On the Horizon

Dear Commodore Community,

We made it through a very hot week this past week. We had fans going and we hoped it would do more than it did. This week looks much cooler but back to the rain that we have had all summer. Our students and staff were rock stars last week to continue to engage in learning with the heat. This week even with the rain we have many events going on.

Earlier this week all members of the ANWSD community received a message from our Superintendent regarding access to the school building. This message outlined some reminders and changes regarding access control in accordance with new state laws. In case you missed it, I included the key changes below for your review. For more information please refer back to her email.

School Building Access Points during the School Day

All visitors must enter through the Main Entry of the school buildings during the School Day and

• Visitors must record their entry and exit in a log (name, date, time, and purpose of visit)

• Wear a visitor's pass while in the School Building (unless badged).

• Wait to be escorted to their intended location within the School Building.

School Building Access Points after the School Day

All School Buildings are fully secured after regular hours. Access to after-school programs and activities are as follows:

• After School Child Care / Fusion: Students are individually escorted to waiting families outside

• Activities and Sports Practices: Only students, coaches or advisors are permitted into the building for school activities (e.g. rehearsals) or sports practices

• School-Based Evening Activities: Access to the facility is permitted using the nearest door (e.g., auditorium, gym) while the rest of the school remains inaccessible during this time, except for restroom facilities.

• School Facility Rental: Practices are determined on a case-by-case basis as appropriate for the type of activity requested

Thank you so much for the drop-off/pickup/ bus transportation changes. The morning has continued to go really well. The afternoon has been crowded and we are working on some changes. Students need to be able to exit the parking lot after school (we have a number who are heading to jobs or the Elementary schools to pick up siblings.)

On Thursday I was out front and able to move families to both lines in the circle so that students can leave the parking lot. If you do not want to wait in line you are welcome to park in the student parking lot and wait there. We are asking that families use both lanes of the circle and the entire circle to pick up their students. Please be aware of students walking in between cars to get to their car. That way the line of families is not blocking the student parking lot from leaving. We will be working with the students to remind them not to block the center area for families turning left to get to the circle. Also, thank you for all remembering that VT has idle-free laws!

If you received a packet at the beginning of the school year with information about how to access the PowerSchool Parent Portal, we are requesting that you follow those instructions to set up your account and complete the necessary student information update forms as soon as possible. If you need help accessing your account or have issues once you log in, please contact Melissa Strong directly at mstrong@anwsd.org for assistance.

SafeArrival is having some connection difficulties. If you are able to use it please feel free to put attendance in there and we will check it. We will send further updates as we figure out the details. Thank you for your understanding.

Some events that are coming up in September are:

• Open House - 9/13 @ 5:30-6:30
  
• Community Event before Playing Fields - 9/13 @ 5:00
• Flynn Playing Fields - 9/13 @ 6:30
• Peace One Day - 9/21 @ 11:30-2:55
• Homecoming Weekend - 9/22-9/23
• Picture Day - 10/13/23

Way to go Commodores! We hope to see you on Wednesday for the Open House and at the Playing Fields, hosted by ANWSD and sponsored by The Flynn.

Jody Chamberlin JChamberlin@anwsd.org

Congrats to Benedict Diehl-Noble for being this week's Student of the Week in the Addison Independent!

Come on out for a Community Night of fun and connections. On September 13th, start off by visiting the VUMHS Open House from 5:30-6:30. Then head out to the fields! Vergennes Union Middle and High School will open at 5:15 for picnicking, face painting, games, and more! Our very own Commodore Singers will perform at 5:45 pm followed by featured artists Compagnie Des Quidams at 6:30. Bring your own picnic or enjoy a free meal provided by the Commodore Café. There is no alcohol, tobacco products, or weapons allowed on the school grounds. For more information about this event or to reserve a meal, please email sbicknell@anwsd.org

The drop/add period has ended this week for semester 1. Please reach out to your school counselor if you have any questions.

Check out the NACAC Virtual College Fairs Resource!

Boosters - If you're looking for an easy way to raise money for your child's team or club, the Booster Club has a great opportunity for you! If you have any questions, please contact Kirsten De La Cruz (klh@gmavt.net).

CPTO - Commodore Parent Teacher Group Sign up. Let's work together to ensure that our children have access to a stimulating and nurturing educational environment. Your partnership with VUHS Commodore Parent Teacher Group will help shape the minds of future leaders, innovators, and lifelong learners.

Friends of Music - Consider joining the Commodore Friends of Music for our children, our music educators and our community. Meetings are held the 3rd Tuesday of each month at 6:30pm via the Zoom link. For more information please visit our website https://sites.google.com/view/commodore-friends-of-music/home

We have created an account on instagram so we can showcase some of the delicious foods we make in ANWSD and MAUSD.

Lunch Menu

We have put together a new Community Health and Wellness site that can be accessed from the ANWSD website. The site is updated as new info becomes available.

Reach out to Fusion at fusionvuhs@anwsd.org for any questions about the Fusion program. Information will come out in September for the school year programming.

We are looking forward to the 2023-2024 school year at PHCC. This space will hold the Newsletters and information as it comes. If you have questions about your schedule at PHCC make sure you reach out to your school counselor at VUHS.

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If you have any opportunities to include please email Jody Chamberlin (JChamberlin@anwsd.org)

Title Programs ~ Parent & Family Engagement Information

JumpRope User Guide

JumpRope Parent Portal Walk Through

If you have a community event that you would like featured in the newsletter please email Jody Chamberlin (JChamberlin@anwsd.org). We need the information and images by Thursday afternoons so it can be in the Friday Newsletter.

Email: JChamberlin@anwsd.org
Website: https://vumhs.org/
Location: 50 Monkton Road, Vergennes, VT, USA
Phone: (802) 877-2938