Friday, September 28, 2018

Friday Notes 9-28-18

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 
Please also add fridaynotes@lelandandgray.org to your contact list so the mailing doesn't end up in your spam folder. Thank you.


SCHOOL INFO:


Early Release 10/10/18:

Our next Early Release day (10/10) will release at 12:15pm instead of 11:30, due to PSATs for 10th and 11th graders.  Buses will run at 12:15 so expect slightly later arrival times at home.


School Calendar:

Please make sure to check out the Leland & Gray school calendar.  It differs from the District calendar because of professional development days for our faculty.   The full calendar can be found here.

Middle School Jazz Band Starts Wednesday 10/3:

The Leland and Gray Middle School Jazz Band will begin rehearsals on Wednesday, October 3rd from 2:45 to 3:30pm.  All middle school band students are invited to attend the first rehearsal. Any students playing a fall, winter or spring sport will be excused from practice during the Wednesday Jazz Rehearsals until 3:30. At that time they will dress and head to their respective practice for the rest of the afternoon.

The Middle School Jazz Band plays very fun music from varied styles and genres.  Every music student is encouraged to join!

School Safety Information:

Leland & Gray Community:
The safety of our school community is our priority.  We have increased various safety measures throughout the school and are working on improving our communication with families around what to do in the event of an emergency.  This video discusses the roles and responsibilities parents can play during a crisis.  We would greatly appreciate you taking the time to view this video:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Oj1Cwrj2u0&feature=youtu.be 


Women Can Do Conference:

All females and female-identifying students in grades 9-12 are invited to attend the "Women Can Do" conference on Thursday, October 11, 2018. The conference is held at Vermont Technical College in Randolph, VT. 

Participants attend hands-on workshops that promote STEM and Trades careers. such as: Computers and Communication, Engineering and Manufacturing, Law Enforcement and Public Safety, Medicine and Health, Professional and Life Skills, Science and Natural Resources and Skilled Trades.

See Mrs. Jones for a registration form and for more information. The cost per student is $5.00 (if we will be travel with the Career Center students or $25 if we drive up separately) 

Spots are limited so register ASAP

Rocktoberfest:

All students and staff are invited to attend "ROCKTOBERFEST", an Outdoor Dance and Bonfire on Friday, October 12, 2018 from 7:00 - 10:00.


The evening takes place between the tennis courts and soccer field.  This is just one of two all-school events for all students in grades 7 - 12.

Admission is $5.00.  The L&G Booster's Club will be there selling food and drinks.  Music and light show to be provided by Peak Entertainment.

Classes with the highest percentage of attendance will receive spirit points.  Any questions please reach out to Tammy Claussen  221-2141


Refuse To Use 2019:

Refuse to Use Registration is OPEN

The fee for a Refuse to Use pass is $50.00.  West River Valley Thrives
is generously subsidizing the fee.  West River Valley Thrives has
funding that allows the first 80 L&G students to purchase a RTU pass
for $35.00.

Payment of the  $35.00 subsidized fee can be made in CASH or with a
CHECK made out to West River Valley Thrives.

Payment must be dropped off at the West River Valley Thrives office at
Leland and Gray.

All registrations after October 12, 2018 will incur a $10.00 late fee.-

Scholarships are available.  See West River Valley Thrives for a
scholarship application.

Register at:

https://thecollaborative.wufoo.com/forms/mccdcad0389nn8/



Fall Musical:

It's not too late to be involved in our fall musical The Pajama Game! Perhaps you want to be a techie or learn how to make props? See Ms. Rowan or Ms. DeBisschop for more details!

Performances will be Nov 9-11.


Blood Drive at L&G:

There will be a blood drive at Leland and Gray on Friday, October 26th from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm. You can find guidelines on who can donate (age and weight restrictions) and  schedule an appointment online at https://www.redcrossblood.org/donate-blood/how-to-donate/eligibility-requirements.html. Contact Susan Jones at sjones@lelandandgray.org, if you have any questions.

Late Bus Calendar:

The late bus schedule can be found here.  Please note the bus will only run south this year. 


ATHLETICS:


L&G Booster Club Under Armour Gear Store:

Hello Rebel Nation!

The Leland and Gray Athletic Department is very excited to partner with Graphic Edge (Rutland, VT) and Under Armour to supply our school and  community with Leland and Gray Under Armour gear at a reduced price!

I have provided the link below with the items that will be available this fall to order.

https://lelandandgrayhs.itemorder.com

Please let me know if you have nay questions. The store will change periodically throughout the school year with new apparel.

Important Update:

All practices and games will be listed on our Events and Activities Calendar which is on the L&G website under Calendars.
http://lelandandgray.org/index.php/co-curricular-calendar







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

Please e-mail any community service opportunities to Terry Davison Berger <tdavison-berger@lelandandgray.org>


Community Service Opportunities:

1. West Townshend Country Store is looking for volunteers on Friday Pizza nights.  Please see Terry for more information.

2. Community, Hope and Action is looking for students who would like to join their committee.  They would also like volunteers for the monthly events they host.  Please see Terry for more information

3 Generation Collaboration Community Service Opportunities:

New community service opportunities with 3 Generations Collaboration are always being posted at www.team3gc.org

Also, visit the link to learn about Build Your Own Service.


COMMUNITY:


Leland & Gray Food Shelf:

Dear Families,
We still have some fresh produce from our own community garden thanks
to LEAF (L&G Environmental Action Force)--
a few bundles of kale, chard and carrots. Additionally, we have acorn and
delicata squash, gold potatoes, celery and apples. There is also a recipe
available for cooking kale or chard. Our school garden has more bounty to offer
and I will process it for you if you have a need. Just let me know by calling and 
leaving a message at 221-2183 or emailing me at sgunther-mohr@lelandandgray.org.
You can also access food by calling or emailing our school nurse, Lauren Shockley.

With thanks to a community member, I would like you to know that we were given 
some frozen pork and pork sausage.

Please come and take advantage of this season and its offerings if you are in need.

22nd Annual Source to Sea Cleanup:

When: September 29, 2018
Where: Dummerston Covered Bridge, Route 30, Dummerston
Time: 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 noon.
Leader: Gloria Cristelli
Who: Anyone can join!
What: Keep our beautiful watersheds clean. Pick up trash along the West River. 
Here is more information:  www.ctriver.org/our-work/source-to-sea-cleanup/join-a-group/

Great opportunity for community service!

Contact Stephanie Nyzio if you need more information at snyzio@lelandandgray.org

Dash to the Dam 5K:


In-Sight Classes:

We're excited to announce our Fall classes at In-Sight! Classes begin the week of October 8th at our 45 Flat Street location in Brattleboro. As always, we allow families to pledge what they can for class fees and we provide all equipment needed for the duration.



Monday, September 24, 2018

Friday Notes 9-21-18

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 
Please also add fridaynotes@lelandandgray.org to your contact list so the mailing doesn't end up in your spam folder. Thank you.


SCHOOL INFO:


School Calendar:

Please make sure to check out the Leland & Gray school calendar.  It differs from the District calendar because of professional development days for our faculty.   The full calendar can be found here.

School Safety Information:

Leland & Gray Community:
The safety of our school community is our priority.  We have increased various safety measures throughout the school and are working on improving our communication with families around what to do in the event of an emergency.  This video discusses the roles and responsibilities parents can play during a crisis.  We would greatly appreciate you taking the time to view this video:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Oj1Cwrj2u0&feature=youtu.be 


Women Can Do Conference:

All females and female-identifying students in grades 9-12 are invited to attend the "Women Can Do" conference on Thursday, October 11, 2018. The conference is held at Vermont Technical College in Randolph, VT. 

Participants attend hands-on workshops that promote STEM and Trades careers. such as: Computers and Communication, Engineering and Manufacturing, Law Enforcement and Public Safety, Medicine and Health, Professional and Life Skills, Science and Natural Resources and Skilled Trades.

See Mrs. Jones for a registration form and for more information. The cost per student is $5.00 (if we will be travel with the Career Center students or $25 if we drive up separately) 

Spots are limited so register ASAP

Rocktoberfest:

All students and staff are invited to attend "ROCKTOBERFEST", an Outdoor Dance and Bonfire on Friday, October 12, 2018 from 7:00 - 10:00.

The evening takes place between the tennis courts and soccer field.  This is just one of two all-school events for all students in grades 7 - 12.

Admission is $5.00.  The L&G Booster's Club will be there selling food and drinks.  Music and light show to be provided by Peak Entertainment.

Classes with the highest percentage of attendance will receive spirit points.  Any questions please reach out to Tammy Claussen  221-2141

Refuse To Use 2019:

Refuse to Use Registration is OPEN

The fee for a Refuse to Use pass is $50.00.  West River Valley Thrives
is generously subsidizing the fee.  West River Valley Thrives has
funding that allows the first 80 L&G students to purchase a RTU pass
for $35.00.

Payment of the  $35.00 subsidized fee can be made in CASH or with a
CHECK made out to West River Valley Thrives.

Payment must be dropped off at the West River Valley Thrives office at
Leland and Gray.

All registrations after October 12, 2018 will incur a $10.00 late fee.-

Scholarships are available.  See West River Valley Thrives for a
scholarship application.

Register at:

https://thecollaborative.wufoo.com/forms/mccdcad0389nn8/




Picture Day 9/25/18:


Fall Musical:

The Pajama Game!
Winning best musical in 1955, The Pajama Game is about labor troubles in a pajama factory, where workers' demands for a seven-and-a-half cent raise are going unheeded. In the midst of this ordeal, love blossoms between Babe, the grievance committee head, and Sid, the new factory superintendent. (from Wiki) There are a lot of great songs, fun characters, and an overall powerful story about union rights. 
You can watch the movie version on Amazon Prime for free. It stars Doris Day and is fabulous. 
I'm super psyched to have settled on a musical that feels really right for us. (Thanks to James for suggesting this show!)
Performances will be Nov 9-11.
Thanks and see you all in a few weeks!
Theatrically yours,Jessa

Blood Drive at L&G:

There will be a blood drive at Leland and Gray on Friday, October 26th from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm. You can find guidelines on who can donate (age and weight restrictions) and  schedule an appointment online at https://www.redcrossblood.org/donate-blood/how-to-donate/eligibility-requirements.html. Contact Susan Jones at sjones@lelandandgray.org, if you have any questions.

Late Bus Calendar:

The late bus schedule can be found here.  Please note the bus will only run south this year. 


ATHLETICS:


Fall Athletics:

L&G Fall Athletic registration has been opened and is ready for you to sign your child up for middle school and high school fall sports. Remember that this needs to be completed BEFORE the first day of practice.

Forms must be submitted on or before the first day of practice.

Important Update:

All practices and games will be listed on our Events and Activities Calendar which is on the L&G website under Calendars.
http://lelandandgray.org/index.php/co-curricular-calendar







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

Please e-mail any community service opportunities to Terry Davison Berger <tdavison-berger@lelandandgray.org>



3 Generation Collaboration Community Service Opportunities:

New community service opportunities with 3 Generations Collaboration are always being posted at www.team3gc.org

Also, visit the link to learn about Build Your Own Service.


COMMUNITY:

Leland & Gray Food Shelf:

Dear Families,
Beginning Monday, by 2:00, the Leland and Gray Food Shelf will have
fresh produce from our own community garden thanks to LEAF (L&G
Environmental Action Force). There are a few green peppers, a few
bunches of carrots, several bundles of chard and kale and a recipe to
help chard and kale seem as delicious as they are nutritious. Please
let Susan Gunther-Mohr know if you are interested in these items by
calling her directly at 221-2183. By Next Friday, we hope to have more
fresh food as well as pasta, cans of tuna and chicken, raisins and
more.

Dash to the Dam 5K:


Community Yard Sale:

Community Dialogue:



Samba:



Friday, September 14, 2018

Friday Notes 9-14-18

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 
Please also add fridaynotes@lelandandgray.org to your contact list so the mailing doesn't end up in your spam folder. Thank you.

SCHOOL INFO:


School Calendar:

Please make sure to check out the Leland & Gray school calendar.  It differs from the District calendar because of professional development days for our faculty.   The full calendar can be found here.

Fall Assessments:

Tuesday and Wednesday, September 18th and 19th the 9th, 10th and 11th graders will be taking the Star 360 Fall Benchmark assessment during their Flex time period.

The 7th and 8th graders will be taking the AIMS Web Plus Fall Benchmark assessments as well on these days.

These Math and ELA assessments will provide teachers with a baseline report of our students' skill level, which will help inform our instruction.

As always, please be sure your child is well rested and has a healthy breakfast to be best prepared for their day of learning!

School Safety Information:

Leland & Gray Community:
The safety of our school community is our priority.  We have increased various safety measures throughout the school and are working on improving our communication with families around what to do in the event of an emergency.  This video discusses the roles and responsibilities parents can play during a crisis.  We would greatly appreciate you taking the time to view this video:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Oj1Cwrj2u0&feature=youtu.be 


Women Can Do Conference:

All females and female-identifying students in grades 9-12 are invited to attend the "Women Can Do" conference on Thursday, October 11, 2018. The conference is held at Vermont Technical College in Randolph, VT. 

Participants attend hands-on workshops that promote STEM and Trades careers. such as: Computers and Communication, Engineering and Manufacturing, Law Enforcement and Public Safety, Medicine and Health, Professional and Life Skills, Science and Natural Resources and Skilled Trades.

See Mrs. Jones for a registration form and for more information. The cost per student is $5.00 (if we will be travel with the Career Center students or $25 if we drive up separately) 

Spots are limited so register ASAP

Rocktoberfest:

All students and staff are invited to attend "ROCKTOBERFEST", an Outdoor Dance and Bonfire on Friday, October 12, 2018 from 7:00 - 10:00.

The evening takes place between the tennis courts and soccer field.  This is just one of two all-school events for all students in grades 7 - 12.

Admission is $5.00.  The L&G Booster's Club will be there selling food and drinks.  Music and light show to be provided by Peak Entertainment.

Classes with the highest percentage of attendance will receive spirit points.  Any questions please reach out to Tammy Claussen  221-2141

Refuse To Use 2019 Kickoff:



School Lunch


The Abbey Group Welcome Back Packet can be found here.

Free and Reduced Lunch Benefits Reminder:

Date: September 4, 2018,
To: Parents(s)/Guardian(s) of Windham Central S.U. Students
From: Deborah Mears, Free and Reduced Meal Clerk for Leland and Gray.
  • ·        If your family was eligible for Free or Reduced school meals last year and you have not yet submitted a new meal application please do so by 9/30/2018 or your student(s) may have to pay the full price of meals.
  • ·        If you have received a letter from me that states your students are eligible this year no need to fill out an application. If you have a letter approving you for VT 3 Squares, SNAP or Reach Up I can approve your student(s) for free meals. Send it along with a completed meal application.
  • ·        Meal prices at Leland and Gray this year are $1.75 for breakfast and $2.90 for lunch.

If you have any questions you may call Deborah Mears at 802-365-9510 or email at dmears@windhamcentral.org.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture prohibits discrimination against its customers, employees, and applicants for employment on the bases of race, color, national origin, age, disability, sex, gender identity, religion, reprisal, and where applicable, political beliefs, marital status, familial or parental status, sexual orientation, or all or part of an individual’s income is derived from any public assistance program, or protected genetic information in employment or in any program or activity conducted or funded by the Department.  (Not all prohibited bases will apply to all programs and/or employment activities.) 
If you wish to file a Civil Rights program complaint of discrimination, complete the USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form, found online at http://www.ascr.usda.gov/complaint_filing_cust.html, or at any USDA office, or call (866)632-9992 to request the form.  You may also write a letter containing all of the information requested in the form.  Send your completed complaint form or letter to us by mail at U.S. Department of Agriculture, Director, Office of Adjudication, 1400 Independence Avenue, S.W., Washington, D.C. 20250-9410, by fax (202) 690-7442 or email at program.intake@usda.gov.   
 Individuals who are deaf, hard of hearing or have speech disabilities may contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339; or (800) 845-6136 (Spanish).    USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer. 

Picture Day 9/25/18:


Fall Musical:

The Pajama Game!
Winning best musical in 1955, The Pajama Game is about labor troubles in a pajama factory, where workers' demands for a seven-and-a-half cent raise are going unheeded. In the midst of this ordeal, love blossoms between Babe, the grievance committee head, and Sid, the new factory superintendent. (from Wiki) There are a lot of great songs, fun characters, and an overall powerful story about union rights. 
You can watch the movie version on Amazon Prime for free. It stars Doris Day and is fabulous. 
I'm super psyched to have settled on a musical that feels really right for us. (Thanks to James for suggesting this show!)
Performances will be Nov 9-11.
Thanks and see you all in a few weeks!
Theatrically yours,Jessa

Blood Drive at L&G:

There will be a blood drive at Leland and Gray on Friday, October 26th from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm. You can find guidelines on who can donate (age and weight restrictions) and  schedule an appointment online at https://www.redcrossblood.org/donate-blood/how-to-donate/eligibility-requirements.html. Contact Susan Jones at sjones@lelandandgray.org, if you have any questions.

Late Bus Calendar:

The late bus schedule can be found here.  Please note the bus will only run south this year. 

Save the Date:

Mark your calendars - Prom will be on Saturday, May 18th starting tentatively at 7pm.

ATHLETICS:


Fall Athletics:

L&G Fall Athletic registration has been opened and is ready for you to sign your child up for middle school and high school fall sports. Remember that this needs to be completed BEFORE the first day of practice.

Forms must be submitted on or before the first day of practice.

Important Update:

All practices and games will be listed on our Events and Activities Calendar which is on the L&G website under Calendars.
http://lelandandgray.org/index.php/co-curricular-calendar







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

Please e-mail any community service opportunities to Terry Davison Berger <tdavison-berger@lelandandgray.org>



3 Generation Collaboration Community Service Opportunities:

New community service opportunities with 3 Generations Collaboration are always being posted at www.team3gc.org

Also, visit the link to learn about Build Your Own Service.


COMMUNITY:

Dash to the Dam 5K:


Community Yard Sale:

Community Dialogue:



Samba:




Friday, September 7, 2018

Friday Notes 9-7-18

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 
Please also add fridaynotes@lelandandgray.org to your contact list so the mailing doesn't end up in your spam folder. Thank you.


SCHOOL INFO:


School Calendar:

Please make sure to check out the Leland & Gray school calendar.  It differs from the District calendar because of professional development days for our faculty.   The full calendar can be found here.


Refuse To Use 2019 Kickoff:


We have our date and our speaker for the Refuse To Use 2019 Kickoff Event.


I have confirmed the "Eddie Speaks" presentation for September 20th from 6:30 - 7:30 PM. 

This event is MANDATORY for all students (grades 7-12 and their parents) who want the the reduced rate 2019 RTU Stratton unlimited season pass.







School Lunch

The Abbey Group Welcome Back Packet can be found here.

Free and Reduced Lunch Benefits Reminder:


Date: September 4, 2018,
To: Parents(s)/Guardian(s) of Windham Central S.U. Students
From: Deborah Mears, Free and Reduced Meal Clerk for Leland and Gray.
  • ·        If your family was eligible for Free or Reduced school meals last year and you have not yet submitted a new meal application please do so by 9/30/2018 or your student(s) may have to pay the full price of meals.
  • ·        If you have received a letter from me that states your students are eligible this year no need to fill out an application. If you have a letter approving you for VT 3 Squares, SNAP or Reach Up I can approve your student(s) for free meals. Send it along with a completed meal application.
  • ·        Meal prices at Leland and Gray this year are $1.75 for breakfast and $2.90 for lunch.

If you have any questions you may call Deborah Mears at 802-365-9510 or email at dmears@windhamcentral.org.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture prohibits discrimination against its customers, employees, and applicants for employment on the bases of race, color, national origin, age, disability, sex, gender identity, religion, reprisal, and where applicable, political beliefs, marital status, familial or parental status, sexual orientation, or all or part of an individual’s income is derived from any public assistance program, or protected genetic information in employment or in any program or activity conducted or funded by the Department.  (Not all prohibited bases will apply to all programs and/or employment activities.) 
If you wish to file a Civil Rights program complaint of discrimination, complete the USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form, found online at http://www.ascr.usda.gov/complaint_filing_cust.html, or at any USDA office, or call (866)632-9992 to request the form.  You may also write a letter containing all of the information requested in the form.  Send your completed complaint form or letter to us by mail at U.S. Department of Agriculture, Director, Office of Adjudication, 1400 Independence Avenue, S.W., Washington, D.C. 20250-9410, by fax (202) 690-7442 or email at program.intake@usda.gov.   
 Individuals who are deaf, hard of hearing or have speech disabilities may contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339; or (800) 845-6136 (Spanish).    USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer. 

Picture Day 9/25/18:


Fall Musical:

The Pajama Game!
Winning best musical in 1955, The Pajama Game is about labor troubles in a pajama factory, where workers' demands for a seven-and-a-half cent raise are going unheeded. In the midst of this ordeal, love blossoms between Babe, the grievance committee head, and Sid, the new factory superintendent. (from Wiki) There are a lot of great songs, fun characters, and an overall powerful story about union rights. 
You can watch the movie version on Amazon Prime for free. It stars Doris Day and is fabulous. 
I'm super psyched to have settled on a musical that feels really right for us. (Thanks to James for suggesting this show!)
Performances will be Nov 9-11.
Thanks and see you all in a few weeks!
Theatrically yours,Jessa

Late Bus Calendar:

The late bus schedule can be found here.  Please note the bus will only run south this year. 

Save the Date:

Mark your calendars - Prom will be on Saturday, May 18th starting tentatively at 7pm.


Music Parent Meeting 9/10/18 at 6pm: 

The Leland and Gray Music Department will be hosting a general meeting for all music parents on Monday, September 10 at 6pm in the music room (D3).  All band and choir parents are encouraged to attend. We will discuss the music calendar, honor band and choir opportunities, general expectations and requirements for music performance classes, music class enrollment and a discussion of a possible music field trip in May of 2019.  The school year is off to a great start and we look forward to seeing everyone on Monday!

Mr. Bernard (Middle and High School Band)
Mr. Pecsok (Middle and High School Choir)

West River School Board Meeting:



CALENDAR LISTING
West River School Board Meeting (WRMUED)
Tuesday, September 11, 7 p.m., Open Public Meeting; Library Room, Leland & Gray Union Middle and High School, 2042 VT Route 30, Townshend. www.westrivered.org West River Developing School Policies for S/Y 2019/20
August 30, 2018 - This week, the West River Modified Union Education District (WRMUED) launched a single-source website where an accurate and up-to-date record of all the activities of the Board is available. Included are links to the full-length videos of the meetings, written minutes, school policies, survey results, and financial information. No sign-in is required to view any page on the site, which is www.westrivered.org.There is a link for feedback from users, as well. The site includes an ongoing list of public comments and the Board’s written responses through August 29.
During its August meetings, the 11 Board members continued with in-depth discussions about the policies that need to be in place for the school year 2019/20. On the first day of school one year from now, all the students in Townshend, Jamaica, Newfane, Brookline, and Windham will be under the governance of a single school board for the first time, in accordance with the Act 46 Articles, which were approved by the voters in these towns. The Board is on track with a “work plan” it developed earlier this year. One of the many decision points for the upcoming sessions is finalizing Pre-K options. The Board expects to work intensively on the school budget during November and December, so that voters have ample time to review the numbers, and understand how it will affect their tax rates before voting takes place in March, 2019.
At the meeting on August 20, one of the many topics that were discussed by the Board and members of the public attending the meeting at Leland & Gray School in Townshend was the possibility of adding student members to the unified school board. L&G principal Bob Thibault spoke favorably about student involvement, while others asked how student participation might influence the decision-making with regard to the students from the towns that are not in the WRMUED unified district, but that send pupils to L&G middle and high school classes. The suggestion to include student-input at the board level falls in line with the District’s mission, which states, “In WRMED, all students will have an outstanding educational experience in a safe and welcoming environment so they may achieve and surpass their learning goals. The WRMED is responsible to the needs of its community and provides the necessary systems, staffing and resources needed to ensure that all of our students will become informed, empowered and engaged global citizens.”
At its next meeting, to be held on Tuesday September 11, 2018, at 7 p.m. at Leland & Gray school in Townshend (in the Library Room, which is air-conditioned), the Board plans to further discuss and make decisions regarding school choice and aspects of a new structure, which may include adding 6th grade to the middle school at L&G school. Watching the video of the Board meeting held on June 20, or reading the printed minutes online, gives citizens a reference point on how the Board is striving towards operating an equitable school system in the S/Y 2019/20 among several campuses. At that meeting, WCSU Superintendent William Anton, and WCSU professionals Laurie Garland, business manager, Stephanie Hancock, director of special education, and Jen McKusick, director of curriculum, presented a slideshow of options and information about forming the structure of the new district.
All meetings of the WRMUED are always open public meetings. Referencing the board meetings mentioned above, videos of the sessions, gavel-to-gavel, are available on the WRMUED website. The written minutes of the meetings are posted there, also. No sign-in is required to view the videos or documents. The Board welcomes feedback and questions from the taxpayers, voters, residents, school parents, and every concerned citizen. There are three ways to ask questions, send comments, and get accurate updated information: 1) by clicking on the link on www.westrivered.org; 2) at a meeting where anyone may present questions to the Board, either verbally or in writing; 3) by contacting one of the Board members in person. The WRMUED Board members are: from Townshend—Joe Winrich, chair, Al Claussen, vice-chair, Mike Foley, and Trish Scott; from Jamaica—Drew Hazelton, clerk, and Christa Robinson; from Windham—Howard Ires; from Newfane— Lindsay Bertram, Emily Long, and Ken McFadden; and from Brookline —Alecia O’Donnell. Foley and Scott serve as members-at-large.
Next meeting: West River School Board Meeting (WRMUED) Tuesday, September 11, 7 p.m., Open Public Meeting; Library Room, Leland & Gray Union Middle and High School, 2042 VT Route 30, Townshend. www.westrivered.org


ATHLETICS:


Fall Athletics:

L&G Fall Athletic registration has been opened and is ready for you to sign your child up for middle school and high school fall sports. Remember that this needs to be completed BEFORE the first day of practice.

Forms must be submitted on or before the first day of practice.

Important Update:

All practices and games will be listed on our Events and Activities Calendar which is on the L&G website under Calendars.
http://lelandandgray.org/index.php/co-curricular-calendar







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

Please e-mail any community service opportunities to Terry Davison Berger <tdavison-berger@lelandandgray.org>



3 Generation Collaboration Community Service Opportunities:

New community service opportunities with 3 Generations Collaboration are always being posted at www.team3gc.org

Also, visit the link to learn about Build Your Own Service.


COMMUNITY: