Tuesday, November 23, 2021

Friday Notes 11/19/21

 

SCHOOL INFO

November 22, 2021


Dear L&G Families:


I hope that this letter finds everyone relaxing and enjoying some time with family and friends during this Thanksgiving break!  These last few months have been the longest stretch that schools see without a prolonged vacation opportunity.  We all need the rest and relaxation, and I am thankful for the progress we have made this fall as a school community, in returning to 5-day a week learning!  While it hasn’t been without challenges, the opportunity to see your children every day has surely helped all of us!


Upcoming events:

  • Nov 22-26, 2021 - Thanksgiving Break - No School

  • Nov 30, 2021 - Picture Makeup Day

  • Dec 8, 2021 - Early Release Day (Teacher In-Service)

  • Dec 23, 2021 - Early Release Day

  • Dec 24, 2021 - Jan 2, 2022 - Winter Recess Break


Vaccination Clinics:

Please see the Vermont Department of Health website for opportunities for your 5-11 year old children to access a vaccination.  We strive to get to a place where once the state announces we can go mask-free (after achieving 80%) that we can celebrate that freedom knowing that our children are protected by several mitigation measures.  


Have a great vacation!


Bob Thibault

Principal



L&G Co-Curricular Calendar:



Refuse to Use:

**Refuse To Use Passes were distributed to students during school TODAY: FRIDAY, NOV 19th.**

All RTU students received an envelope either containing their 2021-2022 Stratton Season's Pass or a letter explaining why their pass is on-hold.  On-hold reasons include lack of current photo for the pass, missing an event, or missing a payment. As soon as the "hold" is lifted, the pass will be in the student's hands.

 ENJOY THE MOUNTAIN THIS WINTER!



Note: This same information is on the RTU page on the Leland and Gray website. Go to the Leland and Gray homepage and follow the Refuse to Use link.


Afterschool Program:




School Calendar:


COMMUNITY:


Matt Bellace Presentation:

Parents and Students,

Join us for a virtual presentation by Matt Bellace, Ph.D. on Monday, November 22nd at 6:00pm.

Matt has been a youth motivational speaker and stand-up comedian since 1995. He has a Ph.D. in clinical neuropsychology (the study of the brain and behavior), is a member of the National Speakers Association and the author of the book, "A Better High". He is also a contributing author for the National Geographic Kids book series, "This or That." His "How to Get High Naturally" program encourages over a hundred thousand students a year worldwide to pursue natural highs and make healthy choices.

Join Zoom Meeting

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89179744610?pwd=dDBnNHRIY1ZHVlN5Z016bVVqUDQwZz09

This presentation is sponsored by the Deerfield Valley Community Partnership as part of the Choose Snow program but is open to all to attend!


The Village Closet:



Townshend Community Toy Drive:

Parents sign up for gifts for your children (infants thru Grade 8) from the Townshend Community Toy Drive & surrounding communities. Sign up by either filling out a form for each child at the Food Shelf on Monday evenings and placing the forms in the box provided, OR by emailing the following information to me directly.

The deadline for sign-ups is Dec. 6th, and Toy Pick-up will be Dec. 20th at the food shelf between 6:00-7:30pm

PLEASE EMAIL THE FOLLOWING INFO to:  moparchris1@comcast.net

Parent Name & Phone #

Child age & gender

Items wished for (please be specific for clothing or shoe size)

Have a wonderful Holiday Season!

Chris Carter



Friday, November 12, 2021

Friday Notes 11/12/21

 

SCHOOL INFO

November 12,2021


Dear L&G Families:


I want to start off by saying thank you to all former and current members of the military who have served our country, as we have just celebrated Veterans’ Day.  We further recognize some recent graduates, some staff members, and other members of Rebel Nation who served at some point in their lives.


We are approaching the final full week prior to the Thanksgiving holiday break.  I probably won’t be sending out a weekly newsletter next Friday as a result, but the Friday Notes will still go out as usual!


Upcoming events:

  • Nov 11-13, 2021 - Mamma Mia Musical (7pm, 7pm, 4pm)

  • Nov 16, 2021 - Fall Concert (Main Gym) 7pm

  • Nov 22-26, 2021 - Thanksgiving Break - No School

  • Nov 30, 2021 - Picture Makeup Day

  • Dec 8, 2021 - Early Release Day (Teacher In-Service)

  • Dec 23, 2021 - Early Release Day

  • Dec 24, 2021 - Jan 2, 2022 - Winter Recess Break


Vaccination Clinics:

Please see the Vermont Department of Health website for opportunities for your 5-11 year old children to access a vaccination, as well as stand by for possible information about a clinic in our region!


Survey about Money:

As many of you know, the federal government has earmarked relief funds to schools as part of the COVID relief package (there are actually 3, and each with a different name!)  Our supervisory union is seeking input/ideas from the community about how we spend the third, and possibly final installment.  We’ve used previous funds to create summer recovery last summer, Edge of Leadership training from High5 for 6th and 7th graders, middle school after-school programming this year, our recovery coordinator position for this year, and the Intro to HS course (staffing) for this and next year.  To give feedback on this important financial commitment, please go to this link and see the link to the survey at the bottom of the page!


Have a great weekend!


Bob Thibault

Principal





L&G Co-Curricular Calendar:


Refuse to Use:

Stratton passes should be in hand by Thanksgiving Break!


Note: This same information is on the RTU page on the Leland and Gray website. Go to the Leland and Gray homepage and follow the Refuse to Use link.


Mamma Mia:

The Leland and Gray Players Present MAMMA MIA! November 11-13

l r Spencer Butynski Peter Broussard and Andrew Tolbert rehearse Mamma Mia

TOWNSHEND, Vt. “HERE WE GO AGAIN!” exudes Leland and Gray Players’ Director Sam Chapin. “Live music and theater return to Leland and Gray in the form of MAMMA MIA! Featuring the upbeat and ever-danceable music of ABBA, the musical centers around a young woman and her quest to determine the identity of her birth father, while at the same time trying to marry her fiancĂ© and keep her mother as far out of the loop as possible. The score is fun and familiar with songs like, “Dancing Queen,” “Take A Chance On Me,” “The Winner Takes It All,” and, of course, “Mamma Mia"."

The Company features actors Gianna Birri, Isabella Bowen, Lily Bowen, Peter Broussard, Spencer Butynski, Marley Felker, Ruby Hallenbeck, Dylan Hazelton, Mackson Hiner, Anselm Marrow, Mary McDonald, Kianelise Pena, Lucca Pozzi, Raena Sanderson, Catherine Shine, Stephen Shine, Andrew Tolbert, and Callie Wicker; student tech: Oliver Andersen, Olivia Bell, Jules Bowden, Conner Dunham, Dakota Dunham, Alexander Sicko, Davin Visconti. In the pit, student Abe Newton is on guitar joined by Rene Bernard on drums, Mike Kelly on keyboard, Mike McKinney on guitar, Matt Martyn on electric bass. Directed by Sam Chapin, vocal and music direction by Elyse Wadsworth, choreography by Sarah Grasso, assistant directed by Alexa Litchfield.

Spener Butynski and Callie Wicker in rehearsal for Mamma MiaAdhering to Covid guidance, the cast will be masked at all times, as will the audience, and appropriate distancing will be maintained. Performances will be in L&G’s Dutton Gymnasium, Rte. 30, Townshend, on November 11 and 12 at 7 pm and November 13 at 4 pm. Admission: $10 dollars for adults and $5 for students and seniors. To reserve in advance write schapin@windhamcentral.org.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Chapin echoes ABBA: “So come join us--you can dance, jive, AND HAVE THE TIME OF YOUR LIFE!”

CONTACT: Sam Chapin, director, (802)365-7355, schapin@windhamcentral.org


Afterschool Program:



HEY Help:

Dear Parents and Guardians,

Our after school homework club will begin Monday, November 8th. The program is offered to all Leland & Gray students every Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday afternoon from 3:00 to 4:30pm. A late bus will be provided for any students needing transportation home after the homework club.
The homework club is a program designed to provide a place for certified teachers to help your child to get a start on and help with their daily homework and class material. All students who have homework and/or need extra help are welcome to attend. All students are expected to come to the club with all homework materials and a book to read. In order to make this a positive experience for all who attend, disruptive behaviors will not be allowed. If a student is disruptive, the following procedure will occur:

First time- Parents/Guardians will receive a phone call from the homework club teacher.

Second time -- Parents/Guardians will receive a phone call and a final warning letter from the homework club teacher.

Third time -- Parents/Guardians will receive a letter dismissing their child from the program for the remainder of the school year.


Please note: Any students staying after school for detentions with other teachers are not permitted to come to Homework Club on that day. 

If you have any questions please feel free to contact me (lvargas@windhamcentral.org) or Mary Lindsley (mlindsley@windhamcentral.org).

Have a great weekend!


Luis Vargas
Student Assistance Program (SAP)
After School Programs Coordinator
Leland & Gray Union Middle and High School
Phone: 802.365.7355 EXT. 143

School Calendar:




Lost & Found:




COMMUNITY SERVICE:


Valley Cares:

Valley Cares is seeking self-motivated, vaccinated students that can work independently for weekend positions as front door screeners:  This would entail  signing visitors in and making sure they are screened for contact tracing.  Training is available.  Saturdays & Sundays 9-12 and 1-4.  Training days and times are flexible.  . 

If interested, please see Terry in Room A-13.


COMMUNITY:


Mount Snow Employment Opportunity:

Mount Snow Child Care is looking to hire part-time educators to our team this winter.  This is a great opportunity to pick-up part-time seasonal work on Saturdays and/or Sundays to help with holiday shopping or get season passes for you and potentially your family.  The starting rate is $15/hour plus many benefits and perks that can be found here - https://jobs.vailresortscareers.com/content/Perks-and-Benefits-2019/?locale=en_US.  To apply please fill out an application on Mount Snow’s employment website by visiting https://jobs.vailresortscareers.com/job/West-Dover-Specialist-Child-Care-Teacher-Part-Time-Winter-Seasonal-VT-05356/796604600/.  Any questions don’t hesitate to reach out to Heather Sullivan at heather.k.sullivan@vailresorts.com or (802) 464-4152.  We look forward to hearing from you!

 

Thanks for your help,

 

 

Heather Sullivan

Child Care Manager
Phone: 802-464-4152



The Village Closet:



Townshend Community Toy Drive:

Parents sign up for gifts for your children (infants thru Grade 8) from the Townshend Community Toy Drive & surrounding communities. Sign up by either filling out a form for each child at the Food Shelf on Monday evenings and placing the forms in the box provided, OR by emailing the following information to me directly.

The deadline for sign-ups is Dec. 6th, and Toy Pick-up will be Dec. 20th at the food shelf between 6:00-7:30pm

PLEASE EMAIL THE FOLLOWING INFO to:  moparchris1@comcast.net

Parent Name & Phone #

Child age & gender

Items wished for (please be specific for clothing or shoe size)

Have a wonderful Holiday Season!

Chris Carter


Vermont High School Writing Contest:


Friday, November 5, 2021

Friday Notes 11/5/21

 

SCHOOL INFO

November 5, 2021


Dear L&G Families:


There’s a lot in today’s letter, but please take the time to read thoroughly!


First and foremost, I want to offer our congratulations to our girls varsity soccer team, led by Coach Lucas Bates, for earning a spot in tomorrow’s State Championship Game at 10am in Hartford.  Our girls program last won a state title in 1991, and we’re all going to be cheering loudly for these girls to bring another one home!  Go Rebels!



Test to Stay Information:

Many of you have heard in the news that schools can start running a program called “test to stay.”  The basics of this is that if your unvaccinated child is identified as a close contact, instead of staying home for 14 days or waiting for  a negative PCR test, the child can submit to a rapid antigen test at school in order to stay for the day (with a negative result).  Unfortunately, this protocol does not apply to sporting events or travelling for trips, etc. as part of a school program.  Additionally, this program is not used on students with any symptoms!  If your child is currently unvaccinated, and you want them to be considered for the Test to Stay protocol, please go to the Vermont Agency of Education website and submit a permission form.  This program is NOT YET up and running at L&G, but will be in the coming months.  One final note, if you fill out the online permission form, you’ll be prompted to also sign your child up for weekly surveillance testing - we are NOT doing that at L&G.


Behavior at L&G

As most of you have seen in the news, both nationally and locally, student behavior in schools has been tougher than any we’ve seen before - certainly more challenging than any of my 28 years in public schools.  We believe that the bulk of this has to do with the social isolation that many of them endured for the time that school was closed, either in part, or in full.  For our 9th graders, for example, their last fully normal school year was in 6th grade, when they were still in the smaller elementary schools!  While there’s been lots of media coverage of “learning loss” in the content areas, what we’re seeing is more in the relational/social skills area.  Please talk with your child about what they can do individually to help make our learning community more positive!  This coming week, we’ll be talking with the students about significantly limiting their cellphone time during the school day.  We anticipate some challenge to this, but also hope that your support at home will help make this a smoother transition.


Bathroom doors

I wanted to share with parents some specifics about the doors to the bathrooms.  As you may have heard from your child, the A- and B-level “group” bathrooms have no doors on them.  They were originally removed last year when students were returning, because we wanted to ensure that students were not clustering in one small space.  This met the challenge of both contact tracing complications as well as reducing vaping incidences.  This fall, we tried to put them back on, with clear expectations with the students about behavior, but this week we removed them again.  I want to be very clear - the doors to the stalls are still on and the stalls are not visible from outside in the hallway.  Students in the hall are able to see the sinks, but that is the only area visible.  I know to some this may feel a little draconian, but we’ve already seen improvement with kids missing from classes and clustering in the bathrooms.


Survey about Money:

As many of you know, the federal government has earmarked relief funds to schools as part of the COVID relief package (there are actually 3, and each with a different name!)  Our supervisory union is seeking input/ideas from the community about how we spend the third, and possibly final installment.  We’ve used previous funds to create summer recovery last summer, Edge of Leadership training from High5 for 6th and 7th graders, middle school after-school programming this year, our recovery coordinator position for this year, and the Intro to HS course (staffing) for this and next year.  To give feedback on this important financial commitment, please go to this link and see the link to the survey at the bottom of the page!


Upcoming events:

  • Nov 5, 2021 - Progress Report period ends

  • Nov 7, 2021 - Daylight Savings Time ends (“Fall” back 1 hour)

  • Nov 10, 2021 - Early Release Day - Teacher In-service (11:30 dismissal)

  • Nov 11, 2021 - Veterans’ Day - No School

  • Nov 11-13, 2021 - Mamma Mia Musical (7pm, 7pm, 4pm)

  • Nov 16, 2021 - Fall Concert (Main Gym) 7pm

  • Nov 22-26, 2021 - Thanksgiving Break - No School

  • Nov 30, 2021 - Picture Makeup Day


Thanks and have a great weekend!  Go Rebels!

Bob Thibault

Principal



L&G Co-Curricular Calendar:


Refuse to Use:




Notice From West River Transportation:

Notice from West River Transportation:  Next Wednesday, 11/10, and Friday, 11/12, the Jamaica AM bus will be running about 10 minutes early. 

Girls Varsity Soccer DIII State Championship:




Game is at 10:00am at Maxfield Sports Complex, 44 Leslie Drive, White River Junction, VT
Tickets can be purchased in advance online at https://gofan.co/app/events/404812?schoolId=VPA 
$10 for adults, $5 for students/seniors
Not much bleacher space, so bring a lawn chair if you want to sit.
If you can't make it to the game it will be streamed on the NFHS network, however you need to pay for a 30 day subscription for $10.99.

Let's go Rebel Nation!!!!

Mamma Mia:

The Leland and Gray Players Present MAMMA MIA! November 11-13

l r Spencer Butynski Peter Broussard and Andrew Tolbert rehearse Mamma Mia

TOWNSHEND, Vt. “HERE WE GO AGAIN!” exudes Leland and Gray Players’ Director Sam Chapin. “Live music and theater return to Leland and Gray in the form of MAMMA MIA! Featuring the upbeat and ever-danceable music of ABBA, the musical centers around a young woman and her quest to determine the identity of her birth father, while at the same time trying to marry her fiancĂ© and keep her mother as far out of the loop as possible. The score is fun and familiar with songs like, “Dancing Queen,” “Take A Chance On Me,” “The Winner Takes It All,” and, of course, “Mamma Mia"."

The Company features actors Gianna Birri, Isabella Bowen, Lily Bowen, Peter Broussard, Spencer Butynski, Marley Felker, Ruby Hallenbeck, Dylan Hazelton, Mackson Hiner, Anselm Marrow, Mary McDonald, Kianelise Pena, Lucca Pozzi, Raena Sanderson, Catherine Shine, Stephen Shine, Andrew Tolbert, and Callie Wicker; student tech: Oliver Andersen, Olivia Bell, Jules Bowden, Conner Dunham, Dakota Dunham, Alexander Sicko, Davin Visconti. In the pit, student Abe Newton is on guitar joined by Rene Bernard on drums, Mike Kelly on keyboard, Mike McKinney on guitar, Matt Martyn on electric bass. Directed by Sam Chapin, vocal and music direction by Elyse Wadsworth, choreography by Sarah Grasso, assistant directed by Alexa Litchfield.

Spener Butynski and Callie Wicker in rehearsal for Mamma MiaAdhering to Covid guidance, the cast will be masked at all times, as will the audience, and appropriate distancing will be maintained. Performances will be in L&G’s Dutton Gymnasium, Rte. 30, Townshend, on November 11 and 12 at 7 pm and November 13 at 4 pm. Admission: $10 dollars for adults and $5 for students and seniors. To reserve in advance write schapin@windhamcentral.org.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Chapin echoes ABBA: “So come join us--you can dance, jive, AND HAVE THE TIME OF YOUR LIFE!”

CONTACT: Sam Chapin, director, (802)365-7355, schapin@windhamcentral.org


Afterschool Program:



HEY Help:

Dear Parents and Guardians,

Our after school homework club will begin Monday, November 8th. The program is offered to all Leland & Gray students every Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday afternoon from 3:00 to 4:30pm. A late bus will be provided for any students needing transportation home after the homework club.
The homework club is a program designed to provide a place for certified teachers to help your child to get a start on and help with their daily homework and class material. All students who have homework and/or need extra help are welcome to attend. All students are expected to come to the club with all homework materials and a book to read. In order to make this a positive experience for all who attend, disruptive behaviors will not be allowed. If a student is disruptive, the following procedure will occur:

First time- Parents/Guardians will receive a phone call from the homework club teacher.

Second time -- Parents/Guardians will receive a phone call and a final warning letter from the homework club teacher.

Third time -- Parents/Guardians will receive a letter dismissing their child from the program for the remainder of the school year.


Please note: Any students staying after school for detentions with other teachers are not permitted to come to Homework Club on that day. 

If you have any questions please feel free to contact me (lvargas@windhamcentral.org) or Mary Lindsley (mlindsley@windhamcentral.org).

Have a great weekend!


Luis Vargas
Student Assistance Program (SAP)
After School Programs Coordinator
Leland & Gray Union Middle and High School
Phone: 802.365.7355 EXT. 143

School Calendar:




Lost & Found:






COMMUNITY SERVICE:


Valley Cares:

Valley Cares is seeking self-motivated, vaccinated students that can work independently for weekend positions as front door screeners:  This would entail  signing visitors in and making sure they are screened for contact tracing.  Training is available.  Saturdays & Sundays 9-12 and 1-4.  Training days and times are flexible.  . 

If interested, please see Terry in Room A-13.


COMMUNITY:


Gerda's Equine Rescue Employment Opportunity:

Gerda's Equine Rescue in West Townshend  is looking for an enthusiastic and efficient employee to feed horses and muck stalls.  Horse experience is a plus, but not necessary.  A desire to work with horses is a must.  Pay is $10-$12.00 per hour.

If interested, please see Terry in Room A13.

Mount Snow Employment Opportunity:

Mount Snow Child Care is looking to hire part-time educators to our team this winter.  This is a great opportunity to pick-up part-time seasonal work on Saturdays and/or Sundays to help with holiday shopping or get season passes for you and potentially your family.  The starting rate is $15/hour plus many benefits and perks that can be found here - https://jobs.vailresortscareers.com/content/Perks-and-Benefits-2019/?locale=en_US.  To apply please fill out an application on Mount Snow’s employment website by visiting https://jobs.vailresortscareers.com/job/West-Dover-Specialist-Child-Care-Teacher-Part-Time-Winter-Seasonal-VT-05356/796604600/.  Any questions don’t hesitate to reach out to Heather Sullivan at heather.k.sullivan@vailresorts.com or (802) 464-4152.  We look forward to hearing from you!

 

Thanks for your help,

 

 

Heather Sullivan

Child Care Manager
Phone: 802-464-4152


Townshend Community Toy Drive:

Parents sign up for gifts for your children (infants thru Grade 8) from the Townshend Community Toy Drive & surrounding communities. Sign up by either filling out a form for each child at the Food Shelf on Monday evenings and placing the forms in the box provided, OR by emailing the following information to me directly.

The deadline for sign-ups is Dec. 6th, and Toy Pick-up will be Dec. 20th at the food shelf between 6:00-7:30pm

PLEASE EMAIL THE FOLLOWING INFO to:  moparchris1@comcast.net

Parent Name & Phone #

Child age & gender

Items wished for (please be specific for clothing or shoe size)

Have a wonderful Holiday Season!

Chris Carter


Vermont High School Writing Contest: