Lamoille North Supervisory Union l January 17, 2025
Dear Lamoille North Families and Community Members,
We were fortunate to have so many passionate voices at our last Board meeting. We have asked for more community involvement and were pleased to see so many new faces and some familiar ones. At that meeting, it became apparent that our community has concerns about behaviors exhibited by students in all of our schools. Our overall community survey results indicated that 93% of respondents perceived our schools as safe or very safe. That is not the sentiment that was expressed at the Board meeting.
Collectively, we need to do more work in this area. We acknowledge and validate the concerns shared. All voices matter; we see and hear your stories, worries, and aspirations for our children. On that note, we hosted a previously planned community meeting at Johnson Elementary School (JES) last night (1.16.25). You may recall that we hosted similar meetings at Eden Central School (ECS) last year and the Lamoille Union campus this fall. Last night, we were so pleased to see the Johnson community come out in force. In a standing-room-only library, families and staff participated in small group discussions, sharing their thoughts (direct quotes to follow) about the following questions:
What is working at JES?
Adults connecting with children
Strong connections between staff and students
Strong unified arts program
Student Council
Public speaking opportunities
Communication
Class size
What is your vision/dream for JES?
A stronger emphasis on alternative learning programs
Academic skills should be partnered with functional, real-world skills
Less technology
A place where everyone is kind and shows respect
All children should feel loved
Less disruptive behaviors
More mental health supports
More outside recess and movement
Broader community involvement
What ideas do you have for how the school can support that dream becoming a reality?
More public forums
Monthly or quarterly community meals
More outdoor time
More student surveys
A consistently implemented curriculum
More parents volunteering
More support during specials
More robust math programs
Inclusivity groups - finding common ground
Outdoor learning
Teaching respect
More community partnerships
Advocate for change at the Legislative level
More school events that bring joy to the school community
What role can families play in supporting the vision/dream for JES?
Get more community members involved
Have parents partner in learning
Ask parents to share their hobbies and expertise with the school - we are all in this together
We thank everyone who came to the meeting last night. We were thrilled for your input!
The safety of our students is paramount to every adult who works at Lamoille North. We are unwavering in our commitment to creating an environment where every child feels/is safe, supported, and empowered to learn and grow. We continue our work in restorative practices and will look in the coming days for more support in these practices in all our schools. Our commitment to a healthy environment drives the decisions we make and the practices we implement across all our schools.
We also recognize that our schools reflect society's broader challenges and the complexities of today. The concerns about the increase in challenging student behaviors highlight the need for our community to work together to support our young people. Across the nation, throughout Vermont, and in our own small district, our schools are experiencing an increase in challenging behaviors. We are responsible for providing all students with a safe space optimized for their learning. Communication is critical - we must hear from you about any concerns immediately to take steps and any necessary action.
Please know that we are actively listening and striving to improve. Our staff is continuously working to strengthen support systems and implement evidence-based practices that prioritize safety and student well-being. We are grateful for the privilege of educating and caring for your students. Thank you for your continued partnership and the dedication you bring to this shared journey.
With appreciation,
Catherine Gallagher, M.Ed
Superintendent of Schools
Lamoille North Supervisory Union
