PA Family Communication

We had an enjoyable and busy Open House last Wednesday. Thank you to the many parents and students who helped manage tables, organize events, and for simply being present to answer questions and help welcome newcomers to high school. Reports from teachers indicate that parents appreciated the time and opportunity to peel back the curtain and see what's going on in classrooms.

It was good to see some of you at one of the Community Meetings. At the meetings we briefly discussed the question, 'Is school a neighborhood garden or an orchestra?' Well, either is correct. PA is a place where we cultivate and share all of our tools, problem solving abilities and creativity, which sows the seeds to positive community. It is also a place where collaboration among the various talents, skills, and experience of each community member leads to a fantastic production.

Each year our annual Open House is not only a time for families to engage with teachers, but a chance to sow the seeds toward building a strong learning community. We'd love to continue to expand our offerings and the overall concept of Open House. Thus, if you have some feedback on how we can improve this night for your family please let us know here!

Oct 16 - PSAT In School Testing, 11th Grade

Oct 25 - Q1 Ends

Oct 26 - Haunted High

Nov 6 - PA Fall Concert & Art Show

Nov 11 - No School, Veterans Day

Nov 12 - Winter Sports Meeting

Nov 19 - College Information Night, Junior Families

Nov 25-29 - Thanksgiving Break

Dec 6 - Family Student Conferences

Dec 19-21 - PA Stage Company Annual Musical

Dec 23-Jan 1 - December Break

Congratulations!

24 inch Mt. Bike - Elmore 1st Grader, Hallie

Hoagies 25$ - Ashley & Jorge Maldonado

Thompson's 15$ - Yvonne and Brian Forrest

Dear Families,

PA is taking part in a youth behavior survey on Wednesday, October 23rd. This survey covers topics of substance use and youth assets, and is for students in grades 7 through 12. This survey provides a real time look at how our youth are thinking about substance use and what kind of risks and help they’re experiencing. The survey is designed and supported by our community partner Healthy Lamoille Valley, a substance prevention coalition serving the Lamoille Valley region. Healthy Lamoille Valley is a program of the Lamoille Family Center.

This survey is administered via school-issued tablets or laptops. Please make sure your student has their charged device at school. This survey is anonymous and survey procedures are designed to protect student privacy. Student login information and IP addresses are not recorded or tracked.

Some students may find some questions to be sensitive. School counselors will be available to any student who would like to talk about anything that is in the survey. Participation is voluntary but it is important that all students are given the opportunity to participate in the survey so we can be sure the results are accurate. Students may opt out or skip any questions they wish. As a caregiver, you have the right to decide if your child participates. If you have any questions or concerns, or if you would like your student to opt out of this survey, please contact me at margo.warden@lamoillesouth.org by Monday, October 21st. Thank you for your cooperation.

Sincerely, Margo Warden

Student Assistance Counselor

If you would like to order prints there is still time to submit your order forms to the office. If you would like to order additional prints please visit the online gallery from Ambient Photography at https://vando.imagequix.com/E9ETQ9X. In order to place an order please contact tarah.hubbard@lamoillesouth.org for your students access code.

PSAT's will be held in the library on Wednesday, October 16th from 7:55am to about 11:30am. Students should report promptly to the library to check in at 7:45 with their chromebooks as the test is digital. Please help us prepare your student by having them get plenty of rest, eat properly and be on time. There are NO TARDY exceptions per College Board regulations.

The University of Vermont is thrilled to announce that the Vermont Pitch Challenge is returning for its second year! This is an extraordinary opportunity for high school entrepreneurs to showcase their innovative ideas and drive impactful change. This competition offers 10th through 12th graders from across the globe the opportunity to pitch innovative business ideas for a chance to win a full tuition scholarship to the University of Vermont and cash prizes! There is no entry fee – participating in the Vermont Pitch Challenge is completely free!

We hope you will join us in sharing this unique opportunity with your engaged audience of high schoolers to encourage them to participate. Why should students enter the challenge? Not only will it make their college application stand out, but they will also be given the tools to help them build the skills that today's employers seek. Our top UVM students and expert entrepreneurs will also give them valuable advice and feedback on their business ideas and teach them how to successfully build their business plans.

Submissions for the 2025 Vermont Pitch Challenge open online on Thursday, October 15!

• For more details, go to: go.uvm.edu/vtpitchchallenge

• Help us promote by downloading promotional materials here: https://www.uvm.edu/admissions/vermont-pitch-challenge/promote-vermont-pitch-challenge

Thank you in advance for your support! We look forward to connecting with you.

Junior Parents: Welcome to Junior Year! Time to mark your calendars for a parent/guardian college information presentation on Tuesday, November 19th in the library from 6:00pm-7:00pm. We will discuss the college application process and talk about what to expect for senior year.

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

Please have an updated sports physical! Valid every 2 years.

https://students.arbitersports.com/organizations/lamoille-south-athletics-activities

Winter Sports practices begin December 2nd. Registration is required before athletes can start.

A huge thank you to everyone who donated and helped out at the BJC Middle School Soccer Jamboree! Together, we raised $1,050 for the BJC Athletic Fund, and we couldn’t have done it without your support!

The PA Boosters will be at the Open House, ready to share how you can get involved and make a difference for our students. Don’t miss this opportunity to connect with us!

Also, mark your calendars for our next meeting on November 5th at 6 PM in the high school library. We’ll be discussing exciting upcoming events and brainstorming ways to enhance our programs. Your input is invaluable, and we can’t wait to see you there! Thank you!!

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

The North Central Vermont Recovery Center (NCVRC) is excited for our upcoming Annual Fundraiser on Saturday, November 9, 2024 being held at River Arts in Morrisville from 5pm to 8pm.

I've attached a flyer for you and your organization to share / advertise.

I've also attached two letters. One letter with details around your organization and sponsorship of this event, and/or interest in donating to our silent auction.

Here is a link to purchase tickets! https://donorbox.org/events/677035

Healthy Communities Grant Program: EPA New England's main competitive grant program to work directly with communities to reduce environmental risks to protect and improve human health and the quality of life. Due 11/1, Entities eligible include state and local governments, public and private nonprofit institutions/organizations, federally recognized Indian Tribal governments, K-12 schools or school districts, and grassroots and community-based organizations. Request applications

New Grant for Dairy Industry Innovation: for research and development projects that support dairy processing and packaging innovation across the Northeast. Awards from $75,000 to $350,000, 25% match requirement, Deadline is 10/31.

Something for the entire family.