Cornwall School Newsletter

Dear Cornwall Families:

We both hope you all had great weeks, and nice weekends.

Looking back at the last (roughly) two months or so since we have joined the Cornwall School team, we have been struck by the positive energy members of our broader school community put in to adding experiences, opportunities, and supports to students' lives. Of course, a lot of this support centers on the good work of Friends of Cornwall School, but support and contribution comes from many corners, so we thought we'd take a few moments to point out some out:

The support of FOCS: Running activities like "Winter Crafts", supporting teachers with grants, volunteering in our classrooms and at events- this crew does it all!

Jennifer Thompson and Chris Kramer: Cornwall parents leading the way in afterschool planning!

Our amazing substitutes!: Coming in when called at the last minute, building relationships on the fly, coming to after- school events to support our students even though it is most definitely NOT in the job description.

Larissa Traverse- Amazing para and future awesome classroom teacher, stepping up and leading the in-class charge in Kindergarten while Val Calzini was out for a little bit. So awesome to have such talented and reliable folks be able to step up and help others!

And of course: Laurie Ballantine, Administrative Assistant extraordinaire. The responsibilities are many, the compliments received are probably not often enough, and the dedication to the job, and the students, is exemplary. The conductor keeping the train on the track.

Of course there are so many more, but we just wanted to take a moment to recognize and thank some folks for all you do.

Please look below for other news and updates!

Sincerely,

Bjarki and Mike

Important dates:

Friday, February 2nd: NAEP testing (Begins at 10:30 in Library-4th grade only)

Wednesday, February 7th: Early Release

We practice safety drills designed to ensure that students and staff are familiar with how to be safe in an emergency. Some months, we practice what to do if we need to evacuate the building for an event like a fire. Other months we practice options-based drills or what to do when unsafe people or hazards enter our school.

This year we have scheduled two options-based drills - one in September and one in January. Options-based drills introduce students to various strategies in response to a threat, such as how to respond to cues and listen to and follow safety directions from a trusted adult such as a teacher. Please know that all options based drills are trauma informed and age appropriate. This means the drills are performed in a way that is sensitive to the emotional well-being of our students.

We will be holding our January options-based drill on Wednesday, January 31st at roughly 1:50. To help everyone feel safe and calm, no visitors will be allowed to enter the building while the drill is taking place. Also, please know that this will NOT be a simulation. While we will be using our in-school communication networks, and reviewing and slowly walking through various possible responses, we will not be acting like there is an active threat or emergency. We want to build our students’ comfort with these drills before we do anything that feels “real”.

We know that this may be an emotional topic for parents and caregivers and want to assure you of a few things:

• The adults in our building work together to plan and ensure students feel safe and we remind them that the drill is practice.

• We talk with students in a developmentally appropriate way before and after each drill and our practice is developmentally aligned.

• We are available to support families. Please see the resources below to help you talk with your child about these experiences.

1. Talking with Your Children about Safety Drills (Johns Hopkins)

2. Talking with Children about Violence: Tips for Parents and Educators (NASP)

If you have questions, please reach out to me directly at 802-352-4291 or bsears@acsdvt.org

Thank you,

Bjarki

It's getting colder, so please always send students in with the "High 5" of winter clothing. Kids these every day to be safe and have fun at recess.

1. Boots
2. Hat
3. Gloves
4. Jacket
5. Snowpants

Thus last Thursday, our 3rd, 4th, and 5th graders went to Rikert Outdoor Ski Center in Ripton to do some Nordic Skiing! Weather was tricky on Thursday, so the morning group of K-2 was not able to go, but we'll get them next time! Thanks to everyone at Rikert for hosting us, making our kids feel welcome and capable, and guiding them out on the trails! Look below for some fun pictures.

Friends of Cornwall School is excited to partner this year with the Middlebury Snow Bowl to offer afterschool ski lessons for the first three Thursdays in February! Equipment rental is included at no extra cost.

We need parent drivers to make this program work! Please fill out the registration form at the link below and indicate whether you would be available to drive from Cornwall School to the Snow Bowl and back, on which days, and how many kids you could take.

Dates: Thursdays, February 1st, 8th, and 15th

Time: 3:00 PM - 6:00 PM (including transportation that will leave from and return to Cornwall School.)

Grades: K - 5

All experience levels! (Skiing only, no snowboarding)

Please sign up by next Friday, January 26th!

Here is the registration link:

https://form.jotform.com/240178233537052

-Chris Kramer
FOCS Afterschool Coordinator

Please see below for description and sign-up link for an afterschool opportunity:

Fiber Arts

Grades 3 - 5

Thursdays, February 29 - March 21

3:00 - 4:15 PM, Cornwall Town Hall

Each week students will work on a new handwork project. Every child receives a needle book with pins and needles at no cost.

Please sign up ASAP, as the instructor needs additional time to prepare materials. Sign-up link:

https://form.jotform.com/233527043368053

ACSD schools are participating in the 802 Smiles Network, which promotes dental health programs in Vermont schools. This means your child is eligible for a free dental screening at school and may be eligible to receive preventive dental services at no cost to you. All you have to do is to fill out the online consent forms by February 1st, 2024. We also have paper forms that will be sent home.

The registered dental hygienist can provide the following free services:

• Dental Screening (simplified dental check-up)

• Fluoride Varnish (brush-on liquid that can help prevent cavities)

• Silver Diamine Fluoride (SDF) (brush-on combination of silver and fluoride that can help stop cavities from getting bigger)

• Dental Cleanings (helps keep the mouth healthy and clean!)

• Oral Health Education (teaches students how to brush, floss, maintain good oral health)

• Dental Sealants (a thin layer of material placed on back teeth to prevent decay)

Our schools will be served by dental hygienist, Michael Messina. If you choose to participate, Michael will send you a follow-up letter after your child’s screening explaining the services provided, whether additional treatment is recommended, and help connect you to a dental professional, if needed. If you have any questions, feel free to contact the school’s dental hygienist, Michael Messina at michaelmessina.rdh@gmail.com or our school nurse