Chromebook Collection!
We will be recognizing the growth and achievement of all of our 8th grade students this Tuesday, June 11th at 1:00pm during our Celebration of Learning ceremony. This is an 11:30 release day for all 6th and 7th graders. Due to space limitations, the ceremony is for 8th graders and their immediate families only please. We will be holding a reception following the ceremony from 2:00-3:00pm. 8th graders are expected to arrive at school at 12:30pm to prepare for the ceremony. They are not expected at school on Wednesday, June 12th.
We are collecting all CHROMEBOOKS and CHARGERS for the summer. Currently, we are missing a significant number of devices and chargers. These MUST be returned before June 12th. Please provide support or reminders to your students as necessary. As per the 2023-2024 Device Agreement signed during registration, families may be responsible for replacement of any devices found to be deliberately damaged or lost.
Beginning in January this year, a team of youth from Edmunds Middle School formed a Restorative Practices team, with a goal of making positive change in the school community. The group was recruited by Restorative Practices Specialist Simon Parlante, and facilitated by Program Directors from UP for Learning and four Burlington High School students, as well as one student from Winooski High School.
Over their four retreats, the team participated in community building activities and games, explored their identities and leadership styles, and learned about restorative approaches to discipline. They also discussed the root causes of peer-to-peer conflict at Edmunds, and advised Interim Principal John Oliver on his design of the lunch period next year to incorporate more flexibility in where students can be. They also took part in a “dotmocracy” protocol, where they voted on what area of school they wanted to take action on. Out of several topics, the team decided to take action on the Blue Form Policy, addressing concerns they have over the equity and consistency of its implementation. As a group, they brainstormed questions for a circle dialogue about the policy, and invited Athletic Directors Quaron Pinckney and Ryan Hayes to attend. Some of the questions included, “Does the Blue Form policy impact your behavior and performance in classes?” “What are some of the strengths and challenges of this policy?” and, “How can we get teachers to be more consistent with the Blue Form Policy if it stays the same?”
During their final retreat, the team participated in this dialogue, and the result was a thoughtful and respectful discussion of the policy and how it can be improved. As a possible next step, members of the group are considering joining Q and Ryan to speak to the faculty during opening meetings at the start of the 2024-2025 school year, sharing their experiences and working together to make a policy that works for everyone. Over the past five months, the group did a great job of building community, brainstorming action projects, and advocating for change!
Counselor's Corner
Transition season is upon us! The school counselors are working hard to help our 5th graders transition to EMS and our 8th graders transition to high school! For the 5th to 6th grade transition: we are collaborating with the elementary schools, working with families and having fun connecting with new students. Students have been on multiple tours of our school, spoken with panels of students and gotten to meet the 6th grade and exploratory teams. Our awesome Chorus, Orchestra and Band performed for the 5th graders and were a huge hit!