Thursday, March 2, 2017

Friday Notes 3-3-17

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SCHOOL INFO:


School Calendar Update:

Due to teacher in-service, there will be no school on Monday, March 6th.
Due to Town Meeting, there will be no school on Tuesday, March 7th.
Due to coming to school on Wednesday, August 31st, 7th grade students will not have school on Friday, April 7th.

Hats Off:

Spirit Week:

SPIRIT WEEK 2017 will take place the week of March 13th - 17th.  This year's theme is Classic Fairy Tales.  Each class will work throughout the week to craft their float/skit to present to the school on Friday morning.  They will also compete in the Olympic Games on Thursday.  Each day there will be a dress up theme.  

On Friday night our Spirit Week will conclude with an all-school dance "A NIGHT AT THE BALL" from 7:00 - 10:00pm. Semi-formal fairy tale attire encouraged!  Classes earn points for their participation in these events!  May the most spirited class win!


Tim Collins:

This winter, Leland & Gray has taken on the important task of educating its students on the topics of sexual assault, teen dating violence, consent and bystander intervention. With generous support from the Women’s Freedom Center in Brattleboro and West River Valley Thrives, Leland & Gray was able to bring in Tim Collins, an expert speaker and solo performer. 

Tim performed a one-man show this February for the entire school in which he played five characters. The setting for his show was a college and he played three students, a brother of one of those students, a professor and an educational speaker. The premise of his show was a sexual assault that took place on campus during a weekend party. A woman was violated and no one stepped in to help, though there were plenty of witnesses. The main character, Brandon, a member of a sexual assault prevention club on campus, agonizes over the assault with his friends, brother and professor. Brandon is stunned when he finally discovers who photographed the incident. We learn from his brother the various reasons why a bystander might choose not to intervene in this situation or a similar one. These include fear of getting harmed or made fun of, insecurity about what exactly they should do to help and the belief that someone else will help instead. 

In a non-direct way, Tim encouraged students to think about what they would do in a situation like this and to also question whether or not they have contributed to the creation of a culture that has normalized violence and rape. 

Leland & Gray’s counseling department worked with Anna Mullaney of the Women’s Freedom Center to organize a series of discussions with faculty and students before and after the performance. Advisors stepped up to prepare students for this topic as well as debrief in groups after the fact. Overall, the show was moving and impactful; Tim encouraged all of us to consider the ways in which we contribute to “rape culture” and the normalization of violence toward all people, women in particular.

From the Music Department:

The Leland and Gray High School Band will present it's first annual Solo Festival night on Tuesday, March 28th at 7pm in the band room.  Students will be performing solo literature individually or with piano accompaniment.  All parents, students and teachers are welcome to attend.  It should be a fun night of music making.  Please come out and support our outstanding musicians at this event!

Congratulations to Emma Urbaska, who auditioned for and was selected to sing in the AllState Chorus for the third year in a row. The concert will be in Brattleboro on May 13th.

The Friends of Music are sponsoring another music night on March 24th at 7PM in the Dutton Gym. Performers should talk to Mr. Kelley or Mr. Bernard about participating. Music department students will be taking pre-orders for pizza. This is a fun evening for all. Come on out.

The next Friends of Music meeting is on March 6th at 5:30 in the music room.  Samba Band will be meeting on Thursdays starting on March 2nd. We will be prepping for the All State and Heifer parades as well as the Pops Concert. We can use as many players as can make it. No experience necessary.

Above the Influence:

The Town is "Stickered" Once Again!!!
The Leland & Gray middle school Above the Influence group was at it again this past week, plastering the town with stickers! Each school year, local liquor retailers welcome our group into their stores to put stickers on their alcohol stock that remind folks not to provide to minors. This winter, our stickers read, “Don’t let this be the most expensive drink you will never have. Keep alcohol out of the hands of minors”. This year, we are fortunate to have more than 10 middle school members who are dedicated to living above the influence of drugs and alcohol as well as educating their peers about the risks associated with substance use.
While traveling from store to store, the group interviewed one another about why they choose to participate in Above the Influence. Abbie Hazelton, an 8th grade student, explained that she is in the group because she’s seen what drug use and addiction can do to a person’s life and wants to ensure that her own life doesn’t follow that path. Another 8th grader, Tiffany Cullum, said that she feels participation in the group has given her the skills to teach her peers about the dangers of drug use. Cyrus Black, 7th grade, remarked “I want to change the world”. As the current Above the Influence advisor, I am often humbled by the answers I get to these questions. They work very hard during the school year to address many important teen health concerns and not only do they live above the influence, but they encourage their peers to do the same. Up next on their agenda? They will facilitate a community dialogue in Townshend about the results of their Youth Risk Behavior Survey. Stay tuned for details about participation. Thanks to the Newfane Market, River Bend, the Harmonyville Store, D&K’s and the Wardsboro Country Store for welcoming us into their stores and for their continuous support of our work! Thanks to the Windham County Partnership for Success for funding this project.

Author – Kate Venne, Project Coordinator, West River Valley Thrives



SAT / ACT Registration:


If you have not yet taken one of these exams, it is highly recommended that you do so, at least once. Either exam is accepted at all schools that require standardized testing. Even if you think you are applying only to schools that do not require test scores, it is a really good idea to take one test!!! Better safe than sorry! 

ACT Test Dates
April 8, June 10
To register, visit www.act.org

SAT Test Dates
March 11, May 6, June 3
To register, visit www.collegeboard.com


March School Lunch Menu:


Yearbooks:

Yearbooks are for sale at Treering.com for $40 each

Online orders only... no cash/checks accepted

Thank you!

Parents of Seniors:

Would you like to recognize your outstanding graduate in the 2017 Leland and Gray yearbook? Purchasing an advertisement is simple!

First, create a piece of text congratulating your student.  If you want to have a picture on your ad, send it as a jpg.

Size options:
Business card $25.00
Half page $50.00
Full page $75.00

Once your ad information is complete, you can send all your text and photos to Nika Oakes, Yearbook Editor, at noakes@lelandandgray.org Please send payment via check to Leland and Gray.  Thank you for advertising in the L&G Yearbook!

Sip & Swirl Event:

Please join us for a fun night of painting on Friday March 3rd for a Sip and Swirl Fundraiser hosted by the parents of the 2017 Senior Class of Leland and Gray Union High School.

Jordon Freedman of Sip and Swirl of Bennington will be our painting instructor.  Jordan will provide professional instruction and guide us step by step through the process of creating your own unique piece of art. No experience needed.

Please come and express your creative side at 6:30pm on March 3 at the NewBrook Fire and Rescue Building on Route 30 in Newfane, VT.  Cost is $40 per person (includes all the painting supplies and one drink) and benefits Project Graduation. Refreshments will be available by donation.

To reserve a ticket, please contact Dineen Bills at 802-688-6386 or Tammy Claussen 802-221-2141. Event is limited to 75 participants.



LEAF:

L.E.A.F. (L&G Environmental Action Force)
Spring is just a month and a half away and it's time to start thinking about this year's garden.  Please help LEAF fundraise by purchasing Vermont-grown, organic seeds from High Mowing!  Seeds should arrive in mid to late March. Leaf is hoping to raise enough money to purchase three magnetic trash barrel lids to help in our school cafeteria's transition from plastic to metallic silverware.    

To purchase seeds either contact a LEAF member or order online by visiting this website: https://www.farmraiser.com/campaigns/leaf-spring-2017-school-garden-fundraiser/market

We need your help!  
Composting is a regular event at L&G and soon will become required by law that all food scraps must be diverted from the landfills. L&G has offered the option to compost over the past 2 years. But, some students do not choose to compost their food waste. Please encourage your children to compost, it’s easy and takes very little time. Why is composting your food waste important?
1)Composting is simply the process of turning organic matter that is ready for disposal into something beneficial. 
2)Composting reduces the amount of waste that is being directed into our landfills. This means a reduction of concentrated, toxic leachates and methane gas that is being released into the atmosphere, which equates to a decrease in overall pollution.  
3)Composting also cuts down on the usage of chemical fertilizers, which are harmful to our water supply.
4)We use the compost for the L&G garden!

What we do as a club:
  • Manage the L&G School Community Garden
  • Support, work on, and promote our composting and recycling initiatives
  • attend Youth Environmental Summits
  • educate ourselves and others on the outdoors, environmental issues and model sustainable practices
  • Facilitate the replacement of plastic utensils in the cafeteria with metal flatware by purchasing, with LEAF funds, magnetic trash barrel lids. 
March Fundraiser - High Mowing Seeds - vegetable and flowers!!
April Fundraiser - Equal Exchange coffee & chocolate!!   AND
      Snacktaxi reusable cloth ziplock bags and other reusable snack storage products!!

When? Every Thursday HS lunch and on occasion after school.

Thailand Trip Fundraisers :


Please Contact Mr Rico at 365-7355 ext 111 or via email fricohermoso@lelandandgray.org

L&G Facebook Page:

Did you know Leland & Gray has a Facebook page?  Like the page for updates and pictures of things happening at L&G!      https://www.facebook.com/lelandandgray/



COMMUNITY SERVICE:


Community service is now a graduation requirement starting with the Class of 2019. All information can be found here: https://sites.google.com/lelandandgray.org/communityservice

Upcoming Community Service Opportunities:

Community Service Opportunities

Camp Daybreak:

Know someone interested in giving back to their community or who could use a supportive experience this summer?

Camp Daybreak is a program that serves Vermont kids ages 8-11 with a range of social, emotional, and behavioral needs by pairing them with a high school volunteer. These relationships are extremely powerful for both our campers and our volunteers. Our campers, many of whom would not be successful in traditional camp settings, are provided with constant support and encouragement while our volunteers receive a unique hands on training on mental health conditions and kids. Everyone has fun and leaves Camp Daybreak being positively affected.

Join us and help create a life changing experience for our campers and volunteers! Space is limited.
See: www.campdaybreak.org

General Information:
Camp Daybreak
Dates: August 6 - August 13, 2017 (Campers arrive on Monday August 7th)
Location: Camp Ta-Kum-Ta, South Hero, VT
Website: www.campdaybreak.org
Contact: Dan Osman, Director (dan@pear-vt.org)

Camp Daybreak creates a sense of community that extends beyond the camp session. Not only are our high school volunteers exposed to a group of like-minded peers but they are given the opportunity to contribute to their community. This intensive experience can create life long friendships and keep volunteers coming back year after year.

Please feel free to be in touch and we hope to see you this summer!


Green Mountain Girls Camp:

Green Mountain Girls Camp in Dummerston is looking for female Counselors-In-Training (CIT) to assist with the girls camp over the summer. Must commit to a 2 week period - 120 hours of community service! Room and board is provided. CIT's will have priority to be paid counselors in subsequent years. If interested, please contact Billie Slade at #257-1751 or apply on line at https://static1.squarespace.com/static/52ddebfee4b08b5d50305af8/t/586d0690d482e92824acdae3/1483540112903/GMC-2017-Job-Application.pdf


Bowl for Kids Sake:

Big Brothers Big Sisters is looking for volunteers for their Bowl For Kids' Sake fundraiser on Saturday, April 1st. Also, community service hours are available to anyone forming a team, getting sponsors, and bowling on the day of the event. For more information, click on the links below or see Terry in the Main Office.

Hi everyone!

For those of you who are available to volunteer or know someone who might want to volunteer at Bowl for Kids Sake on Saturday April 1, Please click on the following link or forward it to someone who might like to help out:

Sign up now on SignUp.com: http://signup.com/go/SK62LM

If you are planning to lead a team, make sure to register at https://goo.gl/forms/8hhX9WiUyDju5Swf2 to ensure your spot!


The Taste of Vermont:

The Taste of Vermont is one of the Foundation's signature events, recognized this year by the Vermont Chamber as a Top 10 Winter Event 2016-2017.
We are seeking volunteers with community service hours available.
Must have own transportation.
Here is a link to tasks and signup:
www.volunteersignup.org/9KJKE

Any and all help is deeply appreciated. Please contact me with any questions!
Tammy Mosher
Executive Director
PO Box 523 Stratton Mountain VT
(802)297-2096
(802)688-8888
Strattonfoundation.org


Green Mountain Conservation Camp:




Wardsboro Public Library:

Wardsboro Public Library is looking for LGUHS student volunteers to be computer tutors for those who need assistance.

They are also already looking for volunteers for their street parade and book sale that is held on 7/3 and 7/4.


Luncheon Helpers (Townshend):

Teens are needed to help at the meal for senior citizens which is held on first and third Thursdays at the Townshend Community Church (Congregationalist). Helpers will place serving dishes on the tables, sit with the elders to enjoy a lunch provided by The Dam Diner, and then clear the tables and wash dishes. The volunteers are needed from noon to approximately 1 P.M. You do not need to be available for every meal; sign up for the days that work for you. Please contact 3GC about this opportunity, not the church.

Jim & Janis, 3GC coordinators
802-428-4333
team3gc@gmail.com


WRVT:

WRVT needs a student to do some data entry work. This will involve entering survey responses from Community Hope & Action concerts into our survey monkey account. Students who haven't used survey monkey need not worry, it only take a few minutes to learn how to use the site. Students are welcome to do this at our office down the road from L&G or take the surveys back to the school to work on them in the library.

Thanks!
Katelynn Venne
Program Coordinator
West River Valley Thrives
WRVThrives@gmail.com
(802) 365-4700


Grace Cottage Hospital:

Grace Cottage Hospital has an immediate need for a high school volunteer to post items for their online fundraising auction. The individual must be computer/internet savvy, preferably with experience or willingness to learn Wordpress, InDesign, iMovie (or equivalent), Photoshop and Illustrator. If interested, please see Terry.


Bonnyvale Environmental Education Center:




Hello and Happy New Year!
We are looking for students interested in doing community service working with youth at Bonnyvale Environmental Education Center.

There are numerous opportunities coming up, January through April.

Students bring valuable contributions to BEEC programs while providing hands on learning experiences for students.

For more information contact Kristina Weeks at kristina@beec.org
www.beec.org 802-257-5785



The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards:

https://spirit.prudential.com/press-release/top-youth-volunteers-of-2017-honored-nationwide-2017-02-07
Vermont State Honorees:
Riley Callen, Pawlet
Gabrielle Metz, St. Albans

Distinguished Finalists:
Victoria Reed, Alburgh
Maria Wiles, Brandon


AFTER SCHOOL INFO:


Girls on the Run:

Do you want to be part of the start of a brand new program at Leland & Gray? Would you love to get some exercise, have fun with friends and meet new people?
Join us as we kick-start a brand new Middle School Heart & Sole running program at Leland & Gray!

Heart & Sole is the middle school Girls on the Run program.  We will be meeting every Tuesday and Thursday from 2:45-4:00, starting the week of March 6th.  It is a 10 week program, with a celebratory 5K run at the end.


Students will be receiving flyers with registration information at school.  Registration is online and is open until March 3rd.


More information can be found on www.gotrvt.org, or contact:
Kate Venne at WRVThrives@gmail.com
Johanna Liskowsky-Doak at jliskowsky-doak@lelandandgray.org
Mary Davis at mdavis@lelandandgray.org

HEY! After School Programs:

1. The late bus starts again next week! This also means the afterschool snack will be available at 2:45 starting Wednesday, 3/8
2. HEY Help continues for morning and after school
3. Jr Iron Chef team is in the countdown getting ready for the competition!!
4. High school counselors needed for the SEEK summer program--see Patty in the office for an application
SEEK will run July 5th through the first week of August Counselors are paid $10 per hour to be mentors and teaching assistants
These free programs are additional offerings beyond sports, drama and band  practices. 

Contact person for any questions:  Thara Fuller, Director of Expanded Learning:  tfuller@windhamcentral.org  802-365-9510


COMMUNITY:


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



MedQuest:


Apply at 
You're invited to Vermont Tech's
Summer Camps
Registrations now open! 
Do you learn by doing?
Fly, code, fight fires, design and build or launch a business.

Try one of our hands-on camps and have fun! Camps/institutes are for middle and high school students.

2017 Dates
Rosie's Girls STEM Leadership Camps: June 19-23 or July 10-14
(overnight camps - for girls entering 9th -10th grades with follow-on mentorships - Randolph Center Campus)
Coder Camp for Girls: July 17-21
(day camp - for girls entering 8th-10th grades – and mentorships -Williston Campus)
AeroCamp: July 24-28
(day camp - for boys & girls - ages 12-18 - Williston Campus)

http://www.vtc.edu/academics/summer-courses

GIV Entrepreneurship: June 24-30  (Governor’s Institutes of Vermont)
(overnight residential Institute for students entering 10th - 12th grades  
Randolph Center Campus - this includes social entrepreneurship- doing good)



ATHLETICS:


Marble Valley League Champions:

Congratulations to the Varsity Girls on their third consecutive Marble Valley League Championship!  The Varsity girls defeated Woodstock on Thursdays (and Bellows Falls on Monday) to end their MVL games undefeated.  Congratulations!


Girls Basketball Playoffs:

The Girls Varsity playoffs will begin on Tuesday or Wednesday (3/7 or 3/8).  The pairings will not be released until Monday, March 6th.  Please check the L&G Facebook page and L&G Boosters Club page - we will post the game time and location (though the girls have secured a home game).  A reminder that the VPA mandates all attendants to the game pay an entry fee, including Leland & Gray students.  $6 adults$5 students.

Unified Sports:

We have some fantastic news - Leland & Gray has decided to create our very own Special Olympics basketball team.  There will be a total of 6 games, 3 of which will be at L&G, 3 of which will be at other schools.  


Game & Practice Schedule

3/15/17
Practice @ L&G Main Gym 2:45 pm
3/20/17
Practice @ L&G Main Gym 2:45 pm
3/22/17
GAME Hartford @ Leland & Gray at 3:00pm         
3/27/17
Practice @ L&G Main Gym 2:45 pm
3/29/17
GAME Brattleboro @ Leland & Gray at 3:00 pm       
4/5/17
GAME Middlebury @ Leland & Gray at 3:00 pm                
4/10/17
GAME Leland & Gray @ Springfield (Riverside M.S.) at 3:30 pm,
Depart L&G at 2:00 pm
4/12/17
GAME Leland & Gray @ Mill River High School at 4:00 pm,
Depart L&G at 2:00 pm
4/24 OR 4/26
GAME Leland & Gray @ Otter Valley at 3:00 pm,
Depart L&G at 12:30 pm
FINALS TO BE DETERMINED
May 3, 4, 5
Quarter Finals
May 8, 9
Semi Finals
May 11 or 12
Finals @ Castleton

Baseball and Softball:

Registration has opened online for Middle School and High School baseball and softball. Please remember that all students at L&G need to register online before the participate on an athletic team. To register your student online go to the L&G website under Co-curricular Activities, then Athletics, the go to Click here for online submittal.  

If you have already registered your student online, you will need to log on with the password you created and change the sport and go through the medical questions for updated injuries.  

Start Dates for Baseball and Softball:

HS Baseball Pitchers and Catchers:  Monday, March 13-20

HS Baseball and Softball Practice: Monday, March 20

MS Baseball and Softball Practice April 3


Please check the Events and Activities Calendar for all practice and game times.