The abrupt change in temperature arrives in step with the shortening days which sends the message that winter is coming! Students have enjoyed soaking in as much vitamin D as possible with outdoor time in the sun.

We wanted to give you an update on a member of our staff who has been absent for an extended period. Mr. Mark (Swahn), who you might recognize as a long-term crossing guard out front every morning and afternoon, had a fall last month and is healing from some complications. He misses our BPS community very much and we very much miss him!

Thank you for your continued partnership in your child(ren)’s education!

Best,

Sarah & Chris

PS - As announced Thursday, we have a new website! And, as of November 8, we moved to a new platform for the school newsletter (Brookside Blast). You will continue to receive newsletters via email and you can:

• Find them on the new site by clicking the Brookside Blast icon on the home page.
• Find historical versions released before November 8 by clicking News.

• Wednesday 11/27 - 11/29: Thanksgiving break, no school for students

• Saturday 12/7: Lantern Parade

• If you are an approved HUUSD volunteer, you are invited to sign up to help assemble lanterns December 2 - December 6 at Brookside Primary School.
• Fourth Grade Lanterns: Sign up here
• Kindergarten - Third Grade Lanterns: Sign up here
• If you are unsure about your volunteer status, please email kguziak@huus.org. If you would like to start the process to volunteer, sign up here.

See detailed links below:

Several area organizations are interested in sponsoring children and/or families during the upcoming holiday season. They have enlisted our help to make contact with interested families who have children and who would like to receive assistance. Please complete the linked form (also below) to sign up for this program. Entries should be completed by November 15th. Please reach out to the BPS Nurse team with any questions (bps-nurses@huusd.org)

BPS is excited to offer a series of engaging and informational hour long sessions to support parents and caregivers. These sessions will focus on learning and practicing natural and fun ways to support your child’s reading and writing success, on Wednesdays from 5-6 pm at BPS.

Topics will include:

• how to talk about the books you read with your child to enhance vocabulary and language
• easy activities to enhance phonological awareness
• ways to incorporate phonics and letter learning naturally
• ways to support older readers with comprehension
• And more!

Dates:

• 11/20- PK-1 oral language
• 12/18- 2nd-4th comprehension
• We will add more dates in 2025 depending on interest.

In Art this week, students were given the first Golden and Silver Crayon Awards of the year from art class! Congratulations to all for being safe, respectful, responsible and kind!

Open Enrollment for Vermont Health Connect Insurance

Vermont Health Connect Insurance is open for enrollment through December 15, 2024. If you or your child do not have health insurance, you can explore this website to sign up for insurance through the state's online exchange program. Vermont Health Connect Enrollment Portal

Dr. Dynasaur Health Insurance
You may be eligible for Dr. Dynasaur if you are: A child under the age of 19 with household income below 312% FPL; or pregnant with income below 208% FPL

Flu and Cold Season

The Centers for Disease Control recommends that anyone age 6 months and older get a flu vaccine to prevent the flu. Now is a great time to schedule a flu vaccine for your child with his or her primary care provider. If you do not have a primary doctor, please reach out to the school Nurse. The Vermont Department of Health is offering vaccines at the district office in Barre for those who do not have a primary care provider. Please call 479-0987 to schedule a time for your child.

Please check out our health website for guidance on when to keep your child home and/or what to do if your child needs medication at school.

Please note that the opportunities/events listed below are not specifically endorsed or screened by school staff. As always, families should use their own standards and review processes to determine appropriate activities.

The Waterbury Common Market will have a Thanksgiving food basket pickup beginning Monday, 11/18. Families may want to pick up turkeys by Monday, 11/25 so it has time to thaw out before Thanksgiving. Pick up is at 57 South Main Street in Waterbury during these times:

• Monday 11/18 10 - noon
• Wednesday 11/20 3 - 5pm
• Friday 11/22 10 - noon
• Monday 11/25 10 - noon
• Wednesday 11/27 3 - 5pm

The Waterbury Planning Commission is conducting a community survey to kick off the 2026 Town Plan update. The survey will help to gauge perceptions of how Waterbury is doing, and to inform Waterbury's vision for the future. Your voice is needed! Complete the Community Survey by clicking on this link and completing by December 1st. planWTB is a community planning process designed to help Waterbury residents and stakeholders choose the future they want for the community. Led by the Waterbury Planning Commission, the process will allow us to create a community vision for the future and map out an action plan to make it happen.

Hello folks! I am KC and I'm opening up my little mircobakery for the holidays again. I bake in the kitchen in my home. I am preselling whole apple pies for $25 with your choice of topping: lattice, double lattice, or gluten free crumble topping. Order now for a fresh pie for a later date of your choice. Take something off your to-do list this season and reply to this post or email me to place an order or have any questions. 425-495-6250 or katherineshogren@gmail.com.

• Wednesday 11/27 - 11/29: Thanksgiving break, no school for students

• Saturday 12/7: Lantern Parade

Website: https://tbps.wwsu.org/

Instagram: BrooksidePrimarySchool

Facebook: HUUSD

Phone: 802-244-7195

Location: 47 Stowe Street, Waterbury, VT