahead to the 2025-26 school year. Visit https://mbaker61.wixsite.com/uprek/partners for a list of preschools and more information. Reach out to Ashley Bessette, Universal Prek Coordinator, at abessette@acsdvt.org for support or to ask questions.
  *Most preschool programs will begin enrolling in February/March for the 2025-26 school year.

Do you have a child who plans to start Kindergarten in 2025-2026? Make sure they are on our incoming student list! If your child will be 5 years old by September 1, 2025 (or you know a friend or neighbor whose child will be) please reach out to our front office at 802-388-2208

Please join the Addison Central Special Education Parent Advisory Council (SEPAC) and Superintendent Wendy Baker to learn more about ACSD Administration’s proposed changes to the configuration and budget for Student Services and Special Education next year. This is your opportunity to learn more about the district’s vision for Student Services and Special Education and to share your perspective about what it might mean for your student(s) and family. Your perspective and voice are important! Please join us! Learn more about the SEPAC at https://www.addisoncentralsepac.org/ Sign up for SEPAC updates here.

Thursday, November 16th

6:00 – 7:30pm

MUHS library (virtual option: https://meet.google.com/gjk-ymhg-drj)

Learn more about ACSD Administration’s proposed budget HERE (see Block 5 on Student Services).

Learn more about ACSD’s budget development process HERE

A draft of the Fiscal year 2026 Budget was presented to the ACSD Board on January 6th. You can watch that presentation and find accompanying materials on our Budget Development page. A public Q+A was also held on January 9th, a recording will be posted on the budget page soon. The board is expected to continue the discussion and vote on the budget at their January 13, 2025 meeting at 6:30pm. Find details for that meeting here.

As the temperatures drop, please keep in mind:

We are expecting students to have on a coat, snow pants, hat, mittens and boots in order to play in the snow. On days that the "feels like temperature" falls below 0 degrees we are inside for recess.

T-shirts, shorts, crocs or sandals can be worn on their own outside (meaning no additional layers required) when the temperature is 40 + degrees

Long sleeves are ok to be worn on their own outside when the temperature is 39-32 degrees but it’s time to pack up the crocs & sandals!

Coats, hats, gloves & boots are required for temperatures under 32 degrees

• Water bottle
  

• A daily snack

• Sneakers on Tuesday & Friday PE days!

If you are looking to get winter gear for your student(s) please contact Haysal Jones hjones@acsdvt.org or Tammie Johnson tammiejohnson@acsdvt.org

Today we had our 2nd lesson in Tae Kwon Do with Master Thomas! The students are engaged and learning so much so quickly. They will be excited to share their learning with you in February.

Our fire/relocation drill has been rescheduled for Wednesday January 8th. We will talk with students ahead of time so they understand what we are doing. We will begin with a fire drill and connect with Fire Chief Pike for some additional fire safety learning when we have relocated. Then return to school and continue our day. If you have any questions or concerns feel free to reach out to me.

I am looking for a couple of rocking chairs for RES. If anyone has one to donate please let me know. I'm happy to pick it up.

Our band and chorus concert is rescheduled for 2 o'clock on Thursday January 9th.

Our FY26 Budget development process is underway and we invite the ACSD community to learn more and share feedback as we build toward a final budget:

• On January 6 at 6:30pm, the ACSD Board meeting will offer an overview of the full ACSD FY26 Budget spending plan (MUHS Library or virtual).

• On January 9th at 6:30, Superintendent Baker will host a virtual Public Input Session where the ACSD community can ask questions and share feedback. (Use this meeting link (password: ACSD)

• Find these meeting links and more information, resources, and opportunities for community engagement on our FY26 Budget webpage.

As the temperatures drop, please keep in mind:

T-shirts, shorts, crocs or sandals can be worn on their own outside (meaning no additional layers required) when the temperature is 40 + degrees

Long sleeves are ok to be worn on their own outside when the temperature is 39-32 degrees but it’s time to pack up the crocs & sandals!

Coats, hats, gloves & boots are required for temperatures under 32 degrees

• Water bottle
  

• A daily snack

• Sneakers on Tuesday & Friday PE days!

If you are looking to get winter gear for your student(s) please contact Haysal Jones hjones@acsdvt.org or Tammie Johnson tammiejohnson@acsdvt.org

I am looking for a couple of rocking chairs for RES. If anyone has one to donate please let me know. I'm happy to pick it up.

My apologies! The picture here is Ms. Johnson our school counselor not Ms. Jeannie as I said last week.

One of our 4/5 students and his parent delivered the food we collected last week to CVOEO. We donated 132 pounds of food and bathing supplies! More will be delivered today! Thank you members of our school and community for helping those in need in our larger community. Ms. Ogilvie's 4th & 5th graders.

Contagious Illness Guidance

There are several illnesses circulating at school, so we wanted to share some guidance and reminders during this time to help minimize the spread of these illnesses. We are seeing strep throat, influenza, viral colds, COVID, stomach viruses and pneumonia. Please remind your students not to share water bottles, food or anything else that can further contribute to the spread of illness. Please also encourage your students to eat well, stay hydrated and get plenty of rest. Good handwashing is the #1 way to prevent the spread of contagious illness!

We expect students and staff to stay home with any potentially contagious illnesses or symptoms including the following:

1. Vomiting/diarrhea-must be 24 hours symptom free before returning to school

2. Fever 100.4 or greater -stay home until fever free without use of medication for 24 hours

3. Any infection requiring antibiotic-keep your student home until they have been on antibiotics for 24 hours

4. Persistent cough that disrupts normal activity

5. Unexplained rash

6. Influenza and COVID-stay home until fever free without medication for 24 hours

7. Any other symptoms or illness that impedes a student’s ability to learn or staff’s ability to work.

You may return once feeling well enough to be at school and fever free for 24 hours without the use of fever reducing medications.

Please take a moment to read this information from the Vermont Department of Health regarding preventing transmission of Influenza. If your student tests positive for Influenza or COVID, it is very helpful if you are able to call or email the school nurses to report this so we can track trends and determine if we are having outbreaks.

Thanks for your help with keeping our students and staff as healthy as possible during this challenging time of year.

Haysal Jones, BSN, RN, NCSN

Addison Central School District

hjones@acsdvt.org

Our FY26 Budget development process is underway and we invite the ACSD community to learn more and share feedback as we build toward a final budget:

• On January 6 at 6:30pm, the ACSD Board meeting will offer an overview of the full ACSD FY26 Budget spending plan (MUHS Library or virtual).

• On January 9th at 6:30, Superintendent Baker will host a virtual Public Input Session where the ACSD community can ask questions and share feedback. (Use this meeting link (password: ACSD)

• Find these meeting links and more information, resources, and opportunities for community engagement on our FY26 Budget webpage.

-Tae Kwon Do begins on January 3rd for 8 weeks with Master Thomas as part of our PE time. We are very excited!

As the temperatures drop, please keep in mind:

T-shirts, shorts, crocs or sandals can be worn on their own outside (meaning no additional layers required) when the temperature is 40 + degrees

Long sleeves are ok to be worn on their own outside when the temperature is 39-32 degrees but it’s time to pack up the crocs & sandals!

Coats, hats, gloves & boots are required for temperatures under 32 degrees

• Our drill was cancelled. It will be rescheduled at a later date.

• Winter break is December 23-January 1st. See you on the 2nd!

• Water bottle
  

• A daily snack

• Sneakers on Tuesday & Friday PE days!

If you are looking to get winter gear for your student(s) please contact Haysal Jones hjones@acsdvt.org or Tammie Johnson tammiejohnson@acsdvt.org

This is the last week to donate to the food drive before December break.

We had an awesome time at Petrcliffs! We learned some new terms used for climbing and encouraged each other to be brave and try something new.

We read the book Love That Dog by Sharon Creech and wrote to her to ask some questions about her writing process. She wrote us back and created a poem especially for us!

Wednesday, December 18th: Gift-Making Extravaganza w/ FORS

Thursday, December 19th: School Store

Band & Chorus concert at 2:15

For specific information open this link.

As the temperatures drop, please keep in mind:

T-shirts, shorts, crocs or sandals can be worn on their own outside (meaning no additional layers required) when the temperature is 40 + degrees

Long sleeves are ok to be worn on their own outside when the temperature is 39-32 degrees but it’s time to pack up the crocs & sandals!

Coats, hats, gloves & boots are required for temperatures under 32 degrees

• Our drill was cancelled. It will be rescheduled at a later date.

• Winter break is December 23-January 2nd

• Water bottle
  

• A daily snack

• Sneakers on Tuesday & Friday PE days!

If you are looking to get winter gear for your student(s) please contact Haysal Jones hjones@acsdvt.org or Tammie Johnson tammiejohnson@acsdvt.org

We are beginning our exciting new Unit - How We Express Ourselves - in Art! Second through Fifth Grade students are learning about the ancient Japanese art of Shibori as we follow a family from the Edo period that overcame a silk ban with their ingenuity and utilized the beautiful embellishments of Shibori on common and tattered fabrics. Students will be designing their own Shibori art that reflects their personalities on wearable art. In Kindergarten through First Grade Art, it's art about color as they create their own beautiful color wheels and learn about the art and science of color mixing. Stay tuned!

"Cards For Caring" - For the Earth!

Caring for the planet that we all share has been the buzz in art classes! Our young Ripton student artists have been creating one of a kind blank greeting cards that are now available for purchase to support our service learning art project. Students are currently in the process of selecting a non-profit organization that supports a clean and healthy planet. Greeting cards are available for $5.00 for a pack of 4 cards. You can find them at the front desk at Ripton School, at the Henry Sheldon Museum in Middlebury, or by emailing Ms. Gombosi (egombosi@acsdvt.org).

Today we heard from 4th and 5th grade about collecting for the food drive. Our box is already getting full! You will find the letter requesting support for the food drive here.

In addition we talked about our next safety drill practice. We will be practicing a drill that begins with a Fire Drill that leads to a safe relocation outside our school. This drill will happen on Wednesday 12/11 and students will know exactly what time. We will quickly get back into school and back to learning. If you have any questions please let me know.

As the temperatures drop, please keep in mind:

T-shirts, shorts, crocs or sandals can be worn on their own outside (meaning no additional layers required) when the temperature is 40 + degrees

Long sleeves are ok to be worn on their own outside when the temperature is 39-32 degrees but it’s time to pack up the crocs & sandals!

Coats, hats, gloves & boots are required for temperatures under 32 degrees

• Early Release 12/11

• Water bottle
  

• A daily snack

• Sneakers on Tuesday & Friday PE days!

If you are looking to get winter gear for your student(s) please contact Haysal Jones hjones@acsdvt.org or Tammie Johnson tammiejohnson@acsdvt.org

Our very own Maryann and her husband Ken served up an incredible Thanksgiving meal for us today! After that we shared in a school wide Folk dance ld by Sarah Metcalf, our music teacher. A great big THANK YOU!!!!

Today we revisited our school and recess expectations. We talked about what we are thankful for and heard from Kid President who shared his top 25 things to be thankful for. Lastly we took some time to chat about safety drills that are required throughout the school year.

As the temperatures drop, please keep in mind:

T-shirts, shorts, crocs or sandals can be worn on their own outside (meaning no additional layers required) when the temperature is 40 + degrees

Long sleeves are ok to be worn on their own outside when the temperature is 39-32 degrees but it’s time to pack up the crocs & sandals!

Coats, hats, gloves & boots are required for temperatures under 32 degrees

• Thanksgiving break November 25-29

• Water bottle
  

• A daily snack

• Sneakers on Tuesday & Friday PE days!

If you are looking to get winter gear for your student(s) please contact Haysal Jones hjones@acsdvt.org or Tammie Johnson tammiejohnson@acsdvt.org

Please join the Addison Central Special Education Parent Advisory Council (SEPAC) and Superintendent Wendy Baker to discuss the important topic of home-school communication for students that have IEPs and 504 plans. ACSD administrators are actively working on finding solutions that address the concerns of both families and school staff. If you have a student on an IEP or 504 plan, please join this conversation and help shape solutions moving forward. Your perspective and voice are important!

Wednesday, November 20th

6:00 – 7:30pm

MUHS library (virtual option: https://meet.google.com/gjk-ymhg-drj)

Learn more about the SEPAC at ​​https://www.addisoncentralsepac.org/.

Sign up for SEPAC updates here.

Parent /Caregivers are invited to NEASC/IB Learning Principle Teams!

ACSD is working toward joint accreditation with the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC) and International Baccalaureate (IB). NEASC and IB are independent nonprofit organizations that support schools with best educational practices, guidance, and resources. They each offer their own process to evaluate schools. (Read more details here). Now we are in the assessment and evidence gathering phase of accreditation. We are seeking parent and community involvement! There are two main actions this year:

1. Evidence gathering: We will assess the ACSD community on 5 of NEASC’s Learning Principles. Our teachers and staff will submit evidence toward the 5 Learning Principles. Later this year we will also introduce opportunities for students, caregivers, and community members to submit evidence.

2. Learning Principle Teams. We will create 5 Learning Principle Teams made up of ACSD teachers, staff, students, parents, and community members. They will assess the evidence that is submitted and present back to the ACSD community how we are doing toward each standard. They will meet from December-April. All team members will be compensated $40/hr. If you are interested in joining a Learning Principle Team, please fill this form out by November 30th, 2024.

The Weybridge Barn Dance on Saturday, November 16, 5:30-8 pm. For more information go here for the flier.

Come out to support our MUHS students! There are two shows left: Friday Nov 15 @ 7:00 PM

Saturday Nov 16 @ 2:00 PM Link to purchase Tickets

• Thanksgiving break November 25-29

• The weather is changing please remember to send your child with warm clothing.

• Water bottle
  

• A daily snack

• Sneakers on Tuesday & Friday PE days!

If you are looking to get winter gear for your student(s) please contact Haysal Jones hjones@acsdvt.org or Tammie Johnson tammiejohnson@acsdvt.org

Dear RES Community,

It's hard to believe that our final week of the school year is here! The end of the year always brings so many emotions for students, families, and staff. From hearing the excitement from our fifth-graders as they returned from a great visit to MUMS, to watching Mrs. Metcalf's students shine in their final concert of the year, to seeing our students explore together in these last learning experiences of the year, I am finding that while many of the emotions may be bittersweet or reflect excitement, there is also a strong sense of gratitude. Gratitude for our teachers and staff who approach each day with dedication and student-centered care. Gratitude for our staff who consistently, tirelessly, and with kindness, go above and beyond to ensure our school is running smoothly. Gratitude for families who are invested, care about, and support, their child's education. And gratitude for our students who come to school each day with such caring hearts, curiosity, and openness to explore the world together with us. As we head into this final week of the school year I invite us to reflect on all that we have to be grateful for here at RES. Thank you!

With gratitude,

Meg

6/11: Day of Play and Lip Synch at 1:45 - 2:45

(Families are welcome to come and watch if they would like!)

6/14: Last Student Day! and 6:00pm 5th Grade Graduation

(We are hoping to have our Water Fun Day, but will have alternative indoor activities if it rains)

Tiger Football Youth Skills Clinic

Sponsored by – Friends of Middlebury Football (FOMF) and Middlebury Union High

School (MUHS) Athletics

Date & Time: Tuesday - Friday, June 18 - 21, 8:30 AM - Noon

Ages: Grades 4 - 8 (for the 2024-25 school year)

Location: Doc Collins Field - MUHS

Cost: $20.00 ($40.00 max for immediate family) *Scholarships available upon request: contact John Nuceder - 802-989-8642 or jnuceder@acsdvt.org

Register: https://forms.gle/KwZ8S17Qdp4vCSai9

MUHS Assistant Varsity football coach, John Nuceder, other High School and Flag Football coaches, and former Tigers will instructor clinic participants. The emphasis is for young athletes to have fun, be active, and learn skills for each position, offense and defense. Each clinic session will be station based learning organized by age. No equipment is needed. Please wear comfortable footwear for a lot of movement, as well as weather appropriate clothing. No previous experience necessary.

Dear RES Community,

Students have been spending outdoor time enjoying the newfound Spring weather! Our recess time find students exploring the woods, working through challenges and talking through conflicts on the basketball and gaga courts, learning how their bodies move and balance on our play structure, creating elaborate sand feasts, and exploring their natural surroundings and the many ways we position ourselves in it - both individually and as a member of a community. So much learning takes place during these unstructured and seemingly "playful" times - as Fred Rogers famously noted, "Play is the work of childhood" and it is so exciting to watch our children as they explore, grow, learn, and with the help of our amazing school community, problem-solve, every day.

In addition to our outside time, we have had a packed few weeks here at RES, and the coming final weeks are just as full! Fourth graders explored a local beaver pond, second and third graders are learning all about bridges - and are exploring so many different bridges and locations thanks to the magic of the world wide web! Kindergarten and First graders continue to embraced the written word and are excitedly reading and sharing their knowledge and embracing their new identity as readers! Fifth graders also had a transformative week at KEEC where they learned so much about themselves, made connections, and had a blast!

I also want to extend my gratitude for the thoughtful and helpful feedback that caregivers have shared with regards to next year's grade configurations. We are proceeding thoughtfully and with intention as we bring concerns, ideas, constraints, and realities together in planning forward together with district leadership. An email will be forthcoming that will detail work being done, and as always - please reach out at any time -phone, email, and in-person!

With gratitude,

Meg