It’s Friday the 13th at Calais Elementary, but there’s nothing superstitious going on here! Just a lot of smiles, laughs, and learning. At least it’s also not a full moon…
On Thursday this week, we celebrated all our birthdays from June to September in an all school meeting. Birthday kids were recognized, each received a birthday pencil, and everyone got a fresh, homemade cookie from Chef Dena! I genuinely love when we have all school meetings as they are a chance for all students to be together across grade levels, it gives an opportunity for learning how to be in the moment during a large gathering, and it’s time to simply be one Calais community. Sometimes we forget the power of being together and this year we are going to bring back that power.
Also this week we have started our iReady testing for the year. There have been a few technical hiccups that are making our schedule move a little, but we are going full steam ahead and will hopefully have data soon so we can properly plan our instruction and give all students all the support they need. If any student comes home worried about testing or shows signs of any anxiety, just remind them that this testing is simply to gather information so we can help them as best as possible. No need to worry!
Earlier today I visited Mrs. Jackson’s 3rd/4th grade class and caught them doing a fun project with leaves and extracting the chlorophyll from them revealing their brown/tan/orange colors. Every student was engaged with this hands-on learning and they know understand why Vermont has some of the most beautiful fall foliage in the country! This is the incredible type of learning that is taking place at Calais Elementary. Check out the video below I shared on social media and in the newsletter.
Finally, this coming Thursday, September 19th is our annual Open House and Friends of Calais BBQ. Open House will be from 5:30 to 6:00, so come and meet the teachers and see the classrooms and from 6:00-7:00pm is the BBQ hosted by the Friends of Calais. All of Calais is invited and we ask that you bring a side dish to share. See the information in this edition of the newsletter.
Thank you again for being supportive of our school, your students, and most importantly for being flexible and understanding. Have a great weekend and we will see everyone on Monday!
Mr. Weiss
Principal
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9/14 - Kiss Summer Good-Bye Craft Fair Event
9/15 - Prime the Fence at Robinson Hill Cemetery
9/19 - Back to School BBQ and Potluck
9/27 - Back to School Party
9/28 - Try Hockey for Free event
9/28 - U-32 Cross Country Invitational Kids Races
9/28 - 2024 Haz Waste Collection
10/4 - Calais Town Official Meet'n Greet
11/8 - Picture Retake Day
Paraeducator Needs
We are in need of a few more paraeducators in our school. Paraeducators fill many vital roles in our school from serving in classrooms to help students or serving the needs of a student in a 1:1 capacity. If you are interested and feel you have the skills please reach out to Mr. Weiss or fill out an online application on SchoolSpring.
One of our goals this year is to engage with our community, not just parents and families, but the larger Calais community. This school is part of the community and we want the community to come and be part of CES.
You may want to volunteer in the classroom, help us coordinate activities or chaperone trips, tap into a talent to teach our students, or generally be available to help where needed. We will welcome you all to Calais!
Work continues on the details for the Calais Volunteer Program as there are a few moving pieces that need to be completed, but we want you to let us know of your interest. Please put your name on our list by filling out the Volunteer Program Form.
We are looking for a gently used rocking chair or glider chair for one of our classrooms. Although it is going to be used for a student, it needs to be an adult size. If you or anyone you know has one that you aren't using, please contact Danielle in the office at dmackay@u32.org.
This Sunday, September 15, 1:00-3:00 pm
Enjoy a Tom Sawyer Sunday!
The weather is going to be beautiful this Sunday! Please join your neighbors to help prime the Robinson Cemetery fence before winter weather sets in. All supplies will be provided. Now we just need able-bodied volunteer painters. All help is welcome!
Having volunteers complete this important task will save Calais thousands of dollars in professional painter fees!
Let's pitch in to help make this site even more beautiful with a freshly painted fence. Please sign up here: https://www.signupgenius.com/.../10C094BABAD23A2F8C43...
or email Friendsofcalais2020@gmail.com
A tremendous volunteer spirit is part of what makes Calais a wonderful place to live!
PS - A huge THANKS to the U-32 Raider Football team and coaches who will apply the final coats of paint on Saturday, October 12th.
Grade 5/6: Season starts: Wednesday September 4th
5/6 Girls: Calais/Rumney/Doty
Practice 5:00-6:30
Monday @ Calais School
Wednesday @ Rumney
5/6 Boys: Calais/Doty
Practices 5:30-6:30
Monday @ Doty
Wednesday @ Calais School
Grade 3/4: Season starts: Thursday September 5th
3/4 Girls: Calais/Rumney/Doty
Practices 5:30-6:30
Tuesday & Thursday @ Doty
3/4 Boys: Calais/Doty
Season starts: Thursday September 5th
Practices 4:45-5:45
Tuesday @ Doty. Thursday @ Calais School
Grade Prek-k & 1/2: Season starts: Saturday September 7th
Calais Prek-k: Saturdays 9-10 @ Calais Rec
Calais 1/2: Saturdays 10-11 @ Calais Rec
