On the Horizon

Dear Commodore Community,

We are back and in the full swing of things. The energy of students and staff being back in the building is my favorite part of coming back to school. We have made some changes to our systems. Four of the biggest adjustments this week have been:

1. School starts at 8:00. This is not a change but last year it was printed that attendance started at 8:05.
2. Cell Phone Procedure - This has been a major shift and it came from supportive intentions and current research on the influence of cell phones in the classroom. Students may now use their cell phones during passing time and lunch. Last year many students used their phones throughout the day so we understand this is a big change. We have listened and heard from the students about their feelings about Cell Phones and their need to take care of business. Many students have stated that they understand the no cell phone policy in classtime but would like to use their phones at other times (such as Compass or Morning Meeting). We will be considering their questions and coming up with a plan for addressing their concerns while still working within the understanding that cell phones do impact learning.
3. Students have sign-in/sign-out sheets in the classroom. It is a tiny change to the day but we hope it will have big impacts on students being in the classroom and knowing where they are. They are the key part of this school and it matters that they are in class.
4. Thank you so much for the drop-off/pickup/ bus transportation changes. The morning has gone really well. The afternoon has been crowded and we are working on some changes. Students need to be able to exit the parking lot after school (we have a number who are heading to jobs or the Elementary schools to pick up siblings.) We ask that families use both lanes of the circle and the entire circle to pick up their students. Please be aware of students walking in between cars to get to their car. That way the line of families is not blocking the student parking lot from leaving. We will also have more staff out next week to help direct traffic during that busy time in the afternoon. Also, remember that VT has idle-free laws so while you are waiting please make sure your car is turned off.
   

If you received a packet at the beginning of the school year with information about how to access the PowerSchool Parent Portal, we are requesting that you follow those instructions to set up your account and complete the necessary student information update forms as soon as possible. If you need help accessing your account or have issues once you log in, please contact Melissa Strong directly at mstrong@anwsd.org for assistance.

Some events that are coming up in September are:

• Labor Day - 9/4 No School
• Open House - 9/13 @ 5:30-6:30
• Playing Fields - 9/13 @ 6:30 (a community event put on by The Flynn and hosted by the district at VUMHS)
• Peace One Day - 9/21 @ 11:30-2:55
• Homecoming Weekend - 9/22-9/23

Way to go Commodores!

Jody Chamberlin JChamberlin@anwsd.org

We are very proud of the High School Students. There have been some big changes and this week at the opening assembly students were wonderful in advocating for their wishes and asking valid questions. We are so excited to work together. Students got an email with a place where they can ask questions if they did not get to do so.

Would you like to have some FUN in the sun? Meet new FRIENDS or hang with OLD ONES? Swim? Travel to Boston? Like to Join a team? If you answered yes to any of these questions, then come to the first meeting of the Vergennes MS/HS Rowing Team. We will meet Monday September 11th in the Library. Practices will be held after school on Monday and Thursdays. Any questions you need answered see Mr West, dwest@anwsd.org or call him 802-989-4334.

Come on out for a Community Night of fun and connections. On September 13th, start off by visiting the VUMHS Open House from 5:30-6:30. Then head out to the fields! Vergennes Union Middle and High School will open at 5:15 for picnicking, face painting, games, and more! Our very own Commodore Singers will perform at 5:45 pm followed by featured artists Compagnie Des Quidams at 6:30. Bring your own picnic or enjoy a free meal provided by the Commodore Café. There is no alcohol, tobacco products, or weapons allowed on the school grounds. For more information about this event or to reserve a meal, please email sbicknell@anwsd.org

Vermont National Guard Open House: The Vermont National Guard is hosting an open house at Camp Johnson in Colchester on Saturday, September 9th from 10am - 3 pm. The Open House is free, open to the public, and no registration is needed. This is an excellent opportunity to see what the Vermont National Guard has to offer for career opportunities for students as they prepare to attend college or enter the workforce. While the Open House will show what we have for career opportunities, it is not limited to only that. We will have demonstrations throughout the day, exhibits to view equipment, a kids’ zone with activities, and food trucks. Our goal is to host an exciting event for all ages. There will also be a Soldier Showcase the following day on Sept. 10th at the Ethan Allen Firing Range in Jericho. This event is similar to the open house, but will have more demonstrations throughout the day that focus on events we can only host at the range, such as weapon ranges and controlled explosions. More information can be found here.

Boosters - If you're looking for an easy way to raise money for your child's team or club, the Booster Club has a great opportunity for you! If you have any questions, please contact Kirsten De La Cruz (klh@gmavt.net).

CPTO - Commodore Parent Teacher Group Sign up. Let's work together to ensure that our children have access to a stimulating and nurturing educational environment. Your partnership with VUHS Commodore Parent Teacher Group will help shape the minds of future leaders, innovators, and lifelong learners.

Friends of Music - Consider joining the Commodore Friends of Music for our children, our music educators and our community. Meetings are held the 3rd Tuesday of each month at 6:30pm via the Zoom link. For more information please visit our website https://sites.google.com/view/commodore-friends-of-music/home

We are looking forward to this year! Please make sure you return your lunch forms that were mailed home.

Lunch Menu

We have put together a new Community Health and Wellness site that can be accessed from the ANWSD website. The site is updated as new info becomes available.

Reach out to Fusion at fusionvuhs@anwsd.org for any questions about the Fusion program. Information will come out in September for the school year programming.

We are looking forward to the 2023-2024 school year at PHCC. This space will hold the Newsletters and information as it comes. If you have questions about your schedule at PHCC make sure you reach out to your school counselor at VUHS.

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If you have any opportunities to include please email Jody Chamberlin (JChamberlin@anwsd.org)

Title Programs ~ Parent & Family Engagement Information

JumpRope User Guide

JumpRope Parent Portal Walk Through

If you have a community event that you would like featured in the newsletter please email Jody Chamberlin (JChamberlin@anwsd.org). We need the information and images by Thursday afternoons so it can be in the Friday Newsletter.

Email: JChamberlin@anwsd.org
Website: https://vuhs.org/
Location: 50 Monkton Road, Vergennes, VT, USA
Phone: (802) 877-2938