CBMS Community Cougar Comments

Dear Crossett Brook Community Members:

We had hoped that this would be a welcome back after February break addition, but unforeseen circumstances have made that not possible. Thank you all for the kind words of support in this uncertain time. We are working tirelessly with our maintenance crew, district level personnel and outside contractors to get this building dried out and safe for occupancy once again. Once we know more about the state of things and the readiness we will update everyone as soon as possible.

Please see information below about upcoming conferences, VTCAP testing and community offerings.

Sincerely,

Jen and Duane

Greetings CBMS Community:

We are writing to notify you that CBMS will be participating in the VTCAP test this spring. This is a mandated statewide assessment that assesses student understanding in math, literacy and science (grades 5 and 8 only in science). It also helps the school and district gather information about how students are learning and levels of achievement in each area. Additionally, the data we receive helps us determine how students qualify for intervention and specialized plans. This assessment is important for data collection on a school-wide and district level. It does not affect a student’s grades, however, it does help if a student needs additional intervention or services to use the assessment as a data point.

The dates for the assessment will be:

March 24 and 25, with make ups on March 26 and 27 for grade 5 and 8 science assessment.

March 31-April 4: Prodigy, Wizards and Phoenix will be assessed in literacy and math.

April 7-April April 11: Titan, Dream and Quest will be assessed in literacy and math.

April 14-April 18 will be a makeup week, if necessary.

If students are not present for the assessment on the day of, they will be asked to participate in makeups either during the week of their team’s testing window or during the make up week. All students are expected to participate in the assessment if they are in school.

If you have any questions about the assessment itself, the administration or scheduling of the assessment or the purpose of the assessment, please reach out to Jen Durren at jdurren@huusd.org.

Sincerely,

Jen Durren

Duane Pierson

CBMS Co-Principals

3/5/2025

Dear Crossett Brook Middle School Parents/Caregivers and Staff,

Recently, we tested our school’s air for radon gas. On 1/6/2025, we placed radon detectors in our school. After a few days, we sent them to a lab to find out what the radon levels are in our school.

All test results were below the action level for radon. This means that no further action is needed right now.

What is radon?

Radon is a radioactive gas that has no color, smell or taste. It is naturally occurring in rocks, soil and water. Everyone is exposed to some radon in indoor and outdoor air.

Does radon cause health problems?

Radon is the leading cause of lung cancer among people who don’t smoke. Radon decays into radioactive particles that can damage your lungs. Breathing in radon increases your risk of getting lung cancer over the course of your lifetime. Your risk of getting lung cancer from radon depends on the level of radon in the air you breathe, how long you are exposed to radon, and whether you smoke.

How much radon causes health problems?

The action level for radon is 4.0 picoCuries per liter (pCi/L). This means that if radon levels are found at or above 4.0 (pCi/L), the Health Department and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommend taking action to lower the levels. However, radon levels below 4.0 pCi/L still pose some risk, and so the Health Department and EPA encourage taking action to lower radon levels below 2.0 pCi/L.

The Health Department encourages schools to retest every 5 years and after every major renovation project.

How can I test my home for radon?

If you are interested in testing your own home for radon you can request a free long-term test kit from the Health Department by calling 1-800-439-8550 or emailing radon@vermont.gov.

For more information about radon, visit www.healthvermont.gov/radon.

If you have questions or concerns about the testing or radon levels in our school, please contact Ray Daigle, Director of Facilities at rdaigle@huusd.org.

Sincerely,

Ray Daigle

Check the website for this month's menu.

Good afternoon Spring sports sign ups are now live, click here to register. The parents meeting will be on March 12 at 6pm at HU. Please help spread the word.

Interested in playing MS Volleyball??

Here is the link to register!

Middle School Club Volleyball is open to HUMS/CBMS athletes in 7th and 8th grade. For more information, please contact Melinda Pockoski at pockoski@gmail.com.

The schedule is:

March 6 (Thur)Practice: 3:45 PM - 5:15

March 7 (Fri)Practice: 3:45 PM - 5:15

March 8 (Sat)OFF

March 9 (Sun)OFF

March 10 (Mon)vs CHMS - @Crossett Brook

March 11 (Tue)Practice: 3:45 PM - 5:15

March 12 (Wed)OFF

March 13 (Thur)Practice: 3:45 PM - 5:15

March 14 (Fri)vs VCS - @Crossett Brook

March 15 (Sat)OFF

March 16 (Sun)OFF

March 17 (Mon)Practice: 3:45 PM - 5:15

March 18 (Tue)vs MSMS - @Crossett Brook

March 19 (Wed)OFF

March 20 (Thur)vs MSMS - @Crossett Brook

March 21 (Fri)Practice: 3:45 PM - 5:15

March 22 (Sat)OFF

March 23 (Sun)OFF

March 24 (Mon)@ CHMS

March 25 (Tue)@ ADL

March 26 (Wed)OFF

March 27 (Thur)Waiting on confirmation of Middlebury game.

March 28 (Fri)OFF

March 29 (Sat)OFF

March 30 (Sun)OFF

March 31 (Mon)Practice: 3:45 PM - 5:15

April 1 (Tue)Practice: 3:45 PM - 5:15

April 2 (Wed)OFF

April 3 (Thur)@ SACS 4:30

April 4 (Fri)Practice: 3:45 PM - 5:15 PM

April 5th (Saturday) 2:00

@Essex High School Attending jamboree

Please stay tuned for communication from your student(s) team(s) about our upcoming Family Conferences on March 20 and 21. Teams should be communicating their schedule for Family conferences by Friday March 14. Please note that our Applied Academics teachers, school counselors, interventionists and special educators are also present in the building during this time. If you are interested in setting up a conference with these folks, please contact them. Our students are seen by many adults in this building and each adult sees your students in different environments and learning experiences. Family conferences can be a great opportunity to get to know your student as a student through the eyes of those who see them all day long, so please consider dropping in to see your student's AA teacher or other adults they connect with here at CBMS.

Sustainability will be hosting their annual seed fundraiser starting next week in partnership with High Mowing Organic Seeds. All seeds are certified organic and Non-GMO and every sale percentage goes to the program! Seeds are the same price as online so why not get them through us?!

It is OPTIONAL for students to participate in selling seeds, but if your student is interested please have them check in with Ms. Henry at school in the sustainability room to get a packet and a run down. You can also send an email to khenry@huusd.org if you have any questions!

Seed orders and money are due by Friday March 7th. This will allow seeds to be ordered and be distributed to purchasers the first week of April.

Below is the flyer of seeds available to order.

Heart & Sole is coming to Crossett Brook Middle School! Our program focuses on the whole girl by empowering girls’ minds, bodies and souls. It inspires participants to appreciate, love and respect what makes them unique, set actionable goals that they can complete by the end of the season, and develop new habits and activities that create a healthier lifestyle.

Registration for Heart & Sole is open and can be accessed at gotrvt.org! Our 10 week program is for students in grades 5-8. Our season begins the week of March 17th. Our team will meet on Monday and Wednesday from 3:30 to 5:00. Participants will meet in Ms. Anderman’s room but practices will be held outside.

The registration fee is $130 . GOTRVT provides financial assistance directly on the registration form for qualifying families as well as a payment plan. GOTRVT is committed to being accessible to any student who wants to participate, and is dedicated to ensuring that program cost is not a barrier. Please contact GOTRVT directly at 802-871-5664 regarding financial assistance options.

Questions? Contact Melinda Anderman at manderman@huusd.org

Looking forward to a great season ahead!

Melinda Anderman, CBMS teacher

Jessica Chenette

Heather Fossiano

Karin Reed Kawatsuji

The trimester 2 8th grade showcase will be happening on Wednesday March 19th. Lots of items will be for sale and raffled, bring some $$ and support the local non profits students will be donating to!

Nice gifts, crocheted items, embroidery work, benches, chairs and more!

There is plenty of snow to play in as we transition into our winter break and it appears it will be sunny but unseasonably cold. When engaging in snow activities like snowboarding, skiing or snowshoeing, protecting your skin is essential due to cold temperatures, intense sun exposure, and dry air. Here’s how to keep your skin safe and healthy:

1. Sun Protection

• Use Broad-Spectrum Sunscreen: Snow reflects up to 80% of UV rays, intensifying sun exposure. Apply SPF 30 or higher on all exposed skin, even on cloudy days.

• Cover All Exposed Areas: Don't forget often-missed spots like your ears, neck, under your chin (where snow reflects UV rays), and the back of your hands.

• Reapply Regularly: Reapply sunscreen every 2 hours, or more often if sweating heavily.

• Lip Balm with SPF: Protect your lips with an SPF 30+ balm to prevent chapping and sunburn. Note: Be careful which product you choose. According to Cleveland Clinic Dermatologist Melissa Piliang MD, “lip balms containing ingredients like phenol, menthol and salicylic acid actually make your lips drier. So, you apply more and it becomes a vicious cycle.”

1. Moisturize and Hydrate

• Use a Rich Moisturizer: Cold air dries out the skin—apply a thick, oil-based moisturizer to lock in hydration.

• Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water to maintain skin hydration from the inside out.

• Eat Skin-Boosting Foods: Foods rich in antioxidants, healthy fats, and vitamins (like vitamin C and E) support skin health from the inside out.

1. Protective Gear

• Goggles or Sunglasses: Shield your eyes and the surrounding skin from UV rays and wind.

• Neck Gaiter or Face Mask: Cover your face and neck to protect against windburn and frostbite.

• Gloves and Layers: Wear insulated, waterproof gloves and dress in moisture-wicking layers to keep skin dry and warm.

1. Aftercare

• Gentle Cleansing: Avoid hot showers after exposure to cold weather. Use a mild, hydrating cleanser to avoid stripping moisture from your skin.

Post-Activity Moisturizing: Apply a nourishing moisturizer or aloe vera gel to soothe and replenish skin after a day in the snow.

Join parents and guardians from the Crossett Brook Middle School and the greater Harwood community to learn from guest speaker Danielle Kent in the workshop Supporting Kids in Getting (And staying!) Organized, Thinking Ahead, and Problem Solving. As parents or guardians, one of the most valuable skills we can teach our children is how to stay organized, think ahead, and solve problems independently. In this workshop, you'll learn practical strategies to help your kids keep track of their belongings, plan for the future, and approach challenges with confidence.

The workshop will take place Thursday, March 27 from 7 - 8PM in the CBMS Library. The workshop will be geared towards middle schooler caregivers, but the lessons are universal and those with younger or older are welcome to join. The event is sponsored by the CBMS PTO and there is no fee to attend. Please RSVP here or below so we can gauge how many people will be attending.

Danielle Kent Bio

Danielle graduated with her Masters in Speech-Language Pathology (M.S., CCC-SLP) in 2011 and has worked in a variety of settings over the last 13 years. Her current work is focused on teaching adults how to understand and prioritize the development of self-regulation as parents and/or professionals. She completed the VT- LEND fellowship in 2016. She is the owner/operator of Piece of Mind Therapy and Consulting, LLC and provides social communication consultation/evaluation services across the state of Vermont. She also co-owns VT AAC, LLC and with her colleague provides Augmentative and Alternative Communication Evaluations and Consultations for students with complex communication needs and professional development in the areas of AAC and Play/Literacy for school teams across the state.

Danielle also is the host of Coaching Youth For Life podcast and provides professional development offerings for school districts across the state of Vermont. She enjoys sharing her self-published book Max Learns to Pause with parents and professionals.

RSVP for CBMS PTO Workshop

In an effort to create healthy habits and increase community connection, starting in mid-April 2025, both biking and walking routes to Brookside Primary School & Crossett Brook Middle School will be supported by local volunteers, extending from Waterbury Village, Duxbury, and Waterbury Center. This will run as a pilot for Spring 2025 and will take place 2 x weekly, days TBD. Please complete THIS FORM if you are interested in joining as a Bike or Walk to School Leader.

SHE JUMPS COMMUNITY EVENT GET THE GIRLS OUT

March 8th

Registration and information

Please see the flyers for community opportunities.

Is your student interested in this camp? You can register here:

https://lostnationtheater.org/2025-dance-theater-camp-tuck-everlasting/

There are also scholarships available!

VTeen Science Pathways Cafés, Jan 11, Feb 15, March 22, April 12 & May 10

Join us for monthly hands-on science workshops by UVM faculty, graduate students and other STEM professionals and coordinated by the 4-H VTeen Science Ambassadors. These are excellent opportunities to learn about a breadth of careers and current research in a variety of STEM fields. Workshops are for teens age 13+. Cafés take place on UVM campus on Saturdays from 5:00-7:00 pm and pizza and soft drinks will be served. Upcoming topics include:

Jan 11 Disease Detectives: Genetically Engineering Bacteria in the Microbiome for Therapy

Feb 15 Finding Patient Zero: Tracking Disease Outbreaks

March 22 Medical Laboratory Science

April 12 Brain Parasites, Behavior, and Public Health

May 10 Stop the Bleed: Emergency Medicine

Please register for these free events here: https://go.uvm.edu/afe. Space is limited for some cafés. You will receive an email before the event with campus location, parking and other information (please provide your email address). To request disability-related accommodation, please contact Margaret at mcoan@uvm.edu, or (802) 656-7634, 3 weeks prior to the session you want to attend so that we may assist you.

Aiken Discover Engineering Day, February 22, 9:30-2:30, 2025

Discover Engineering is a day of hands-on learning and exploration for youth in 5th-12th grades to learn about engineering, build skills, and network with college students, professors, and professionals in the field. Organized by UVM’s College of Engineering and Mathematical Sciences (CEMS) and UVM Extension 4-H, the day includes an Engineering Scavenger Hunt (interactive exhibits showcasing various types of engineering and career pathways), and an afternoon of learning through hands-on workshops. Lunch provided. Sponsored by the Lola and George Aiken Fund. Register for this free event taking place on UVM campus here: https://go.uvm.edu/2025

To request language interpretation/translation assistance and/or a disability-related accommodation to participate in this program, please call or email Margaret Coan at 802-656-7634 or margaret.coan@uvm.edu before Friday, January 31, 2025 so we may assist you. Registration open until filled or Monday, Feb 17 at 5:00 pm.

"Baseball and softball registration is open for the Spring 2025 season!

Register at: www.clydewhittemorelittleleague.com

Clyde Whittemore Little League provides programs for kids ages 4-12, from T-ball all the way up to the major league level. While many families are generally familiar with our baseball program, our softball offerings for girls are less well known. For that reason, I want to take a minute to highlight our softball programs here! There are three levels this year serving girls ages 6-12 years old. If you would like to discuss which level would be best for your player, please don't hesitate to reach out to Coach Kristin at kbrynga@gmail.com.

Coach/Machine Pitch -

This level is an introduction to softball and is primarily for players 6-8 years old. As its name implies, coaches will be pitching to players at this level with modified game rules to maximize player participation and opportunities for growth. Teams will have one practice and one game weekly.

Minor League-

This level is primarily for players ages 8-10 who are still in the early stages of learning the game of softball. Players have the opportunity to pitch with modified rules (i.e. no stealing bases, limited walks, maximum number of runs per inning. etc) to keep the game moving. The minor league level is less competitive than the major league program. Players will be on the field 3 days a week with a combination of games and practices.

Major League-

This level is primarily for players ages 10-12 who have played at least one season of minor league softball. At this level players pitch with increasing speed and full game rules are in force. This is our most competitive level of softball play. Players will be on the field 3 days a week with a combination of games and practices.

Please note that we will begin our optional spring training sessions on Saturdays beginning March 8th. Your player must be registered prior to attending spring training. Outdoor practices and games will begin after May 1st. Scholarships are available for those who need financial assistance.

See you on the field!"

Hi Folks

Yes we are knee deep in snow but not too early to think about the 2025 HU Sports and Activities Calcutta.

It will be held 5/10 at the American Legion in Waterbury.

More details to follow.

If you want to reserve a number now(they will go quick) please email, text or just tell me.

Tickets are $100.00 with a chance at $1500.00 plus a meal and a great time at the event.

All proceeds go to our sports and activities programs.

Thanks

Brian McCarthy aka Bmac

CBMS Calendar

Website:https://cbms.wwsu.org/

Phone: 802-244-6100

Location: 5672 VT Rt. 100 Duxbury, VT 05676