Super News

It is during this time of year that the WCSU board develops and adopts their operating budget. This includes the superintendent’s office, business office, HR, all special education staff (including teachers in schools), academic support teachers (in buildings), the office of curriculum and instruction, our technology department, and our early childhood special education. As is the trend these days, we are receiving less and less funding (on the revenue side) from the federal and state governments, which causes the cost for each district to also go up. Now that the SU board has approved it, these “assessments” will be built into the districts’ budgets that voters will approve in the spring. Here at the SU office, we are working hard to keep costs down, but with almost 90 employees in this budget (remember it includes all special education and AST staff!) That is a tough task though, especially with less and less offsetting revenue coming in. If you have questions about your district’s SU assessment, please ask your board chair (or me!) to help you understand better. We don’t want it to be a mystery!

Every year, when the Agency of Transportation purchases new plows, they invite schools to “name a plow!” This year, Wardsboro, Townshend and NewBrook participated and named their plows “The Wardsboro Warrior,” “Blizzard Busting Bear,” and “Maple Slushy” respectively. Additionally, the state has one new giant wing plow and 77 schools submitted names but Townshend Elementary won that competition with the name, “The Vermontser!”

Want to know where your plow is? https://plowtrucks.vtrans.vermont.gov/

Every year, the College of Education and Social Services (CESS) at the University of Vermont, together with Vermont supervisory unions and school districts, the Vermont Agency of Education, and the Vermont NEA, join to honor the accomplishments of our state’s outstanding educators. This year, WCSU has two recipients:

Shelly Bostrom is truly a remarkable educator. In the ten years that we have worked together, Shelly has taught me so much about how a school should work. As our kindergarten classroom teacher, Shelly models love for children, patience, diligence, growth-mindset, and excellent classroom practices! Every year, her littles happily become NewBrook students very quickly; she teaches them to use their voice, their opinions, and their skills to solve problems and to make our school a better place. Shelly is an excellent collaborator, and her relationships with her peers benefit her students in their academic, social and emotional development. I often hear from our families about how much they appreciate the way that Shelly communicates with them. On top of it all, Shelly is fun, and funny, and just plain great to be around. I feel lucky that she has chosen to spend her career here at NewBrook, with us!

Ashely is an outstanding teacher. She continually improves her teaching skills with current research and treads. She thoughtfully incorporates student needs and interests into her course designs while maintaining high expectations for all learners.

December 2nd is Special Education Day! At WCSU, we’re all about creating inclusive and supportive learning environments where every student can thrive. We’re committed to making sure each student receives the individualized, specially-designed instruction they need to succeed, aligned with the Vermont Agency of Education's rules and regulations. Huge thanks to our amazing staff, dedicated families, and wonderful communities who work together to champion our students with special needs. Let’s celebrate the strides we’ve made and continue to make a difference together!

• December 2 - Special Education Day
• December 11 - Early Release
• December 23-January 2 - Winter Break