Newsletter #11

Dear RES Community,

I had the privilege of spending time in the 4th and 5th grade class on Friday where we talked about ways to support each other in making choices that may not be easy, but are important. The class had such important thoughts and connections. They were engaged in the conversation, talking through solutions and ideas for what to do in hard situations, and did so without judgment and with an open mind. At the conclusion of our conversation, Ms. O led us in a mindfulness exercise where our bodies relaxed in child’s pose, and we took some collective deep breaths.

I am so grateful for this community of reflective and caring children and adults, together we are learning and growing in ways that are so much deeper than the surface of a textbook.

Nuts n’Bolts

Wednesday 12/6 - Early Release Day

Thursday 12/14 - Band and Chorus concert (2:15)

Family fun Night (6:00 - 7:30)

Friday 12/22 - Start of Winter Break

Tuesday 1/2 - First Day back after break

Volunteers Needed:

We are in need of volunteers to help out with Craft Day (12/20). If you are interested, please let Meg or Erin know! (no volunteer form needed for this event)

We are also in need of volunteers to help drive kiddos to Rikert for cross country skiing on Mondays in January and February. Please see below for more information :)

If you have any of the following materials, we'd love to use them for our Craft day!

- Toilet/Paper towel rolls

- Egg Cartons

- Thick cardboard (to hold the weight of paint and glue)

Mark your calendars! We will be holding a Family Fun Night on Thursday, December 14th from 6:00 - 7:30pm. The theme will be games, so bring your favorite game to play with others and try out some new games as well! We will have cookies and hot chocolate as well as a puzzle-making station!

If you’re interested in helping with the event, please let Meg know! (MCheresnick@acsdvt.org, or by phone)

During the Month of November grades 2-5 tested their strength in the fitnessgram. The fitnessgram consists of curl ups, push ups and the pacer test. These activities build students muscular strength and endurance and can enhance cardiovascular endurance if practiced regularly. We also learned the skill of cooperation while working with the parachute. All students enhanced their skills of communication and teamwork. Working with the parachute invites students to be communicators, thinkers and to be principled.

Mondays: January 8th, 22nd, 29th, February 5th, 12th and March 4th.

Rikert will be providing students with all necessary ski equipment.

Students need to come to school with proper outerwear for skiing including snow pants, winter coat, hat, mittens, buff, and wool or wool-blend socks (important!)

We are in need of parents/guardians to drive students to and from Rikert. If you are able to help, please let us know! Email us at riptonoffice@acsdvt.org or call at 388-2208.

For those who have already gone through the volunteer process, there is just the Volunteer Driver Checklist to fill out. The process is a bit more lengthy otherwise - it involves a Volunteer Form and fingerprinting, but can help walk you through the process and are so grateful for your help!

Pokémon Pop-Up Museum by Middlebury College Biology Students

When: Saturday (December 9th), 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM

Where: The Great Hall in McCardell Bicentennial Hall: 276 Bicentennial Way Middlebury, VT 05753 (Parking available in the lot on Bicentennial Way)

Come visit Middlebury College’s Pokémon-inspired research center and museum! Middlebury students are creating an immersive community outreach and engagement experience for Vermonters of all ages who love learning about wildlife and the world of Pokémon. Visitors can touch specimens, ask questions, play games, and collect prizes through speaking with student experts on insects, mammals, and more. Costumes are welcome - we’ll be dressed up too!