Leland and Gray Friday Notes: October 2014

Thursday, October 30, 2014

Friday Notes 10-31-14

We appreciate your patience as we look for the most streamline and efficient way to distribute Friday Notes to the Leland & Gray community. If you are not receiving Friday Notes by email and would like to or if you would like to be removed from the Friday Notes email list, please email fridaynotes@lelandandgray.org Thank you.

SCHOOL INFO:

Update to the School Schedule:

Mon. 11/10 • Early release – Teacher in-service
Tue. 11/11 • No school – Veteran’s Day & teacher in-service
Wed. 11/12 • No school – Teacher in-service
Tue. 11/25 • No school for grade 7 only
Wed. - Fri. 11/26 - 11/28 • No school – Thanksgiving break

Sophomores and Juniors:

“Try a Major Day” at Vermont Tech’s Williston Campus on Friday, November 14th. This is not a typical “tour the campus day.” It's a day when sophomores and juniors will participate and interact with a major program they’re interested in learning more about.

A sampling of the major activities, agenda for the day and individual registration information may be found at: www.vtc.edu/tamd

Programs available at the Williston Campus Try a Major Day: Aviation, Business, Computer and Information Systems, Dental, Electrical, Computer and Electromechanical Technology, Nursing & Respiratory Therapy

College Representative Visits:

The schedule for college rep visits so far this year is as follows:
Castleton State College- Nov. 7 @ 9:30am
Bryant College- Nov. 7 @ 1:00pm

“Paying for College” Workshops:

Vermont Student Assistance Corporation (VSAC) will offer free workshops at local high schools to help families plan how to pay for college and training after high school.

November 18th Leland and Gray UHS Library 6:30 p.m.

If you cannot attend this session, visit www.vsac.org/schedule for other local sessions.

7th Grader Parents & Guardians:

You can find a link to the 7th Grade Homework Chart on the Leland & Gray homepage. It is the first option under the "Teacher Web Pages" menu: https://sites.google.com/a/lelandandgray.org/7th-grade-class/

Please contact Johanna Liskowsky-Doak, Rence Ricohermoso, Amanda Dixon or Joe Towle with any questions!

From the School Nurse:

The 2013-2014 VT Elementary School Oral Health Survey Report was published in September and is now posted on the Health Department’s website at: http://healthvermont.gov/family/dental/documents/oral_health_survey_2013-2014.pdf

It reports that Vermont's oral health programs are working. Compared to previous surveys, fewer children have tooth decay and fewer have untreated decay. However, one-third of Vermont's children have experienced tooth decay, suggesting that Vermont needs more primary prevention programs.

All children on Vermont Medicaid, (Dr. Dynasaur) have dental health coverage and can see a dentist regularly for preventive care.

The report outlines some key strategies to improve the oral health of our children. Please read the report and attend the January WCSU School Health Advisory Council meeting to discuss this crucial component of our school health.

Writing Contest:

Writing Contest open to all high school students between the ages of 14 and 18. The contest is looking for original short works of fiction in the fantasy or science-fiction genres.

Find more information here: http://www.arisia.org/StudentWritingContest

Winter Sports:

Hello Parents!
It’s that time of year again and we welcome you to join us for all of your JISP needs – rentals of skis, snowboards and boots. We encourage you to come in before the Thanksgiving holiday so we can get your child(ren) outfitted for the season. The season runs from 10/15/14- 4/30/15.

Our season lease price this year will be the same as last year: $70 for skis, boots and poles; $99 for snowboards and boots. OR you may purchase the equipment as follows: $89 for skis, boots and poles; $120 for snowboards and boots.

In response to the growing inquiry about helmets, we have teamed with Giro and Smith to offer helmets to JISP participants at the reduced range of $50-$80. The benefit of these helmets is the size adjustability that will provide several years of use for your child.
We thank you in advance for your continued support and we look forward to seeing you soon.

Think snow!

Sincerely,
Tom, Suzy and the Norse House Team
Please remember - the earlier, the better!

AFTER SCHOOL INFO:

Late Bus:

The late bus is currently not running and will resume running on Monday, November 3rd.

After School Snack:

Remember a more substantial After School Snack is available after school Monday - Thursday.

After School Programs:

Remember that HEY! Help and Peer Tutoring are happening after school and it is important you arrive by 3pm. The same applies for other HEY! After School Activities. Please arrive on time and remember that you will not be allowed to enter the school on A Level after 3pm. We look forward to seeing you at the After School Activities.

Environmental Action:

LEAF, the Leland & Gray Environmental Action Force, is off to a great start this year with several upcoming events. An upcoming event is America Recycles Day, on November 15th. In preparation for this, LEAF will be putting recycled materials to use in school assemblies and in holiday arts & crafts. In particular, the middle school LEAF members are working on creating holiday crafts from recycled materials and hope to teach local elementary school students how some simple decorations can be made. If you have any unwanted glass jars or old incandescent light bulbs, please contact Mary Davis or have your child drop them off in school.

Other goals include setting up a small greenhouse on school grounds and planting garlic over the winter. If anyone is willing to donate garlic for planting, please contact either Stephanie Nyzio (snyzio@lelandandgray.org) or Mary Davis (mdavis@lelandandgray.org).

COMMUNITY INFO:

West Townshend Community Store:

On Halloween night the West Townshend Store and Cafe will be baking pizza starting at 5 pm. Build your own pizza and watch it bake in the outdoor oven, at $10.00 a pie. Beer, wine and other refreshments are also available. Music, starting at 7 pm, will be provided by the Gravediggers. They will be digging up lots of great BOOgrass for your listening pleasure. Best costume will receive a gift certificate for a free pizza. Start making your costume now!

West River Valley Thrives Partnership Meeting:

West River Valley Thrives (WRVthrives) invites all community members to attend our Partnership Meeting next week.

WHEN: Tuesday, November 4th at 4:00pm
WHERE: Holt Conference Room in Grace Cottage's Wellness Center
WHY:In this meeting we will...
* create connections with other individuals and organizations that care about the health of our community and our youth.
* review data related to health and substance use in the West River Valley
* determine priority data points to help focus our work.

We will use the results from this meeting to frame the conversation at our Community Forum on November 20th (mark your calendar!).

Your perspective and input can help shape WRVthrives priorities and activities. Be a part of making this community thrive!

For more information contact Julia Hampton at 365-4700 or wrvtdirector@gmail.com

E-Cig VT Law Change:

Vermont leads the way in e-cigarette laws. As of July 1, 2014, children in Vermont have been protected from E-Cigarettes. People can no longer smoke e-cigarettes in workplaces, motor vehicles with children, public places, or childcare settings. Previously, e-cigarettes were not included in Act 135, the Vermont Smoke-Free Laws. This meant that e-cigarettes could be used wherever people wanted.

With more research, it has been discovered that e-cigarettes are far from safe. While they have been advertised as only producing water vapor, new studies have shown that they also release toxic metals and nicotine. The liquid is concentrated nicotine and other chemicals in dropper form. There is no standard for using one drop, two, three or even four. This means that you cannot determine how much nicotine you are really getting. The CDC has reported a dramatic increase in the number of e-cigarette related calls to poison control centers. Half of the e-cigarette reported calls involve children under the age of 15. E-liquids are going to be regulated and labeled, as of January 1, 2015.

Pass this knowledge along to your community: the dangers of e-cigarettes, vapors, and e-liquids are increasing every day. A violation of Act 135 can result in a $100.00 fine. It is important to keep our youth safe by keeping them educated about the dangers of e-cigarettes. For more information, please visit the Vermont Department of Health. http://healthvermont.gov/prevent/tobacco/documents/Ecigarette_factsheet.pdf

ATHLETICS:

Fall Sports Banquets:

The Middle School Banquet will be on Wednesday, November 5th from 5:30-7pm in the Main Gym. The High School Banquet will be on Thursday, November 6th from 5:30-7pm. Please remember both of these events are Potluck Dinners so please bring a dish to contribute to the meal. We look forward to seeing you there!

Basketball:

Girls Open Gym will be running on 11/2, 11/9 and 11/12 starting at 2:45pm

Boys Open Gym will be running on 10/30, 11/4, 11/6, 11/11, 11/13 starting at 6pm

Tryouts will Begin for Boys and Girls HS Basketball on Monday November 17th with the following schedule:

Girls HS Tryouts (9-12 grade) from November 17th to November 19th 4:30-6:30pm Main Gym

Boys HS Tryouts (9-12 grade) from November 17th to November 19th 6:30-8:30pm Main Gym

Boys and Girls MS Basketball tryouts will begin on December 1st at 2:45-4:15pm in the Main Gym and Dutton

Remember, with every season, there will be a Parent/Player/Coach/Concussion Meeting within the first 2 weeks of the start of the season.
Confirmation of date soon to follow...

Thursday, October 23, 2014

Friday Notes 10-24-14

SCHOOL INFO:

Mongolian Performance

The community performance by students and teachers from the Arts College of Inner Mongolia University will be held tonight in the LG gym at 7:30. There will be collaborative performances with Leland and Gray chorus and band members and it should be a fun night. Please come out and support these students as they have supported our girls and boys soccer teams in the rain during their victories this past week. There is no admission charge for this world class exhibition of Mongolian music and dance!

Update to the School Schedule:

Resume and Interview Skill Workshop:

On Wednesday, October 29th there will be a Resume Writing Workshop for anyone interested. Thursday, October 30th there will be an Interview Skill Workshop in preparation for the Career Expo at Brattleboro High School on Monday, November 10th. Any students interested in either of these opportunities should p lease see Phoebe or Nika if interested.

Sophomores and Juniors:

College Representative Visits:

The schedule for college rep visits so far this year is as follows:
Castleton State College- Nov. 7 @ 9:30am
Bryant College- Nov. 7 @ 1:00pm

“Paying for College” Workshops:

7th Grader Parents & Guardians:

From the School Nurse:

Please click on this link: A Note from the Vermont Department of Health on Ebola

Winter Sports:

Women Can Do Conference:

Shawna Smith at the Conference

Six students and two staff traveled to Vermont Technical College in Randolph, Vermont for the 16th annual Women Can Do conference on Thursday, October 16th. The event is sponsored by the Vermont Works for Women, an organization whose mission is to "help women and girls explore, pursue, and excel in nontraditional careers that pay a livable wage."

At the conference students participated in a variety of workshops, such as woodworking, operating chainsaws and logging, farming, heavy equipment operation, crime scene investigation, welding, robotics, architecture, self-defense, fire fighting, starting your own business, as well as computers, natural resource management, solar energy, an many other topics.

Leland and Gray students traveled with students from other area schools due to the generosity of the Windham Regional Career Center paying for the transportation as well as teach students' registration.

AFTER SCHOOL INFO:

Late Bus:

The late bus is currently not running and will resume running on Monday, November 3rd.

After School Snack:

Remember a more substantial After School Snack is available after school Monday - Thursday.

After School Programs:

Environmental Action:

Leland & Gray Players:

The Leland and Gray Players have been named the sole secondary school recipient of the 2014 Moss Hart Award. Presented every year at the New England Theatre Conference (NETC) the award honors outstanding productions in four different categories from around New England.

Moss Hart (1904-1961) was a renowned dramatist and director who made major contributions to Broadway in its Golden Age with plays he wrote or co-authored with George S. Kaufman including Once in a Lifetime and You Can’t Take It with You. His Hollywood credits include screen plays for A Star is Born and The Man Who Came to Dinner.

Alexa Litchfield

Early last spring, the Players applied to the NETC to submit their May 2014 production of A Midsummer Night's Dream for the award which honors Hart's wit, sensitivity, and enthusiasm for life. According to the NETC, “The award is given to productions of scripts that are strong both literally and artistically and that present stories of human courage and dignity.” After accepting the Players application, the NETC sent reviewers to two performances. To complete the process for consideration, director Ann Landenberger was required to submit documents and photos in support of the application. Out of ten secondary school finally under consideration across New England, the Players were selected for the Moss Hart Award in the secondary school division.

The Players' production of Shakespeare's A Midsummer Night's Dream, set in the early 19th century, featured set design by Madison Cannella '15 and costumes by Tino Benson '17 and Abby Wicker '02. Addie Mahdavi '14 was assistant director and music coordinator. Nastia Stevens '18; Stephen Scott and Nate Laning '14 designed lights and music teacher Tom Walters created incidental music, dance tunes and songs for the Players' “Dream” using Playford's English dance tunes popular in the early 1800s. Dale Stevens was technical director; Ann Landenberger directed. Madison Cannella, Zoe Soule, Tino Benson and Nathaniel van Odsol were the star-crossed lovers; Gabrel Vanni-Phillips and Nicole Winot, Oberon and Titania; Alexa Litchfield, Puck and Adam Culver, Jesse Cannella, Arik Clark, Patrick Hauer, Sam Thibault and Rebekah Winot were the "mechanicals."

A Midsummer Night's Dream was the first production that the Players have submitted for consideration by the NETC. Recipients in recent years have included Amity High School, Woodbridge, CT; Phillips Andover Academy, Andover, MA; Staples High School, Westport, CT; Barrington High School, Barrington, RI; Shrewsbury High School, Shrewsbury, Massachusetts.

A contingent of nearly 25 representing the Players will travel to the Westford Hotel and Conference Center in Westford, MA to receive the award on Saturday night, October 25. The Players open their current season with a 65-member cast in The Wizard of Oz on November 13. For information, writeverbatim@svcable.net.

COMMUNITY INFO:

West Townshend Community Store:

The West Townshend Country Store is currently offering Friday Night Pizza Party With Local Musicians! You can Top your own Pizza and they will cook it in the community built Cob wood fired oven.

Friday Night Pizza/Music
5pm – 7:30pm Pizza & Music

They are also looking for local musicians to play music at their Friday night events, please email at info@westtownshend.com if your interested.

Guiding Good Choices Parent Education Series:

Starting October 1st and ending Oct. 29th Every Wed. 5:30-7:30 At Jamaica Village School

The goal of the Guiding Good Choices program is to prevent substance abuse among teens by teaching parents of preteens and younger adolescents the skills they need to improve family communication and family bonding. The program draws on extensive research that demonstrates the critical importance of bonding in reducing or inhibiting adolescent participation in antisocial behaviors.

During the course of the Guiding Good Choices program, parents will learn specific strategies to help their children avoid drug use and other adolescent problem behaviors, and develop into healthy adults. Parents will learn to set clear family guidelines on drugs, as well as learn and practice skills to strengthen family bonds, help their children develop healthy behaviors, and increase children's involvement in the family.

Since there is clear evidence that the child-rearing practices, attitudes, values, and behaviors of parents influence whether their children will use drugs, the Guiding Good Choices program is designed for parents. Education that begins during the preteen years and early adolescence is key for helping parents reduce their child's risk for drug use as a teen.

ATHLETICS:

Soccer:

The Boys and Girls Varsity Soccer teams won their first playoff games. The Boys will be playing at home on Saturday at 11am followed by the Girls at 2pm.

Owen McDonald

Giannina Gaspero-Beckstrom

Fall Sports Banquets:

Basketball:

Winter Sports are right around the corner and it's important everyone interested marks their calendars for the start dates for basketball:

Boys and Girls HS Basketball 1st day to practice is November 17th
Boys and Girls MS Basketball 1st day to practice is December 1st.

Remember, with every season, there will be a Parent/Player/Coach/Concussion Meeting within the first 2 weeks of the start of the season.
Confirmation of date soon to follow...

Upcoming Athletic Games:

Please check Digital Sports and the L&G homepage for any schedule updates.

Day	Date	Time	Event	Sport	H/A	Opponent/Title	Facility
Sat	10/25/14	11:00AM	Game	Boys (V)	H	Vs. Williamstown High School	Vermont Academy
Sat	10/25/14	2:00PM	Game	Girls (V)	H	Vs. Peoples Academy	Soccer Field
Tue	10/28/14	TBA	Tournament	Boys (V)	H	VPA Semifinals	TBD
Tue	10/28/14	TBA	Tournament	Girls (V)	H	VPA Semifinals	TBD
Tue	10/28/14	4:15PM	Game	Girls (8TH)	H	Vs. Westmoreland Middle School	TBD
Tue	10/28/14	5:30PM	Game	Boys (8TH)	H	Vs. Westmoreland Middle School	TBD
Sat	11/01/14	TBA	Tournament	Boys (V)	H	VPA State Finals	TBD
Sat	11/01/14	TBA	Tournament	Girls (V)	H	VPA State Finals	TBD

Friday, October 17, 2014

Friday Notes 10-17-14

SCHOOL INFO:

Resume and Interview Skill Workshop:

Sophomores and Juniors:

“Try a Major Day” at Vermont Tech’s Williston Campus on Friday, November 14^th. This is not a typical “tour the campus day.” It's a day when sophomores and juniors will participate and interact with a major program they’re interested in learning more about.

A sampling of the major activities, agenda for the day and individual registration information may be found at: www.vtc.edu/tamd

Programs available at the Williston Campus Try a Major Day: Aviation, Business, Computer and Information Systems, Dental, Electrical, Computer and Electromechanical Technology, Nursing & Respiratory Therapy

College Representative Visits:

The schedule for college rep visits so far this year is as follows:

Bard College-Oct. 21 @11:30am
Castleton State College- Nov. 7 @ 9:30am
Bryant College- Nov. 7 @ 1:00pm

“Paying for College” Workshops:

Vermont Student Assistance Corporation (VSAC) will offer free workshops at local high schools to help families plan how to pay for college and training after high school.

November 18th Leland and Gray UHS Library 6:30 p.m.

If you cannot attend this session, visit www.vsac.org/schedule for other local sessions.

7th Grader Parents & Guardians:

Guests from Mongolia:

The students and teachers from the Arts College of Inner Mongolia University have arrived!

There is a bonfire/welcome party at the Rick Jones/Carol Bailey residence in South Wardsboro on Friday, the 17th. Counselors from the summer programs plus students who participated in one or both of those camps are welcome to participate. Bring your instruments and a dish of some sort. Email Tom at: tconnor@lelandandgray.org for details.

There is a square dance in Dutton Gym to which everyone is invited on Saturday, October 18 from 7:30 to 10:00 with Jill Newton and the Turkey Mountain Window Smashers!! There is no admission charge but if you would like to bring a gallon of cider or some cupcakes, it would be appreciated! All students, teachers and community members are welcome to attend!

From the School Nurse:

Flu season has started in Vermont.

The flu season, which typically peaks in January or February, has started and cases have been laboratory confirmed. The time to get your flu shot is now. Flu vaccine is regularly offered in doctors’ offices, clinics, retail stores, pharmacies, health centers and by employers.

One change this flu season is a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommendation for healthy children 2 years through 8 years of age to be vaccinated with nasal spray rather than a flu shot, when it is immediately available. If the nasal spray vaccine is not available and the flu shot is, vaccination should not be delayed and a flu shot should be given.

Besides getting the flu vaccine, take simple, every day actions to keep illness from spreading:

Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve every time you sneeze or cough.
Wash hands often and well with soap and water. Use a hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available.
Keep hands away from eyes, nose and mouth.
Stay home from work, school or public places when you’re sick.

For more information about flu vaccination, prevention, and treatment visit the Health Department’s website at www.healthvermont.gov.

Winter Sports:

Hello Parents!

It’s that time of year again and we welcome you to join us for all of your JISP needs – rentals of skis, snowboards and boots. We encourage you to come in before the Thanksgiving holiday so we can get your child(ren) outfitted for the season. The season runs from 10/15/14- 4/30/15.

Our season lease price this year will be the same as last year: $70 for skis, boots and poles; $99 for snowboards and boots. OR you may purchase the equipment as follows: $89 for skis, boots and poles; $120 for snowboards and boots.

In response to the growing inquiry about helmets, we have teamed with Giro and Smith to offer helmets to JISP participants at the reduced range of $50-$80. The benefit of these helmets is the size adjustability that will provide several years of use for your child.

We thank you in advance for your continued support and we look forward to seeing you soon.

Think snow!

Sincerely,

Tom, Suzy and the Norse House Team

Please remember - the earlier, the better!

AFTER SCHOOL INFO:

Late Bus:

The late bus is currently not running and will resume running on Monday, November 3rd.

After School Snack:

Remember a more substantial After School Snack is available after school Monday - Thursday.

After School Programs:

Environmental Action:

LEAF, the Leland & Gray Environmental Action Force, is off to a great start this year with several upcoming events. Starting this year, Leland & Gray will be composting all food scraps from the cafeteria. In preparation for this event, a "Trash Sorting" will take place on Wednesday, October 22nd during the school day. During this event a dumpster will be separated into recyclable materials, compostable materials, and trash.

Additionally, we are hosting our first after school hike next Wednesday on October 22. We will also begin showing documentaries after school to raise awareness of a variety of environmental issues.

Another upcoming event is America Recycles Day, on November 15th. In preparation for this, LEAF will be putting recycled materials to use in school assemblies and in holiday arts & crafts. In particular, the middle school LEAF members are working on creating holiday crafts from recycled materials and hope to teach local elementary school students how some simple decorations can be made. If you have any unwanted glass jars or old incandescent light bulbs, please contact Mary Davis or have your child drop them off in school.

Other goals include setting up a small greenhouse on school grounds and planting garlic over the winter. If anyone is willing to donate garlic for planting, please contact either Stephanie Nyzio (snyzio@lelandandgray.org) or Mary Davis (mdavis@lelandandgray.org).

COMMUNITY INFO:

Guiding Good Choices Parent Education Series:

ATHLETICS:

Basketball:
Winter Sports are right around the corner and it's important everyone interested marks their calendars for the start dates for basketball:

Boys and Girls HS Basketball 1st day to practice is November 17th
Boys and Girls MS Basketball 1st day to practice is December 1st.

Remember, with every season, there will be a Parent/Player/Coach/Concussion Meeting within the first 2 weeks of the start of the season.
Confirmation of date soon to follow...

Go Rebels!

Upcoming Athletic Games:

Please check Digital Sports and the L&G homepage for any schedule updates.

Day	Date	Time	Event	Sport	H/A	Opponent/Title	Facility	Bus Depart
Fri	10/17/14	6:00PM	Game	Girls (V)	A	@ Arlington Memorial	Arl. Park	3:45 PM
Mon	10/20/14	4:00PM	Game	Boys (JV)	H	Vs. Mt. Anthony	Soccer Field
Mon	10/20/14	4:00PM	Game	Girls (JV)	H	Vs. Mt. Anthony	Soccer Field
Mon	10/20/14	4:00PM	Game	Boys (8TH)	A	@ Dummerston Middle School	TBD	3:00 PM
Tue	10/21/14	TBA	Tournament	Boys (V)	H	VPA Playdowns	TBD
Tue	10/21/14	TBA	Tournament	Girls (V)	H	VPA Playdowns	TBD
Tue	10/21/14	4:00PM	Game	Girls (8TH)	H	Vs. Kurn Hattin Homes	TBD
Tue	10/21/14	4:00PM	Game	Boys (7th-8th White)	A	@ Kurn Hattin Homes	TBD	2:45 PM
Wed	10/22/14	TBA	Tournament	Boys (V)		VPA Playdowns	TBD
Wed	10/22/14	TBA	Tournament	Girls (V)		VPA Playdowns	TBD
Thu	10/24/14	TBA	Tournament	Girls (V)		VPA Quarterfinals	TBD
Thu	10/24/14	TBA	Tournament	Boys (V)		VPA Quarterfinals	TBD
Thu	10/23/14	4:00PM	Game	Boys (8TH)	H	Vs. Walpole Middle School	TBD
Thu	10/23/14	4:00PM	Game	Girls (8TH)	H	Vs. Walpole Middle School	TBD
Fri	10/25/14	TBA	Tournament	Boys (V)		VPA Quarterfinals	TBD
Fri	10/25/14	TBA	Tournament	Girls (V)		VPA Quarterfinals	TBD
Tue	10/28/14	TBA	Tournament	Girls (V)		VPA Semifinals	TBD
Tue	10/28/14	TBA	Tournament	Boys (V)		VPA Semifinals	TBD
Tue	10/28/14	4:15PM	Game	Girls (8TH)	H	Vs. Westmoreland Middle School	TBD
Tue	10/28/14	5:30PM	Game	Boys (8TH)	H	Vs. Westmoreland Middle School	TBD
Sat	11/01/14	TBA	Tournament	Girls (V)		VPA State Finals	TBD
Sat	11/01/14	TBA	Tournament	Boys (V)		VPA State Finals	TBD