![page background](https://cdn.smore.com/u/backgrounds/custom_bg-65baa77ee54dda23fda48ff8-d5cefe7b021a.jpg)
THE VIKING
Hinesburg Community School - February 2, 2024
THE PRINCIPAL'S CORNER
Dear HCS Families,
Hinesburg Community School Kindergarten Registration for 2024-2025 opened on February 1, 2024. Champlain Valley School District (CVSD) is asking families to register their incoming Kindergarten students earlier this year in an effort to get more accurate enrollment numbers for our schools.
If you have an incoming Kindergarten student, that will be five before the CVSD September 1st deadline, please complete the online forms by February 23rd, 2024. These enrollment numbers help us to plan our staffing needs for the upcoming school year and help us to coordinate our site visits for placement in the Spring.
Deb Lavalette is our point-person for registration and she is looking forward to hearing from you! You can contact Deb at (802) 482-6200 or dlavalette@cvsdvt.org. She will be happy to help with questions; just let us know how we can help you.
We really appreciate your help with registering your child early this year and we’re looking forward to meeting you. This is such an exciting time for you and your child and we are happy to share this experience with you!
Warmly,
Suzan and Tim
📅 SAVE THE DATE 📅
Wednesday, February 7
Early Dismissal (1:45 - 1:50)
Wednesday, February 14
Early Dismissal (1:45 - 1:50)
Wednesday, February 21
Early Dismissal (1:45 - 1:50)
Monday, February 25 - Friday, March 1
Winter Break - NO SCHOOL
HCS SAFETY COMMITTEE
Our safety committee consists of a diverse membership involving key staff representation, including staff who have specialized roles or more flexible availability in the event of a crisis. Our Mission is to continuously improve the knowledge, skills, and preparedness related to personal and institutional safety. We maintain a regular monthly meeting time to keep the important work moving forward, review feedback from recent emergency drills, study possible emergency scenarios, and tighten relationships with first-responder partners in the community. We access expert consultation from a safety consultant contracted by the VT Agency of Education. We are so grateful for our community partners.
There is, however, one key player missing on our team currently; a Hinesburg community member. This role will include attending regular monthly meetings and providing a community perspective during committee discussions. If you are interested, please complete this three question form .
In terms of school safety, we will never be “done” improving our habits, routines, and procedures in order to help us be prepared and stay safe in different types of emergencies. On behalf of the Safety Committee, I thank you for your partnership in this work.
GET INFORMED ABOUT THE PROPOSED 2024-2025 BUDGET
It's almost Town Meeting Day and we hope that voters will get informed. See a summary of the proposed budget and bond, view a video excerpt from the recent Board meeting where the proposed budget was discussed, explore our Annual Report, and learn more. Consider attending an upcoming presentation about the proposed budget. It's all found on the Budget page of the district's website. https://www.cvsdvt.org/budget
HCS KINDERGARTEN REGISTRATION IS OPEN!
Will your student turn 5 before September 1, 2024? If yes, please contact Deb Lavalette at dlavalette@cvsdvt.org or call 802-482-6200 for information to register your child.
THANK YOU TO PiE!
CONNECTING YOUTH MENTORING ADVOCACY
Connecting Youth’s Mentor Coordinators Alison Duback and Kate Rooney recently returned from attending the National Mentoring Summit - a gathering of the nation's brightest minds in mentoring. Annually hosted in Washington, DC by MENTOR, the Summit is packed with learning opportunities, peer-collaboration, and inspiration, all focused on one shared goal: expanding and sustaining the youth mentoring movement.
Additionally, Alison Duback participated in the Summit’s Capitol HIll Day where advocates spent the day meeting with legislators and their staff about the critical value of surrounding young people with supportive relationships. “We met with legislative assistants from [Senator} Welch & [Representative] Balint's offices to talk about mentoring. Our last meeting of the day was with Bernie who actually attended the meeting. He asked us about our programs and then asked if we need more mentors. We all said "Yes!", so he is having his communications person put an article in The Bernie Buzz about mentoring.”
We’ll keep our eyes peeled for Bernie’s mentor endorsement. What an impact!
To learn more about Connecting Youth’s Mentor Program, check out our website here
🏐 MARCH MADNESS 2024 🏐
March Madness 2024
Volleyball March Madness is coming up!
Interested? Register now on the HCS athletics website:
Here is the link to get registered!
Make sure you also have an updated physical.
If you are not sure you are registered,
or if you need to check if your wellness form is up to date,
send an email to hcsathletics@cvsdvt.org
Start date: Monday, March 4th
End date: April 5th
8th-graders will try out March 4th from 3-4:30pm.
7th-graders will try out March 5th from 3-4:30pm.
P.S. If interested…
come practice during open gym at HCS
Sunday nights 4-5pm
Meet at the back gym door
PLEASE BRING DRY GYM SHOES!
FUN @ COCHRANS!
CHESS CLUB OPENINGS
Chess club has some openings! Chess club meets on Thursdays from 3pm-4pm. Students will need to get picked up because the late bus doesn't leave until 4:20.
If you would like to join, email Michellle Lass (mlass@cvsdvt.org) or Jessica DeBiasio (jdebiasio@cvsdvt.org).
K-4 SEEDS GROUP (STUDENTS ENCOURAGING EQUITY, DIVERSION AND SUCCESS)
We are happy to offer a safe and inclusive space dedicated to center, empower, and celebrate our BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) students. The group will be led by one of our CVSD DEI coaches Ainaka Luna and Sunshine Ouimette, 3rd grade Paraspecialist. This group will meet every other Tuesday from 2-2:30pm. The first meeting will be held on Tuesday the 16th of January. All students and allies welcome! If you have comments or questions, please contact Mike Fife at mfife@cvsdvt.org. Meetings will be held in the Seed Space.
If your student would like to attend this group, please complete this permission slip and return it to your student's teacher.
5-8 SEEDS GROUP (STUDENTS ENCOURAGING EQUITY, DIVERSION AND SUCCESS)
We are happy to offer a safe and inclusive space dedicated to center, empower, and celebrate our BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) students. The group will be led by one of our CVSD DEI coaches Ainaka Luna and Emma Lane, 6th grade Paraspecialist. This group will meet every other Monday from 2-2:30 pm beginning on the 22nd of January. All students and allies welcome! If you have comments or questions, please contact HCS DEI Coach Mike Fife at mfife@cvsdvt.org
If your student would like to attend this group, please complete this permission slip and return it to your student's teacher.
PROGRAMMING BEE BOTS IN STEM - KINDERGARTEN
CELEBRATING MLK JR
Preschool celebrated Martin Luther King Day by talking about who Dr King was and his dream that the world was a kind place for everyone. We created a giant world and then wrote out ways we could make the world kinder with our wishes and hopes (dreams) on watercolor hearts.
All graduating Grade 8 students will be given a complimentary yearbook!
JASON CHIN TO VISIT HCS!
Science teachers across the district have been looking for ways to integrate science into reading and writing classes while also creating a shared experience for our PreK-8 students. On February 16, HCS will be welcoming Jason Chin to share his experiences and insights into writing and illustrating children’s books. Jason Chin, a local author and illustrator is a diverse author and a Caldecott Medal winner who has written and illustrated a series of children’s books, including many on non-fiction science topics.
“I love meeting readers and sharing what I love, and I hope that my visits will help young readers see themselves as artists, scientists, readers and writers.” -Jason Chin
Throughout the month of January and early February, individual classrooms will be preparing for his visit by exploring Chin’s books in a variety of ways. We are so excited for this opportunity to welcome him into our school!
CVSD PreK LOTTERY - OPEN FOR 2024-2025!
The CVSD Early Education Program is now accepting applications for a random pre-k lottery drawing for the 2024-25 school year. This lottery is for an opportunity to enroll in one of our school-based classrooms which run 10 hours per week. Our school-based prekindergarten classrooms are 5 STARs, licensed early education programs that provide play-based, developmentally appropriate environments for all children in an inclusive setting. Our curriculum is based on the Vermont Early Learning Standards (VELS).
Our programs follow the CVSD school calendar. Children who will be age 3 or older by September 1, 2024, who are not eligible for kindergarten, and live in the communities of Charlotte, Hinesburg, Shelburne, St. George, and Williston are eligible to enter the lottery. Families who are selected for the lottery and choose to enroll their child in a CVSD program access their Act 166 publicly funded prekindergarten funds for the school-based program.
All applications must be received by February 5, 2024, and are located on the CVSD Early Education website under 2024-2025 Preschool Lottery . Paper applications are available upon request.
For additional information, questions about our program, or any concerns about your child’s development, please visit our website or contact Director of Early Education, Erin Gagne at egagne@cvsdvt.org. Our Early Education team is also available for developmental screenings in the areas of communication, social-emotional development, motor skills, adaptive development, and cognition. More information about an Early Multi-Tiered System of Supports is also available on the website.
FREE VIRTUAL WORKSHOP ON DIGITAL SAFETY
Greetings ParentIN family,
We are well into 2024. And we see you, and all you’re doing to ensure your young person’s wellbeing. We see the focus you bring to caregiving every day while juggling work and all the goodies in between. Reminding you that ParentIN is your constant sidekick throughout these years. Providing you with support groups, resources, and a listening ear when you need a break.
And guess what? We've got some amazing programming this month!
In collaboration with the Chittenden Unit for Special Investigations, Detective Krystal Wrinn will facilitate a FREE and engaging virtual workshop on digital safety for youth and your whole family. Here’s what to expect:
Reinforce online safety: Learn practical tips to empower yourself and your child about cyberbullying, inappropriate content, and online predators.
Build a positive online culture: Foster respect and kindness in your family's digital interactions.
Create a safer online world: Make the internet a more positive space for everyone.
EVENT Details: February 15th @7:00p
Register HERE to be sent a meeting invitation and link.
Your participation is highly valued, and we look forward to working together to promote digitally safe school community.
Thanks!
Student Assistance Program (SAP) Counselor
CCS and HCS Community Schools
CVSD ParentIN Coordinator
FOURTH GRADE "BE A STAR" RECIPIENTS
CVSD DEI EVENTS
Join the CVSD DEI Team as we celebrate diversity and connect with the diverse cultures of our community. At these in-person events, we will learn the history of the various communities in Vermont. There will be shared cultural experiences, including art, food, and conversations about educational experiences. At each gathering various groups, community members, and stakeholders will present about their lives, work, and contributions to our state.
March 15th, 6-8 pm - Williston Central School
Somali Community in Vermont
🏃♀️ GIRLS ON THE RUN 🏃♀️
Happy New Year, Caregivers of Spring 2023 GOTRVT participants!
Our 25th anniversary season will be here before we know it and we are so excited! We will have surprises and celebrate all year long!
In order to ensure that all of our teams from last year are able to celebrate with us and experience the empowering and confidence building benefits of both Girls on the Run and Heart & Sole, we need more coaches to register and commit to changing lives and inspiring our future leaders! Click HERE to learn about coaching. Click HERE to register for the online coaching information session.
Each season, our evidence-based curriculum meets girls where they are, helping them to unlock new and different skills by giving them the tools and strategies to lead a more confident and healthy life. For Spring 2024, we will be launching a revamped and updated version of our curriculum for Girls on the Run to truly meet the needs of today's girls.
If you are able to coach, we can guarantee that we will reserve a spot on the team for you to register your child, and that you will have early access to registration to do so. If you have questions before committing, the GOTRVT Program Team is always happy to answer questions from interested coaches; simply contact either Anne or Stephanie at the emails listed below.
With gratitude,
Girls on the Run Vermont Program Staff
Anne Lattrell
Statewide Program Director
Stephanie Dorgan
Program Coordinator
stephanie@girlsontherunvermont.org
CONNECTING YOUTH SEEKS MENTORS
Are you a fun, caring and trustworthy adult looking to make a true difference in a young person's life? Consider mentoring! Connecting Youth is seeking community volunteers to join our team of mentors for 5th-12th grade students across Champlain Valley School District.
Mentors and mentee pairs meet weekly for about an hour
School year commitment
Mentor training and continual support provided by CVSD mentor coordinators.
Middle school mentors have access to dedicated spaces for cooking, crafting, playing games and developing a friendship.
High school mentors work alongside students to grow their skills and resilience, exploring new interests and experiences.
Learn more here or contact Livy Bulger the HCS Mentor Coordinator (802-482-6248)
OPT IN FOR TEXT MESSAGING
If you aren't receiving messages regarding school closures, bus changes, etc and would like to, please follow these easy directions:
LOST & FOUND TO BE DONATED ON 2/23
Is your child missing a coat? Where did that favorite hoodie disappear to? Missing a water bottle, gloves, or shoes? There's a good chance the missing item is sitting here in our lost & found waiting to be claimed!
Please encourage your child/ren to take a look. We will be donating the remaining unclaimed items to a local charity on February 23rd. Thanks for your help!
PARENTS & CAREGIVERS: WOULD YOU LIKE TO VOLUNTEER AT HCS OR GO ON A FIELDTRIP?
Would you like to attend a HCS fieldtrip with your child or volunteer to read in their classroom? If so, now is an excellent time to fill out your paperwork for clearance though the District. Once your paperwork is received, please allow 10 business days for approval. Once approved, the clearance is valid for 1 year.
Volunteering & Chaperoning Procedures
Consent Form To Fill Out for Registry
please include a photo ID as well
About Us
Suzan Locke, HCS Co-Principal, Grades K-4
482-6299, slocke@cvsdvt.org
Tim Trevithick, HCS Co-Principal, Grades 5-8
482-6298, ttrevithick@cvsdvt.org
Alicia Kurth, HCS Special Education Administrator
482-6285, akurth@cvsdvt.org
Email: hcsinformation@cvsdvt.org
Website: https://www.cvsdvt.org/hinesburg
Location: Hinesburg Community School, 10888, Route 116, Hinesburg, Vermont, USA
Phone: 802-482-2106
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Hinesburg-Community-School-125786304154731/
The Viking Newsletter is published weekly, when school is in session. It is available on our web site and is also delivered via email. If needed, a hard copy can be provided for your child to bring home. The Viking includes upcoming events, after school opportunities, notes of interest for parents and the community and updates from our school administration.