![page background](https://cdn.smore.com/_fr/_teacherappreciation12.b23b3bb0.jpg)
![Logo](https://cdn.smore.com/u/thumbs/e65b/thumb-2c4570ab23a44e3fd84159ca04aa2095.png)
Cornwall News 1.7.24
The Students Taught Us!
Dear Cornwall Families,
We hope everyone is well, and enjoying the snow! It's about time, and it actually feels like January!
We had a great week last week at Cornwall Elementary. Students come back from break and got right to work- which was awesome. Lots of stories to share from break, reflections on family time, and reports of fun gifts from the holidays!
An event that really stood out was our all-school meeting, which took place on Friday afternoon. In previous planning meetings, faculty and staff had identified that the meeting should reflect the time of year, and the opportunity that this season presents to look back on the previous year and set new goals for the new one. In planning the details, we decided to merge that goal with an added goal- one that we have already introduced in this space- to keep working toward a calmer and more harmonious recess. To do this, we had students teach us!
Students, in small groups, spent time reviewing posters they had made earlier this year where they thought about what recess should look like, sound like, and feel like. We then asked them to explain to us (Bjarki and Mike) why they had made the posters, and what the posters could teach us about what students value at Cornwall School. The responses were consistent: students want kindness, fairness, fun, and to feel safe. Students then spent time each writing a personal goal of what they could focus on either to take care of themselves, others, or their environment, and we posted those goals in the Multi-purpose Room- go check them out when you can! Our genuine hope is that activities like this will continue to emphasize and promote community-minded behavior, and normalize positive behavior at recess.
Recess was also top of mind at the latest FOCS meeting, where we discussed the possibility of parent volunteers coming to Cornwall School when they can to provide more "eyes" at recess. We were not sure how many folks might be interested in volunteering for recess, so FOCS created a survey that explores how available, and interested, parents might be to come volunteer. Please look for the "button" below to fill in the survey!
Thanks for reading- have a great week!
- Bjarki and Mike
Important Dates
Friday, January 12th: Progress reports sent home
Monday, January 15th: Martin Luther King Jr. Day (No School)
Tuesday, January 16th: Teacher Professional Development- No School
Thursday, January 18th: Concert @ MUHS
Pictures from All-School Meeting
Other Information from Cornwall School, FOCS, and ACSD:
Info on Parent-Teacher Conferences:
This winter we will be holding parent-teacher conferences between January 16th and February 9th. These are times for families to meet with teachers to discuss their child's January progress report. Teachers are just now putting the finishing touches on a revised progress report that will show student progress towards grade level standards and the IB Approaches to Learning. Report cards will be sent home on January 12th. Teachers will be reaching out in early January to set up conference dates and times for all families. Thank you.
Please send students to school with the "High Five" of Winter Clothes!
We know it hasn't been that cold lately, but please always send students in with the "High 5" of winter clothing, especially as days can still be plenty cold even without snow:
- Boots
- Hat
- Gloves
- Jacket
- Snowpants
"Ask me about":
In this section, teachers have the opportunity to share a few quick things that you can use to promote conversation at home about what happens in classes.
2nd Grade (Trudo):
- What is the history of “Hopscotch?”
- How is each part of the maple syrup system (tree, sap, buckets, evaporator, syrup) connected and how do they work together to make maple syrup?
5th Grade (Hirsch):
- Some products receive a Fairtrade certification. What are some of the advantages of this certification?
- Describe the setting in our new book The Missing Gator of Gumbo Limbo.
- What are some things to consider when adding and subtracting decimals?
FREE DENTAL CARE FOR ACSD STUDENTS!
ACSD schools are participating in the 802 Smiles Network, which promotes dental health programs in Vermont schools. This means your child is eligible for a free dental screening at school and may be eligible to receive preventive dental services at no cost to you. All you have to do is to fill out the online consent forms by February 1st, 2024. We also have paper forms that will be sent home.
The registered dental hygienist can provide the following free services:
Dental Screening (simplified dental check-up)
Fluoride Varnish (brush-on liquid that can help prevent cavities)
Silver Diamine Fluoride (SDF) (brush-on combination of silver and fluoride that can help stop cavities from getting bigger)
Dental Cleanings (helps keep the mouth healthy and clean!)
Oral Health Education (teaches students how to brush, floss, maintain good oral health)
Dental Sealants (a thin layer of material placed on back teeth to prevent decay)
Our schools will be served by dental hygienist, Michael Messina. If you choose to participate, Michael will send you a follow-up letter after your child’s screening explaining the services provided, whether additional treatment is recommended, and help connect you to a dental professional, if needed. If you have any questions, feel free to contact the school’s dental hygienist, Michael Messina at michaelmessina.rdh@gmail.com or our school nurse.
Information from FOCS on afterschool activities! Descriptions and sign-up links below...
Please see below for descriptions and sign-up links for several afterschool opportunities coming up in January.
We’re also collecting sign-ups for Fiber Arts, which starts at the end of February, as material prep for that class takes longer than average. Sign-ups will remain open, but if you think your student would like to register, the instructor would be grateful for a rough headcount.
TaeKwon Do
Grades K - 5
Mondays, January 8 - June June 10
3:00 - 4:00 PM, Cornwall Town Hall
Students will receive uniforms and be able to progress to new levels. Possibility to advance twice if requirements are met.
Sign-up link:
https://form.jotform.com/233507132566050
Sign-up deadline: January 5th
Ballet
Grades K - 2
Tuesdays, January 9 - February 27
3:00 - 4:00 PM, Cornwall Town Hall
This six week class is taught by Cornwall parent Stephanie Powers. She is delighted to share her experience from her early career days as a ballet dancer and teacher with our Cornwall community. In this beginner level class we will spend six weeks learning some of the foundations of ballet in a fun and age appropriate environment. No experience is necessary! Sign-up link: https://form.jotform.com/233523990857063 Sign-up deadline: January 5th Yoga Grades K - 2 Wednesdays, January 24 - March 20 3:00 - 4:00 PM (1:15 - 2:15 early release days) Cornwall Town Hall Play fun and active games, work on your dance moves, get stronger, gain confidence and find your inner yogi with yoga instructor Rachel Klatzker! We will work together to master yoga moves and poses in a totally kid friendly way. No prior yoga experience necessary- this is not your parents yoga!
Sign-up link:
https://form.jotform.com/233524380392051
Sign-up deadline: January 19
Fiber Arts
Grades 3 - 5
Thursdays, February 29 - March 21
3:00 - 4:15 PM, Cornwall Town Hall
Each week students will work on a new handwork project. Every child receives a needle book with pins and needles at no cost.
Sometimes there are changes to the school menu. You can always click here to find the latest one.
Engage and Connect!
112 SCHOOL ROAD
CORNWALL, VT 05753
TELEPHONE: 802-462-2463
FAX: 802-462-2462