Newt Happenings

2/2/25 - Student and Family Edition

KESD School Budget Informational Meetings

The Kingdom East School District will be holding two informational budget meetings to review the proposed FY26 budget. Both meetings will cover the same material, and the locations have been chosen to provide easier access for community members and staff to attend.

During these meetings, there will be an opportunity for public comments and questions.

The meeting details are as follows:

Thursday, February 6th, 2025- Location & Time: Lyndon Town School Library at 6:00 PM- Click here to view the 2/6/25 Meeting Agenda
Monday, February 10th, 2025- Location & Time: Concord School at 6:00 PM- Click here to view the 2/10/25 Meeting Agenda

For added convenience, both meetings can also be attended online via ZOOM. The ZOOM login information is included in the meeting agendas.

We encourage you to attend and participate as we work together to shape the future of our district.

To learn more about the upcoming KESD FY26 budget vote, please visit the FY26 Budget page on our website.

*Educational funding and the school budget can be complicated to understand. There is often misinformation shared in the community and on social media platforms. Attending these meetings and asking questions of your school board representatives are the best way to access accurate information so you can make informed decisions as a community member and voter.

Principal's Message - (From Last Week's Newt Happenings)

This past weekend, I listened to a podcast that had Robert Putnam as the guest. If you don't know of him, take a little time to learn about him. Below is a brief synopsis of his social theory on social capital. After reading Governor Scott's proposal for education policy reform in Vermont, Putnam's message rang loud and clear. "Focus on young people. Go local. Care for others as much as you care for yourself."

Robert Putnam's theory of social capital posits that strong social networks, civic engagement, and trust within a community are valuable resources. These connections, like financial capital, can be invested in and leveraged for the betterment of the community.

For us, focusing on social connections that center on young people, local communities, and a "caring for others" ethos is crucial for several reasons:

Youth Development: Strong social connections provide young people with mentors, role models, and opportunities for growth. These connections foster a sense of belonging, increase self-esteem, and can help guide young people towards positive life outcomes.
Community Vibrancy: When community members are connected, they are more likely to collaborate on projects, support local businesses, and address shared challenges. This fosters a sense of shared responsibility and strengthens the overall well-being of the community.
Addressing Rural Challenges: Rural communities often face unique challenges such as population decline, limited resources, and an aging population. Strong social capital can help communities mobilize resources, address these challenges collectively, and ensure a sustainable future.
Promoting Well-being: A focus on "caring for others" cultivates empathy, compassion, and a sense of community responsibility. This not only benefits those in need but also contributes to the overall mental and emotional well-being of community members.

By prioritizing these aspects of social capital, small rural communities can build stronger, more resilient communities that thrive for generations to come. No matter what lies ahead for the state of education in Vermont and the Newark Street School, together we can navigate the future. In order to do this successfully, we must create and maintain strong social connections that transcend any differences among us. Please join our monthly FONSS meetings. FONSS is a local group that prioritizes young people and putting others before self. Help us broaden our connections.

February Calendar Highlights

Thursday Feb 6th

Informational KESD FY26 Budget Meeting - Location & Time: Lyndon Town School Library at 6:00 PM- Click here to view the 2/6/25 Meeting Agenda

Friday Feb 7th

Full Day Students - Winter Activities
Dismissal at the mountain at 3pm

Friday Feb 14th

Half Day Students - AM Winter Activities
Dismissal at 12:00pm at Burke Mountain
Bus and KEAP available

Friday Feb 21st

Full Day Students
Winter Carnival (No Burke Mountain)

Saturday Feb 22 - Tuesday Mar 4th

No School - Winter Break

Winter Activity Day Schedules

Full Day Schedule

Half Day Schedule

Goal: Students are supported to be socially, emotionally, and physically healthy

Power Hour!

Keep those heart rates up!! Colder weather is here. Dress for chilly mornings!

Friday Exploratory Program

Winter activities will go through the end of March (conditions permitting). All students and staff will be going to the mountain.

SEL, Health, Wellness, and Gratitude

Ask your students what they are learning in Health and 2nd Step. Application and transfer of learning supports our community!

Goal: Each child will have at least a year’s growth in math and literacy.

iReady Midyear Diagnostic Results - Growth Data

We are on our way to a year's growth and continuous movement toward grade level proficiency for each student in Math and Literacy. It is clear that Newark Street School teachers are doing an incredible job meeting the academic needs of students.

Effective School-Family Partnership

FONSS

NEWARK STREET SCHOOL PARENT TEACHER ORGANIZATION

FRIENDS OF NEWARK STREET SCHOOL (FONSS)

If interested in joining and supporting students and the Newark Learning Community in any capacity... Contact Info - fonss1448@gmail.com

Newark Street School Student/Family Handbook 2024-2025 Quick Guide

This is a short version of the handbook with the most pertinent information to start the school year. The full version will be shared upon return. Students and caretakers will be expected to review the full handbook and sign a compact of agreement.

Mission, Vision, Goals

KESD Annual Continuous Improvement Goals

Students are supported to be socially, emotionally, and physically healthy.
Each child will have at least a year’s growth in math and literacy during the year. The focus is on understanding where students are at and what their next move is to learn.

Newark Street School Statements

The following mission, vision, and goals statements were created in collaboration with community stakeholders in 2017-18. Since then, they have been refined through our work around Education for Sustainability and Equity. We will revisit these statements once again at our first Education for Sustainability meeting this school year.

Newark Street School Mission

We believe Newark Street School is a global model of how rural, small school educates for sustainability.

Newark Street School Vision

We have merged all members of the learning community to work side-by side as learning partners who become increasingly prepared to explore the world and take responsible action for Environmental Integrity, Social Equity, and Economic Prosperity.

Newark Street School Goals

1. We communicate clearly and effectively.

2. We are self-directed leaders and learners.

3. We are creative and practical problem-solvers.

4. We are responsible and engaged citizens.

5. We are informed and integrative thinkers.