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SCS Community Newsletter
Week of February 19, 2024
Principals' Message
Good Afternoon SCS Families and Caregivers,
What a week! If you are connected to any educators, you already know that the "week before the week before" a break is notoriously full of energy. We certainly had a busy one here at SCS, and today was no exception. This morning's school-wide Bingo celebration led by PBIS (Positive Behavior Interventions and Support) coordinator Pete Boardman was a blast - check out the photos below. We also had a wintry evacuation drill this afternoon, attended by the Shelburne Police and Fire Departments. Things went smoothly as usual, and we got some great feedback about how to make our safety practices even stronger. We appreciate the support of our town agencies in prioritizing student safety.
With tonight's Virtual Bedtime Story pajama party hosted by the PTO, you can ensure that the excitement continues into the weekend. If your kids STILL haven't had their fill, we welcome them to participate in our next school-wide spirit week starting on Monday. Read on for more details and have a great weekend!
Take Care,
Alison, Brett & Emily
Virtual Bedtime Stories PJ Party TONIGHT at 7:00
Please join us TONIGHT from 7 - 7:45 pm on Google Meet for read alouds from SCS teachers and staff and some fun surprises:
https://meet.google.com/myv-ycos-boc
phone: +1 669-220-6171
PIN: 692 452 959#
Mark Your Calendars
- Monday, 2/19: Sports
- Tuesday, 2/20: Decades
- Wednesday, 2/21: Comfy Day
- Thursday, 2/22: Rhyme without reason
- Friday, 2/23: Character Day
2/20 - CVSD Board Meeting (6-9 pm, CVU)
2/21 - SCS DEI Community Coffee (8:00 am, Cafeteria)
2/21 - CVSD Virtual Town Hall (6:30-7:30 pm)
2/21 - 4th grade NAEP Assessment
2/22 - 8th grade NAEP Assessment
2/22 - SCS Concert Band & Stage Band Concert (7-8:30pm, Gym)
2/23 - PTO Read-a-Thon: Dress Like Your Favorite Character!
2/23 - Unified Sports Tournament
2/26 - 3/1 - NO SCHOOL - Winter Break
3/4 - School Resumes
FYI...Monday, April 8th - ALL CVSD faculty, staff, and students end the day at 11:30am for the Solar Eclipse event
Celebrations
School Wide Celebration
This morning all SCS students came together to celebrate the safe, respectful, and responsible behavior acknowledgments that filled the cat coin container. Each classroom got their own Bingo board to participate and the school played via Google Meet. Congratulations to the following classes/teams who won an Amazon gift card to use for their classroom: Bartell, Cadwell, Kendrick, Nakhleh, Newman, Stevens, Tomaino, Blue Team, Green Team, Red Team, and Yellow Team.
Thank you Mr. Boardman for organizing this fun event for SCS!
Author Jason Chin Visited SCS
Science teachers across the district have been looking for ways to integrate science into reading and writing classes while also creating a shared experience for our PreK-8 students. This week, all CVSD's PreK-8 buildings welcomed Jason Chin to share his experiences and insights into writing and illustrating children’s books. Jason Chin, a local author and illustrator, is a diverse author and a Caldecott Medal winner who has written and illustrated a series of children’s books including many on non-fiction science topics.
“I love meeting readers and sharing what I love, and I hope that my visits will help young readers see themselves as artists, scientists, readers and writers.” -Jason Chin
These visits were funded through a grant, the school district, and each school's PTO/family organizations supported it as well. Thank you, Jason, for such enriching and engaging presentations!
Penguin Plunge Success
A small but mighty SCS team jumped into the water last weekend like it was a summer day to support the Special Olympics Vermont Penguin Plunge!
A few facts about the day:
- Over 1,000 participants raised $675,000+ for Special Olympics Vermont athletes and programming! This is the most funds raised in the history of the Penguin Plunge!
- SCS had 14 members and collectively raised $8,370 (far surpassing our self-determined $5,000 goal!)
- SCS team was the fourth highest fundraising school (coming in just behind CVU and Hinesburg, fellow CVSD schools!)
- SCS also had the highest student fundraiser of all the Cool Schools (Gray Latka $3,270)!
- This is SCS' 4th year plunging together as a school team, and our first year with our beloved principal joining us! First SCS principal to plunge from what I know! Thank you, Mr. Cluff!
- All funds raised through the Penguin Plunge support Special Olympics Vermont’s local and school-based programs that foster awareness and inclusion of people with intellectual disabilities by using the power of sport to showcase their gifts and abilities.
Click the above picture to watch the team dive in!
SCS DEI Community Coffee: Wednesday, 2/21
Please feel free to join us virtually
Video call link: https://meet.google.com/uvf-icrd-iry
Readathon Reminders: Log your reading minutes on Pledgestar!
Can You Beat the Blue Team?
The Readathon is ON! So far we have 138 students signed up, and they've logged more than 20,000 minutes! The Blue Team is in the lead... can your class or team beat them?! Sign up on Pledgestar if you haven't already: https://www.pledgestar.com/shelburne/. Then start reading and help us reach our school goal of 200,000 minutes by March 7 (remember that reading aloud to a younger student or listening to an audio book both count!)
Every student who signs up will have their name added to the tree on the lobby bulletin board designed by our 4th grade Student Leadership Council. Learn more about the Readathon here or email scsreadathon@gmail.com. Let's read, SCS!
Cabaret Night is Back - Attend Our Planning Meeting on 3/4
Parents and Cargivers, Friends and Supporters:
Quiet, since 2019, our illustrious band leader Tim Buckingham is thrilled to announce that SCS Cabaret is back! We need parent support to make it a big success!
SAVE THE DATE - Cabaret Night - Fri Apr 12th - 6:30-9:00PM
This incredibly fun night features student-led, Choral and Stage Band performances. It is a critical fundraiser for our many band and music programs.
We need parent volunteers to make this event special. Please join an info session:
Monday, March 4th at 5:30PM in the SCS Band Room Or Online At https://meet.google.com/nhi-jzjn-crt
PTO 3v3 Spring Basketball - Register Now!
Registration Now Open for the SCS PTO 3v3 Spring Basketball Tourney! Join in on the action April 6th with our first-annual basketball fundraiser! Offering divisions for grades 5-8, adults coed 18+ and a special halftime experience for K-4. Whether a student, parents or a community member, come get in on the b-ball fun.
Tournament Divisions & Registration Details:
- Students: Grades 5-8 (Team Divisions: Girls 5-8, Boys 5-6, Boys 7-8)
- Adult Coed: Community members 18+ (parents, caregivers, school staff, alumni, etc.)
- Minimum 3 players per team, maximum 5 players
- We're aiming for a fair competition for players of all skill levels so If your child is looking for a team, we'll make sure to pair them up.
We're committed to making this event enjoyable for everyone, with plenty of basketball, food, and fun activities planned. Click here to register a team or individual or pick up a form at the SCS front office. Questions or want to help out with the event (yes we will need lots of volunteers:) email hayleyc@shelburnepto.org
CVSD News
Update on CVSD Proposed Budget
Earlier this week, the CVSD School Board's Finance Committee had a productive meeting to discuss the options and implications for the district and taxpayers regarding the proposed 2024-2025 budget. At next week's School Board meeting on Tuesday, 2/20 at 6:00 pm, the full board will come together to discuss it and work towards a decision on how to move forward.
On Wednesday, 2/21 at 6:30 pm, the district's administration and school board will host a virtual Town Hall. The focus of this Town Hall is to provide the latest information available about the proposed budget and answer questions.
We hope you can join us for these events. See the calendar on the left side of the district's homepage for details about how to attend: https://www.cvsdvt.org/
We will share another update next week.
Youth Voices Rise in Montpelier
Part of CVSD Connecting Youth's work includes creating opportunities for youth empowerment and advocacy. This past week, 25 WCS and HCS students gathered in Montpelier in support of S.18 - Vermont's bill to ban flavored tobacco products. Our students bravely shared their stories on the capitol steps, spoke to legislators caucusing on the floor, and generally had an unmissable presence in the State House all morning.
These advocates didn't just stand up, they spoke up, inspiring all with their passion and conviction. Connecting Youth is proud to amplify their voices, and we encourage you to join them in advocating for a healthier future!
Community Announcements
Shelburne Farmers Market Winter Ball
Join the Shelburne Community to dance and celebrate a great Farmers Market season with our first Winter Ball, held at Shelburne Town Hall on Sunday Feb 25, from 2-6pm. This is meant to be a wholesome and fun party for the community to dress up & get together, and kids are especially welcome!
It will be a great way to kick off winter break, and will be over in time for dinner and bedtime! If you went to our Costume Ball in October, you know this will be a ton of fun! We hope to see you there, and look forward to shaking off the winter blues with you!
Shelburne Farmers Market Winter Market
Please also join us each Saturday through March 30 from 10-2pm at Vermont Teddy Bear Factory for our weekly Winter Market! Every week there is great food and fine artisan vendors, as well as live music from high caliber musicians from 11-1. There is always seating for you to stay, eat, and enjoy the music! Remember that each dollar spent locally goes three times further in our community, and you uplift a real family when you shop their small business at a Farmers Market! We look forward to seeing you there on Saturday, and all the Saturdays that follow!
Magic the Gathering Card Game Club at Pierson Library!
When: Mondays, 3:30 to 4:30 PM, starting Feb 12
Where: Pierson Library
Calling all students interested in Magic the Gathering!
Do you currently play - or want to learn - Magic the Gathering?
You're invited to a casual Magic the Gathering card game hosted by an SCS family on Mondays at the library from 3:30-4:30pm.
The next one is planned for 2/12. All ages 10 and up are now welcome!
Snacks will be served, and we will have extra cards and can help learners.
A parent will be available to walk with kids to the library after school.
If you can, register ahead of time by calling Pierson Library at 802-985-5124. Otherwise, it's fine - you're welcome to just drop-in.
Hope to see you there!
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