CBMS Community Cougar Comments

Dear Crossett Brook Community Members:

We are seeing a large number of students coming to school sick with fevers, coughs, stomach illness, etc. We want to remind everyone that we are trying to stem the spread of illness, so we encourage students to wash their hands, cover their coughs and sneezes, but most importantly, we encourage parents to keep their kids home when ill. Immediate signs that your student is ill and should stay home would be a fever of 99 or higher, vomiting, or diarrhea. However, if your student is too ill to be able to do school for the day, it's best right now to keep them home and have them rest and drink plenty of fluids.

As many in our community are aware, last year and this year have been difficult budget seasons for the Harwood community. Providing a quality education in an uncertain statewide spending landscape has created a great deal of budget changes for the upcoming season. Please consider joining Dr. Mike and Lisa Estler, along with the principals for an informal conversation about this year's budget and the impacts on our district, here at CBMS at 8:30 to 9:30 on February 12 in the cafeteria. Information will be shared about how this year's budget numbers were determined, how they impact the overall district budget and what it means for overall spending.

If you are unable to join our budget discussion due to the time offered, there will be other times available throughout the district in each of our schools as well. Below are the other available options:

2/13 at 7:30 AM at Warren Elementary School

2/13 at 2:00 PM at Waitsfield Elementary School

2/13 at 6:30 PM at Brookside Primary School

2/18 at 8:00 AM at Harwood Union Middle and High School

2/19 at 7:30 AM at Fayston Elementary School

2/20 at 1:30 PM at Moretown Elementary School

Sincerely,

Jen and Duane

Check the website for this month's menu.

Interested in playing MS Volleyball??

Here is the link to register!

Here are some important updates and items about Sugarbush days.

1. All equipment MUST be dropped off in the morning by 8:20. Our volunteers need to be able to pack and transport the equipment before the first group gets to the mountain. Drop off location is at the end of the parking lot near the gym entrance along the large yellow pillars. There will be separate sections for grades 5/6 and 7/8. Signs will be posted.

2. All equipment MUST be picked up at the same location or underneath the gym eaves by 5:00. Any equipment left behind will be left under the eaves.

3. ALL equipment MUST be clearly labeled with your student's first name, last name, grade and team, the tape used needs to stay on in the cold (painters tape or duct tape are often the best options).

4. Phones are allowed on the mountain for emergencies and photos. Acceptable use requirements apply just like at dances (always have permission for pictures, etc).

5. If students are staying at the mountain with a parent or other adult, students must be signed out through our sign out process (more information to come).

6. If students are staying at the mountain, an adult who is signing the student out MUST be present to sign them out. Students will not be permitted to sign themselves out to stay at the mountain on their own.

7. At the end of the CBMS hours at Sugarbush, all equipment and belongings MUST be moved out to the Schoolhouse building and taken to another lodge, if students are staying at the mountain. The Schoolhouse will not be available to our students or chaperones after the buses leave and the doors are locked.

8. ALL snacks MUST be nut free. This includes all peanuts and tree nuts. More information on nut allergies will be linked below.

9. Proper mountain attire: Students should have gloves/mittens, winter coat, snow pants, boots (if snowshoeing) and hats/face covering.

10: Goggles are optional, but recommended. We do not have goggles to loan out this year.

11. Grades 5/6 will be provided lunch back at school after the program. If your 5/6 student is staying at the mountain, they will need to bring a home lunch. Grades 7/8 will be offered lunch to bring to the mountain.

12.While at CBMS, students will be engaging in academic learning activities on team as well as project based learning during applied academics time. Students choosing to stay at the mountain may have an expectation for their teachers for follow up.

Students need to come to school in the morning to participate in the ski and ride program. We take attendance and need to do so for tracking purposes and safety. Students cannot meet at the mountain unless there is a necessary accommodation. If there is a necessary accommodation (appointment, for example) please contact Duane or myself to discuss needs.

• 2/12 Budget Coffee Hour: 8:30 to 9:30 in the CBMS cafeteria.

• Feb 12th will be the 9th Grade Parent Transition Night at the High School : Tours start at 5:30 and presentations begin at 6:00. The evening is geared toward parents, but kids are welcomed and encouraged to attend.

• 2/14 Sugarbush Ski and Ride

• 2/21 February Break begins at 4:00

• 3/4 Town Meeting Day/Budget vote

• 3/5 School resumes

Quest has been participating in formal debates as a prelude to our persuasive writing unit.

We hosted author Kekla Magoon for a visit two weeks ago. She was able to speak with each student and share her story about becoming an author. She also told us about her books and how she created them. In case you are curious here are some of her books: Camo Girl, The Season of Styx Malone, Blue Stars, Shadows of Sherwood, and more!

Congratulations to Audrey Conyers, Jasper LaRocca, Abby Saltzgueber, Anthony Walls, Evelyn Andrus, Azza Buhaina, Riley Coakley, Willa Hudson and Willow Thomas for being selected to participate in this year's Jr. Iron Chef competition. We look forward to seeing the results of these students and their teamwork.

8th Graders parents

• The Quebec City trip registration portal opened last Friday 1/31/25.

• Check your email for the information you need to register your child.

• You have to accept “Cookies” at the bottom of the page, before starting registration.

Sustainability recently received a $1500 grant for the bee hives and bee programing thanks to the BeeCause Project! This will help support our already thriving bee program and allow more students the opportunity to learn and interact with European honey bees.

The Bee Cause Project inspires the next generation of environmental stewards while protecting our planet’s precious pollinators. They teach collaboration, inspire curiosity, and foster STEAM skills through discovery-based learning in schools around the world.

As we roll into another year of beekeeping we are looking for bee mentors. If you or someone you know would like to help out and meet with kids about bees please reach out to Kayla Henry at khenry@huusd.org

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.

Crossett Brook and Girls on the Run Vermont are looking for volunteer coaches that want to make a positive impact and empower our community's middle school girls! Navigating through tough times takes perseverance. Today’s girls deserve mentors who teach them how to build their inner strength and keep going, even when it’s difficult. GOTRVT’s middle school curriculum, Heart & Sole, helps participants build this very confidence. Throughout the spring season, team members build confidence to overcome difficult situations, inspire others to keep going when it’s hard, and embrace their confidence to make a difference in their community.

The season starts the week of March 17, and ends with a celebratory 5K on Saturday, May 31 in Essex. Teams meet twice weekly for 90 minute sessions to connect, move, learn and have FUN! Team schedules are set by their volunteer coach teams. Heart & Sole is open to participants in grades 5-8 at Crossett Brook Middle School. The practice days will be determined based on the availability of the volunteer coaches.

Learn more about GOTRVT’s programs and complete a Participant Interest Form if your child is interested in participating: gotrvt.org/programs. Learn more and sign up to coach by visiting gotrvt.org/coach. No running experience is required for coaches or participants. GOTRVT provides training, easy to follow lesson plans, supplies and support to coaches all season long. Questions? Contact GOTRVT at anne@girlsontherunvermont.org or 802-871-5664.

As we usually see between January and February break, there are many staff and students who are feeling ill. Here are a few reminders about when to keep your child home, when to return to school, and when to seek your primary care provider. When submitting your child’s absence, we encourage you to include your child’s symptoms so that we can monitor the type of illnesses our students have.

Health Guidance for Going to School

When is sick too sick for school?

Here's what you can do to help keep your children healthy.

• Eat a healthy diet- eat lots of fruits and veggies and avoid foods with added sugar.

• Make sure your child gets enough sleep: sleep needs vary by age

• Help your child stay active: exercise keeps us healthy and less likely to get sick.

• Manage stress: encourage play and access to activities, spend time together

• Make sure your child is up to date on important vaccines: it’s not too late to get a flu vaccine!

• Don't forget the simple precautions

• Wash your hands.

• Cover your coughs and sneezes with your elbow.

• Stay away from sick people to the extent that you can.

Please see the flyers for community opportunities.

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