Cornwall School Newsletter

Dear Cornwall Families:

We both hope you all had great weeks, and nice weekends.

The opening picture of this newsletter is just a lovely hint of what has really been a powerful storyline of our year so far: dramatic weather. While fiery sunrises are one thing, high winds and cold temperatures are quite another. We hope people have been making it thought these times okay, and we encourage folks to check on your neighbors on these cold winter nights, especially if they live alone or have any medical conditions.

But mostly, we want to thank everyone for your patience over the last few weeks, as flooding has made us close early, wind and snow have made us open late, and driver shortages even caused us to miss an afternoon bus route. Community support is a big part of what makes a school "go", and we feel your support every day at Cornwall School.

Please read on to hear more about what is coming up, and going on, at Cornwall School!

Sincerely,

Bjarki and Mike

Important dates:

Monday, January 15th: Martin Luther King Jr. Day (No School)

Tuesday, January 16th: Teacher PD Day (no school)

Thursday, January 18th: Elementary Concert at MUHS

Friday, January 19th: All School Meeting at 2:00

This Thursday there will be a music concert held in the evening at MUHS! Please save the date, and we will send you more specific information over the next day or so.

We are still taking responses from folks who are, or might be, interested in volunteering during recess times a CES. Please click below if you would like to volunteer!

Progress reports went home in the mail on Friday- If you don't get one in the next few days please reach out to us. Also, parent teacher conferences are underway! Hopefully everyone has been able to find a time to schedule for conferences. They are such a important piece of the home-school connection, which really is an incredibly valuable piece in helping students get the most they can out of school. Please reach out to the school or your child's teacher if you still need to sign up- we'll help you out!

It's getting colder, so please always send students in with the "High 5" of winter clothing. Kids these every day to be safe and have fun at recess.

1. Boots
2. Hat
3. Gloves
4. Jacket
5. Snowpants

Every day students come into Cornwall school and into our care, and it is up to the adults at school to design systems that give students what they need- the structure and stability to settle in and spend the day being engaged students and community members. Here are some fun pictures that show some of these morning routines- calm beginning activities, "mornings meeting" circles, breakfast, connecting with classmates, and more!

Please see below for descriptions and sign-up links for several afterschool opportunities,

We’re also collecting sign-ups for Fiber Arts, which starts at the end of February, as material prep for that class takes longer than average. Sign-ups will remain open, but if you think your student would like to register, the instructor would be grateful for a rough headcount.

TaeKwon Do

Grades K - 5

Mondays, January 8 - June June 10

3:00 - 4:00 PM, Cornwall Town Hall

Students will receive uniforms and be able to progress to new levels. Possibility to advance twice if requirements are met.

Sign-up link:

https://form.jotform.com/233507132566050

Sign-up deadline: January 5th

Ballet

Grades K - 2

Tuesdays, January 9 - February 27

3:00 - 4:00 PM, Cornwall Town Hall

This six week class is taught by Cornwall parent Stephanie Powers. She is delighted to share her experience from her early career days as a ballet dancer and teacher with our Cornwall community. In this beginner level class we will spend six weeks learning some of the foundations of ballet in a fun and age appropriate environment. No experience is necessary!

Sign-up link:

https://form.jotform.com/233523990857063

Sign-up deadline: January 5th

Yoga

Grades K - 2

Wednesdays, January 24 - March 20

3:00 - 4:00 PM (1:15 - 2:15 early release days)

Cornwall Town Hall

Play fun and active games, work on your dance moves, get stronger, gain confidence and find your inner yogi with yoga instructor Rachel Klatzker! We will work together to master yoga moves and poses in a totally kid friendly way. No prior yoga experience necessary- this is not your parents yoga!

Sign-up link:

https://form.jotform.com/233524380392051

Sign-up deadline: January 19

Fiber Arts

Grades 3 - 5

Thursdays, February 29 - March 21

3:00 - 4:15 PM, Cornwall Town Hall

Each week students will work on a new handwork project. Every child receives a needle book with pins and needles at no cost.

As parents, teachers, and caregivers, we know that social emotional learning (SEL) is crucial for our students’ success in school and in life. To support this learning, we first need to understand how students are doing. Last year, a group of teachers and administrators identified research-backed SEL measurement tools and selected the Panorama surveys. This year, we will again be using Panorama as a tool. The survey will be given a total of three times (fall, winter, spring), and it takes students about 10-15 minutes to complete. We will use the data we collect to reflect on student learning and strengthen our programs and instruction to help all students succeed.

Over the next several weeks, we will provide a survey to our K-12 students. Students in 3rd-12th grades will self-reflect on skills related to self-management, self-awareness, responsible decision-making, relationship skills, and social awareness. For grades K-2, teachers will complete a much shorter survey on the same topics about each student in their class. We ask that all students participate, because their feedback will provide valuable insights to help us improve and adapt our district to support all students.

Please notify us if you wish to opt your child out of taking the survey by emailing bsears@acsdvt.org with your child’s name, grade, and teacher by January 19th, 2024.

Thank you in advance for supporting this important work. If you have any questions please contact your school principal or Courtney Krahn, Director of Teaching and Learning (ckrahn@acsdvt.org; 820-382-1276).

ACSD schools are participating in the 802 Smiles Network, which promotes dental health programs in Vermont schools. This means your child is eligible for a free dental screening at school and may be eligible to receive preventive dental services at no cost to you. All you have to do is to fill out the online consent forms by February 1st, 2024. We also have paper forms that will be sent home.

The registered dental hygienist can provide the following free services:

• Dental Screening (simplified dental check-up)

• Fluoride Varnish (brush-on liquid that can help prevent cavities)

• Silver Diamine Fluoride (SDF) (brush-on combination of silver and fluoride that can help stop cavities from getting bigger)

• Dental Cleanings (helps keep the mouth healthy and clean!)

• Oral Health Education (teaches students how to brush, floss, maintain good oral health)

• Dental Sealants (a thin layer of material placed on back teeth to prevent decay)

Our schools will be served by dental hygienist, Michael Messina. If you choose to participate, Michael will send you a follow-up letter after your child’s screening explaining the services provided, whether additional treatment is recommended, and help connect you to a dental professional, if needed. If you have any questions, feel free to contact the school’s dental hygienist, Michael Messina at michaelmessina.rdh@gmail.com or our school nurse