PA Family Communication

Black History Month starts this weekend. Black History Month is celebrated every February in the U.S. and Canada, and in October in the U.K. It is an important time for remembering significant people, events, and achievements of the African diaspora. The 2025 theme is "African Americans and Labor," highlighting their invaluable contributions to the workforce. There are activities and celebrations scheduled throughout the day in Burlington.

At Peoples Academy, we consider and explore Black American contributions, achievements and important roles in American history and culture throughout the school year. We explore a wide range of cultures, race, ethnicity in most of our courses. There is a group of students and staff working to bring some special speakers to school during the month of February to help us celebrate and recognize the importance of black history in America. There are a myriad of opportunities locally and digitally to engage in inspirational and educational events with your students. Below, is a list of a few events and resources to consider:

• Black Experience Celebration at the Flynn Theatre

• Clemmons Family Farm

• Howard Center

• The King Center

• Smithsonian

• Vermont Historical Society

Feb 5 - Parent Advisory Meeting, 8:00am PA

Feb 6 - WHOW Project 1:30-2:45pm

Feb 7 - No School, Professional Development

Feb 11 - Community Meeting 12:50

Feb 21 - PA Winter Carnival

Feb 24-Mar 4 - Winter Break

Mar 27 - Early Release, Noon Dismissal

Mar 28 - Conferences, More Information soon

The time has come for us to start working on our 2025 yearbook and we NEED YOUR HELP! We need your photos, including photos of last spring. Please send them to michele.walker@lamoillesouth.org. Having family support with collecting images really helps capture the student life of PA. If you would like to pre order your yearbook please do so with Michele, they are $62, deposits are welcome to reserve this year's copy. Limited copies available.

We are excited to share our new resource page from our guidance department (linked below). Inside you will find easy links to information about current courses, student opportunities, and preparing for college.

Let us know what you think and if there are other resources we can provide for you!

GMTCC Applications are now open for the 2025-2026 school year. Here is the link to apply. Let Lindsey or Carrie know if you have any questions!

Juniors: College Research flex session available in the library every Tuesday. We will be looking at majors, researching admissions requirements and building a solid list!

Seniors: Flex sessions in the Library on Mondays and Thursday. Sign up for support with applications, scholarships or any other post secondary planning ideas/thoughts.

Awarded annually to graduating high school seniors who might not be able to further their educational journey due to financial constraints. Our primary goal is to award applicants for whom a scholarship would make the greatest impact. If you have questions about the scholarship program, send an email to league@lwvofvt.org.Three awards of $2,000. This one-time cash award is for study beginning in Fall at U.S. accredited colleges and universities, community colleges, trade and technical schools, and/or other career-oriented preparation. More details and application can be found here.

More information about each program and registration links can be found at: https://www.uvm.edu/extension/youth/announcements

On Sunday our Indoor Track & Field athlete's took THREE state titles.

Girls 4x200: Ellia Speers, Sophie Beck, Sophia Calcagni, Karra Pike

Girls 4x400: Ellia Speers, Peyton Bliss, Adele Marcoux, Sophie Beck (pictured above)

Girls High Jump: Sophie Beck

We had many other finalist and top finishers this past week including Kenique Joseph's D2 state record beating 55 dash, Myles Marcoux finished 2nd place in high jump and Lucy Stabach as runner up in weight throw. Terrific work! Also, congratulations to all who achieved personal records!

PA Nordic skiers are having a fun and successful season with numerous podiums for both the boys and girls teams. They have two local meets this week, Wed they compete at Craftsbury and Thursday they will be charging the hills at Trapps. You may have noticed that our trails are not groomed. This is due to issues with our groomer. We hope to have this resolved soon, but it may cause us to cancel our home race.

We will now be at Middle Level Games!!

Interested? Simply Email us or sign up through the link—Basketball Game Sign Up Sheet. Every bit of help makes a big difference—thank you for your support!

Meeting Reminder: Our next Meeting will be on 1/14 @ 6:00 in the PA Library.

If you haven't already, check out the NEW options on gear. Something for the entire family.

Feeling the Winter Blues? During this time of year, many of us in Vermont may feel the effects of reduced sunlight and chilly weather and it’s natural to notice changes in mood during this time. Here’s a few tips to consider beating the Winter Blues:

Stay Active: Exercise is a proven mood booster! Bundle up and aim to get outdoors daily, even for a brief walk. If the weather keeps you inside, try yoga, stretching, or an online workout to keep your body moving.

Nourish Your Body: A healthy diet supports both physical and emotional well-being. Focus on whole foods, including fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains. Keep sugary treats and processed snacks to a minimum to maintain steady energy levels.

Soak Up the Light: Natural light is essential for regulating your mood and energy. Step outside during daylight hours whenever possible. On particularly gray days, consider using a light therapy lamp designed to mimic natural sunlight—just follow the manufacturer’s instructions for safe and effective use.

Connect and Celebrate: Social connections are key to combating feelings of isolation. Attend a community event, invite friends over for a cozy gathering, or plan a family game or movie night. Trying a new hobby or crafting project can also bring joy and a sense of accomplishment.

Prioritize Rest and Routine: The colder months can disrupt sleep patterns. Establish a consistent bedtime routine, limit screen time before bed, and create a cozy, relaxing sleep environment to ensure you’re well-rested.

Embrace the Season: Instead of dreading winter, find ways to enjoy it! Explore winter sports, go sledding, or simply take in the beauty of a snowy landscape. A shift in perspective can make the season feel more enjoyable.

Remember, taking care of your mental health is just as important as caring for your physical health. If you’re feeling persistently down, don’t hesitate to reach out to a counselor or healthcare provider for additional support.

In the News:

Check out this article highlighting a recent study published in Drug and Alcohol Dependence. The study found that early adolescents who spend more time on social media, texting, or video chatting are at an increased risk of experimenting with alcohol, nicotine, and cannabis.

Three types of screen time linked to substance experimentation in early adolescents

January offerings. Something for the entire family.