Friday, October 23, 2015

Friday Notes 10-23-15

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:


New Music Teacher of the Year:

Congratulations to Music Teacher Riley Goodemote for being named New Music Teacher of the Year!!


Parent Advisory Meeting Postponed:

Due to the 7th grade student/parent/teacher meeting on Tuesday, October 20th, the Parent Advisory Group meeting has been postponed until Tuesday, October 27th at 7-8pm in the school library. Please join us!


8th Grade Parents:

8th grade homework assignments build on what has happened that day in class.  The lesson is taught and assignments are typically begun in class.  They need to be completed before the next class.  Without completed homework, students will not be as successful in the next day.  This design is intended to help 8th graders become more independent learners, a skill needed for high school.  Please check Power School daily to see what the day's homework assignment is, and ask to see your child's homework when it is completed.

Family Night:  The middle school teaching teams and the L’AFTER program are holding an 8th grade family pizza night this fall.  Families are invited to join us for a free pizza dinner to celebrate the start of the school year and build the middle school community.  Local experiential education consultant, Jennifer Stanchfield will lead activities and games, and describe her role as a year-long facilitator with the middle school students.  The core classroom teachers will be available to answer questions, and families can network and enjoy an evening of fun with family and community.  Come join us on November 4th from 6:00-7:30.

Texting While Driving Event:

On Thursday, October 22nd Leland & Gray hosted Turn Off Texting and had an opportunity to participate in texting while driving and driving under the influence simulations.  



Tech Tip:

Grown-ups dread it. Kids need it. It's time to have The Talk.
Encourage others: Share what you did with your students on Facebook or Twitter to encourage other educators to get involved. Use the hashtags #HaveTheTalk #DigCit to spread your impact!


You don't want kids learning about the birds and the bees on the playground. And when it comes to navigating social media, online games, smartphones, and the Internet, it's best for kids to get their info from a trusted source. With 92 percent of teens going online daily and nearly three-quarters of kids age 0–8 using apps, having The Talk is an essential rite of passage.


As parents and educators, we want to raise kids to be safe, responsible, and ethical in the digital world. Giving kids a solid understanding of how we expect them to behave -- both online and off -- starts everyone off on the right foot. Plus, it's actually a lot easier than that other talk.

You’re an educator, so you know better than most that technology is changing the way your students explore, interact, and learn. You also know that today, teaching students to be safe and responsible with technology is just as important as teaching the 3 R’s.


You’re on the front line of a subject nobody taught you to teach. But you don’t need to be an expert on social media, online games, and texting to have The Talk with your students. Instead of the birds and the bees, this version of The Talk is about how to be safe, responsible, and respectful online.
Here are 5 easy steps for having The Talk:

  1. Prepare yourself: Read up on issues like cyberbullying, digital footprints, online relationships, and more to better understand what your students are experiencing every day.
  2. Cover the basics: Take a class period (or more!) to have your students engage in our educational apps/sites and student-directed experiences:
  3. Dive deeper: Scaffold students’ learning by having The Talk throughout all grade levels -- it’s never too early to start! Use our straightforward lessons:
  4. Engage families: Distribute our The Talk one-pager (in English or Spanish) to families so that they can reinforce learning at home.

From the Nurse:


Applications for BOOTS 4 VERMONT KIDS are in the nurse’s office. If your child is in need of new winter boots for the season and you are having difficulty purchasing them due to financial restraints, please contact Jen Burke, School Nurse at Leland and Gray or email @ Jburke@lelandandgray.org. This program is funded by the Stratton Foundation. All applications are due by December 4th.  


Boots will be delivered to the school for you to pick up by December 18th.

Fundraiser for Montreal:

On Hallowe'en night, there will be a soup and chili fundraiser at the Forester's house in Jamaica. Located just to the right of the D&K, we'll be selling hot, healthy food to benefit the French II class trip to MontrĂ©al. If you're trick-or-treating in the area, please drop by! 

Juniors & Seniors & Their Parents/Guardians:

Every week Sarah sends out an E-newsletter containing all things college and career. Many of you are on the list to receive it, but many are not! There is so much information pertaining to life after high school, this is the most effective way to communicate it to you. If you do NOT get this e-letter, please email Sarah and request to be added to the list. sgrasso@lelandandgray.org

Travel Opportunity:

To the entire L&G Community—parents, siblings, staff--
The cities of the British Isles can take you back into the distant past, from Dublin’s thousand-year-old Book of Kells to the 17th-century St. Paul’s Cathedral in London. In between, appreciate the timeless beauty of nature—marvel at the scenic shores of Holyhead in Wales, the green hills along Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way and England’s pastoral countryside. Visit the Blarney Castle and kiss the Stone; tour Dublin and catch a sheep dog demo; visit a castle in Wales and the place where the Bard (yes, Shakespeare) was born. See Big Ben, Westminster Abbey and much more! How?

Join Ms. Landenberger and several great students and adults for a sight-filled, relaxing, super-fun experiential learning tour through Ireland, Wales and England. The deadline for signing on to the trip is October 30.  Please note the important info below:

TOUR ITINERARY: England, Ireland and Wales in 9 days
Day 1: Fly overnight to Ireland
Day 2: Shannon • Killarney
Day 3: Killarney: Ring of Kerry, Bog Village Museum, sheep dog demonstration
Day 4: Killarney • Dublin: Blarney Castle, Cashel Rock
Day 7: Stratford • London: tour Stratford and Shakespeare's birthplace; travel to London
Day 5: Dublin: guided tour with expert local guide
Day 6: Dublin • Holyhead • Coventry: ferry from Dublin to Holyhead, a Welsh castle
Day 8: London: guided tour with expert local guide and have to explore on your own with an adult

FOR INFORMATION ON TRAVELING WITH EF, OUR TRIP, COSTS, HOW TO ENROLL:
http://www.eftours.com/tour-website/1688388SC?utm_source=link&utm_medium=RC&utm_campaign=sharetrip

"To enroll."  Our tour number is 1688388SC. Leader is Ann C. Landenberger.

If you've traveled with EF before, you're entitled to another discount. The fee includes all air transportation and ground transportation abroad, entrance fees, guides, breakfast and dinner daily, lodging. Not included: transport to and from airport; lunches; beverages other than water at dinners.

And we can do some fundraising, if you wish, to help students raise spending money. Dates are approximate thus far:  We'll be traveling during February break c. February 18-26.

QUESTIONS?
Call or write Annie Landenberger at alandenberger@lelandandgray.org, 348-7156.

Word of the Week:






AFTER SCHOOL INFO:


 After School Conduct:

Students who are in an activity must arrive by 3:00.  You are not allowed on A or B Level unless you are participating in an After School Activity.  If you leave the activity before it concludes, you must go to C-Level or outside.

If you are not participating in an after school activity and violate any rules in the Student Handbook, you will no longer be allowed to stay after school.


Morning Announcement Challenge:

Check out the 8th graders and LGTV Morning Announcement production!!






LEAF Program:

L&G Environmental Action Force and Outdoor Club:

Do you care about the environment?   Do you want to spend more time outdoors?
Join LEAF!

What we do:

  • hike, snowshoe, and learn wilderness skills
  • L&G School Community Garden
  • make and teach upcycled crafts
  • attend Youth Environmental Summits
  • educate ourselves and others on the outdoors, environmental issues and model sustainable practices
When? Every Friday HS lunch C4

Junior Iron Chef:

"Jr Iron Chef Vermont is a statewide culinary competition that challenges teams of middle and high school students to create healthy, local dishes that inspire school meal programs." (http://dev.vtfeed.org/).  The teams will meet every Tuesday afternoon throughout the school year to plan and practice for the state-wide competition held in the spring.If you enjoy cooking, are an aspiring chef, enjoy working with food and creating recipes... please join us on Tuesdays! Contact Susan Jones  for more information. sjones@lelandandgray.org or 365-7355, ext 128.


Late Bus:

The late began running on Monday, September 14th.

The late bus runs Monday - Thursday.  The late bus does not run on half days or on Wednesdays during Winter Sports.

You can access the full late bus schedule here.


After School Programs:

After School programs began running on Monday, September 14th.  Please see or e-mail Dale Stevens with any questions.

Opportunities:

Students:  interested in being a Peer Tutor?  a counselor at the Elementary Schools during their after school programs?  interested in running your OWN after school program?  These are all paid opportunities offered through the After School Program.  See Dale if interested.

Community Members/Teachers/Staff:  The After School programs are looking for another staff member to assist students with homework during afternoon HEY! Help.  Please see or e-mail Dale if interested.

COMMUNITY:


If you have any community events or information you would like to be listed in Friday Notes, please e-mail fridaynotes@lelandandgray.org


Music in Williamsville:


Sunday, November 1, the Williamsville Eatery will host a musical soiree, featuring dinner and a concert of original music by Quantum Hitch.


The renovated interior of the old Williamsville General Store will contribute to the magical and intimate concert experience. Because seating is limited to 25—tickets will be sold on a first-come, first-serve basis.

Tickets are $30, which includes the music and a wholesome and tasty Eatery meal. The cover price will help The Eatery to honor their commitment to pay a fair wage to all of their local suppliers, including the professional musicians on stage. 

Quantum Hitch is composer Dan DeWalt on piano, joined by Wim Auer on electric fretless bass, and Tim Gilmore will be on drums. They will perform a variety of original music influenced in part by latin, jazz and funk styles.
Food will be served from 5pm until the concert which runs from 7-9.. Drinks will be available throughout the evening.

Job Opportunity:

West River Valley Thrives is hiring a Prevention Coalition Director.

Seeking individual to provide leadership, program implementation, capacity building, grants management, strategic planning, and evaluation for West River Valley Thrives.

Qualifications:
demonstrated ability to lead a coalition of diverse organizations and individuals to achieve a common goal; strong communication and computer skills; as well as wellness promotion and substance abuse prevention experience. Experience in managing a federal grant preferred.

Competitive pay. 32 hours per week. E.O.E.

Job description available from wrvtdirector@gmail.com.

Submit cover letter, resume and 3 telephone references to wrvtdirector@gmail.com or P.O. Box 1373, W. Townshend, VT 05359.



Job Opportunity:


PART-TIME YEAR ROUND HELP WANTED:

Busy resort community seeks front desk staff to greet and assist our homeowners, guests, club members and vendors; answer phones; log keys; light office duties; facility checks; other miscellaneous tasks.  Good communication and customer service skills required.  Must have reliable transportation and be able to work day and evening shifts, weekdays and weekends.  Benefits include use of the health club with courts, pool and hot tub. 
We are looking to fill two positions for 9-15 hours/week each.  We will review the applicant’s availability to decide what days/shifts each person will be assigned when we hire.
Contact Lynn for more details:  802-464-0259 or stop by Timber Creek to fill out an application.
Please note that we understand that students will be in school and will have limited shift availability on weekdays.
Our shifts are structured as follows:
Weekdays:  7:15 am – 3:00 pm
Weeknights:  2:45 pm – 7:00 pm (until winter when we are open until 8 or 9 pm)
Weekends
Day shift:  7:45 am – 2:00 pm
Closing shift:  1:45 – 7:00 pm (until winter when we are open until 8 or 9 pm)
Any questions, please feel free to call Lynn at 802-464-0259.
Thank you,
Lynn Larson
Club House Manager / Bookkeeping
Timber Creek Condominium Owners Association
PO Box 670 - West Dover, VT 05356
Phone: 802-464-0259
Fax: 802-464-0546

Job Opportunity:


The Townshend Library is  hiring for a Custodian Position.  2 hours per week, $13.63/hour.  The hours are flexible.  Please call Librarian Karen LaRue if interested at 802-365-4039


October:  Down Syndrome Awareness Month:

During the month of October, we celebrate people with Down syndrome and make people aware of our abilities and accomplishments.  It’s not about celebrating disabilities, it’s about celebrating abilities.

We can learn all about our history. We have a right to speak out about what it’s like to have Down syndrome and to learn the real story of people like us.  People with Down syndrome and their loved ones can spread awareness about Down syndrome by going to their local Buddy Walk® and we can speak out about our needs.  This is how we advocate. Our parents can teach us about education and how to advocate for ourselves – and give us love, support and encouragement.

Remember that this is a very important month – we have to spread awareness about Down syndrome and learn more about ourselves.  

- See more at: http://www.ndss.org/About-NDSS/Our-Team/Ambassadors/Goodwill-Ambassador/Straight-Talk-with-Chris-Burke/Down-Syndrome-Awareness-Month/



ATHLETICS:


Girls Open Gym:

Girls Basketball Open Gym will begin this Sunday and continue on Sundays and Wednesdays from 4-6pm in the Main Gym.


Basketball:

All Middle and High School students interested in playing basketball for the L&G teams this winter, please sign up with Mr. Testo.  Also, make sure you have an updated physical within the last two years.  All forms are available in Mr. Testo's office on D Level.

The first day of practice for High School Basketball is November 16th.
The first day of practice for Middle School Basketball is November 30th.  All Middle School practices run from 2:45-4:15.

Anyone interest in coaching Middle School boys basketball, please contact Mr. Testo at mtesto@lelandandgray.org


Rebel Gear:

The Boosters Club is selling Leland & Gray apparel!  Tshirts, sweatshirts, hats, blankets and more.  The first round of orders must be placed by October 27th.  Check it out:  https://lelandandgrayapparel.itemorder.com/sale?read_message=true

Rebel Soccer Support for Crystal:

On Sunday, October 25th at 6pm there will be a benefit pasta dinner for Crystal Durocher in the Leland and Gray Activity room.

All donations will be given to the Durocher family for medical costs.






Crystal Durocher is a 2002 graduate of Leland and Gray Union High School and among other things was a member of the varsity girls soccer team. She is a registered nurse at Grace Cottage Hospital, loving wife, friend, daughter and mother of two beautiful girls who attend NewBrook School. Crystal began her fight with breast cancer at the age of 31.                

Current varsity girls and boys soccer players will be servers at the benefit dinner.

Boys Soccer Quarterfinals:

The Boys Varsity Soccer Team will host Thetford Academy today at 3pm in the Quarterfinal round of the Division 3 State Championships.  They defeated Randolph 3-0 to advance to the Quarterfinals.  Come support the Rebels!




Upcoming Schedule:

Please check Digital Sports and the Leland & Gray website for updated information or schedule changes.


DayDateTimeEventSportH/AOpponent/TitleFacilityResultBus Depart
Tue10/27/153:45PMGameGirls (MS)HVs. Westmoreland Middle SchoolTBD
Tue10/27/155:00PMGameBoys (7th-8th Green)HVs. Westmoreland Middle SchoolTBD