Washington Central Connections

Dear WCUUSD,

The year has ended with quite a bit of excitement, with all the activities and then some really hot days. It was a little abrupt, and I hope that everyone can stay just a little cooler these days. I want to thank the wonderful staff at our schools for such a great year. As I have traveled around the district as the new superintendent, I am really appreciative of how dedicated our teachers and support staff are to our students. I have seen some wonderful lessons, great questions from the kids, and all-around high-quality learning environments. I am proud to be able to lead such a wonderful district.

This year has also been one of uncertainty about the future of education, from the national to the state level, it has been hard to know what is happening from day to day. We ended the year with both the State Senate and House of Representatives passing H.454, and it now heads to the governor's desk for his signature. As we unpack all the changes to education in this bill, we will communicate how it will affect our schools and our district. No matter the changes to structures, funding, and governance, there is one constant that will always remain in education: the need for quality educators in the classroom working with kids. Our district has those quality educators, and as we spend the summer planning, we are looking at how we can support our educators as they hone their skills and provide for our kids.

I hope that everyone enjoys the summer break and that we all can recharge and recommit to another great year of learning. The first day of school will be Wednesday, August 27th, and I am already excited about seeing everyone back.

What is happening during the summer break?

• The PreK/Early Childhood Task Force is meeting and will put together a vision and budget proposal for educating and caring for our youngest learners. This group is comprised of educators, administrators, and others from around the district, and they have been charged with setting a clear path forward for our district when it comes to early childhood and PreK education. They have had their initial meeting to meet each other, establish norms, and set goals for their work. We will communicate more as this team continues to meet.
• There are several Capital Projects around the district to maintain our schools and keep our learning environments safe, healthy, and modern for our students.
• Teachers will be meeting in our Curriculum Camps to design high-quality curriculum and professional learning activities for our whole district.
• Educators will be taking summer classes and engaging in other training so they can expand their toolbox and build their skills.

Be safe, be kind, and have a great summer (wear your sunscreen, too)

Steven Dellinger-Pate

Shannon Knowles, Accounts Payable, will not be returning to Central Office next year. Shannon has been with WCUUSD for 3 years. She began as an Administrative Assistant at Rumney School before transitioning to Central Office. We are currently in the process of hiring someone to take her place starting July 1, 2025.

Renee Bates, Executive Assistant for Special Education, will be leaving Central office after 15 years of service to the District at the end of June. Renee has moved to Mississippi to pursue other interests. Lynnea Timpone, current Administrative Assistant to the Principal at U-32, will transition into Renee's role starting July 1, 2025.

We would like to wish Shannon and Renee the best of luck in their future endeavors and thank them for their years of service to our District!

In partnership with Hunger Free Vermont, the Essex Westford School District will be distributing FREE seven-day meal boxes in your area this summer!

• All meals are federally funded

• First come, first served and meal kits will be available to pick up rain or shine

• People accessing the meals do not need to reside in the area of distribution

• These meal kits are not intended for students already receiving their free meals in summer school or summer camps

• This is a collaboration between Hunger Free Vermont and the Essex Westford School District

Available to children 18 and under. Parents can pick up without the children present, and there is no registration required.

Boxes Contain: The equivalent of seven breakfasts and seven lunches. The meals are made up of proteins, grains, vegetables, fruits, and milk. Items like cereal, muffins, bagels, wraps, deli meats and cheese, nut butter, whole cucumbers, baby carrots, apples, raisins, and cantaloupe. Each box contains a gallon of milk.

*Please note that these free meal kits are not only for families in need, and you won’t be taking away a meal from someone in need. By picking up the meals, you will be supporting your community.

Federal funding is based on participation, so the more people who take the free meals, the stronger we can be for those who need us the most.

Locations/Dates:

Washington Family Center
383 Sherwood Drive, Montpelier
Mondays from June 23 - August 11
10 a.m.-2 p.m.

Brookside Primary School
47 Stowe Street, Waterbury
Tuesdays from June 24 - August 12
10 a.m.-2 p.m.

Roxbury Village School
1559 Roxbury Road, Roxbury
Fridays from June 27 - August 15 (no distribution on July 4th)
12:30 p.m.-2 p.m.

On Logic

435 Community Drive, South Burlington
Wednesdays from June 25 - August 13
11:30 a.m.-2 p.m.

Waitsfield Elementary School
3951 Main Street, Waitsfield
Fridays from June 27 - August 15 (no distribution on July 4th)
10-11:30 a.m.

Bombardier Park
40 Park Place, Milton
Thursdays from June 26 - August 14
10 a.m.-2 p.m.

There are so many opportunities in Vermont for students in the Summer. Check out just some of the opportunities below.

List of Summer Camps 2025

• Raiders Soccer Camp - 7/7-7/11
• Free Summer Theatre Camp at U32 - 7/8-7/9
• U-32 Basketball Bamp - 7/14-7/18
• KB Training Summer Basketball Camp - 6/30-7/3
• Johnson Badgers Sports Clinics - 6/22-6/26 (Boys Basketball), 7/20-7/24 (Softball), 8/10-8/14 (Girls Basketball)
• Camp Downer - Sessions ranging from 6/22-8/15
• T.W. Wood Gallery - 6/23-8/22
• Elevate Movement Collective - Sessions ranging from 6/16-8/18
• Field Hockey Clinic @ U32 - 7/2
• 2025 Calais Swim Program at Curtis Pond - Sessions ranging from 7/7-8/22

Link to flyers

• June 25: Configuration Committee 5-6 PM @ U-32
• June 25: School Board Meeting 6:15-9:15 PM @ U-32
• August 27: First Day of School 25-26