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SCS Community Newsletter
Week of November 6, 2023
Principal's Message
Dear SCS Families and Caregivers,
This was a tough week for many here at school, just like it was for lots of people in the wider Shelburne community. The death of a former student, classmate, and friend is never an easy thing to process. When we consider the violent nature Madden's death, his young age, and the direct and indirect ways students, families, and the wider community is impacted, we know the ripple effects of the tragedy we experienced this week will be felt long after the immediate shock abates.
We are fortunate to have a tight-knit community that has become adept at responding in times of tragedy, which have been all too common in recent years. The most common question we've heard at school this week is "What do you need?" It can be a difficult one to answer, as grief can hit us all in different ways over time. But it's an important one to ask. It's heartening to see staff members going the extra mile to check in with each other, share memories of Madden, provide breaks, and make sure his friends and family members feel supported. We are taking solace in the strength of our community this week, and we recognize how lucky we are to be a part of it.
Take care,
Alison, Brett, & Emily
Mark Your Calendars
Upcoming Dates:
- 11/4 - Sibling Photo Session at HCS (1:00-3:00)
- 11/6 - Fall Fundraiser Orders Due
- 11/7 - PTO Meeting (6:00 pm)
- 11/7 - Music Boosters Meeting (6:30 pm) & Fall Recital (7:00 pm) - SCS Band Room
- 11/8 - SCS DEI Meeting (5:00 pm)
- 11/13-11/17 Transgender Awareness Week
- 11/16 - Fall Concert (6-8 Chorus, Symphonic Band & Wind Ensemble) - (7:00 pm, gym)
11/20-24 - School Break
11/27 - School Resumes
NEW - Sibling Photo Session - TOMORROW
AMV Photography will be at Hinesburg Central School tomorrow, 11/4, from 1:00-3:00 taking pictures of siblings. No need to sign up!
PTO Announcements
Dynamic Experiences Fun
Thank you for the terrific support of our Dynamic Experiences fundraiser! Our participation and funds exceeded last year's totals. The teachers and staff did a fantastic job creating really fun activities and outings for so many students.
Upcoming SCS Events
Music Boosters is a parent/guardian task force of volunteers to support events (concerts, fundraisers, field trips) and is a fun opportunity to connect with the band and chorus programs. Join us in the SCS Band Room at 6:30pm on Tuesday, November 7.
Our Fall Recital will feature self-selected 7/8th grade instrumentalists from Wind Ensemble, vocalists from Concert Choir, and accompanist Sam Whitesell. Although this is not a required event for any ensemble, we highly encourage 7/8th graders to come support their peers and for our younger students to scope out the opportunities that lie ahead! Join us in the SCS Band Room at 7pm on Tuesday, November 7.
Ideally, you can enjoy both opportunities back to back!
SAGA
Transgender Awareness Week (Nov. 13-19) is a week when transgender people and their allies take action to bring attention to the community by educating the public about who transgender people are, sharing stories and experiences, and advancing advocacy around issues of prejudice, discrimination, and violence that affect the transgender community. This year, SCS's SAGA (Sexuality and Gender Alliance) will be taking the lead on bringing some learning opportunities to the SCS community. These will include facts shared on the morning announcements, a curated collection of Trans-aware books in our library, and the opportunity for small groups of SAGA students to talk with any interested middle school prime group.
Community Events
Pack the Gut Challenge - Support UVM Women's Ice Hockey - 11/10 - 6:00 pm
Save the date for this season’s Pack the Gut Challenge which will take place on Friday, November 10th when the Vermont Women’s Ice Hockey team will take on Boston College at 6:00 p.m. - admission is only $2 and free for kids 12 and younger. Help us break the Women’s Hockey East attendance record which we set last year with a total of 2,210 fans in attendance at Gutterson Fieldhouse!
Adult tickets can be purchased online at www.uvmathletics.com/tickets or at the Box Office on game day. Kids 12 and younger can claim their free tickets at the Box Office on game day.
We would love to have all youth kids and fans help us to break the attendance record again!
CVU Theater - Upcoming Musical: November 10-12
CVU is inviting all 6th graders in the district, along with a family member, to see the Dress Rehearsal of “Newsies” for free on Thursday, November 9th at the CVU Auditorium at 5:30pm.
CVSD News & Resources
Free Webinar for Caregivers & Educators: Teens, Social Media & Mental Health
Virtually join ParentIN CVSD at 7pm on 11/16 as we host Erin Walsh of Spark and Stitch Institute for a live webinar addressing your screen time struggles and questions with science and understanding.
We will explore questions like:
• What is the impact of social media and gaming on mental health?
• Is technology connecting young people or isolating them?
• Is internet, gaming or phone addiction real?
• What do kids need from parents as they navigate online risks and opportunities?
The live event is free and ticketed. Register today at bphc.link/erinwalsh
ParentIN CVSD Survey
Calling all parents and caregivers of grades 6-12 students! Help us enhance our resources for CVSD youth and families by taking this quick 5-minute survey. Your participation automatically enters you into a raffle for a chance to win one of 3 valuable $50 grocery store gift cards.
ParentIN CVSD values your input, and your anonymity is guaranteed. Your honest responses are vital for program improvements and new initiatives. If you have any survey-related questions, don't hesitate to contact Amy Sayre asayre@cvsdtvt.org
Don't miss this opportunity to share an informative and positive impact on your community. Thank you!
Connecting Youth Seeks Mentors in CVSD
Are you a fun, caring and trustworthy adult looking to make a true difference in a young person's life? Consider mentoring! Connecting Youth is seeking community volunteers to join our team of mentors for 5th-12th grade students across Champlain Valley School District.
Mentors and mentee pairs meet weekly for about an hour
School year commitment
Mentor training and continual support provided by CVSD mentor coordinators.
Middle school mentors have access to dedicated spaces for cooking, crafting, playing games and developing a friendship.
High school mentors work alongside students to grow their skills and resilience, exploring new interests and experiences.
Learn more here or contact a CVSD Mentor Coordinator today
Charlotte Central School, Kate Rooney, krooney@cvsdvt.org, 802-425-6682
Hinesburg Community School, Livy Bulger, lbulger@cvsdvt.org, 802-482-6248
Champlain Valley Union, Alison Duback, aduback@cvsdvt.org 802-482-8921
District DEI Town Halls
Join the CVSD DEI Team as we celebrate diversity and connect with the diverse cultures of our community. At these in-person events, we will learn the history of the various communities in Vermont. There will be shared cultural experiences, including art, food, and conversations about educational experiences. At each gathering various groups, community members, and stakeholders will present about their lives, work, and contributions to our state.
November 10th, 6-8 pm - Champlain Valley Union High School Library
Latinx Community in Vermont
January 19th, 6-8 pm - Shelburne Community School Library
Nepali Community in Vermont
March 15th, 6-8 pm - Williston Central School
Somali Community in Vermont
Shelburne Food Shelf
If you would like to receive supplemental food for your Shelburne school-age children during any of the four school vacations this year, please complete this form. This form will close on Friday, November 10.
Supplemental food includes milk, eggs, fruit, yogurt, cereal, cheese and various shelf-stable items. Fresh produce is included as well when available. Your phone number and email address will be used for text reminders &/or updates.
NEW!!! Food will be available at the Shelburne Food Shelf, the THURSDAY BEFORE school vacations:
- November 16
- December 21
- February 22
- April 18
Pick up food on Thursdays between 3:00-6:00 pm at the Shelburne Food Shelf (located on the 1st floor of the town office building at 5420 Shelburne Rd).
Food is purchased for each child signed up, so if your plans change and you will not require food for a school break, please let us know.
You will receive a confirmation email or text to remind you of the dates you signed up for. If any of your contact information changes after submitting your form, please let us know.
Contact: schoolfoodSFS@gmail.com
802-622-3313 ext 3 and leave a message
SCS Useful Links
CVSD Info
Find information about monthly School Board Meetings, community forums such as the DEI Town Hall, and more on the district website. See the year at a glance on the 2023-2024 K-8 School Year Calendar. See The CVSD Story for the latest blog posts about what's happening across the district.
Let's Talk
Still Need More Information?
Website: https://www.cvsdvt.org/shelburne
Shelburne Community School Administration
Brett Cluff, 5-8 Principal
Emily Cogan, Director of Special Education