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SCHOOL INFO:
Spirit Week:
The conclusion of Spirit Week 2016 "Oscar Award Winning Films" is happening TONIGHT Friday, March 18th with an all-school (7th-12th grade) dance, themed, "A Night At the Oscars," from 7:00pm - 10:00pm. Admission is $5.00. Concessions will be available for purchase from the senior class. Students are encouraged to come dressed for the Oscars. Those who do will receive 5 bonus points for their class toward their spirit week tally!
Congratulations to all the students on their great work!
Students in the Spotlight:
Trying it all: L&G snowboarders shine on stage and on the slopes
When Owen McDonald competed in the state snowboard individual slopestyle event March 3, he had a couple other things on his mind: First, he had to be back to Leland and Gray (L&G) by 5 PM for company notes before a 7PM opening of the L&G Players' production of Macbeth. Then he had to face the fact that this was his first time working with the Players: He'd broken through his comfort zone to play the roles of Lennox, Old Man and Seyton in the well-known Shakespearean tragedy.
Why now, in his senior year, did McDonald decide to give the Players a try? He was convinced, he said, by Emma Urbaska –relatively new to L&G's theatre program –and by Players' newcomer and fellow senior athlete, Jordan Gouger, to join the Macbeth cast. “They told me that I would regret not doing it, if I didn't give it a go. So, that is how I found myself walking into play rehearsal one day.”
Of that day when he scored on his snowboard and then under the lights, McDonald says: “As an athlete, mental power is very important and my mental power was truly tested that day. Switching gears from snowboarding to performing in front of an audience in costume and make up was difficult, but I got through it. In the end, I can safely say, that was a successful day not just for me but for everyone around me.”
According to McDonald's mother, Beth, the winning rider pressed her to hurry back to the Townshend high school from Okemo in Ludlow where the day-long competition was held. Players' Assistant Director Kayla Williams, L&G '14, adds that no one would have known the stress of that afternoon as McDonald slid in at 5:03 and sat to get the feedback he'd use in that night's opening. It wasn't until just before opening that director Annie Landenberger learned from L&G's Athletics and Activities Director Marty Testo of McDonald's win.
But that's not all: Teammate and fellow senior Cody Cutler had also jumped at the chance to perform for the first time taking roles of Menteith and first murderer in Macbeth. He, too, sat calmly for notes, no doubt busting with pride: For not only had McDonald taken the individual gold; the whole L&G team took first in slopestyle statewide.
L&G snowboarding coach, John Salzman, says: "This year was tough in terms of natural precipitation, but the team was strong with natural talent. We didn't have more than two practices on snow before our first competition, although that didn't stop us from taking first place. It was an honor to work with these gifted riders."
Testo adds, “What I found most impressive about this team was their ability to overcome the mild winter and inaccessibility of practice facilities. They never used this as an excuse and just overcame every obstacle that came their way. A sign of a true champion!”
McDonald's younger brother, Patrick, is his snowboarding teammate and was also a varsity soccer teammate in the fall. Patrick will leave March 21 for China, having been selected to participate in L&G's 2016 Journey East performing arts group.
"I couldn't be more proud of L&G," Beth McDonald adds. “From our first visit to see Coach Barton and his varsity boys' soccer team when my kids were still at Windham Elementary School, I was impressed with the closeness of the L&G students, parents and community members. It was then we started attending concerts and plays-- amazing entertainment right down the hill. We knew that our kids would thrive in this close-knit school and feel comfortable trying all L&G has to offer. We are extremely grateful for the diverse opportunities there.”
When Owen McDonald competed in the state snowboard individual slopestyle event March 3, he had a couple other things on his mind: First, he had to be back to Leland and Gray (L&G) by 5 PM for company notes before a 7PM opening of the L&G Players' production of Macbeth. Then he had to face the fact that this was his first time working with the Players: He'd broken through his comfort zone to play the roles of Lennox, Old Man and Seyton in the well-known Shakespearean tragedy.
Why now, in his senior year, did McDonald decide to give the Players a try? He was convinced, he said, by Emma Urbaska –relatively new to L&G's theatre program –and by Players' newcomer and fellow senior athlete, Jordan Gouger, to join the Macbeth cast. “They told me that I would regret not doing it, if I didn't give it a go. So, that is how I found myself walking into play rehearsal one day.”
Of that day when he scored on his snowboard and then under the lights, McDonald says: “As an athlete, mental power is very important and my mental power was truly tested that day. Switching gears from snowboarding to performing in front of an audience in costume and make up was difficult, but I got through it. In the end, I can safely say, that was a successful day not just for me but for everyone around me.”
According to McDonald's mother, Beth, the winning rider pressed her to hurry back to the Townshend high school from Okemo in Ludlow where the day-long competition was held. Players' Assistant Director Kayla Williams, L&G '14, adds that no one would have known the stress of that afternoon as McDonald slid in at 5:03 and sat to get the feedback he'd use in that night's opening. It wasn't until just before opening that director Annie Landenberger learned from L&G's Athletics and Activities Director Marty Testo of McDonald's win.
But that's not all: Teammate and fellow senior Cody Cutler had also jumped at the chance to perform for the first time taking roles of Menteith and first murderer in Macbeth. He, too, sat calmly for notes, no doubt busting with pride: For not only had McDonald taken the individual gold; the whole L&G team took first in slopestyle statewide.
L&G snowboarding coach, John Salzman, says: "This year was tough in terms of natural precipitation, but the team was strong with natural talent. We didn't have more than two practices on snow before our first competition, although that didn't stop us from taking first place. It was an honor to work with these gifted riders."
Testo adds, “What I found most impressive about this team was their ability to overcome the mild winter and inaccessibility of practice facilities. They never used this as an excuse and just overcame every obstacle that came their way. A sign of a true champion!”
McDonald's younger brother, Patrick, is his snowboarding teammate and was also a varsity soccer teammate in the fall. Patrick will leave March 21 for China, having been selected to participate in L&G's 2016 Journey East performing arts group.
"I couldn't be more proud of L&G," Beth McDonald adds. “From our first visit to see Coach Barton and his varsity boys' soccer team when my kids were still at Windham Elementary School, I was impressed with the closeness of the L&G students, parents and community members. It was then we started attending concerts and plays-- amazing entertainment right down the hill. We knew that our kids would thrive in this close-knit school and feel comfortable trying all L&G has to offer. We are extremely grateful for the diverse opportunities there.”
Student Art Month Art Show:
Leland & Gray did fantastic in this year's Student Art Month Art Show with the following awards:
Best in Show Drawing - Erelyn Griffin
Best in Show Painting - Skyler Nupp
Best in Show Ceramics - Maggie Adams
Best in Show Book Arts - Maggie Adams
Honorable Mention Digital Arts - Dani Dezendorf
The show opens March 4th and will be up until the end of the month. You can see the 2D work at the River Garden and the 3D work at Vermont Artisan Designs Gallery 2.
Best in Show Painting - Skyler Nupp
Best in Show Ceramics - Maggie Adams
Best in Show Book Arts - Maggie Adams
Honorable Mention Digital Arts - Dani Dezendorf
The show opens March 4th and will be up until the end of the month. You can see the 2D work at the River Garden and the 3D work at Vermont Artisan Designs Gallery 2.
Drivers Education:
The Drivers Education class has been up to some interesting things! They have been participating in the Enhanced Teen Driver Safety Program with the Windham County Sheriff's Department. See pictures and more information here: https://www.facebook.com/Enhanced-Teen-Driver-Safety-Program-883262518451511/Also, Trevor Wood and Gary Gay made this video and have entered it in TeenDrive 365 Video Challenge.
Finalist's videos get professionally produced. The guys would go to NY to work with the professionals filming, cutting and editing the 1 minute Public Service Announcement!
Kids' Night at the Movies:
On Friday, March 25th from 6-9pm, grades k-6 are invited to watch movies at Leland & Gray. There will be three movies to choose from: Shrek, Inside Out or the Little Mermaid. There will be free popcorn. Bring your pillows and blankets. Parents can stay or drop off at the main entrance to L&G.
Suicide Prevention Presentation:
The Springfield School District, the Center for Health and Wellbeing and Community partners are supporting the following event at the Springfield High School on March 31, 2016: Suicide Prevention Awareness: Promoting Positive Mental Health and Wellness. Dinner and childcare are provided and great door prizes are offered (a new Bike, gift cards). Please RSVP to Nicole Buser (nbuser@ssdvt.org) for accurate dinner count and Childcare needs ASAP.
From the Music Department:
On April 8th and 9th the High School Chorus will be performing Carl Orff's "Carmina Burana" with other local choral groups and the Windham Orchestra.
Vermont All State Music Festival:
Congratulations to Susie Francy, Emma Urbaska and Gabrel Vanni-Phillips who auditioned for and were accepted into the Vermont All state Music Festival. The concert will be on May 7th in Swanton, VT.
Hide and Seek:
Leland and Gray Middle and High School, in collaboration with West River Valley Thrives, invites local parents and caregivers to attend High & Seek, an interactive presentation to raise awareness of signs of teenage substance abuse, self-harm and sexual activity. Melissa Fernald, a master-licensed alcohol and drug counselor, will set up a mock bedroom for participants to find up to 70 signs of risky behavior. She will also present on this year’s Youth Risk Behavior Survey findings.
When: Friday, March 18th, 2016 at 6-8pm Where: Leland and Gray Library
When: Friday, March 18th, 2016 at 6-8pm Where: Leland and Gray Library
Penny Wars:
The senior class needs your help and your change. They will be putting on Penny Wars March 1st-31st. The way it works is you donate pennies for a grade, 7-12, and each penny will earn them a point. Then you can give any of your silver change to a different class and their points will be deducted based off of the silver value. Drop off any and all change to help out. You can give change to a senior, or deliver it to Jaclyn as she will be keeping track of all points. Thank you for your support of the senior class.
Senior Class Slideshow:
The Senior Class Slideshow committee is in need of 7 photos from each graduating senior. They should be from the time they were a baby to now. Also if you have any group pictures from class trips or other major events. This slideshow will be played at Class Night.
We would like the pictures to be sent to Ashley Hescock at 16ashleyh@lelandandgray.org
If you do not have them digitally, you can send them in with your senior to get them scanned here at school.
We would like the pictures to be sent to Ashley Hescock at 16ashleyh@lelandandgray.org
If you do not have them digitally, you can send them in with your senior to get them scanned here at school.
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.
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
Leland & Gray Literary Magazine:
If you like writing---whether it be poems, creative non-fiction, fiction and its many categories, or essays---and would like to share it, Lindsey Vachon and Chloe Fawcett with the guidance of Ms. Landenberger are now accepting submissions for Leland and Gray's Literary Magazine.
If your talent is drawing, painting, or photography, we're welcomiong your work, too. Finally, if you're interested in layout, design, promotion, editing--we need staff in those areas in order to showcase all types of parchment art.
You can find Ms. L in B4 during C block, Lindsey in the library most days during B and C block, and Chloe in passing. If email works better for you, feel free to submit work that way, and if you have any questions, please don't hesitate to ask. Thanks!
Emails: alandenberger@lelandandgray.org, 17chloef@lelandandgray.org, 16lindseyv@lelandandgray.org
If your talent is drawing, painting, or photography, we're welcomiong your work, too. Finally, if you're interested in layout, design, promotion, editing--we need staff in those areas in order to showcase all types of parchment art.
You can find Ms. L in B4 during C block, Lindsey in the library most days during B and C block, and Chloe in passing. If email works better for you, feel free to submit work that way, and if you have any questions, please don't hesitate to ask. Thanks!
Emails: alandenberger@lelandandgray.org, 17chloef@lelandandgray.org, 16lindseyv@lelandandgray.org
Hats Off:
The L&G Players' annual cavalcade of comedy song and dance will be Friday, June 10 and Saturday, June 11. All interested in joining the fun should come to B4 at one --or more--of the following times scheduled specifically to accommodate Journey East students: HS Lunch, Friday, March 11; HS Lunch, Friday, March 18.
An important Players' meeting will be Wednesday, March 23, 2:35 to 4:30. Come to talk about the NYC trip, Hats Off and next year's line-up of shows. All are welcome.
Ms. L. will let Macbeth Players know as soon as photos and the video are ready!
An important Players' meeting will be Wednesday, March 23, 2:35 to 4:30. Come to talk about the NYC trip, Hats Off and next year's line-up of shows. All are welcome.
Ms. L. will let Macbeth Players know as soon as photos and the video are ready!
Save the Date:
This years prom will take place on Saturday, May 21st.
AFTER SCHOOL INFO:
LEAF Program:
L.E.A.F. (L&G Environmental Action Force and Outdoor Club)
Help us plan this year’s full week celebration of Earth Day 2016 with activities and special guests starting April 11th and ending with an all school Assembly on April 15th. Join us any time.
What we do as a club:
Please make alternative transportation arrangements for the dates the bus is not available.
HEY! Help runs the following times:
Mon-Fri Mornings 7:15-7:45 in the Library
Mon–Thu Afternoons 2:45-4:15, Mon in A-11, Tue-Thu in the Library
After School Programs:
-Jr. Iron Chef on Tuesdays
-Dungeons & Dragons on Tuesdays
-L&G TV and Story Telling on Thursdays
-Mural Club on Thursdays
-Computer Coding and Games Creation on Thursdays
-Weight Training on Thursdays
-Create in Three Dimensions on Tuesdays and Thursdays
-NEW>>> Ceramics on Wednesdays see Ms. Wilson for details
-NEW>>> SAT prep
All after school programs at L&G are offered free of charge.
See Dale Stevens in room C5 (in the activity room) or dstevens@lelandandgray.org for more information
Help us plan this year’s full week celebration of Earth Day 2016 with activities and special guests starting April 11th and ending with an all school Assembly on April 15th. Join us any time.
What we do as a club:
- 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
- help us bring back our composting program!
Late Bus:
Leland and Gray's after-school late bus is running and will continue running until March 31st.
Please make alternative transportation arrangements for the dates the bus is not available.
The late bus runs Monday - Thursday. The late bus does not run on half days.
You can access the full late bus schedule here.
After School Programs:
HEY! Help runs the following times: Mon-Fri Mornings 7:15-7:45 in the Library
Mon–Thu Afternoons 2:45-4:15, Mon in A-11, Tue-Thu in the Library
After School Programs:
-Jr. Iron Chef on Tuesdays
-Dungeons & Dragons on Tuesdays
-L&G TV and Story Telling on Thursdays
-Mural Club on Thursdays
-Computer Coding and Games Creation on Thursdays
-Weight Training on Thursdays
-Create in Three Dimensions on Tuesdays and Thursdays
-NEW>>> Ceramics on Wednesdays see Ms. Wilson for details
-NEW>>> SAT prep
All after school programs at L&G are offered free of charge.
See Dale Stevens in room C5 (in the activity room) or dstevens@lelandandgray.org for more information
COMMUNITY:
If you have any community events or information you would like to be listed in Friday Notes, please e-mail fridaynotes@lelandandgray.org
Jessica's Closet:
Attention Girls! While you are looking through your closets please look for the purple bags for Jessica's Closet.
Also, we have tons of dresses that have not been returned. Please respect others right to enjoy feeling like princesses and return them as soon as possible. Thank you!
Yoga:
West River Valley Thrives:
This winter, West River Valley Thrives, a local coalition dedicated to “promoting healthy lifestyle choices with an emphasis on the prevention of alcohol, tobacco and other drug use by youth people”, will be hosting a new program for local parents. This workshop, called Active Parenting of Teens, is an evidence-based program for parents of children in fifth grade and up where parents will discuss issues unique to adolescence and the skills needed to parent their “tweens” and teens most effectively.
The workshop will include information on parenting styles, problem solving and communication, responsibility and discipline, building courage and self-esteem, drugs and violence, as well as development and sexuality.
Active Parenting of Teens will be held over the course of four Saturdays from 9am-12pm at the United Church of Christ in Townshend (46 Common Rd); pastries and coffee will be provided. Free childcare will be made available with advanced notice. Also, all participants will receive a gas gift card worth $20 as a thank you for coming out on a Saturday morning to engage with other local parents on the topic of parenting. Interested parents should contact Kate Venne, Project Coordinator for West River Valley Thrives, at wrvthrives@gmail.com or 802.365.4700 to register. Check out our new website, wrvthrives.com, for more information about other upcoming West River Valley Thrives opportunities!
Rabbit Run Half Marathon and 5K:
An amazing event to support an even more amazing local preschool, Timson Hill Preschool.
This scenic route will take runners over gently rolling hills along the West River, across a historic iron bridge, and through quiet picturesque roads in Brookline. Proceeds from the event will benefit Timson Hill Preschool, a family cooperative, non-profit licensed preschool in Williamsville, VT.
For more details on the event, including pictures from the route and course map, visit the host page: https://www.facebook.com/RabbitRunHalfMarathon/?fref=ts
Registration is now open and you can register for event through the link below:
https://g2racereg.webconnex.com/rabbitrun2016
Half marathon registration fee - $60 until February 9th
5K registration fee - $30 until February 9th
Leland & Gray Community can contact Johanna Liskowsky-Doak with any questions:
jliskowsky-doak@lelandandgray.org
The West Townshend Country Store:
For information about events at The West Townshend Country Store, visit their Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/westtownshendcountrystore/ for more details, directions, or contact information.
Talent Show:
Spring will be welcomed in Williamsville this year with the annual of the Williamsville/Newfane Talent Show on Saturday, April 2 at 7PM in the Williamsville Hall.A decades-old tradition, the show will feature a range of talented area performers, young and older. Many delightful area performers have already signed up, but there is certainly room for more.
Want to sing? Act? Dance? Juggle? Tame lions? Read poetry? Fiction? Memoir? See Ms. L. in B4 or write alandenberger@lelandandgray.org.
Admission is by suggested donation of $5/$15 per family and refreshments will be available, also by donation.
Proceeds will benefit both the Leland and Gray Players and the Williamsville Hall. The Williamsville Hall is on Dover Road in Williamsville.
Bus Drivers Needed:
West River Transportation LLC is hiring School bus drivers for home to school, field and sports trips. A CDL class B license with passenger and school bus endorsement is a must. Air brake endorsement a plus. Pay depending on experience. Call 802-365-9240 or email westriver22@yahoo.com
ATHLETICS:
Softball Information:
HS Girls Softball:
Our spring season will start on Sunday, March 20th at 3:00pm!!
Our spring season will start on Sunday, March 20th at 3:00pm!!
Middle School Baseball and Softball:
Middle School Baseball and Softball will begin on April 4th. Practices will run from 2:45-4:15New Co-Curricular Calendar:
Tired of Digital Sports/League Minder? We were too! So we've transferred all of the co-curricular events to a Google Calendar which can be found on the left hand menu bar of the L&G homepage or here: http://lelandandgray.org/index.php/co-curricular-calendar Many thanks to the IT department for their assistance with this process! The information will still be kept up to date on Digital Sports.
