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

We are off and running.  I do believe we fit at least seven days worth of activity into these first four days of school – almost making up for the three days missed last week.  We are all glad to be back!

It was such a shame to miss the opportunity to reconnect at our New Year’s Eve Potluck.  I’m glad that some of you were able to join us for Sing on Tuesday and again today.  The calendar below shows all the Parent Nights.  This will be a good time to connect with other parents, share your hopes for your child for the year ahead, and find out what an exciting year of learning is planned.

Please join me in welcoming new students and their families.  In Jen’s class we welcome Isaac, Warren, Wyatt, Dillyn, Sapphire, and Zoey.  Amalia, Noa, and Phoenix are new in Judy’s class.  Matt’s class welcomes Jeremy.  David’s class welcomes Mia and Andre and the Junior High welcomes Nick.  All have been “Jamboed” at All School Sing!

We also have some new babies in the school community.  It’s a bit of a stretch but I’m happy to ask you to include my brand new grandson, Liam, in the MES family – even though he and my daughter Anneke live in Burlington.  Lucky grandmother Kathy Pell and Uncle Cooper have Sierra’s son Brody quite nearby and Sequoyah and Jade have baby sister Mila right at home!  All babies were born within the past two weeks.  This bodes well for the kindergarten class of 2017.

P&F will start off the year with an organizational meeting on Thursday, September 29, 7pm in the Library.  We will set priorities and plans for the year.  Please join us!

Rose has included a note about our planning for the 21^st Century After School Program which we will be calling Marlboro Ventures.  We’re really looking forward to hearing your ideas for activities and people to lead them.

On Thursday we were only one student shy of perfect attendance.  We’re also starting out the year well in terms of students arriving on time.  On Tuesday, the absolute first thing one parent said to me was, “We’re on time!  We all have alarm clocks and we’re turning a new leaf!”  All I can say is, “Keep it up!”

Please join me in extending great appreciation to Tim Hayes and David Holzapfel for driving the special run down to the Williamsville Store to pick up our students who are cut off by the washouts on the Auger Hole Road.  Gail continues to make heroic efforts to keep up with the changing road conditions so that she and Jackie can get closer and closer to the original schedule.  Hooray for the bus drivers!

Francie

As I write your children are participating in Preview Day. Jen is in Ellen’s room with several of the new kindergartners and some of the new first graders, while Judy is in her room with the rest of the rising first and all the rising second graders. We are trying to be very careful about the language we use as we talk about which class your child will be in. Instead of talking about grade level, we will use the teacher’s name – so, Jen’s class and Judy’s class. We want to support all students in feeling good about where they will be. Erica is meeting with the olders from Judy’s class and the youngers from her own class. David is meeting with the students who will be in Matt’s class next year while the youngers from his class are with Claire and Yvonne. The olders from David’s room walked confidently down the stairs and into the Junior High.

Hats off to our Marlboro graduates! Last night nine students received their diplomas and are ready to move on. Last week they presented their final portfolios and on Monday they shared polished pieces of writing with their families and school staff at Consortium. They’ve completed the Marlboro rites of passage. Morgan will move on to the Compass School. Luci, Erik, Aliza, Scott, and Marcus head off to BUHS. Rose will go to the Putney School for high school and Katie is off to Northfield Mount Herman. We’ll miss you!

We also want to recognize the Marlboro students who are graduating from high school this year. Nicholas Brooks, Charlie Greene-Cramer, Kelly Ferencek, Harrison Johnson, and Eli Pell are graduating from BUHS. The Compass School will graduate Aaron Brooke de-Bock, Margaret Bernhard, Caitlin Greve, and Connor Kloster. Alex Cain graduates from Leland and Gray. Marie Dennis graduates from the Putney School. And Rachel Lundsted graduates from Vermont Academy. Congratulations to all!

Look for Summer Notes in August and mark your calendar now for the New Year’s Eve Potluck on Monday, August 29 and then the first day of school – Wednesday, August 31st.

Happy Summer!

Francie

The Brattleboro Music Center Youth Strings Orchestra entertained us on Tuesday. Michelle Liechti, the director, invited MES students to participate next fall. They practice once a week throughout the year at the BMC and are committed to making it affordable for any child who wants to play.

Also, remember to send in a note if you would like your child to have a violin for summer practice.

And speaking of summer practice! READING is essential. It’s essential to keeping up skills as well as to providing those relaxing moments to chill out. Pam has put together a great summer reading program and the library will be open every Saturday morning during the Marlboro Farmers Market.

Come tonight for Erica’s class musical, Alice in Wonderland on Trial! Singing and acting coached by Charlene and Erica, piano accompaniment by Terence Purtell, and costuming by Paula Lavender will make for a stellar performance.

And here’s another treat for you. Charly wrote this haiku as part of the Hogback kitemaking activity.

A butterfly flies past my head
its vibrant colors
flashing in front of my eyes.

Francie

In the last two weeks of school students are busy completing projects and preparing for big transitions. In the Junior High all students are writing reflections about their achievements in our Realms of Learning and preparing portfolio presentations. The 8th graders will present their portfolios to teachers and parents throughout next week. I always look forward to these! Each student is unique and demonstrates her/his learning in different ways.

The Brattleboro Music Center’s Youth Strings Orchestra will come to Marlboro School for a short concert at 2:20pm on Tuesday, June 7. Come early to pick up your child and you can get a sense of what your budding string artist might do one day.

On Tuesday there will also be a parent meeting at 6:30 pm for all parents whose children will be in Kindergarten,1st-2nd grade next year. We’re looking forward to sharing our ideas and excitement about the new configuration of K-1 and 1-2 and to answering your questions.

Would you like to organize some wonderful MES students to march in the first Marlboro Parade? Musicians, dancers, pet owners, clowns – maybe even a kazoo band! Please contact Jess Weitz at 258-2568 or jessweitz72@gmail.com to offer your and/or your children’s talents!

Francie

What a great turnout for the Spring Concert and Art Show.  Thanks for bringing family and friends to enjoy the strings, band, and guitar music and take in the wide variety of artwork created by your children.  Please join me in thanking Linda, David T., Michael, and Charlene!  In these times of budget cuts and focus on assessments we are lucky to have such a strong art and music program.  Your children’s artwork and their musical performances are powerful demonstrations of their learning.  That’s real assessment!

I’m delighted to let you know that Jen O’Donnell and Matt Chapman will be with us next year as our Kindergarten/1^st grade and 5^th grade teachers.  Both of them know Marlboro School well and will be able to slide into these one year positions seamlessly with lots of support from Judy, David, and all of the staff.  Thanks to Vanessa Redfield, Kelly Salasin, Gretchen Webber, and Raph Rosner for helping with the interviews.

Nurse Robin is including “health notes” in each Friday Notes.  Please take a look at these very useful tips about staying healthy.

Not that I ever doubted the importance of our emphasis on field research at Marlboro School, but after the Junior High’s experiences at the Capitol in Washington, D.C. several weeks ago I’m more committed than ever.  Perhaps we need to add “activism” so that it’s “field research and activism.”  Please check out the school website for one climate blogger’s impressions of our Junior High students bringing their message to Washington, D.C. – “It’s our future.  Don’t melt it.  Regulate CO2!”  It’s a great thing to go to our nation’s capitol to learn about government and soak up culture.  It’s far more powerful to believe that we have a voice.  Your children do have a voice!

Our 3^rd annual Hogback Day takes place next Wednesday.  Once again, community member Carol Berner with the help of Hanna Wheeler, our Antioch intern, has organized a great array of multi-age outdoor activities to help us get to know our town forest better and to have fun.  The students will choose activities to participate in from 9-11.  These include learning about birds of prey (Mike Clough), playing nature games (Barbara Cole), campfire games and stories (Patrick Johnson), orienteering (Randy Knaggs), scouting good routes for trails (mike Purcell), kite making and haiku composition (Ron LaBrusciano), making miniature forest dwellings (Rose Watson), and building a maze (Kate Morgan).  Erica’s class developed a Quest which we will all participate in from 11-1 as part of hiking to the top, climbing the fire tower, and having lunch.  Please send your children with good shoes and appropriate outdoor clothes – and remember to check for ticks when they get home!

Enjoy the Memorial Day weekend. Sometime during the weekend I hope you’re able to find a way to remember those who are no longer with us and help your children appreciate those who’ve paved the way for us today.

Francie

Well, maybe it’s the second best. Staff Appreciation Week has provided one delightful appreciation after another – treats in the staff room every day, lunch in the library with parents covering for us in the classrooms, beautiful perennials for our gardens, and an amazing taco bar are highlights. Thank you! And thank you for working with your child to write a specific appreciation on the sea creatures posted in the hall.

The Learning Fair also gave me the opportunity to speak with many of you about our plans for next year. We’ll be interviewing for the one year kindergarten-1st grade and 5th grade positions at the end of next week.

Bon Voyage to the Junior High who head out for Washington, D.C. on Monday. They will be carrying their concern for global warming and our government’s reluctance to combat carbon emissions to Congressman Peter Welch and Senator Bernie Sanders. Thank you, students!

Check out the calendar! There is so much going on in the next weeks. I’m sure I’ll be seeing you soon at one of the upcoming events.

Francie

Class size and make-up for next year require us to think creatively. In the past two years we’ve hired co-teachers to work, first Emma with Erica in 3rd/4th and, this year, Jen with Judy in Primary. Next year we anticipate 28 students in 5th/6th – 14 in 5th and 14 in 6th. For one year we will split this group by grade level and hire a co-teacher to teach 5th grade. This co-teacher will work closely with David using much of the current 5th-6th grade curriculum. When the new person is hired, we will hold a parent meeting for parents of next year’s 5th graders.

We never know how many students we will have from year to year and this is particularly true in kindergarten. We do know that flexibility in grouping students is a benefit of multi-age classrooms. Next year we will have a combined kindergarten and 1st grade classroom as well as a 1st/2nd grade classroom. For the first part of the year the kindergartners will finish their day at 1pm and the 1st graders in that class will stay until 3pm. We will also hold a meeting in May for parents of this year’s kindergartners.

Another piece of “next year news” is that Ellen Martyn will take a leave of absence. Marlboro teachers are an adventurous lot and Ellen will spend her year on one big adventure. Ellen looks forward to returning to MES the following year. Please join me in wishing her well!

This also means we will be interviewing candidates for the both the 5th grade and the K-1st position. I would like to have a parent on each of these committees. Please call me if you are interested in helping with this.

These are all big changes which will affect your children in many ways. As always, feel free to contact me with your questions, concerns, and compliments.
Francie

Thanks to Jess Weitz for joining the Action Plan committee. Our first meeting included an orientation and a review of our current plan. At our next meeting on Wednesday, April 27, we will focus on math and look at released items from last fall’s NECAP test. Although we have many concerns about the accuracy and usefulness of these assessments, there is information that can help us look at our math program and students’ math learning.

After predicting that there would be snow on the Primary playground until May 1, I am delighted to say that I was wrong! And now that the snow is gone, the cleanup begins.
The first annual Spruce Up Our School event will take place on Saturday, May 14, 10-12. Please mark your calendars.

As part of our ongoing focus on School Social Climate, the staff has been working on clarifying playground rules, the ways in which we support students in following these, and the consequences when they don’t. More will come home about this after vacation. In addition, P&F is sponsoring a parent discussion on “Friendships” on May 10th. Included in this note is some excellent material to further your thinking about this important topic.

Have a great Spring Vacation – and when we return it will be full speed ahead to the end of the school year. Barring unforeseen events, out last day of school will be a half day on Thursday, June 16th.

Francie

Spring fever has hit. The playground has been taken over by jump ropes. Wall ball started up again. There is too much mud for soccer so that game still takes place at the snowy end of the field.

Thanks to the Vermont Symphony Orchestra we were treated to wonderful vocal concert on Thursday afternoon. The group, Ah! Capella, sang a variety of songs and encouraged us to join in. They were pretty impressed by our singing, too.

When you stop by school, check out the artwork in the front hall. Linda has just put up a display of Junior High action figure sculptures and some visual trickery with the Primary’s accordion pictures of March coming in like a lion and going out like a lamb.

Classroom happenings include a Kindergarten field trip to the veterinarian’s office where Dr. Laurie showed them x-rays and allowed them to watch as she gave a

check-up to Doug the dog. The Primary is abuzz with the news of salmon eggs hatching and the olders are challenging themselves with Monday Night Math problem solving using charts, tables, and labels to show their thinking. The 3rd-4th grade is finishing up research projects and the final products are stunning. The final reports are created on the computer with relevant graphics and information organized into paragraphs with topic sentences. On Tuesday the 5th-6th grade simulated the entry of immigrants through Ellis Island. Each student adopted a character and had to go through a series of inspection stations manned by teachers. There it was determined whether they could stay in America. They’ll know just how it felt for these immigrants when they visit the Tenement Museum in New York next week. Meanwhile the Junior High is immersed in a study of nuclear energy, learning about its science and the pros and cons of using it as a source of power. To prepare for a visit to the Holocaust Museum they’re studying about events in the 1930’s that led up to World War II.
The Action Plan committee will start meeting again next Wednesday, April
13, 11:45-12:45. We are seeking new members, especially parents.
Currently the committee membership includes Gussie Bartlett, school board member, Kathy Pell, parent and Healthy Snack coordinator, Celia Segar,classroom volunteer and community member, Tim Hayes and Judy Lang, and myself. We will be looking at the currrent Action Plan and the information we have as to how our work on its goals is proceeding. Then we will write new goals for the 2011-2012 school year. If you are interested in helping with this work and can meet on Wednesdays 11:45-12:45, please let me know!See you tonight at Bingo!

Francie

What a shame that we weren’t able to enjoy a final day of Winter Sports! Please join me in thanking all of the parents who made Winter Sports possible.  Our head chaperones were Rob Shapiro, Heather Estrella, and Adam Gebb.  I know many of you helped out.  Without your efforts this program would not be possible.

I’m looking forward to seeing many of you at the Basketball Jamboree tonight.  As always, this will be a relaxed and fun way to end the season.  Please remember to bring in basketball jerseys and, if you did not send in a check or money in advance, bring $5 per person or $15 per family to cover the cost of pizza and drinks.

Check out Pam’s program on Our Kids Online!  Join her on March 21^st at 7pm for an informative discussion.  As part of the March Reading Challenge, Pam surveyed David’s class and the Junior High to see how they spend their after school time.  The results are presented in a graph in the front hall.  When students are spending 2 hrs and more a night online, it’s important for parents to be tuned in to what they’re doing.

Next Friday, classrooms will hum as your children share their work with you at Student Led Conferences.  There will also be a display of the artwork and photo documentation from Winter Workshops.  Be sure to stop by the library to see this either before or after your conference.

Francie

Thank you to town voters and to the School Board! At Town Meeting we passed the school budget. The total budget is just a bit higher than this year’s. We appreciate Marlboro’s support and recognition of the value of education.

The results of the NECAP tests are in and, as a school, our scores are very similar to last year. If you would like a copy of your child’s report, please let me know. I’m happy to go over it with you or to send it home, if you prefer.

You may want to pick the repot up at Student Led Conferences on Friday, March 18. Soon students will be selecting work and planning what they will share with you. I can already picture the classrooms where several students have set out their work and each is sitting with one or two parents, sharing pieces of writing, artwork, research, and favorite activities. Please call Gail to sign up for your child’s conference.

Speaking of welcome, Makenna, in Primary, has a new baby brother, Dayson. Dayson was born on February 4th. Congratulations to Makenna, dad Shawn, and stepmom Janice.

The March Reading Challenge has begun! It’s very fitting that I’m attending the second part of a course on literacy. Irene Fountas, one of the gurus of teaching kids to read, spoke yesterday about what it takes to become a good reader and what teachers should do to help kids become good readers. Time to read and adult modeling of reading as an important activity are two of the most important criteria. Kids become better readers by reading and by seeing that the adults around them value reading. And that’s what the March Reading Challenge is all about.

Join the March Reading Challenge. Support your child in reading at home. We’ll do the same at school.

Francie

What a sense of celebration at Sing this morning!  Of course, we’re all looking forward to vacation but it was more than that.  There was a strong focus on the learning happening throughout the school.  Several Junior High students shared parts of their I Projects (independent projects) demonstrating amazing breadth and depth of interests.  Isobel showed a clip of her baking demo video.  As part of her project on the Beatles, Rose sang “Lady Madonna” accompanied by Erik on the guitar.  Marcus demonstrated his wind power project.  Rachel shared Roshika’s model of Stonehenge.  Mitchell showed us a film clip of an octopus as part of his project on cephalopods.  And Aliza demonstrated a floor move from her repertoire as a gymnast.  Then Paul, Cooper, and Zev recited the prologue from Chaucer’s Canterbury Tales.  We’ll hear the whole class recite this when we return in March.