THE VIKING

Superintendent Bunting and Teachers from Hinesburg Community School celebrated two students to kick off last night's CVSD Board Meeting. Both students inspire their peers with their curiosity, compassion, thoughtfulness and empathy. These qualities aren’t just admirable—they create an environment where everyone can thrive!

Congratulations HCS LEGO Robotics Team: Bioluminescent Turtles on their outstanding performance at the Vermont State FIRST LEGO League Challenge Championship! The championship was held at GlobalFoundries in Essex on January 18th. Not only did the team compete among a historic 38 teams, making it the largest robotics competition for Grades 4-8 in Vermont, but they were also awarded the Robot Design Award! The Robot Design Award goes to the "team that uses outstanding programming principles and solid engineering practices to develop a robot that is mechanically sound, durable, efficient, and highly capable of performing challenge missions.

At HCS, we are dedicated to helping every student start their day with calm, connection, and readiness to learn. To make this possible, students are welcome to arrive as early as 7:30 am. From 7:30 to 7:50, they can be dropped off at the side entrance, where they can ease into their morning. At 7:50, it’s time to head to their classrooms and get ready for the day ahead.

To help each child start the day with confidence, we kindly ask that students be inside the building well before 8:00 am. Arriving just a few minutes early not only ensures a smooth start but also helps us avoid last-minute traffic.

Thank you for partnering with us to create a peaceful and caring start for all of our students. If you ever have any questions or need assistance, please don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re here to support you!

Thursday, January 30: Cochrans Ski & Ride Program

Wednesday, February 5: Early Release Day (1:40)

Thursday, February 6: Cochrans Ski & Ride Program

Wednesday, February 12: Early Release Day (1:40)

Thursday, February 13: Cochrans Ski & Ride Program

Thursday, February 13: 8th Grade Family Night at CVU (6:30 - 7:45)

Wednesday, February 19: Early Release Day (1:40)

Monday, February 24 - Friday, February 28: Break - NO SCHOOL

Monday, March 3 - Tuesday, March 4: K-8 In Service/Conferences: NO SCHOOL

At HCS, we’re excited to welcome the cold weather with open arms and fresh outdoor adventures! As long as the temperature stays above zero, our students will be heading outside to make the most of the day. To ensure everyone stays warm and comfortable, please make sure your child is bundled up with a cozy coat, hat, gloves, boots, and snow gear. Together, we can create a season full of fun and safety for all. Thank you for helping our community stay cozy and ready for winter fun!

The CVSD Early Education Program is now accepting applications for a random prekindergarten lottery drawing for the 2025-26 school year. This lottery is for an opportunity to enroll in one of our school-based classrooms which runs 4 partial days 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, 2025, 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 7, 2025, and are located on the CVSD Early Education website under PreK Enrollment. 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.

One in three young people will grow up without a trusted mentor to turn to for support outside of their immediate family. CVSD’s Connecting Youth Mentoring exists to close that gap. This year, Connecting Youth celebrates 25 years of serving our community youth through meaningful and trusted relationships. Consistently, research has shown that youth with mentors are more likely to graduate, pursue higher education, and become active, engaged citizens in their communities. Mentoring also benefits the mentor - growing their empathy for what it’s like to live as a young person today and feeling connected to their community.

For a real life peek into what it’s like to mentor, check out WCAX’s coverage here on Connecting Youth, featuring a mentor/mentee pair from Shelburne Community School.

For more information about mentoring opportunities contact a CVSD Mentor Coordinator:

Hinesburg Community School, Livy Bulger, lbulger@cvsdvt.org / 802-482-6248

Champlain Valley Union, Alison Duback, aduback@cvsdvt.org / 802-482-8921

GREAT NEWS!!! We've surpassed the 1/4 mark. We have 278 lbs of 1,000lbs goal! Thank you so much - please keep contributing to help us reach our goal

The Winter/Spring 2025 Catalog is now open for registration, and classes are starting soon!

Taking an ACCESS CVU class, at CVU High School, is a great way to connect with like-minded community members while you explore new passions, discover new hobbies, and enjoy a judgmental free, fun-filled evening! This semester starts with 160 classes for all interests and ages. Check them out on our website HERE or view the online catalog, by category, HERE. Don't stop there, sign-up for our newsletter, and follow us on Instagram @accesscvu.

New classes added monthly!

Register early to reserve your spot as popular classes fill quickly. Invite your friends, family, neighbors, and cohorts to join us! Also, if you have a testimonial or recent photo from an ACCESS CVU class, please help us by sharing it on Front Porch Forum and social media.

Posters with class listings, by month, are available to download from our website's home page. Print and post in your favorite grocer, coffee shop, or bulletin board! Thank you for supporting community education!

Connect, Learn, and Grow at ACCESS CVU!

Laura and Jen

Access CVU Classes & Registration

Audubon Vacation and Day Camps

Carpenter Carse Library

Green Mountain Academy - Ski and Snowboard

Highland Dance Vermont

Hinesburg Food Shelf

Hinesburg Recreation Department

Mad River Path Summer Adventure Camps

Vermont Literacy Network Programs for Children

Wednesdays Woodland Adventures With Wonder Roots

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://hcs.cvsdvt.org/
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.