The week ends closer to home with Hogback Day. At this writing perfect weather is predicted. The view from the fire tower will be amazing. Check with your child to hear about the day’s activities – from hiking to kite making. Hearty thanks to Carol Berner and Patrick Johnson for planning the day and to the following activity leaders from the community: Lexis Atsalis-Gogel, Raven & Kate Averill, Mike Clough, Ron LaBrusciano, Mike Purcell, Dan Macarthur, and our own Jen O’Donnell & Patrick Johnson.

Our small school provides the opportunity to know our students very well and to plan learning with each child in mind. On Wednesday afternoon we did just that. We reviewed progress and needs of students and thought about how we can best address these next year. Erik, Christine, and Yvonne plan closely with teachers so that they can support students in the classroom as well as work with them individually and in small groups. It’s important that schedules enable them to be in classrooms during math and reading. This means that classroom teachers must also work together as they plan schedules so that everyone isn’t teaching the same subject at the same time. We got a good start on this on Wednesday.

Over the past month the 7th grade has gained and lost a student. Please join me in wishing Josh all the best at Leland and Gray and in welcoming Tom to MES.

For the past two months Julia Hampton, Julianne Mills, and Pam Burke have been running and walking and cheering on the girls in 3^rd-5^th grade. The culmination of all their work is the Girls On the Run 5k race/walk this Saturday at BUHS. Good luck, girls!

Francie

Now we launch into the last month of school. We’re all looking forward to Teacher Appreciation Week. Wednesday will be an early release day for students. Teachers will meet to begin planning for next year and to look at students’ progress over this year.

On Friday, our 3^rd annual Hogback Day takes place from 9-1. Carol Berner and Patrick Johnson have planned a full day of activities from kite making and flying to hiking the fire tower. Please be sure to send your child with sturdy walking shoes, water, lunch, and sunscreen. It’s also likely to be cooler and windier there, so extra layers are good.

Off we go!

Francie

On Wednesday we visited the world famous Monteverde Cloud Forest, toured the Bat Jungle, a creation of bat researcher, Richard Laval, enjoyed ice cream from the local cheese factory, climbed a strangler fig tree, and went on a night hike at the Ecolodge San Luis where we’re staying. Thursday morning began with pre-breakfast bird watching and cow milking (yes, by hand!) and was followed by touring a local coffee farm and coffee roaster, as well as planting trees to offset our carbon emissions.

By the time we return next Wednesday, we’ll have many more adventures under our belts and will look forward to sharing them all with you!

Many thanks to Carie Kowalski for pulling together our Green Up outing at Hogback on Monday. What an excellent way for the students to give back to the Marlboro community and to take responsibility and stewardship for a place where we can learn and play. I saw the picture in the Reformer online. Way to go!

Congratulations to Rose for a successful evaluation of Marlboro Ventures by the state department of education. We are so lucky to have this grant for high quality after school activities. The final session is up and running. Have fun!

I’m able to stay in touch via e-mail and am glad to know that the week is going well. Thanks to the wonderful staff for keeping everything on track and to your children for engaging so positively in the serious business of school.

Francie

Today was an especially lively Sing! We were treated to a performance by the Ventures group that is learning American Sign Language, a poem with an unusual perspective on the sinking of the Titanic recited by Gussie Bartlett, and a stick dance by the staff (with Kate Morgan’s guidance).

Thank you, parents, for your commitment to your children’s social and emotional development. You are demonstrating this commitment in a variety of ways.

A group of parents met twice to discuss school social climate and wrote a letter with their thoughts for me and the Social Climate committee. As a result, parents are invited to come to school at recess to gain a better understanding of what goes on during this important time and how it is supervised. Thank you to P’tricia Wyse, Sara Kazemi, and Kate Morgan for joining us this week. Please let me know if you’d like to come, too.

Another group, Growing Pains organized by Jess Weitz, has started to meet monthly to read about and discuss parenting issues. On Tuesday they discussed friendship and next month, on May 8, they will talk about puberty. Contact Jess (jessweitz72@gmail.com) for more information.

In response to concerns arising in the 5^th and 6^th grade classes, Tom Hudak and I are sponsoring a parent meeting for those classes on Monday, April 16 at 7pm in the library. We’ll share information about early adolescent social development, social bullying, and how the school works with these issues. There will also be time for parents to share concerns and ask questions.

Thanks for all you do.

Francie

Elissa, Spanish teacher, and Kate, Rhythms teacher, are also planning to show you the learning that takes place in their classes. They will be in the Library with demonstrations running throughout the evening.

When you arrive, our River of Words art installation will greet you in the front hall. Artist Christine Destrempes worked with students on Tuesday to raise their awareness about the importance of abundant, clean water and to ask them to contribute to this piece of public art. You will have the opportunity to contribute, too. Torn paper and a variety of markers and pens will be available for you to compose a poem, picture, or word splash about the importance of water. Christine will take all of our work and incorporate it into a gigantic display. Here’s a “composite” poem created by the 3rd/4th grade class.

3^rd / 4^th Grade Water Poem

Ever flowing.  Ever moving.

All the water in the world

is all the water in the world.

Water needs us.

We need the water and the environment.

All the water in the world

Is all the water in the world.

Oceans.

Health, Relaxation, Memories, Food,

Adventures and Life.  That’s what

water gives me.

So precious.

See you Wednesday!    Francie

How was your conference?  I bet you learned a lot about what your child is up to and I hope you enjoyed this opportunity for your child to shine.  A big shout out to Junior High students Bridger, Nick, Grace, Isobel, Mitchell, and Roshika for helping out with childcare.  If you didn’t have a chance to make a donation to their trip to Costa Rica, it’s not too late!

Art for Water – Next Tuesday your children will participate in this exciting event!  Artist Christine Destrempes will be here to work with all classes on an installation on water and all the ways in which it’s essential.  As she says, “Art for Water projects educate and promote creative self-expression, collaboration, and activism.”  Please stop by during the day if you’d like to see this in action and look forward to seeing the installation at the Learning Fair.  You’ll have the opportunity to add to it!

By the time you read the one and only Jacksonville Blues Band, led by parent Greg Burnell, will have performed for us.  Ask your child for a review!

See you tonight at Family Bingo Night!

On Wednesday, April 11 at the Learning Fair you’ll have the opportunity to see what’s going on in all the classrooms.  Students will be your hosts and find fun ways to share with and engage you in learning.

The lovely, warm weather has made it a little easier to survive the muddy roads.  Thankfully, they’re drying up and next week’s bus runs should be back to normal.  The playground is a lively place these days.  With the soccer field dried up soccer, football, baseball, and Frisbee are in full swing.  Four Square and basketball are popular on the blacktop.  Appreciations at Sing this morning included Max (Junior High) appreciating David’s class for donating the proceeds from their dance to new basketball nets.  No longer does the ball get stuck as it goes through!

Much of social learning takes place at recess and this week Four Square is providing the opportunity for a lot of learning.  What to do when you don’t agree on the rules?  One person calls the ball out while another says it’s in.  Students give one player a “re-do” but don’t extend the same opportunity to another.  The ball gets served harder to some than to others.  It seems that a player tries to keep her/his friend “in” while trying hard to put someone else out.  These issues can create hard feelings!  Isn’t the goal to have fun?  Zev tells me that they’ve made progress and kids are agreeing about the rules and asking someone to referee, if needed.  All players are talking about how it went in after recess reviews.  Thanks to Matt who has been keeping a special eye on this game!

One more week of the March Reading Challenge!  Pam is hosting a special lunch today for students who read the Red Clover books.  There are pictures up all over school of students who were “caught reading”.  Next Friday evening P&F will host a Family Bingo Night as a fun alternative to screen time.

We’re getting so used to the mud that we didn’t even sing our favorite mud song this morning. We were treated to some other wonderful presentations. Jen’s class shared their staff carving skills – yes, that’s right, there were knives at All School Sing. Be assured there was close supervision – and their “upside down skills” which included tumbling and breakdancing. Lindsey and Charley, accompanied by Mia on the keyboard, sang “Don’t You Worry About a Thing”. Then Frida, Sequoyah, Brite, and Ellie read book reviews to keep all of us on track with our March Reading Challenge.

More and more students are asking to perform at Sing. This is such an excellent demonstration of competence and self-confidence. And this comes only with passion, practice, and commitment. Well done!

There are still many empty slots for Student Led Conferences. Please call Gail to reserve your time. The Junior High students will provide childcare for at least part of the day. Please let Gail know if you will need this.

Francie

When I arrived at Town Meeting on Tuesday I was greeted by Junior High students, Max, Cody, KJ, Quinn, and Mitchell and parent, Polli Moryl all standing behind a table laden with delicious baked goods and nice hot coffee.  Later in the morning, Roshika could be found selling raffle tickets for the beautiful rustic benches the students are making.  This scene also greeted all the townspeople on their way to vote on the school budget and it made a great impression.  The students raised money for their trip to Costa Rica and the school budget passed easily.

A number of families brought students to Town Meeting.  Needless to say, a room full of adults talking for 4 hours might not seem exciting and the kids were well prepared with – you guessed it!  Books to read and paper for writing and drawing.  Whatever their experience, they understood that the adults around them were making important decisions that affect us all.  Such an excellent lesson in democracy.

Back at school last week, David Holzapfel’s class performed magnificent Greek shadow puppet plays, written and created by the students with the creative assistance of Linda Whelihan, art teacher.

Next Friday you are invited to a school event!  Harp and Soul, a trio from the Vermont Symphony Orchestra will perform at 12:30.  Student Led Conferences on March 26 – sign ups coming soon!

Francie

Skater Broden is excited that she learned to skate backwards with the help of teacher Jude Rondeau.  Thanks to chaperones Tom Hudak, Heather Estrella, Lisa Hecht, David Kuhn, Saint Rosner, and Brian McNeice.

Cross country skier Eliza skied all the trails at Timber Creek except for one and  Malachi learned a lot, including how to use “duck feet” to go uphill.  Thank you to chaperones Adam Gebb, Gretchen Webber, P’tricia Wyse, and Paula Lavender!

Alice participated in Fire and Stone and she’s very proud to have learned how to start a fire using only natural materials – no matches!  Thank you to Patrick Johnson for leading this and to assistants Jeff Burt, Liz Casarella, Kristina Weeks, Lexi, and Hal Himmelstein.

Downhill skiers Forrest, Jordan, and Ben reported that they never would’ve learned to do “twirlies” or ski backwards without the small group ski lessons at Mt. Snow.  Snowboarders Shane, Leander, Charley, and Olivia agreed and added that they learned how to “ollie” and do 360’s on the ground.  Thank you to coordinator Rob Shapiro and chaperones, Carol Brooke de-Bock, Yvonne Laseter, Carie Kowalski, Jen Carr, Jess Weitz, and Julianne Mills.

Teachers helped out quite a bit, too, but also greatly appreciated the extra time to meet with each other, have conversations that require time and attention, and prepare lessons for the weeks ahead.

And many thanks to our bus drivers, Jackie, Gail, and Laura.

Coming up!  On March 16 at 12:30 Harp and Soul, a trio from the Vermont Symphony Orchestra, will perform in the Outback.  This concert is a special benefit for schools affected by Tropical Storm Irene and we are very pleased to welcome them.  You are invited!

On Sunday, March 18, the Deerfield Valley Rotary is sponsoring a Tube-a-Thon at Mt. Snow as a way of having fun and raising funds for local schools.  Please take a look at the attached materials.  We suggest taking a pledge sheet to work as a way of helping your child gather pledges. We will use all funds raised through this for the Junior High trip to Costa Rica.  We hope to make it part of what we do every year so your child can look forward to having support when s/he reaches the Junior High.

Next Friday, March 9 Parent Coffee after Sing.  Please join me!  And, if I don’t see you there, maybe I’ll see you at the Basketball Jamboree that evening.

Francie

At Sing today Erica’s class had Open Mike and they entertained and educated us in a variety of ways.  Leander, Shane, Daniel, and Cyrus presented a book review of Origami Yoda, a DCF book.  We learned about beets, our veggie of the month, through a skit by Broden, Makenna, Siena, Sloan, Olivia, and Samantha.  Forrest, Jordan, and Malachi showed us the huge ball of finger knitting that they are submitting to the book of records being put together by Matt’s class.  Finally, Ben and Malachi explained that they have bottle cap collection and are hoping to gather 1,000 bottle caps to help them as they learn about big numbers.  So, please send in your bottle caps!

It’s exciting to see parents getting together to support each other in the awesome task of parenting.  Please see Jess Weitz’s note in the announcements.  Mr H is suggesting resources for this group to use.

Speaking of Mr. H – ask your kindergarten – 4^th grader about the “Feelometer”.  Mr. H developed this as a way for children to identify and talk about their feelings.  The feelometer goes from a cold blue representing sad or scared to light blue for worried or disappointed to green blue for hurt or lonely.  These are the withdrawn and internalized feelings.  In the middle is where we all want to be – green for cool or calm and happy or excited.  Then as you move to the right, yellow represents grouchy or moody, orange is for frustrated and upset and, finally, if you’re in the red zone, you’re hot – mad or angry.  The more students can identify how they feel, the better we can help them to develop strategies to handle these feelings in a healthy way.

These last few days before vacation have seen a flurry of I-project presentations in the Junior High.  As you can see below, the topics are as varied and unique as the students.  Each project was evaluated for content knowledge and presentation skills.

Be sure to get your Ventures registration in when we return and, in the meantime, have a great vacation!                                                            Francie

As you read further under Community Announcments, please notice that Matan Rubinstein, father of Mia, Amalia, and Noa, professor of music at Marlboro College, has a free concert this Sunday afternoon.  On Wednesday, Matan was at the MES concert videoing his daughters – all this musical talent starts right here.

The reports from the fall administration of the NECAP are in.  As a school, our scores are similar to last year.  Reading and Math are fine.  Given the amount of writing our students do, it’s disappointing not to see this reflected in the scores.  We’ll be taking a look at this.  Each student receives an individual report.  These are filed in their cumulative folders and are also available to you.  Please contact me if you would like a copy of your child’s results.

Despite the minimal snow, downhill skiing and boarding and cross country skiing have been lots of fun the past two weeks and we anticipate the same this Monday.  If you’re wondering what Fire and Stone is all about, check out the school website at www.marlboroschool.net for some great pictures and commentary.

Rose has the brochure ready for the next round of Marlboro Ventures and it looks exciting.  She’s also sending out a survey so that we can plan even better to meet your child’s and your needs.  Please respond to both.

Basketball season is winding down.  The 3^rd-4^th and 5^th-6^th  teams have finished their season.  The Junior High finishes next week with games at Halifax on Monday and at Marlboro against Bement on Tuesday.  When we return after the Winter Vacation we’ll celebrate the season with our own Jamboree on Friday, March 9 at 5:30.  Please mark your calendars and look forward to this fun evening of basketball, pizza, and appreciation.

Francie

The P&F meeting scheduled for Thursday night has been postponed until next Thursday.  I hope you can make it!

Our budget for next year was finalized at Tuesday’s school board meeting.  In an effort to keep the increase in our bottom line under 5% the teachers have agreed to no raise other than the one they receive as they move up a year on the pay scale.  The rest of the staff will receive a 2% increase.  We hope this keeps up with the cost of living.  We have scrutinized the budget and are keeping line items for materials and supplies as low as possible.  Despite our best efforts, we also had to make cuts to some of our special programs. There will be less instructional time for Spanish, Band, and Poetry.  Spanish will once again be limited to 5^th-8^th grade though I’m hoping to still fit in some songs and games at the lower grades.  Band’s schedule will have to be tightened up so that it all takes place in the morning.  The number of classes for Poetry is reduced from 43 to 37 and the teachers, Ann, and I will work together to see what that means for each class.  The budget for Rhythms was reduced but fortunately this shouldn’t impact the amount of instruction.

This is not good news but it could be much worse.  We will still be able to provide a rich and varied instructional program.  We will continue to make use of college work-study students, teacher interns, and, of course, all the wonderful parent and community volunteers who share their talents.

Last night Tom Hudak, our guidance counselor, hosted High School Night – an opportunity for 7^th and 8^th grade students and parents to learn about area high schools.  High school choice is a huge benefit but it requires research and careful thinking about goodness of fit for students.  Thank you to Mr. H for making this happen.

 Tonight the 6^th grade is hosting a dance for students 3^rd grade and up.  Congratulations and thank you to these students (and the adults who are chaperoning and providing support) for providing a fun way for students from our three oldest classes to get together and have fun!

Tomorrow is the annual Book Swap, 9 to noon at the Marlboro Town House, sponsored by the Marlboro Alliance.  Bring the books you and your child are ready to pass on and take home books new to you – great reading for the cold, dark winter months.

P&F will meet next Thursday, January 26 at 7pm in the library. In addition to the traditional fundraisers and family activities, we hope to create new energy by providing a “seedbed” where parents can bring ideas, find other parents who share their interests, and form a sub-group to pursue these interests. Please check out the agenda and plan to join us.

Francie

The snow finally came and we can only hope that this is laying down a good base layer for the weeks ahead.  With school closed in honor of Martin Luther King’s birthday next Monday, we have time before next Winter Sports for the cross country ski area to open.  The large group that skated this week had a great time and I so appreciate the older students who helped some of the youngers who were on skates for the first time.

At Sing this week, students were also appreciated for doing an internship in Jen’s room (Josh) and cleaning up the town recycling area (the Junior High).

Marlboro School is now partnering with Windham County Farm to School.  What a great resource as we seek to provide nutritious snacks, expand the school garden, and educate our students about nutrition and the benefits of eating locally.  In next week’s Notes Kathy will send home information on the Veggie of the Month and the exciting taste tests that will take place in each classroom.

Basketball season is in full swing with games for the 3^rd/4^th and 5^th/6^th teams on Saturdays and the Junior High on weekday afternoons.  What a great coaching crew we have:  Brian Martin (Cody’s brother) with the Junior High, Anthony Bingham, Konstantin Shiman, and Matt Chapman with the 5^th/6^th, and Will Brooke deBock with the 3^rd/4^th.  Every game and practice is a wonderful blend of work on skills, teamwork, and sportsmanship.  Thank you, coaches!

On Tuesday and Wednesday of next week the teachers will be the students, learning more about writing in the context of a Balanced Literacy program.  We will be working with other teachers from Windham Central Supervisory Union and with instructors from Lesley University’s Literacy Collaborative.  I know these days off for students can be a challenge for parents.  Thanks for understanding.  We will put what we learn to good use with your children!

P&F will meet on Thursday, January 26 at 7pm.  An agenda will be included in next week’s Notes.

Francie

Monday will be our first Winter Sports day.  With little snow, the cross country skiers will join the ice skaters at Memorial Park.  Fire and Stone and skiing/boarding will go as scheduled.  Please plan on a 3pm dismissal so bus drop-off will be 15 minutes later than what you’re used to.

We’ve also started the second session of Marlboro Ventures.  Rose has brought us some excellent activities – some familiar, some new.  It’s been a bit of a challenge to figure out how to fit in basketball practices.  Thank you for your patience as we combine new activities with those we’ve come to count on.

If you make it to Sing today, you’ll see some new ideas in action.  We’ve noticed that some of the younger students have had a hard time engaging with Sing, so we’re trying something new.  Students will be divided into four multiage groups.  Older students will help the youngers to focus – having them sit on laps or just providing the positive model of their presence.  When you have a chance, ask your child which color group s/he was in and what other students were with them.

Save the date for High School Night and the Winter Instrumental Concert!  Check out the calendar below.

Francie

We say good-bye to Brooke and Izzy in Matt’s room and Leah, who has been a teacher intern with David.  We wish them all well in their new schools.  And we welcome Skylar and Kashe in Jen’s room, Waylund and Jeremiah in Judy’s room, and Broden and Siena in Erica’s room.

When we return we also jump into winter mode with more basketball, Winter Sports, and a new round of Marlboro Ventures.

Until then, enjoy the holidays and time with friends and family.  And think snow!

Francie

Earlier this week I attended one of a series of debates in the Junior High. They’re studying a tough subject – the slave trade from Africa to the US and were debating whether or not middle school students, in order to really understand this complex topic, need to learn in depth about the violence associated with the slave trade. Talk about teamwork! They followed the formal debate process which required that each team member present part of their argument and together they respond to the other team and to questions from the audience. I was impressed.

In Tim’s math class, several students who are passionate about math decided they want to participate in Math Counts, a national competition. This should be an even more powerful experience since the drive to do it is coming from the students.

The first session of Marlboro Ventures has wrapped up and, at Sing last Friday, the newspaper crew handed out the first edition of What’s Popping MES, our own student newspaper. Thanks to Olivia, Alice, Liam, Grace, and Isobel for some great articles and fun graphics. Grace interviewed MES alumna, Starcie Grout (who also helped lead this activity), and it was great to get Starcie’s insights into her time here, her high school experience, and her thoughts for the future. Next week is short with school dismissing at 11:30 on Thursday. Don’t forget the fundraiser lunch in Judy’s classroom on Tuesday!

Within the past weeks several students have taken it upon themselves to improve our social climate.  In one instance a group of students in Erica’s class organized games on the Primary playground and encouraged younger students to join in.  These olders had noticed that several students were sometimes at loose ends and Judy confirmed this as it often came up when they previewed recess.  The games have been enjoyed by all and the teachers will be encouraging more of this.

Another instance involved an older student noticing that a younger student was sitting alone and looking glum.  She invited the other child to join in her play and the invitation was enthusiastically accepted.

In both of these situations students demonstrated empathy, compassion, and leadership skills showing growth in Personal Development and Civic and Social Responsibility, two of our Marlboro Realms of Learning.

On another note, we continue to strive for improvement in supporting families in reducing the number of cases of head lice.  At this week’s school board meeting the board warned a Head Lice policy and procedures.  This will result in our being more consistent and more thorough in addressing this pesky problem.  The new policy is posted on the hall bulletin board, at Sweetie’s, and at the Town Offices.  When we discover an active case of head lice, we check all the students in that classroom.  Then we call the parents of any students with actives cases and send home a packet of information.  We require that the student be treated before returning to school.  The packet includes a Lice Treatment Report which includes two tear-off sheets which the parents sign and date.  The first report must be returned the next day when the student returns to school.  The second report must be returned 7-10 days later, after the necessary follow-up treatment has been completed.  All of these materials are also posted on the school website.

Finally, we bid good-bye and good luck to Courtney Plummer, Judy’s Antioch intern.  And we send out a hearty welcome to Carol Brooke de-Bock as the classroom assistant in Jen and Judy’s rooms.

Francie

The first Friday of the month snuck up on me with the Thanksgiving holiday!  Let’s plan on the parent coffee next Friday and I’ll also focus that note on an aspect of School Social Climate.

Today I want to celebrate the Cape Cod presentations given by Matt’s class last night.  These presentations are a rite of passage and students anticipate them with excitement and a healthy dose of apprehension – but you would never know it.  They presented their research without a hitch – speaking clearly and with good expression and using strong images and graphics.

Several weeks ago I wrote about the new Common Core Standards which Vermont and forty-five other states are in the process of adopting.  In addition to Reading and Writing in the English Language Arts Standards a section has been added for Speaking and Listening.  The goal of these standards is for students to be college and career ready at the end of high school and the kinds of communications skills (speaking and listening!) students learn as they prepare and give the Cape Cod presentations will stand them in good stead in classes at UVM or in the auto shop as they explain needed repairs to a customer.

There are two town events I’d like to call your attention to.  On Wednesday evening a meeting was held to review the town’s response to Irene.  Glenn Herrin, our new Emergency Management Director, facilitated a frank and open discussion.  Some excellent ideas came out of this.  Glenn will put his notes at the Town Office for all to review and comment on.  Please stop by and take a look.

On Saturday night there will be a potluck dinner and square dance in the Outback in honor of all the folks who’ve worked so hard to rebuild the roads after Irene.  It should be a lot of fun!   All ages are welcome.

See you for coffee and conversation next Friday!

Francie

There are lots of reasons for you to drop by school and, right now, the front hall is a very good one.  Sometimes the hall bulletin boards are just a holding space – they welcome us back to school or remind us of community events.  Right now, they tell you a lot about our students and what they’re up to.

As part of their study of world trade, the Junior High researched where the products we buy come from.  Check out the world map as you come in for more info on this.

Then there are the “Who Am I?” art projects from Matt and David’s classes.  Each student has a silhouette of his or her body in motion surrounded by pictures of what’s important to them.  It’s fun to guess who’s who.  I’m betting on Aidan with the mountain bike and Adaylia with all the animals.

Pam had a brainstorm after reading a book about the Mona Lisa painting with Jen and Judy’s classes.  She made a portrait of each child with his/her best Mona Lisa smile and a very Mona Lisa backdrop.

Then Linda jumped in and helped the students make frames.  The result is striking!

When you reach the end of the hall, there’s the Junior High’s coffee sale display.  Once again you can purchase fair trade coffee and support their trip to Costa Rica. Stop by and enjoy.

Thanks to you and to your children for increasing your efforts to be on time to school!  It seems that setting the alarm a few minutes earlier or laying out clothes the night before really does help!  Your children’s day is off to a good start when they’re in class for morning meeting.

Wherever you are for Thanksgiving, may it be filled with all the best things to be thankful for – family, friends, a warm home, and good food.

Francie

At last night’s P&F meeting the five parents present decided to focus their conversation on social climate in and outside of school. They grappled with important topics such as when to intervene in social situations, especially as children get older, and how to support children in being who they are and not conforming to group pressures. These parents are interested in continuing the conversation.

On Wednesday I attended a workshop presented by the Department of Education on Vermont’s transition to the new Common Core standards. The day focused on English Language Arts. These new standards bring new emphasis to several areas: the importance of learning how to read informational material as well as literature, the need for vocabulary instruction, and the goal of having students read complex texts. Although none of this is new, it brings more attention to these areas. In two weeks I’ll attend a similar workshop on the Common Core in Math, so look for another report then.

I’ve received materials about the Ski Vermont 5th Grade Passport. If your fifth grade student is interested in a free pass to many Vermont ski areas, please contact me.

The big news this week is Winter Sports packets! Please read through these thoroughly, fill them out completely, and return your child’s materials as soon as possible. We’re excited to offer a new choice this year. Patrick Johnson will lead a full afternoon (‘til 5pm) of Fire and Stone wilderness skills for 3rd-8th graders.

As we look ahead to January, I want to let you know that this year we will not be doing Winter Workshops on Monday mornings in January and February. We will probably resume them next year on an every other year basis. It may also be that we find that the activities offered through Marlboro Ventures address the goals of Winter Workshops. Let me know your thoughts!

Finally, please note the following calendar change. In order for teachers to complete the Balanced Literacy training that was begun in August, we will take January 18, as well as January 17, for this professional development. There will be no school for students on either day.

Francie

I’ve had several conversations this week that highlight the importance of our belief in educating the “whole child”.  And this fits right in with my monthly social climate note.  We integrate our beliefs about social climate into every aspect of the curriculum.  When we think about learning we are thinking about social and emotional learning as well as academic and intellectual. 

One arena where this is evident, is on the week long field research trips that the older students take.  David’s class just went to Cape Cod and he and Yvonne shared a number of stories upon their return.  For eleven and twelve year olds friendships are so important.  As they traveled on the bus, shared meals and dorm rooms, explored the beach, visited museums, nature reserves, and other landmarks, they also had to negotiate a complex social scene, practicing social skills and learning new ones.  One student became a leader in a way she’d never been before as others followed her example when she chose not to participate in silly behavior and more than ever wanted to spend time with her.

Another student found that, as much as he wanted to be with his friends, he also needed quiet time and a space where he could chill out.  All the students learned a lot about each other and about themselves.

Next week, Matt’s class heads down to the Cape.  David will accompany them as guide extraordinaire and bus driver.  His teacher intern, Leah Suter, will stay here as the teacher in the 6^th grade.

Junior High started basketball practice this week.  I’m waiting to hear back from 3^rd-6^th graders so that we can get them started, too.

Marlboro Ventures is off to a great start.  We are so sorry to have to turn students away from some of the Marlboro Ventures activities.  All classes are now filled.  Brochures for the next session which will run from January 3^rd – February 9^th will be out in early December with a registration deadline of  December 18.  Please continue to send your ideas and comments to Rose at rwatson@marlboroschool.net.

Francie

Snow before Halloween!  What does it mean for this winter?  One thing it means is outdoor fun at Marlboro School.  Dig out those boots, mittens, hats, and snowsuits so that your child can be part of the fun.

Junior High Cider Sale, Fall Fiesta, bus driver appreciation at Sing, and conferences for K-4 next Thursday – as always, there’s lots going on!

On the first Friday of each month my note will be dedicated to some aspect of School Social Climate.  One of the most powerful factors in creating a caring school community (and promoting each child’s learning) is by knowing each other well.  At Marlboro School we build that in with lots of multi-age activities ranging from weekly Sing and daily all school recess to special events.  This past week Jen, Judy, and Erica’s classes went to Hogback and hiked up Mt. Olga.  Olders were buddied up with youngers and encouraged each other on the steep climb.  Later in the week, I overheard one of Erica’s students check in with one of Jen’s students, “You’re Isibeal, aren’t you?”

Next Tuesday afternoon we’ll come together for Fall Fiesta.  John, our PE teacher, is working with the Junior High to plan cooperative games for multi-age teams.  Junior High is a time when students begin to think about what’s outside the walls of our little school.  We balance that with opportunities for them to provide leadership to and have fun with the younger children.  By the end of Tuesday afternoon everyone in school will know each other’s names.

By now classes have completed their agreements or guidelines for how they want to be together.  Here are a few examples from younger to older:

Be a good friend

Make good choices

Be a respectful friend

Be open to new ideas and people, and try new things out of your comfort zone

What are your Family Agreements?  What “rules” help you to live and grow together?  Maybe you can share these on the new Marlboro Elementary P&F Facebook group page or send them to me in whatever format works for you.

Please join me in welcoming the Olivers to Marlboro!  Ellie has joined Matt’s class and Quinn is now a Junior High student.

If any of you stayed for First Friday Tea and found my office dark, please accept my apology.  I’ve been taking Erica’s class up after Sing so that she has time to put away materials.  Next week, I’ll make other arrangements so let’s plan on a Second Friday Tea.  Hope to see you then!

Francie

Thanks for your patience and attention as we get Marlboro Ventures off the ground. We are working on streamlining communication and will have a brochure and registration for activities that start October 24 in next week’s Friday Notes.

In the meantime, it’s great to have Mountain Bike Club and Soccer. Thank you to Mike Purcell, John Bentley, Jeff Burt, Evan Wyse, and Forrest Holzapfel – volunteers extraordinaire! Here’s a testimonial from a parent – “Aidan reported a GREAT time at mountain biking club. Thank you for bringing my son joy!!”

Thanks to the Rubinstein family for their donation of a violin. We are so lucky to have our own instruments, but, as violin maker David Baker says, our “fleet” is aging and we will need to replace some each year. This donation helps.

Another thank you goes out to Rob & Susanne Shapiro for beautifying our school. Susanne for planting our window boxes at the beginning of each season and Rob for laying down new layers of wood chips on the playground. This improves appearances and, even more importantly, makes for safer footing and landing on the play structure, the swings, and the tetherball.

This morning Gail spent quite a bit of time tracking down after school arrangements for students. Please, please, please send in a note with your child when her/his after school arrangements are different.

Francie

We are all in awe of the work being done on the roads. The progress is astounding. The students are expressing their appreciation and thanks with cards and pictures for the road crew – many of whom are friends and relatives. With the roads improving, the bus runs will get closer to normal. Families who live on the lower portion of the Auger Hole Rd will be able to carpool their children part way up and meet Jackie’s bus at 7:30am as she turns around at Bummy Turner’s house.

In the afternoon they will meet her there again at 3pm.

Snapshots from the classes:
Jen’s class is taking care of two Monarch butterfly chrysalises. They are making careful observations and recording them like good scientists.
Judy’s class has launched their study of birds. They also had Open Mike at Sing today and regaled us with the Apple Picker’s Reel.
Erica’s class is preparing handwork and also garden produce and sunflowers for display at the Marlboro Fair.
Matt and David’s students are deep into their study of circles and geometry, as well as beginning preparations for their trip to Cape Cod in late October and early November.
The Junior High returns today from their Mountain Trip where they successfully made an ascent of Mt. Chocorua despite less than perfect weather.

See you tomorrow at the Fair!

Francie

A week before school was supposed to start I received an e-mail from a reporter for Vermont Public Radio.  She was working on a story about how schools were responding to the 10^th anniversary of 9/11.  What did we plan to teach the children about the attack on the Twin Towers and the Pentagon?  How would we help students make sense of this defining moment in recent history?

Then, before we could set up a time for her to talk with teachers and students, the storm hit and our own little world was turned topsy turvy.  Of course these disasters are very different, but one thing they have in common is that we get to choose how we respond to them.  And, as a school, we must decide what we want children to learn as a result of these tragedies.  We know that children learn far more than what we “teach” them.  Adults are their models and actions speak louder than words.  These past few weeks you have provided powerful models as you have helped each other, helped other folks in town, and supported your children.

Here are a few things I hope our children are learning in the wake of the storm’s devastation (and the 10^th anniversary of 9/11, too)

• The adults in their world will keep them safe.
• They are resilient and will become stronger for having to deal with these challenges.
• They can learn from this so that the next time something bad happens we all are better able to deal with it.
• They can help to make things better.

This afternoon the Junior High students will jump on board by shoveling and raking gravel from the Meetinghouse yard and drive and taking it to help fill the road into South Pond.

In case you’re wondering about the Vermont Public Radio story, the reporter did come to school during our first week back and met with David, me, and several of David’s students who, as part of their preparation for the New York City trip last spring, had chosen to study something related to 9/11 and the World Trade Center.  This was aired on VPR the next day.

Francie