Wildcat Pride

September 4, 2024

Dear Concord School Families,

Our school cares about the well-being of all students and has programs designed to support students’ improvement of their social/emotional development. To help stay in touch with our students’ development and potential social/emotional concerns, we will be conducting school-wide screenings of students using the SSIS SEL Brief + Mental Health Scales. This measure of students’ social and emotional functioning is aligned with state Social Emotional Learning standards and provides results used to guide instruction for all students and support for students experiencing emotional behavior concerns. This brief rating scale assessment is not a comprehensive diagnostic measure for classification of difficulties or disorders but rather highlights a student’s social and emotional strengths and areas of need.

The social emotional learning (SEL) skills and emotional behavior concerns (EBC) measured by the SSIS SEL Brief + Mental Health Scales are described below. The screeners include items tied to each of the competencies and concerns and provide information about a student’s current functioning levels. The social/emotional functioning can change over time; periodic re-screening is thus used to continue to monitor students’ progress.

The SSIS SEL Brief + Mental Health Scales can be administered to students (self-assessment), teachers (answering items about each student) and parents (answering items about their student(s). In our school, we will be administering to parents and teachers (of students in grades K-2) and to students, parents, and teachers (of students in grades 3-8). Parents will receive an email and will include a direct link to access your assessment. If you have more than one child at our school, you will receive a separate email for each of your children. Each assessment will take only 5-8 minutes to complete.

Your 3rd through 8th grade child will take a self-assessment between September 23rd and October 4th. More information will follow regarding how results will be shared with you. If you have questions or concerns or would like for your child to opt out of participating in the self assessment, please contact Andrea Fressie or Angelique Brown. If you notify the school in the fall that your child will not be participating in the self assessment, your school team will honor this request for the spring as well.

Sincerely,

Andrea Fressie

& Angelique Brown

For more details and the research behind the SSIS SEL Brief + Mental Health Scales, visit ssiscolab.com. THANK YOU!

Dear Middle School Families,

This letter is to inform you that a student in middle school has a severe allergy to tree nuts. For them, strict avoidance of these allergens is the only way to be safe. Here are some common tree nuts: Almonds, Brazil nuts, Cashews, Hazelnuts, Macadamia nuts, Pecans, Pine nuts (pignolias), Pistachio nuts, Walnuts and Coconut.

We are asking for your assistance in providing students with a safe learning environment. The biggest concern is students with allergies, even touching a small amount of a product or accidental ingestion containing the allergen could result in a life threatening situation that requires emergency medical treatment.

To reduce the risk of exposure in the middle school classrooms, we are asking that you not send any products containing tree nuts for your child to eat during snack (which is in the classroom), or for birthday treats and celebrations. We are also requesting no baked goods. Please read ingredient labels carefully, this includes food items that may contain tree nuts or that were processed in a plant that has nut products.

If your child has eaten any food with tree nuts prior to coming to school, please be sure that their hands have been thoroughly washed prior to entering the school.

Since lunch is eaten in the cafeteria/lunchroom, your child may bring in these food items for lunch. In the cafeteria, there will be a table designated that is tree nut safe. This plan will help to maintain safety in the lunchroom. Each child will wash their hands after eating foods containing tree nuts. Please remind your child not to share any food, eating utensils, or food containers with other students.

If you have any questions regarding ingredient lists, safe snacks, or have other questions, please feel free to call (802-695-1217) or email me (bpeterson@kingdomeast.org). Thanks for your help in making our middle school classrooms safe for all of our friends.

Take care,

Ms. Peterson, School Nurse

Due to the allergies of students and staff members, we cannot allow students to share food and we cannot allow perfume to be sprayed within any area of the school. This includes in the bathroom.

Concord School has become aware that there is misinformation circulating on social media and in our community that we want to clarify.

Just after dismissal on Tuesday, August 27th we had a student in crisis. Concord staff immediately took action to assist this student and to make sure that KEAP students were safe and secure during the incident. Because the student being supported was on the first floor, the KEAP students took an alternative route from the Overflow to the playground to eat their snack.

During dismissal on Wednesday, August 28th, an Essex County Sheriff’s vehicle pulled up in front of the school. A sheriff met with Mrs. Brown, and then spoke to a staff member about a case they had knowledge of, related to a prior job.

These two incidents were totally unrelated and all policies and procedures were followed. We respect the confidentiality of our students and staff members and encourage families and community members who have concerns to contact us directly.

Good afternoon KESD families,

I have linked the second edition of the KESD Athletics Community Connection below.

Have a great weekend,

Courtney

KESD Athletic Community Connection: Edition 2

KESD Athletics Community Connection: Edition 3

The principals have worked together to set a calendar for KESD middle school dances for the year, so there is no overlap. Each school has the ability to sign up and host two of these dances to make money for their 8th grade class trip. Concord's first dance will be on 10/11/24. The 8th graders will need to coordinate concession sales, book chaperones, and work at this event.

6th-8th graders in the district are eligible to attend the dances at any KESD school. In order for students to attend, they must exhibit responsible, respectful, and safe behaviors in their own school communities. Therefore, anyone who has had a major impact referral, three minor referrals, or has been investigated and substantiated for harassment, hazing, bullying, or Title IX sexual harassment in the two weeks before a dance, will not be able to attend. Students who are not at school on the date of a dance are also ineligible to attend.

Newark will host a dance on 9/13/24 from 6:30 to 9:00. The cost of admission is $5.00 and concessions will be sold. Those who wish to attend this dance must have a signed permission slip from Mrs. Brown or Mrs. Greaves. We will sign these on 9/13/24 only, to be sure that students are eligible to attend.

Please join us at Concord School on Wednesday, September 11th at 5:30pm (this is a change) as we discuss solutions to create appropriate and inspiring facilities and campuses to support and benefit the experience of students, staff, and the community at large.

Kingdom East School District

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We invite you to join us and gbA Architecture & Planning at Concord School on Wednesday, September 11th at 5:30pm for a Community meeting to discuss Part 2 of our two-phase Facilities Analysis and Planning.

During this meeting, you will have the opportunity to review and give your thoughts about the concept designs for Concord School and participate in discussions about the costs and opportunities.

We want to hear your thoughts. Everyone is welcome!

To learn more about Part 1 & 2 of our Facilities Analysis, click the link below.

Summer EBT is a new permanent summer food program for children created by Congress. The goal of the program is to help feed children when they don’t have access to school meals. Many families have already received these benefits automatically. Earlier this summer, information was mailed to many families who automatically qualified. A few more groups of children who automatically qualify will be getting benefits soon. Some families may need to complete an application to receive this benefit.

If you have not already received this benefit for all the children in your household, visit https://summerebt.vermont.gov/ to apply. The application deadline is September 4, 2024. You should apply if your child attends a school that offers the National School Lunch Program and your family income is under 185% of the federal poverty level. In Vermont, all public schools and some independent schools and pre-K programs offer the National School Lunch Program. You should also apply if you have children who attend school, but you are not sure if your family income qualifies you for the benefit. If your application is approved, you will receive $120 per eligible child to spend on groceries.

If you have questions about this program, visit https://summerebt.vermont.gov/ or call 1-888-354-0012 (Option 7).

Concord middle school students will begin experiential learning on September 11, 2024. EL will run on the afternoons of 9/11, 9/23, 10/9, and 10/23 from 12:30-2:30. Students have shared their top three choices out of the following offerings and they will soon find out which EL activity they will take part in.

Mountain Biking: Bike on the Kingdom Trails. Guides from Kingdom Cycling will teach mountain bike skills. There will be groups for beginner, medium and advanced riders, you can borrow a bike or bring your own!

Fishing: Learn to fish or practice your skills. Learn fly fishing and spin fishing. Bring your own rod or borrow ours!

Archery with Northwoods: Introduction to archery, atlatl, ax throwing, slingshots, and more. Students will make their own slingshot and get to practice their target shooting with all sorts of different flying projectiles.

Flag Football: Learn skills and scrimmage on the Concord campus.

Altered Text: Students choose a library discard, will be taught different altered text techniques such as blackout poetry, have access to and use different art media to transform the discarded bound book into a creative expression journal.

Dungeons and Dragons: Learn the game or practice your skills. Students will develop social and team building skills by problem solving together while roleplaying in a shared narrative.

STEAM: Science & Engineering projects on the Concord campus.

Baking: Students will learn some simple easy recipes that will take no time to put together. Students will taste their creations.

Makerspace, Sewing and/or Needlepoint Projects

Open Music Studio: Students have the opportunity to work independently or with others on music. Rock Band, Soundtrap/Garageband, karaoke, and other musical projects are all encouraged during this time!

Concord School is in need of staff members. Please see the job postings below. Candidates hired as IIAs would most likely be placed in 3rd-8th grade. Butler's Bus Service is also in need of drivers. Please reach out if you have interest in any of these positions.

Kingdom East School District

IIA- Concord

2024-2025

SchoolSpring ID:

The Kingdom East School District, Student Services, is seeking Intensive Instructional Assistants (IIA), assigned to the Concord School, who is energetic and loves working, playing and interacting with students whose ages range from age 5 up to age 14. The IIA candidate will have experience and/or the desire to provide care and support to children for growth and learning academic, social, emotional and behavioral skills. Ideal candidates will have experience serving children with special learning needs and/or who need support acquiring independent educational skills. This candidate requires strong teaming skills, flexibility and a willingness to assist in developing a classroom environment that makes strong connections and relationships with children. The candidate will work closely with classroom teachers and/or special education case managers and are under the direction of the school administrator and the Director of Student Services. The individual in this position supports specialized instruction and other supports for students as assigned. Candidates must successfully complete the ParaPro assessment, associate degree or higher. Background check, including fingerprinting required upon employment.

Kingdom East School District is located in the heart of a vibrant community in the Northeast Kingdom of Vermont. We operate seven preK-8th grade schools ranging from 60 to 500 students. Our high school students have “choice” and may opt to attend one of the traditional independent schools -- Lyndon Institute or St. Johnsbury Academy -- or another high school of their choosing.

We are located about 3 hours from Boston, Montreal and Portland, ME. Our region is known for breathtaking views and access to great skiing, hiking, mountain biking, fishing, canoeing and other outdoor opportunities. We are close to the White Mountains and the Green Mountains. Both Littleton, NH and St. Johnsbury, VT have numerous fine and performing arts venues. Our communities attract wholesome families, faculty and staff. Our schools maintain impassioned faculty, personalized beliefs about success, and a caring, safe school culture.

Only completed, on-line applications at schoolspring.com will be accepted. On-line application must include: profile, letter, resume, transcripts, references, tests, certifications and questions, if asked. Hard copies of Vermont Certification with appropriate endorsements, three written letters of reference and transcripts will be required for verification at the interview level. Visit our website www.kingdomeast.org for information about our schools. Minority applicants are encouraged to apply. EOE M/F

Our 6th grade class will take an overnight trip to Joe Dodge Lodge in Pinkham's Grant, New Hampshire. This is located at the base of Mount Washington. They will leave on the morning of September 16th and will return to school prior to dismissal on September 17th.

There is a packet attached with trip information, packing lists, and permission forms. If you cannot access this PDF or cannot print it, please do not worry. We will send home a paper copy in our summer mailing. We encourage parents/family members to chaperone the trip. It will be so much fun to join students and staff in the white mountains of NH. Because it's an overnight trip, anyone who attends must be on our volunteer/chaperone list, must have been fingerprinted and passed a background check, and must sign a copy of our guidelines. All of the necessary forms are attached, but if you cannot access them, let us know and we'll send you paper copies.

If you have a 6th grader who takes medication either during the school day or in the evenings it is essential that you contact Barandee Peterson at 695-2550 or at bpeterson@kingdomeast.org as soon as possible so that she can help you with this process.

The Kingdom East School District provides several opportunities for students to access healthy and nutritional food before, during, and after school. Dependent on federal grant funding, pre K-8th grade students receive fresh fruit and veggie snacks during the week, and students up to age 18 who stay after school receive a free after school expanded snack. Breakfasts and lunches are free this year for all students. The Abbey Food Service Group currently provides delicious, nutritious, and high quality meals to students and staff.

Adult breakfast and lunch prices are listed below. Please still fill out the Free and Reduced lunch application as it is used to determine eligibility to participate in a variety of child nutrition programs. Menus are sent home and are available online www.abbeygroup.net at the beginning of each month to help you plan in advance. Menus are subject to change.

Adult Breakfast $3.00

Adult Lunch $5.25

Menus will also be shared in our newsletters. You will find the menus for August and September below.

We are excited to announce that we have hired a new Concord/Lunenburg Site Coordinator who will begin this week. Once she has shared her bio and photograph, we will update this section. Please keep an eye out for it.

Kingdom East schools strive to provide robust after school programming for our k-8 students, which we refer to as KEAP. Here is the Concord KEAP registration form. More information will be shared when we've worked out our fall session offerings.

KEAP offers students a meal each day at 3:00. You can find our September menu below.

Welcome Ally!

"My name is Ally Corrow. I am the KEAP Site Coordinator for both Concord and Lunenburg! You may recognize me from doing experiential learning programs or even from KEAP in years past! In my free time, you can find me taking care of cows, chickens, bunnies, and all sorts of animals on my significant others family dairy farm. I am looking forward to getting to know everyone!"

Concord Booster Club members met on August 5th. One of the topics of discussion was to set the dates for upcoming meetings. Meetings will occur on the first Monday of each month at 6:00pm in the Concord School staff room. The current exceptions to this will be September and March because there is no school on these days. Please see the list of meeting dates below. These dates are subject to change.

Please consider joining the Concord Booster Club. New membership is always welcome!

September 9th

October 7th

November 5th

December 2nd

January 6th

February 3rd

March 10th

April 7th

May 5th

June 2nd

Below you will find resources shared by some of our partners in education.

-September 11th Community Forum w/ Global Architecture @ 5:30pm

-September 16th is School Picture Day (6th graders will not be here)

-September 17th 7th & 8th Grade UVM Cooperative Career Day

-September 17th Concord/Lunenburg 5th Grade Trip & 6th Grade Trip

Fishing Permission Slip

Biking Permission Slip

Communication is our goal! In this age of instant communication, sometimes the best way to reach out is still using a telephone. Please call 695-2550 if you want to reach us during school hours via phone. You can also email Principal, Angelique Brown at angeliquebrown@kingdomeast.org, Assistant Principal, Kandi Greaves at kgreaves@kingdomeast.org, or Administrative Assistant, Karen West at kwest@kingdomeast.org.

Concord School is committed to developing young people with active and creative minds, a sense of understanding and compassion for others, and the courage to act on their beliefs. In partnership with parents and the community, we will provide an environment which supports the intellectual, social, emotional, and physical development of students, while fostering an understanding of the rights and responsibilities of good citizenship.

Website: kingdomeast.org
Location: 173 School Street, Concord, VT, USA
Phone: 802-695-2550
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/search/top?q=concord%20school