The Superintendent's Scoop
Central Vermont Supervisory Union
December 20, 2024
Superintendent's Message
As we wrap up the first half of the school year and place a bow on 2024, I want to take a moment to wish you all a joyful holiday season and a happy new year.
This time of year is a wonderful opportunity to reflect on the accomplishments and challenges of the past year and to look forward to the promise of the new year. I am incredibly thankful for our teachers, staff, families, and community who have all played a role in supporting our students throughout the year.
I wish you all a peaceful and restful holiday season filled with joy, laughter, and loved ones.
Seasons Greetings,
Matthew Fedders
Superintendent
Important School Dates Coming Up
Dec 23-Jan 1- Winter Break- (No School)
Jan 20- Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day- (No School)
Jan 24-End of 1st Semester
Jan 27-Teacher Inservice-(No school)
Feb 12-Early Dismissal
Feb 24-28-Winter Vacation (No School)
Board Chair Connection
Echo Valley Community School District
A Journey of Service and Community- A Conversation with Lee Gardner an Echo Valley Community School District Board Member -
In 1984, Lee attended the Washington Town School Board meeting to voice his concerns about the academic direction of the school. After the meeting, a well-known mover and shaker in the community encouraged him to run for a seat on the board. Lee decided to take up the challenge, but narrowly lost by two votes. However, the board decided to increase the number of seats, and Lee ran again, this time winning a seat on the board.
For Lee, serving on the school board is about giving back to the community and collaborating with dedicated individuals, both on the board and within the schools. He stays informed through reading, asking questions, and engaging with community members to ensure he is always in tune with what’s best for the students and families.
Lee’s journey to Vermont included a career shift from business to the architectural field. Lee met his wife while attending Goddard College. He then decided to pursue an apprenticeship as a cabinet maker in Vermont, and while considering where to settle, they discovered a beautiful piece of land in Washington, Vermont. The pristine environment, with clean air and water, felt like the perfect place to call home. After much negotiation, they purchased the land and, although they couldn't build a home immediately due to the cold weather approaching, they placed a trailer on the land and spent years building and expanding their home.
One of Lee's favorite spots in the community is the Washington Baptist Church. He credits his life’s journey to accepting Christ for who he is, which he believes has guided him on his path to making a difference in his community. He would like everyone to know he considers himself a work in progress.
An An Advocate for Education-A Conversation with Horace Duke a Paine Mountain School Board member
We recently had the opportunity to speak with Horace Duke, a dedicated member of the Paine Mountain School District School Board since 2017. Horace, a single father of three children for ten years in our school district, joined the Board to work with others who are all striving toward the same goal: providing the best education for our students.
As a resident of Williamstown, Horace stays well-informed about the needs and activities within the Central Vermont Supervisory Union and surrounding towns through family and friends that live in those areas. Growing up in a family of carpenters, Horace has a keen eye for detail, noticing every aspect of the school buildings. With his engineering background, he is particularly focused on cleanliness, safety, and design when he visits our schools, noticing that each facility meets high standards. Horace is impressed with the great work being done by our facility and maintenance teams.
Horace also shared a personal story about his mother, who became a teacher at his school when he was in 5th grade. He deeply appreciates the dedication she showed to her students. Her hard work both inside and outside the classroom gave him a lasting respect for teachers and their commitment to education.
Horace’s experiences as both a parent and a school board member continue to shape his passion for education, and we are lucky to have him advocating for our students and schools.
Community Connection
Capstone Community Action -No Cost Weatherization to Homeowners and Renters
Capstone provides weatherization services free of charge to Central Vermonters who meet income and other qualifications. Trained professionals will review the problem areas in your home and identify the most cost-effective steps that can be taken to increase comfort, reduce heat loss, and ensure safety.
For more information about this program please click on the link No Cost Weatherization Brochure
If you would like to participate in the No-Cost Weatherization please download the application here
Delicious Offerings at our CVSU Schools Celebrating Local Foods
The ABBEY Group works in partnership with CVSU to serve local delicious snacks and meals to our students. As part of the ABBEY Group's ongoing commitment to serving fresh, nutritious meals to our students, they were excited to offer a special Giving Thanks meal the week before Thanksgiving break. Williamstown Elementary School was thrilled to welcome over 150 parents and family members who joined our students for this festive meal. This delicious feast featured Stonewood Farm Vermont turkey, mashed potatoes, local butternut squash apple bake, stuffing, gravy, cranberry sauce, and pumpkin squares.
The ABBEY Group's focus on incorporating local ingredients continues to grow. In addition to maple syrup from Washington, yogurt from Cabot, and apples from Burtt’s and other Vermont Orchards. This year they are proud to announce that all of their ground beef comes from Graham Farm in Williamstown. The ABBEY Group also expect to add local potatoes from Chapelle’s in Williamstown to their meals soon.
Last year, The ABBEY Group successfully reached their goal of sourcing at least 15% of our school meals from Vermont-grown foods, surpassing that target with a final tally of 18%. This level of local purchasing not only supports our community but also qualifies the Central Vermont Supervisory Union for the Vermont Agency of Agriculture’s Local Foods Incentive Grant, which has earned our meal program an additional $20,500 to reinvest in school meals.
The ABBEY Group looks forward to continuing their efforts to bring more delicious, locally sourced meals to our students and their families!
Prevent Child Abuse Vermont (PCAVT)-Free Virtual Upcoming Programs
The PCAVT program promotes and supports healthy relationships within families, schools, and communities to eliminate child abuse. We wanted to let you know about their upcoming Free Virtual Parent Education Programs and Support Groups for Vermont Parents. The next two programs that are starting soon are Nurturing Parenting Programs; Strengthening Families Programs and Circle of Parents Support Group.
For more information about these program and to register
please click on the link Upcoming Parenting Program
Budget Bite
The school boards are currently hard at work crafting the FY26 Budgets, with final approval set for January. Mark your calendars! Look out for your school district's annual report and budget flyer arriving in your mailboxes by early February. You won't want to miss it!
Important Upcoming Budget Dates-
Paine Mountain School District Budget Forums.
February 5, 2025 at Northfield Middle High School
February 19, 2025 at Williamstown Middle High School
The PMSD forums will be held at 6pm before the scheduled board meetings.
Echo Valley Community School District Budget Forums
February 18, 2025 at the Orange Town Hall at 6pm
Save the Date: Get Out and Vote!
Tuesday, March 4, 2025
If you're not registered to vote yet, don't worry! Here's how you can get in on the action:
Online: Save time and register at olvr.vermont.gov It's quick and convenient!
In Person: Visit your town clerk's office to register face to face. They're there to help you!
Bundle Up for Winter Fun! ❄️
Winter is here, and that means frosty mornings and exciting outdoor adventures! ☃️ To make sure your little ones stay warm and cozy while exploring the winter wonderland, please ensure they have the proper gear:
- A toasty jacket to shield them from the cold.
- A warm hat to keep those ears snug.
- Mittens or gloves to protect their hands from the chill.
- Waterproof boots to keep their feet dry and warm.
- Snow pants to keep them warm and dry while playing in the snow.
Stay Updated on School Delays!
We understand that winter weather can sometimes bring unexpected surprises. To keep you informed, we'll do our best to notify families as quickly as possible about any school closures or delays.
- Early Morning Alerts: You can expect to receive a call through our automated system between 6:00 AM and 6:30 AM each morning.
- Online Updates: We'll also post any delay or cancellation information on our school website.
- Local News: Keep an eye on WCAX for the latest updates.
Let's make this winter season a memorable one, filled with joy and excitement! ❄️
Partnering for Success: Staying Connected
Follow us online: Stay up-to-date with all things Central Vermont Supervisory Union by following us on our Facebook Pages and check our websites regularly (cvsu.org).
Contact Us: Have questions or need more information? Don’t hesitate to reach out to us at (802) 433-5818 or stop by at 111b Brush Hill Road, Williamstown, VT 05679