November 25 - November 29, November break, no school

Thursday, December 5, FOCS meeting, 8 am

Click here for the ACSD 24-25 school year calendar.

And the weather changes fast these days. In order to go out to recess, students need:

• boots
• mittens or gloves
• hat
• coat

Ask your student to explain our "Dressing for the Weather" guide (and watch them roll their eyes).

Third graders are working on multiplication. Math fluency groups are practicing a variety of strategies to memorize times tables. Third graders also started using ratio tables to learn how to make a scale for graphs of favorite ice cream flavors and book genres.

In literacy and Inquiry, each student chose one past life form to research, and 5 research questions to answer. They are using Epic (an online library) and hard copy books to complete their research. Next week, they will create informational brochures about their past life form!

Aaaand, Ms. Bech failed to get any pictures of this! But check out the great pictures from some of our recent All School Meeting activities below!

Please join the Addison Central Special Education Parent Advisory Council (SEPAC) and Superintendent Wendy Baker to discuss the important topic of home-school communication for students that have IEPs and 504 plans. ACSD administrators are actively working on finding solutions that address the concerns of both families and school staff. If you have a student on an IEP or 504 plan, please join this conversation and help shape solutions moving forward. Your perspective and voice are important!

Wednesday, November 20th

6:00 – 7:30pm

MUHS library (virtual option: https://meet.google.com/gjk-ymhg-drj)

Learn more about the SEPAC at ​​https://www.addisoncentralsepac.org/.

Sign up for SEPAC updates here.

ACSD is working toward joint accreditation with the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC) and International Baccalaureate (IB). NEASC and IB are independent nonprofit organizations that support schools with best educational practices, guidance, and resources. They each offer their own process to evaluate schools. (Read more details here). Now we are in the assessment and evidence gathering phase of accreditation. We are seeking parent and community involvement! There are two main actions this year:

1. Evidence gathering: We will assess the ACSD community on 5 of NEASC’s Learning Principles. Our teachers and staff will submit evidence toward the 5 Learning Principles. Later this year we will also introduce opportunities for students, caregivers, and community members to submit evidence.

2. Learning Principle Teams. We will create 5 Learning Principle Teams made up of ACSD teachers, staff, students, parents, and community members. They will assess the evidence that is submitted and present back to the ACSD community how we are doing toward each standard. They will meet from December-April. All team members will be compensated $40/hr.

Many families have asked how they can help support our Cornwall community. Our counselors are seeking $25 gift cards to Shaw's, Hannaford, or TJ Maxx. You can put these in an envelope to give to Ms. Laurie.

• peanut butter crackers
• goldfish/cheese crackers
• single serve pretzels or crackers

November 25 - November 29, November break, no school

Thursday, December 5, FOCS meeting, 8 am

Click here for the ACSD 24-25 school year calendar.

And the weather changes fast these days. In order to go out to recess, students need:

• boots
• mittens or gloves
• hat
• coat

Ask your student to explain our "Dressing for the Weather" guide (and watch them roll their eyes).

Third graders are working on multiplication. Math fluency groups are practicing a variety of strategies to memorize times tables. Third graders also started using ratio tables to learn how to make a scale for graphs of favorite ice cream flavors and book genres.

In literacy and Inquiry, each student chose one past life form to research, and 5 research questions to answer. They are using Epic (an online library) and hard copy books to complete their research. Next week, they will create informational brochures about their past life form!

Aaaand, Ms. Bech failed to get any pictures of this! But check out the great pictures from some of our recent All School Meeting activities below!

Please join the Addison Central Special Education Parent Advisory Council (SEPAC) and Superintendent Wendy Baker to discuss the important topic of home-school communication for students that have IEPs and 504 plans. ACSD administrators are actively working on finding solutions that address the concerns of both families and school staff. If you have a student on an IEP or 504 plan, please join this conversation and help shape solutions moving forward. Your perspective and voice are important!

Wednesday, November 20th

6:00 – 7:30pm

MUHS library (virtual option: https://meet.google.com/gjk-ymhg-drj)

Learn more about the SEPAC at ​​https://www.addisoncentralsepac.org/.

Sign up for SEPAC updates here.

ACSD is working toward joint accreditation with the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC) and International Baccalaureate (IB). NEASC and IB are independent nonprofit organizations that support schools with best educational practices, guidance, and resources. They each offer their own process to evaluate schools. (Read more details here). Now we are in the assessment and evidence gathering phase of accreditation. We are seeking parent and community involvement! There are two main actions this year:

1. Evidence gathering: We will assess the ACSD community on 5 of NEASC’s Learning Principles. Our teachers and staff will submit evidence toward the 5 Learning Principles. Later this year we will also introduce opportunities for students, caregivers, and community members to submit evidence.

2. Learning Principle Teams. We will create 5 Learning Principle Teams made up of ACSD teachers, staff, students, parents, and community members. They will assess the evidence that is submitted and present back to the ACSD community how we are doing toward each standard. They will meet from December-April. All team members will be compensated $40/hr.

Many families have asked how they can help support our Cornwall community. Our counselors are seeking $25 gift cards to Shaw's, Hannaford, or TJ Maxx. You can put these in an envelope to give to Ms. Laurie.

• peanut butter crackers
• goldfish/cheese crackers
• single serve pretzels or crackers

Wednesday, November 13 Early Release (see schedule below)

November 25 - November 29, November break, no school

Thursday, December 5, FOCS meeting, 8 am

• Pickup at 12:50
• Buses leave 1:05 to 1:10

In order to go out to recess, students need:

• boots
• mittens or gloves
• hat
• coat

Wednesday, November 13 Early Release (see schedule below)

November 25 - November 29, November break, no school

Thursday, December 5, FOCS meeting, 8 am

Click here for the ACSD 24-25 school year calendar.

• Pickup at 12:50
• Buses leave 1:05 to 1:10

In order to go out to recess, students need:

• boots
• mittens or gloves
• hat
• coat

Ask your student to explain our "Dressing for the Weather" guide.

We're so grateful that our students had this opportunity!

By purchasing items, you are helping Friends of Cornwall School in their efforts to support:

• Back-To-School Picnic, Harvest Fest, Winter Craft Day, Muddy Buddy Challenge, All-Out-Day Lunch

• Teacher Appreciation Lunch, Teacher Grants

• After School Programs

• …and more!

Purchased items can be picked up at the Cornwall School on Dec. 16th from 7:30 to 8:30 a.m. and 2:30 to 3:30 p.m.

Order Today! Sale Ends Nov. 8th (here is the link to embed www.cornwall.bigcartel.com)

Many families have asked how they can help support our Cornwall community. Our counselors are seeking $25 gift cards to Shaw's, Hannaford, or TJ Maxx. You can put these in an envelope to give to Ms. Laurie.

• peanut butter crackers
• goldfish/cheese crackers
• cheese sticks
• single serve pretzels or crackers

Friday, November 1 Fall Conferences

Thursday, November 7 FOCS meeting, 8 am

Wednesday, November 13 Early Release

Click here for the ACSD 24-25 school year calendar.

If your family is participating in Halloween festivities, please keep the costume at home for the day. We're still working on staying cool, calm and collected as a study body on a regular day, without the addition of costumes.

• Classroom Teachers will reach out directly to families to schedule the fall conferences.
• If you have not heard from you classroom teacher, please contact them directly, call the school, or email Nadya nbech@acsdvt.org
• The purpose of the fall conference is to continue to build relationships between families and teachers and to update families on their student's progress.

In music class, students have been working to earn Music Star Points. Since the beginning of the year each class has been working on:

1. Participating mindfully

2. Having voices on and off at appropriate times

3. Respecting teachers, peers, and supplies

On Monday October 21st, every class earned over 18 stars to unlock the music games! One very popular game is Incredibox. To play this students drag and drop outfits onto the characters to create their own music. Here is the link to my musical website with many different musical games if you are interested in witnessing the wonderful music your children can make!

Fifth graders finished their poetry writing unit, participated in a slam poetry session in the library with Ms. Abby. They're now studying the persuasive essay and are currently working on a class piece where we are convincing an audience that e Cornwall School would benefit from having an ice rink.

They have been working hard on the project to develop a skating rink. They have written letters to possible mentors, designed fundraisers, developed a skating schedule, planned where equipment will be stored and have even considered how to get the school’s skates sharpened.

By purchasing items, you are helping Friends of Cornwall School in their efforts to support:

• Back-To-School Picnic, Harvest Fest, Winter Craft Day, Muddy Buddy Challenge, All-Out-Day Lunch

• Teacher Appreciation Lunch, Teacher Grants

• After School Programs

• …and more!

Purchased items can be picked up at the Cornwall School on Dec. 16th from 7:30 to 8:30 a.m. and 2:30 to 3:30 p.m.

Order Today! Sale Ends Nov. 8th (here is the link to embed www.cornwall.bigcartel.com)

Many families have asked how they can help support our Cornwall community. Our counselors are seeking $25 gift cards to Shaw's or Hannaford. You can put these in an envelope to give to Ms. Laurie.

• cheese crackers
• peanut butter crackers
• goldfish/cheese crackers
• Cheese sticks
• single serve pretzels or crackers

Dear Cornwall families,

The 5th graders are making a skating rink for their exhibition project and are trying to fundraise for materials. One of those ways is a money war.

What is a money war? A money war is a contest/challenge for your kids. There will be six jars, one in each class, the goal is to have the least amount of money in your jar but there is a twist. You can put money in other people's jars. The money war will start Wednesday, Oct, 30, 2024 and it will end Wednesday, Nov 20, 2024.

There will be prize: a gallon of Breyers ice cream that you can share with your class.

Sincerely,

5th Grade Class

It has been busy at Cornwall School in July! Here are a few highlights:

• Our summer four week summer program wrapped up this week. Throughout the program, our days were joyful and (mostly) calm, and our kids thrived. In the last week, I learned the term frass, and we all watched a monarch caterpillar spin its chrysalis in real time. You can see the wonder on our students' faces in the photo! A huge thanks to summer program teachers Val Calzini, Mindy Harvey, and Patricia Roeding for making this so successful for students.

• So much gardening! Thanks to the families who joined, our gardens look tended and happy. Shari Johnson from the UVM Master Gardener program has also been checking in regularly on our vegetable garden and harvesting the cukes and tomatoes to the delight of our summer program students.

• Full speed ahead planning for the school year. That list is too long and too boring to include here, but Cornwall families can be confident that this new principal is getting a huge amount of support and feeling up to the task.

I'm headed to the ACSD leadership retreat next week, and then on to a family vacation of my own. Cornwall staff will spend the week of August 19 getting ready for our students, and before we know it, they'll be here! We can't wait.

- Nadya

Annual forms (which everyone needs to fill out) will be mailed to families before school starts. Please make every effort to complete the forms before the first day of school and send them in with your child.

As you're planning for the school year, some reminders:

• The Cornwall School day starts at 7:50 am.
• To keep everyone safe, please do not drop your child off before 7:40; we do not have adult supervision before this time.

August 5-14, Cornwall School closed

August 26, First day for students

TBD, Back to School Night and FOCS Potluck. Stay tuned!

Click here for the ACSD 24-25 school year calendar.

Our flowers will be thirsty while we're gone for a few weeks. The flowers in the window boxes on either side of the building, as well as in the school sign planter out on the lawn--need water just about every day if it's hot. There's a watering can next to the front door and a hose at the front, hidden by the flower bed.

In prolonged hot weather, the beds along the south side of the school and the circular pollinator garden by the flag pole also could use a drink - there's a hose at the front for that purpose. Thanks!

Once school gets underway, there will be more opportunities to volunteer, such as chaperoning a field trip or providing transportation. ACSD has a sign-up process that ensures our students’ safety. For all the details on how to do that, see the ACSD website under Work With Us.

There are quite a few steps. Don't despair! Once you're in the system, it is much easier moving forward.

We love, and rely on, our substitute teachers! In addition to classroom substitutes, we need subs in the library, as paraprofessional classroom supports, and in our nurses offices. You can always say yes or no to days. You can sign up in advance for expected absences or receive a call for emergent needs.

To apply please visit this listing. If you have trouble with that link, please go to schoolspring.com and search for "Substitute" using the area code "05753".

Kids and teens under 18 can eat for free all summer at these locations:

• Mary Hogan Front School Entrance 11:00 - 12:30
• Middlebury Union Middle School 11:00 - 12:00
• Bridport Elementary Front Entrance 11:00-12:00

All meals are grab-and-go. For more information, click here.

Hello Cornwall School families,

I am including the message I sent out earlier this morning here in the newsletter as well so that hopefully all families will see it.

I have made the difficult decision to leave my principal position at the end of this school year.

From my first day at Cornwall, I was welcomed into a positive, caring, and thoughtful community. I appreciate the people I have worked with, from students to families to teachers and staff, and I will miss the waves and greetings each morning. I look forward to running into you while out and about.

The district will be posting the position in the very near future.

There is A LOT in this week's newsletter so please read on.

I hope you all have a great weekend!

Warmly,

Heather

Students have created questions related to the United Nations Sustainability goals and have taken on a major research project referred to as Exhibition. The students will share their learning with the Cornwall School community next month on May 7. The project is designed to showcase and celebrate the learner's skills, abilities and approaches to learning.

We have been reading a book titled "I am Malala" to better understand global challenges and how citizens can stand up and even take action against injustice. As we read the book we continue to have discussions related to how courageous Malala was when faced with adversity.

In math, we have recently completed a unit focusing on multiplication and division strategies. The students now have a variety of techniques to solve problems depending on the numbers that are involved. You could ask your child about some of the strategies that they have practiced.

Cirkus Smirkus was scheduled to be here at school all of next week as an artist in residence. With school being closed on Monday, April 8, Cirkus Smirkus has kindly offered to come to Cornwall School the following week from April 15-April 19. All classes will have the opportunity to participate in activities.

I will share more information about Cirkus Smirkus next week.

We are planning for our classes next year to all be stand-alone classes. Teachers for each grade level will be as follows:

Kindergarten - Val Calzini (Mrs. C)

First Grade - Wendy Taylor (Ms. Taylor)

Second Grade - Sarah Trudo (Mrs. Trudo)

Third Grade - Mindy Harvey (Ms. Harvey)

Fourth Grade - Kerry Burns-Collins (Ms. Burns-Collins)

Fifth Grade - Andrew Hirsch (Mr. Hirsch)

If enrollment changes over the summer, it is possible that classes will be shifted a little bit to accommodate those changes.

If you have been to the front door or in the building recently, you may have noticed signs and posters explaining some action projects that 4th and 5th graders are working on as part of their Exhibition project.

Some students have been asking me to share information with families through the newsetter as well. Here is the first!

Dear Cornwall Families,

The Burns-Collins 4/5 class is having a donation for Homeward Bound so the animals will have more toys,food,treats,medicine,and more. The 4/5 class has put out boxes for you to put food, toys, medicine, and more.

Sincerely,

Burns-Collins 4/5 class

We are going to determine the date for 5th grade promotion either once the last day of school is confirmed or before April break, whichever comes first. We will be sure to let you know as soon as the date and time have been scheduled.

THE GRIFT’S JUKEBOX JUBILEE! Friday, APRIL 12 AT 7:00 PM.

Enjoy a fun evening out for a fabulous cause! The Grift's Clint Bierman will be putting together a group of outstanding musicians...and YOU get to pick what they play! The audience will choose from hundreds of songs in their extensive catalogue; the songs with the highest bids throughout the evening will be played by the band. Bring your dancing shoes, wallet and competitive spirit! All proceeds go to the revival of an educational end-of-year trip for 8th graders in our community.

Friday, April 12 :: Notte :: $20 Advanced Ticket :: Dine & Mingle 7pm :: Music 8-10pm
Follow this link THE GRIFT'S JUKEBOX JUBILEE to purchase tickets.

• 4/8/24 NO SCHOOL - Solar Eclipse
• 4/15/24-4/19/24 Cirkus Smirkus, Artist in Residence at Cornwall School
• 4/18/24 Bingo Night, our second one!
• 4/22/24-4/26/24 NO SCHOOL, April break
• 5/1/24 Early Release Day, Incoming Kindergarten Visit
• 5/7/24 Exhibition, grades 4 and 5

Sometimes there are changes to the school menu. You can always click here to find the latest one.

Hello Cornwall School families,

I learned that some families did not receive the last newsletter that was sent out on March, so I am repeating some information that is still timely this week. If you don't receive the newsletter on a Friday, please let the school know. And, did you know that you may also access newsletters, including past ones, on the Cornwall School and ACSD websites?

This week, we were fortunate to be able to welcome an MUHS student, Gabe Schmitt, who read the book Not Your Typical Dragon to grades K-2. He also talked about the message of the book and how it relates to him personally, and he took some questions and comments from the students. Thank you to Gabe for visiting and sharing!

This week's highlights includes a message from our school counselor, Tammie Johnson, and some news about the traveling eclipse exhibit students experienced in recent weeks.

There is also information regarding Celebrate Neurodiversity week, conference info, and more!

I hope you all have a great weekend!

Warmly,

Heather

As part of the updated progress reporting system, the spring parent-teacher conference window opened March 22. The goal of this conference is to be in person, as teachers plan to share student work and current progress toward the standards.

Cornwall students had the opportunity to learn about the upcoming Solar Eclipse happening in our region on Monday, April 8th. Amy Clapp, of Salisbury Elementary School, wrote a grant to bring a traveling exhibit from ECHO Science Center to all of the students in ACSD. With the help of teachers, Abby Adams and Kate Cunningham, we explored hands-on models of the eclipse and various aspects of the science of our solar system. Among those tools were solar eclipse glasses, a projection telescope, and solar binoculars. In addition, students learned about the importance of protecting their eyes and vision during eclipse viewing by using appropriate tools. Every student in ACSD will receive a pair of solar eclipse glasses to keep the week before the solar eclipse.

Beginning March 18, our schools have beenecelebrating neurodiversity in our community. Neurodiversity refers to the biological fact that everyone has a uniquely wired brain and their own way of thinking, learning, and experiencing the world. Learn more at https://www.neurodiversityweek.com/introduction!

At Cornwall School, we plan to celebrate in the way that fits each classroom the best. It’s a great fit with our school counselor Tammie Johnson's unit, on being “unique and unified” (see above).

Our librarian Abby Adams is putting together a special book display next week on the theme of celebrating neurodiveristy, and FOCS and SEPAC have teamed up to bring us color posters and a comic book about neurodiversity. Third grade teacher Mindy Harvey organized and shared activities with teachers to choose from to do with their classes, and we are also inviting a special guest from the high school to share his experience with us on March 25th. He will be meeting with the younger students and is planning to share a book called Not Your Typical Dragon.

During All School Meeting this week, we will break into groups to discuss what we have learned using circles and book talk formats, and next week with buddy classes, we will share our learning.

• 4/3/24 Early Release Day
• 4/4/24 FOCS meeting, 8am, in school library
• 4/8/24 Solar Eclipse, Early Release
• 4/8/24-4/12/24 Circus Smirkus, Artist in Residence at Cornwall School
• 4/18/24 Bingo Night, our second one!
• 4/22/24-4/26/24 NO SCHOOL, April break
• 5/1/24 Early Release Day, Incoming Kindergarten Visit
• 5/7/24 Exhibition, grades 4 and 5

Sometimes there are changes to the school menu. You can always click here to find the latest one.

Hello Cornwall School families,

This week's highlights includes a message from our school counselor, Tammie Johnson, and some news about the traveling eclipse exhibit students experienced this week.

There is also information regarding Celebrate Neurodiversity week, a showing of the film Screenagers, conference info, and more!

I hope you all have a great weekend!

Warmly,

Heather

As part of the updated progress reporting system, the spring parent-teacher conference window opens March 22. The goal of this conference is to be in person, as teachers plan to share student work and current progress toward the standards.

This week, Cornwall students had the opportunity to learn about the upcoming Solar Eclipse happening in our region on Monday, April 8th. Amy Clapp, of Salisbury Elementary School, wrote a grant to bring a traveling exhibit from ECHO Science Center to all of the students in ACSD. With the help of teachers, Abby Adams and Kate Cunningham, we explored hands-on models of the eclipse and various aspects of the science of our solar system. Among those tools were solar eclipse glasses, a projection telescope, and solar binoculars. In addition, students learned about the importance of protecting thier eyes and vision during eclipse viewing by using appropriate tools. Every student in ACSD will receive a pair of solar eclipse glasses to keep the week before the solar eclipse.

Beginning next week, our schools will be celebrating neurodiversity in our community. Neurodiversity refers to the biological fact that everyone has a uniquely wired brain and their own way of thinking, learning, and experiencing the world. Learn more at https://www.neurodiversityweek.com/introduction! SEPAC also invites you to connect with them through the SEPAC website and join them for two upcoming events:

• Neurodiversity Celebration Night
  Marquis Theater Cafe (65 Main St, Middlebury)
  March 20th, 5:30-7:00 pm

• Shine a Light on Neurodiversity in ACSD

ACSD School Board Meeting (208 Charles Ave, Middlebury)

March 25th, 6:30pm

At Cornwall School, we plan to celebrate in the way that fits each classroom the best. It’s a great fit with our school counselor Tammie Johnson's unit, on being “unique and unified” (see above).

Our librarian Abby Adams is putting together a special book display next week on the theme of celebrating neurodiveristy, and FOCS and SEPAC have teamed up to bring us color posters and a comic book about neurodiversity. Third grade teacher Mindy Harvey organized and shared activities with teachers to choose from to do with their classes, and we are also inviting a special guest from the high school to share his experience with us on March 25th. He will be meeting with the younger students and is planning to share a book called Not Your Typical Dragon.

here will be local counselors available to answer questions following the movie! Please use the attached visual!

Free viewing of "Screenagers Next Chapter: Addressing Mental Health in the Digital Age" by filmmaker and physician Delaney Rushton on March 19th at 6:30pm in the auditorium at MUHS.

• 3/18/24 VTCAP state testing starts at Cornwall School (see info above)
• 3/19/24 6:30-8:30 Screenagers Film, MUHS Auditorium
• 3/22/24 NO SCHOOL, Parent-Teacher Conferences
• 4/3/24 Early Release Day
• 4/8/24 Solare Eclipse, Early Release
• 4/8/24-4/12/24 Circus Smirkus, Artiist in Residence at Cornwall School

Sometimes there are changes to the school menu. You can always click here to find the latest one.

Hello Cornwall School families,

I saw lots of smiles outside on this sunny morning. It's amazing the difference a little sunshine makes!

There is a lot included in this week's newsletter - an update from Ms. Burns-Collins plus information about parent-teacher conferences, a showing of Screenagers, preschool enrollment, and more!

Also, please remember that tonight is movie night, starting at 6pm.

I hope you all have a great weekend!

Warmly,

Heather

We have been busy finishing up our IB unit, “How We Express Ourselves” and simultaneously starting our fifth IB unit, “How We Organize Ourselves.” The culminating assignments for the former are twofold. Students wrote a five paragraph essay exploring something that they wanted to learn about in terms of how the environment is affected by either the materials used in the production or the making of the product. Another lens students looked through was about if people are harmed in the making of the product. Students, working in groups were assigned three different Greek myths and they had to read it and then produce either a poster or through a play the explanation of the myth to their classmates. Lastly, after studying how the ancient Greeks expressed themselves, devised their own explanation for how something in nature occurs, see following pictures of back bulletin board.

For our March Number Corner, we are currently conducting an experiment using pencils. Every student got a brand new pencil on Monday. They measure the pencils using both the standard measurement (inches) and the metric system using centimeters. Each Monday of this month, we will measure the same pencil and keep track of the rate of our use. At the end of the month, we will then graph our results.

As part of the updated progress reporting system, the spring parent-teacher conference window opens March 22. The goal of this conference is to be in person, as teachers plan to share student work and current progress toward the standards. If they haven't already, your child's teacher will be reaching out in the near future with a conference schedule.

here will be local counselors available to answer questions following the movie! Please use the attached visual!

Free viewing of "Screenagers Next Chapter: Addressing Mental Health in the Digital Age" by filmmaker and physician Delaney Rushton on March 19th at 6:30pm in the auditorium at MUHS.

Remember, Monday April 8th, is an early release day due to the eclipse (this is in addition to the scheduled early release day on April 3rd). Every ACSD student will receive eclipse glasses. Visit our eclipse web page to learn more about what your students may be doing at school and activities to try at home!

For eclipse-specific traffic and weather updates, VT Emergency Management is offering a text update system. Text VTECLIPSE to 888777.

FOCS is excited to have Andrew Ritter returning this spring to offer StoryProv for Grades 2 - 5! The fall class had a ton of fun. See pictures below!

The class will run Tuesdays, 3/12 - 4/16 from 3:00 - 4:05 at Cornwall Town Hall, where the bus will drop kids off.

Please register by Friday, March 8. Here is the registration link:

https://form.jotform.com/240564024555150

STORYPROV II (2-5) - This theater based class combines the fields of improvisation for the stage with stories and storytelling. Students will engage in a variety of interactive games & exercises while also learning and reinforcing the fundamental aspects of creating a story. The students will also be introduced to a variety of theatrical concepts like staging, voice, give and take of focus, character creation and listening. Using real stories as inspiration, the ensemble will ultimately learn how to make up a collaborative story on the spot and may give an informal presentation on the last day of class.

What: Cornwall Movie Night!

Who: Cornwall students and siblings

When: Friday March 8th at 6pm

Where: Cornwall School Multi-purpose Room

*Each child needs a supervising adult

• 3/8/24 6pm Movie Night (see info above)
• 3/18/24 VTCAP state testing starts at Cornwall School (see info above)
• 3/19/24 6:30-8:30 Screenagers Film, MUHS Auditorium
• 3/22/24 NO SCHOOL, Parent-Teacher Conferences

Sometimes there are changes to the school menu. You can always click here to find the latest one.

Hello Cornwall School families,

This week's newsletter includes a third grade class highlight as well as some information about a new after school opportunity as well as movie night.

I hope you all have a great weekend!

Warmly,

Heather

Third graders recently shared their slideshows with other classes, impressing many with their technological expertise and knowledge of their chosen research subject. They read their slideshows to kindergarteners and showed 4th and 5th graders how to navigate through the experience on their own. It was very impressive!

In math we managed to wrap up our unit on adding, subtracting, and writing large numbers. Students showed their skills with several different addition and subtraction strategies, as well as rounding and writing equations.

In word work we’re working on the concept of “schwa” in English. Many words have schwa on unaccented syllables - a vowel that doesn’t have its normal sound. For example, ask your child to identify the schwa in words like: camel, wagon, lemon, seven.

In Inquiry we are studying ecosystems and the creatures within them. We’ll specifically be looking at how balance in an ecosystem helps organisms survive. Our main case study will be Yellowstone National Park and what happened when the wolves were first hunted to extinction, and then reintroduced many years later.

Town Meeting Breakfast

Saturday, March 2, 2024

8:30-9:45am

at Cornwall School

Town Meeting follows at 10am

FOCS is excited to have Andrew Ritter returning this spring to offer StoryProv for Grades 2 - 5! The fall class had a ton of fun. See pictures below!

The class will run Tuesdays, 3/12 - 4/16 from 3:00 - 4:05 at Cornwall Town Hall, where the bus will drop kids off.

Please register by Friday, March 8. Here is the registration link:

https://form.jotform.com/240564024555150

STORYPROV II (2-5) - This theater based class combines the fields of improvisation for the stage with stories and storytelling. Students will engage in a variety of interactive games & exercises while also learning and reinforcing the fundamental aspects of creating a story. The students will also be introduced to a variety of theatrical concepts like staging, voice, give and take of focus, character creation and listening. Using real stories as inspiration, the ensemble will ultimately learn how to make up a collaborative story on the spot and may give an informal presentation on the last day of class.

What: Cornwall Movie Night!

Who: Cornwall students and siblings

When: Friday March 8th at 6pm

Where: Cornwall School Multi-purpose Room

*Each child needs a supervising adult

Get ready...a total eclipse is coming to Vermont on April 8, 2024! What you need to know:

• April 8, 2024 will be an early release day! We will end school early because parts of our district will be in totality (darkness) around 3:30pm and Route 7 is expected to be busy with tourists visiting our area for the eclipse. We will follow our usual early release schedule.
• Salisbury 4th grade teacher, Amy Clapp is leading the way in partnership with colleagues across our schools to plan fun eclipse activities for our PK-12 students leading up to the eclipse. Check upcoming principal newsletters for more details about activities students will be doing at school and things we to do at home.
• We have eclipse glasses for every ACSD student! These will come home closer to the event. Thanks to our Salisbury students for modeling them!

• 3/2/24 Town Meeting Breakfast and Town Meeting
• 3/5/24 Early Release Day, school dismissed at 1:05pm
• 3/7/24 8am FOCS meeting in school library
• 3/8/24 Movie Night at Cornwall School

Sometimes there are changes to the school menu. You can always click here to find the latest one.

Hello Cornwall School Families,

One of the highlights this week was visiting the grade 4/5 Diorama Museum! Classes were invited to a gallery walk, and students presented the messages and stories of the dioramas they had made.

Read on for information on Bingo and equity work, a class highlight, an update from the nurse, and an invitation regarding girls' hockey.

Have a great weekend,

Heather

First grade has been growing our skills for 100 school days! One of the most exciting developments these past few weeks has been our introduction to computers. Our librarian, Ms. Abby, taught us about passwords, logins, clicking, scrolling, and searching. We now have the skills to get to Epic Books and find informational texts about our favorite animals! Each student is researching an animal to add a fact about their adaptations to a class book.

Dear Families,

It’s Bingo time again! On February 15th, the fourth and fifth grade students will be hosting an evening filled with bingo games from 5:30 to 7:00 P.M. to help raise money for spring field trips. There are three ways to get involved with this fundraiser.

We are in need of prizes. The prizes can be items in new condition that you already have and are willing to “regift,” items that you purchase yourself, or the prizes can be donations from local businesses. Past prizes have included everything from a gallon of chocolate milk, a movie certificate from the local theater, to a soccer ball. Feel free to get creative with the prizes.The prizes can be brought into classroom teachers any time before the event.

The second way to get involved is to bake a treat to be sold at the concession stand. Think cookies, brownies, and cupcakes.

Lastly, you are needed to come play and test your luck! We look forward to seeing you on February 15th and, of course, do not hesitate to ask questions.

Thanks for your support,

Kerry and Andrew

This year, ACSD is partnering with Dr. Rebecca Eunmi Haslam of Seed the Way LLC to advance our commitment to equity and justice. Dr. Haslam’s focus is on understanding the impact of racial and bias-based harm in our schools. Her work is designed to inform ACSD’s policy and procedures, increase more inclusive classroom practices, and leverage decision-making in meaningful ways. We hope this work will increase the restorative and reparative experiences for students, staff, and faculty in the ACSD community.

Dr. Haslam has completed the first phase of her work at MUMS and MUHS which included meeting with students and staff directly. She is now set to begin phase two which will focus on students and staff in ACSD’s elementary schools. The complete announcement and plan for phase two will be shared with all ACSD K-5 families in March, with a phase two completion date of June 30th. Please be on the lookout for the invitation to participate in this work.

Upon completion of both phases, Dr. Haslam will share findings with incoming Superintendent Dr. Wendy Baker in preparation for ACSD’s implementation of the ACSD Strategic Plan for Equity.

Dear Parents/Guardians,

As we prepare for February break, it’s time for a reminder about head lice! The American Academy of Pediatrics suggests that parents are the first line of defense when it comes to head lice and we want to help empower our families to be just that. If you are informed, you can help identify and manage lice.

It is important to note that head lice are not a health hazard or a sign of poor hygiene and are not responsible for the spread of any disease. With information and education, we reduce the spread of lice and demystify the stigma around it. We hope to prevent children and families from being ostracized from their schools, friends, and other social events.

What are head lice?

Head lice are tiny, wingless insects that live close to the human scalp. The eggs, also called nits, are tiny, teardrop shaped eggs that attach to the hair shaft. Nits often appear yellowish or white and can look like dandruff that cannot be removed or brushed off. The nymph, or baby louse, is small and grows to adult size in one to two weeks. The adult louse is the size of a sesame seed and appears tan to grayish-white. An itchy and inflamed scalp is a common symptom of lice; however, it may take 4-6 weeks to develop this sensitivity reaction to the louse saliva. Louse eggs are incubated by body heat and will survive less than 1 day if away from the scalp.

Who is affected by head lice?

All socio-economic groups are affected by lice. Neither hair length, cleanliness, frequent brushing, nor shampooing influence its prevalence. Pets do not play a role in the transmission of human lice. Infestations can occur at home, school, or in the community. Lice move by crawling. They do not hop, jump, or fly. Therefore, head lice are mostly spread by direct head-to-head contact.

How can I help prevent lice?

Classroom transmission is low; however, it helps to teach kids not to share personal items such as combs, brushes, or hats and to limit or avoid head-to-head contact with other students. Parents should check their child’s head for lice regularly and when the child displays symptoms.

What to do if an infestation occurs?

If you think your child has head lice, it is important to talk to a healthcare provider to discuss the best treatment approach for your family. It is not necessary to keep your child home from school; but, educating your child on refraining from head-to-head contact is important. It is prudent to check other family members and treat if they are found to have live lice.

Our Role at School

Our goal is to educate and inform families. We will send periodic information such as this and welcome questions from families. During the school day, we will only check students that have demonstrated symptoms and the parent requests a screening. If your child is found to have lice, they will remain in school and we will talk with them about avoiding head-to-head contact and not sharing personal belongings. The school nurse will contact you via phone and/or letter to inform you that lice/nits were found and suggest you call your healthcare provider to discuss treatment options. No one other than you will be contacted. As there is no public health threat associated with lice, confidentiality is one of our main goals and will be maintained at all times.

As your school nurse, I want to provide you with the information you need to safeguard your child and pave the way for a continued healthy school year. Useful, family friendly lice information from the American Academy of Pediatrics can be found here. I hope you find this information helpful. Please do not hesitate to call with questions.

Sincerely,

H. Jones, BSN, RN, NCSN

ACSD School Nurse for Salisbury/Cornwall/Ripton

• 2/5-2/16/24 Kids Heart Challenge
• 2/12/24 6:30 (6:00 call) Elementary School band concert at Salisbury Community School
• 2/15/24 Skiing at Rikert
• 2/15/24 6-7:30pm Bingo Night (a KEEC/field trip fundraiser)
• 2/16/24 11-11:30am Band Concert at Cornwall School, families invited
• 2/19-2/23/24 NO SCHOOL, February Break
• 2/26/24 School resumes
• 3/1/24 NO SCHOOL - Teacher Inservice

Sometimes there are changes to the school menu. You can always click here to find the latest one.

Dear Cornwall Families,

Happy New Year! We both hope that everyone had wonderful Winter Breaks, and that those who celebrated holidays enjoyed them immensely and got to enjoy meaningful time with family and friends. And we also hope any children who stayed up for the ball drop are getting a chance to recharge!

This newsletter isn't meant to be long, but is just to let folks know about any major upcoming things. As is typical for early January, there aren't too many, as December often dominates the planning this time of year. Still, we are looking forward to an all-school meeting on the 5th, and teachers are working away on finishing up progress reports and starting to schedule Parent-Teacher conferences (see below!). It may well be that we have missed a few events (in our short-time ignorance), so if we missed any we will surely inform you all in follow-up communications.

One question that we are sure folks have is about the timing of our acting principalships. The answer is that we are happily planning for the next three weeks or so, but also remain ready, willing, and able to make adjustments as needed. We are fully supportive of Heather and stand at the ready to help, and continue to help, in any way possible. We also know everyone at Cornwall misses her and can't wait to see her!

Please read below to learn more about what's going on at Cornwall School. And have a great week!

- Bjarki and Mike

Friday, January 5th: Sign-up deadline for afterschool Taekwondo and Ballet (see below)

Friday, January 12th: Progress reports mailed home

Monday, January 15th: Martin Luther King Jr. Day (No School)

Tuesday, January 16th: Teacher Professional Development- No School