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A Note From Ms. C
Dear RES Community,
Last week our students engaged in deeply thoughtful conversations about the idea of neurodiversity. We explored what the word meant, and then shared ways that we are all neurodiverse, and what a gift and wonderful thing it is that all of our minds work in their own unique and beautiful ways. We talked about how our brains may all look very similar (we looked at a picture of a brain and everyone - even our youngest learners knew right away what they were looking at… definitely not an “elbow” :) ), our minds - how we think, how we experience the world, what we like and what we don’t like, all would look very different if we would be able to capture that in a picture.
Neurodiversity Celebration Week ended with an art project where students and adults created a picture showing their mind/brain/thinking. We had freedom to use images, words, abstract, realistic, numbers, color, black and white… whatever expressed our neurodiversity in ways that felt good to us. The image above is a nearly-complete (we want to ensure every student has a chance to contribute, even if they were absent Thursday) work of art that shows the beautiful neurodiversity of Ripton Elementary School! Stay tuned for the final version which will greet us as we enter the school building.
There are several important things coming up at RES. Please see below for some of the upcoming events as well as some “feelers” to see if there are folks in our community who may have some talents and/or time to share with our students!
Hope you are all enjoying the snow-filled sunshine!
With gratitude,
Meg
Nuts n’Bolts
Wednesday, 4/3: Early Release Day
Monday, 4/8: Early Release Day (Eclipse!)
April Break: 4/22 - 26
VTCAP Assessments
Again this year, the Agency of Education is implementing the Vermont Comprehensive Assessment Program (VTCAP). This computer-based test is adaptive and will assess our state standards for English Language Arts (ELA), math, and science.
VTCAP Language Arts and Mathematics: Grades 3-5
VTCAP Science Assessment: Grade 5
Prior to testing, students will have opportunities in school to explore the Student Readiness Tool (tinyurl.com/3e3rytnb) and practice tests (tinyurl.com/4bmt3c5r). You are welcome to check these out, too.
After students have completed testing, Individual Student Reports will be sent to families in the mail. This will most likely be in fall, 2024. These reports will provide information on what your student(s) learned in relation to the statewide academic standards. It is important to consider that these tests provide a broad overview of demonstrated learning and that results are most useful when viewed in the context of other information gathered by the teacher and the school.
Please note that Vermont’s test delivery system uses state of the art security features that protect your students’ privacy and adhere to all federal and state confidentiality regulations.
If you have any questions, please contact RES Principal Meg Cheresnick at 802-388-2208 or ACSD’s Director of Teaching and Learning and District Test Administrator, Courtney Krahn at 802-382-1276.
Come have lunch with us!
Would you like to join us for lunch? Our lunch time is from 12:00(ish) until 12:30 - come strike up a conversation with our young people, share a story or something you’re passionate about! Just send Meg an e-mail (MCheresnick@acsdvt.org) or call (802-388-2208) to give us a heads-up that you’ll be here so we can plan accordingly; and if you’re able to make it a weekly visit, even better! Please share with folks in the community - the more the merrier!
5th Grade Mentor Visits and Exhibition
Lending a hand?
Gardening: As the weather (supposedly) gets warmer, our garden could use some tending to! If you are interested in helping with some gardening fun with our students, please reach out!
School Play: We would love to be able to put on a play this Spring! The challenge is that without the expert guidance of our former director, we are looking for folks who would be able and willing to help with putting on a performance with our interested students! It doesn’t have to match the grand scale as last year’s; any version of a theater experience is wonderful!
Spring Conferences
Spring conferences are underway! The goal of this conference is to be in person, as teachers plan to share student work and current progress toward the standards. Your child's teacher will be reaching out with a conference schedule
April 8th - Early Release (Eclipse)
