Cougar Chronicle
September 13, 2024
The Principal's Office
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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Overdue Books
Dear Calais Families,
I have very much enjoyed meeting your children on my first day today. I am so happy to be sharing books with them, and taking care of your wonderful library collection this year.
As students check out books for the first time this year, we are reviewing overdue books on their accounts where they are found. I have encouraged everyone to take one more look at home– under the bed, on the bookshelf, in the back seat of the car. The goal is to gather back as many books as possible. Books do get lost or damaged, but sometimes they do reappear. Thanks for looking around at home if your child receives an overdue notice.
I have been warmly welcomed by everyone I have met, and I look forward to talking with you about just right books for your child. Please feel free to contact me at eriley@u32.org if you have any questions. You are welcome to stop by the library on Mondays to say hello, or borrow a book yourself.
Eileen (Nene) Riley
"Would You Rather" - Pumpkin or Apple? - Last Week's Results Are In!
"Would You Rather" Survey For This Week
What season do you prefer?
Important Dates
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
Back to School Party
There will be more details coming soon but for now, mark your calendars!
Now Hiring!
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.
Volunteer Opportunities
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.
LOOKING FOR: Rocking Chair/Glider Chair
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.
New After School Pick-up Procedure
On Monday, September 9th, we started a new procedure for students who are picked up after school. Please see below for more details. *Procedures for students who ride the bus will not change.
Open House and B2S BBQ/Potluck
The Friends of Calais will be hosting the annual Welcome Back BBQ on Thursday, September 19th, rain, or shine at the Calais Elementary School.
Join us immediately following the Back-to-School Open House from 6 to 7:30 p.m. for a community BBQ and Potluck. Friends of Calais will provide grilled hamburgers/ cheeseburgers, veggie burgers, hot dogs and drinks. Please bring a side dish or dessert to share. We are excited to welcome all Calais community members and look forward to a prosperous school year ahead for all.
We cannot do it without help. Please volunteer to help with setting up, cooking, and/or cleaning up if you are able. Review the available volunteer needs via Signup Genius: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C094BABAD23A2F8C43-51133458-welcome
The Friends of Calais is a non-profit organization that was formed to celebrate the uniqueness of each of our hamlets and to link community members with traditions, interests and each other. We welcome anyone who would like to join us and are eager engage and discuss our ideas and plans for the Calais Community. Our monthly meetings are held on the second Thursday of each month at the Calais Town Hall from 6:30-8:00 pm.
Check out our website https://www.friendsofcalais.org/home and follow us on Facebook and Instagram.
Please reach out to us with any questions or concerns:
• Anna Matheson, President (awschuenemann@gmail.com)
• Renée Grzankowski, Treasurer (rmgrzankowski@gmail.com)
• Carrie Stoner, Secretary (friendsofcalais2020@gmail.com)
Calais Town Official Meet ‘n Greet
Stop by the Calais Town Hall on October 4th from 4-5:30pm to meet town officials including Selectboard, Administrative office positions, commission and committee members. This is a great chance to meet our local elected officials.
Prime the Fence at Robinson Hill Cemetery
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.
Black Bear Hockey
If your athlete has been considering hockey as a winter sport, now is the time to register! We have a Try Hockey For Free event happening on Saturday, September 28th. Enrollment is also open for Little Bruins which includes a complete set of new hockey equipment with registration! Learn more about these programs at blackbearhockey.org/LearnToPlay
Youth Races at the U-32 Cross Country Invitational Kids Races
The U-32 Cross Country Invitational will be held on Saturday, September 28th starting at 9:30am.
Our students will have a chance to participate in the annual tradition of the Youth Races.
If you have a student interested, see the information below.
Kiss Summer Good-Bye
Fall Soccer Info
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