Friday, January 27, 2023

Friday Notes 1/27/23

 



SCHOOL INFO

January 27, 2023


Dear L&G Families:


At this point in time we are three full weeks from February break - and that is truly hard to believe!  Winter Activities are now half over, which of course is disappointing, but our students and staff are having a great time.  As you may not know, L&G is one of the few middle/high schools in the state to still offer a program like this for our students and we are eternally grateful for the community support to continue this incredible experience.


One of our challenges these days (and frankly for the past few years) is the student use of vape devices in school, specifically in the bathrooms.  This is concerning for a number of reasons, not the least of which is the medical impact of addiction for young people.  If you want support for your teenager, please reach out to our SAP, Luis Vargas at lvargas@windhamcentral.org.  


In February, all students will be taking the Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRBS) which happens every two years.  Please read this letter to learn more about it, and if you have any questions, please contact our school nurse, Jorda Daigneault at jdaigneault@windhamcentral.org.


Also in February, we will be surveying all of our students using a tool called the Panorama survey.  This is the same survey tool that was shared out to parents this fall.  Please read the attached letter for more information.


Thanks and have a great weekend!


Bob Thibault

Principal


Coming Events:


  • Monday, February 6 - VT Secretary of Education Dan French visits L&G

  • Friday, February 10 - MS Dance Party (3:30 - 6:30pm) L&G Library

  • Friday, February 10 - Hoops for Hope (Girls’ game) 7pm

  • Saturday, February 11 - Hoops for Hope (Boys’ game) 1pm & 2:30pm

  • Saturday, February 11 - HS SemiFormal Dance 7pm-10pm Dutton Gym

  • Wednesday, February 15 - Last winter activity day

  • Monday, February 20 - Friday February 24 - February Recess - No School

  • Wednesday, March 1 - Late Start Wednesdays restart

  • Monday, March 6 - NO SCHOOL - Teacher In-service

  • Tuesday, March 7 - NO SCHOOL - Town Meeting Day


Please check our calendar for more events and information.


Winter Activities Page:


Middle School Dance:

The class of '24 is hosting a casual middle school dance party on Friday, February 10th from 3:30-6:30 PM in the L&G LIBRARY. The event cost is $5 with food and drinks available by cash donation.

We're hosting the event right after school so that more students are able to attend without worrying about transportation, and students are highly encouraged to attend Hoops for Hope afterward which begins at 7 PM in the main gym. Parents, this is a great opportunity for your middle schooler to enjoy a whole afternoon and evening out for healthy socializing time!

We hope to see all of our middle school kiddos there! 
Contact Ashley Matson or Elizabeth Brown for more information.

Class of 2025 Fundraiser:

The Class of 2025 is selling Little Caesar products to raise money for prom, graduation, class trip, and class gift.  Please help them out by purchasing something from Little Caesars.  Click on the link below to order. The orders get shipped directly to your home.

The class of 2025 thanks you for your support.


Refuse to Use:


L&G Co-Curricular Calendar:

http://lelandandgray.org/index.php/co-curricular-calendar


School Calendar:





January Lunch Menu:




COMMUNITY SERVICE OPPORTUNITY


Snowmobile Safety:

Looking for student volunteers to assist younger students at the Snowmobile Safety Course being held at the Townshend Fire Station on Saturday, 1/7 from 8:45-3pm.  Pizza will be provided.  If interested, please contact Nelson King at  802-843-7016.


Wardsboro Bucketville News:

Wardsboro's Bucketville News is looking for an intern/technical assistant.  Tasks/opportunities could include learning the overall technical process of producing the newsletter, all aspects of managing the document flow within Bucketville's Google Gmail/drive system, and ideally assisting with the paper's layout using MS Publisher. The role would not focus on article content, writing, or editing.  If you're interested, please contact Jennifer Matheson at jmatheson1971@gmail.com

Stratton Foundation:

The Stratton Foundation is still looking for Junior Ambassadors from LGUHS to help them with the many projects they offer.  The Stratton Foundation is a community based nonprofit that cares about the health and well being of children and families in Southern Vermont.  This would look GREAT on college apps and/ or your resume and you earn community service hours!  For more info, see Terry in room B8.

Jamaica Library:

The library in Jamaica needs help! We have a new librarian who is in the process of updating, polishing, and engaging with the community--and she could use some support!

Who you are: someone tech savvy, curious, creative,self-directed, patient, and collaborative. Dependable and communicative. 

What you'll do: 
- work with librarian to develop an appealing, effective and useful website
- build the website on the Wordpress platform
- teach librarian as you go so she can update and keep current
- other marketing projects as you both determine together, depending on mutual interest and capability (ie: marketing/media integration and strategy)

What you'll get: 
- a chance to partner with an organization willing to treat you as a valued partner
- supervision and coaching along the way
- skill-building in website design, website creation and marketing strategy
- a reference/recommendation and help adding this experience to a resume if needed
- snacks
- undying gratitude from a librarian who learns by doing but needs some help! 
- public recognition (unless you're not into that)

If you don't have transportation, the librarian is willing to come to you to work on this project!  If interested, please reach out to Librarian Susan Ahl at librarian@jamaicavtlibrary.or (802) 874-4901.



COMMUNITY


Lincoln Tech Open House:


Scan QR code for more information:

Parello QR Code



West River Valley Thrives:

Hi L&G Parents & Guardians,

Thank you to everyone who filled out our survey! If you have not yet had a chance to complete it, please take a few minutes to do so, and thank you!

West River Valley Thrives (Thrives) is conducting a brief, 2-minute survey to help determine the best way to engage with and connect parents in our district. Please complete the survey herehttps://forms.gle/nZxoFPNFi6GJ83947

To learn more about Thrives, visit our website: 

For questions, contact:
Sara Webb
Parent & Caring Adult Engagement Specialist 


Stratton Foundation:


The 11th annual 24 Hours of Stratton is on March 18-19, 2023 at Stratton - and this is the biggest event for the Stratton Community Foundation. 

This event is where a large majority of our funding comes from, raising nearly $300,000 annual to support our programs and your grant requests.  

This year we will be including a friendly LOCAL SCHOOL COMPETITION, to see which of our schools has the most cumulative points for fundraising, skiing, and on & off snow points.  A Trophy is involved!  

Local kids only have to raise a minimum of $200, and kids 11 and younger can participate for free.  

Yes - this year you can be in the base lodge through the night.  

IT'S SNOW MUCH OF A GOOD THING AND TIME TO BE A TEAM AND SUPPORT THE FOUNDATION!  



Friday, January 13, 2023

Friday Notes 1/13/23

 



SCHOOL INFO

January 13, 2023


Dear L&G Families:


It’s hard to believe that we are midway through January already and we are fast approaching the end of the first semester, marking the midway point of the school year!


Winter Activities - We had our first WA day this week, and from our perspective it went really well!  Kids seemed to have a good time and we’re excited for the remaining 5 weeks!  As you know, these occur on Wednesdays and for these 6 weeks, school will start at 7:50am, instead of the “late start” days for PBL.  We will restart the “late starts” and two bus runs again on March 1st.  If you have any Winter Activity questions please reach out to Tammy Claussen at tclaussen@windhamcentral.org.


Make-Up Day - As you can see from the coming events list below, Friday, January 20th we don’t have a normal class schedule day.  Buses still run at the normal times, but students need only attend if they have summative assessments that need to be completed.  Middle school teachers will be communicating with you regarding what work is needed so if you do not hear from any teachers, your child doesn’t need to come.  High school students will need to coordinate with their teachers directly.  Important note: students do NOT need to stay for the entire day; when their assessments are completed they may get picked up!  If you cannot provide transportation, the bus will still run at 2:40pm.


Please enjoy the long weekend for Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, and as I shared with the students this morning - this is my favorite MLK quote:


"Darkness cannot drive out darkness, only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate, only love can do that."


Thanks and have a great weekend!


Bob Thibault

Principal


Coming Events:


  • Monday, January 16 - MLK Day - NO SCHOOL

  • Friday, January 20 - Summative Make Up Day (no regular classes)

  • Monday, January 23 - Teacher In-Service - NO SCHOOL

  • Tuesday, January 24 - First day of Semester Two

  • Monday, February 20 - Friday February 24 - February Recess - No School


Driver Education:

The STUDENT DRIVER  roof signage for the Driver Education Car disappeared over the break.  We really need it back.  Please reach out to everyone and try and get it returned to the driver education car roof. 

Winter Activities Page:


Sophomore Class Fundraising Event:

The Class of 2025 is selling Little Caesar products to raise money for prom, graduation, class trip, and class gift.  Please help them out by purchasing something from Little Caesars.  Click on the link below to order. The orders get shipped directly to your home.

The class of 2025 thanks you for your support.


Refuse to Use:


L&G Co-Curricular Calendar:

http://lelandandgray.org/index.php/co-curricular-calendar


School Calendar:





January Lunch Menu:




COMMUNITY SERVICE OPPORTUNITY


Snowmobile Safety:

Looking for student volunteers to assist younger students at the Snowmobile Safety Course being held at the Townshend Fire Station on Saturday, 1/7 from 8:45-3pm.  Pizza will be provided.  If interested, please contact Nelson King at  802-843-7016.


Wardsboro Bucketville News:

Wardsboro's Bucketville News is looking for an intern/technical assistant.  Tasks/opportunities could include learning the overall technical process of producing the newsletter, all aspects of managing the document flow within Bucketville's Google Gmail/drive system, and ideally assisting with the paper's layout using MS Publisher. The role would not focus on article content, writing, or editing.  If you're interested, please contact Jennifer Matheson at jmatheson1971@gmail.com

TES Basketball:

Townshend Elementary School is looking for high school students interested in coaching and/or /assisting with the TES basketball program.  For more information, please contact Robin Patnode at rpatnode@windhamcentral.org or see Terry in Room B8.

Stratton Foundation:

The Stratton Foundation is still looking for Junior Ambassadors from LGUHS to help them with the many projects they offer.  The Stratton Foundation is a community based nonprofit that cares about the health and well being of children and families in Southern Vermont.  This would look GREAT on college apps and/ or your resume and you earn community service hours!  For more info, see Terry in room B8.

NewBrook:

1. Newbrook Firestation weekly Bingo, assisting in the kitchen, selling goodies and selling tickets.   Bingo is every Saturday night.

2. Newbrook Cemetery Association—if you like working outside then this is for you. Light grounds keeping and cleaning. This is seasonal. 

For more information call Evelyn at 802.348.7319 or  email at siroisev@aol.com  

Jamaica Library:

The library in Jamaica needs help! We have a new librarian who is in the process of updating, polishing, and engaging with the community--and she could use some support!

Who you are: someone tech savvy, curious, creative,self-directed, patient, and collaborative. Dependable and communicative. 

What you'll do: 
- work with librarian to develop an appealing, effective and useful website
- build the website on the Wordpress platform
- teach librarian as you go so she can update and keep current
- other marketing projects as you both determine together, depending on mutual interest and capability (ie: marketing/media integration and strategy)

What you'll get: 
- a chance to partner with an organization willing to treat you as a valued partner
- supervision and coaching along the way
- skill-building in website design, website creation and marketing strategy
- a reference/recommendation and help adding this experience to a resume if needed
- snacks
- undying gratitude from a librarian who learns by doing but needs some help! 
- public recognition (unless you're not into that)

If you don't have transportation, the librarian is willing to come to you to work on this project!  If interested, please reach out to Librarian Susan Ahl at librarian@jamaicavtlibrary.or (802) 874-4901.



COMMUNITY


Vermont Entrepreneurship Day:

Vermont 9 - 12 grade students/educators are invited to participate in the 14th annual

Vermont Entrepreneurship Day! (virtual & free) - Thursday, February 9, 2023  (8:25am-11:45am)

Theme “Vermont Entrepreneurs… Tell Your Story”

Use this link to register for the event: https://www.vtsbdc.org/ved/

Note: ZOOM link will be sent to those registered one week prior to the event.

  • Hear from an Amazing Panel of Young Enterprising VT Entrepreneurs
  • Learn How to Communicate & Tell Your Story
  • Governor’s Proclamation for Vermont Entrepreneurship Week
  • Check Out the Visual Media Competition Submissions & more!

Prior to the Event – Students have the option to enter the

Visual Media Competitions in one or both categories:

  • Bumper Stickers & Mini-YouTube Videos - WIN CASH PRIZES!

Submission entry deadline:  January 10, 2023

(Note: to join the February 9th event, students do not have to enter the competitions)

Brought to and sponsored by:

  • Vermont Small Business Development Center
  • Vermont District Office - U.S. Small Business Administration
  • Vermont Career and Technical Student Organizations
  • Vermont Business Education Corps
  • J. Warren & Lois McClure Foundation |

2023/2024 Vermont’s Most Promising Jobs

https://mcclurevt.org/most-promising-jobs/

West River Valley Thrives:

Hi L&G Parents & Guardians, West River Valley Thrives (WRVT) is conducting a brief, 7-question survey to help determine the best way to engage with and connect parents in our district. Please complete the survey here: https://forms.gle/nZxoFPNFi6GJ83947 To learn more about WRVT, visit our website: https://wrvthrives.org For questions, contact: Sara Webb Parent & Caring Adult Engagement Specialist wrvtengaged@gmail.com



Dear Parents and Guardians,

   

Earlier this month, we mailed out our 2022 Parent Survey. We want to thank those of you who have already sent yours in! As we mentioned in the mailing, our annual Parent Survey allows us to gather your valuable insights on, and perceptions of, substance use by students. This information helps inform and improve the work we do to reduce substance misuse by teens in the West River Valley. 


Another way we would like to provide you access to the parent survey is directly through this link and or QR code: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/63ZRXTM



We appreciate your time and thoughtfulness in completing this anonymous survey and hope to receive your response soon. We will be closing the survey on January 15, 2022. 

  


Thank you,

Meg Gonzalez

West River Valley Thrives Director


Stratton Foundation:


The 11th annual 24 Hours of Stratton is on March 18-19, 2023 at Stratton - and this is the biggest event for the Stratton Community Foundation. 

This event is where a large majority of our funding comes from, raising nearly $300,000 annual to support our programs and your grant requests.  

This year we will be including a friendly LOCAL SCHOOL COMPETITION, to see which of our schools has the most cumulative points for fundraising, skiing, and on & off snow points.  A Trophy is involved!  

Local kids only have to raise a minimum of $200, and kids 11 and younger can participate for free.  

Yes - this year you can be in the base lodge through the night.  

IT'S SNOW MUCH OF A GOOD THING AND TIME TO BE A TEAM AND SUPPORT THE FOUNDATION!  






Friday, January 6, 2023

Friday Notes 1/6/23

  


SCHOOL INFO

January 6, 2023 Dear L&G Families: Happy New Year, everyone! We have turned the page on 2022 and I hope everyone had a wonderful winter break. I wanted to give you a couple of updates on recent events: Winter Activities - This coming Wednesday we begin 6 straight weeks of Winter Activities. As you know, these occur on Wednesdays and for those 6 weeks, school will start at 7:50am, instead of the “late start” days for PBL. We will restart the “late starts” and two bus runs again on March 1st. If you have any Winter Activity questions please reach out to Tammy Claussen at tclaussen@windhamcentral.org. Make-Up Day - As you can see from the coming events list below, Friday, January 20th we don’t have a normal class schedule day. Buses still run at the normal times, but students need only attend if they have summative assessments that need to be completed. Middle school teachers will be communicating with you regarding what work is needed (next week) so if you do not hear from any teachers, your child doesn’t need to come. High school students will need to coordinate with their teachers directly. Important note: students do NOT need to stay for the entire day; when their assessments are completed they may get picked up! If you cannot provide transportation, the bus will still run at 2:40pm. One final note - if you are a parent interested in meeting with the three principal candidate finalists, please email me. You will need to be in person from 10:30-11:15am on 1/10, 1/17 and 1/19. Please let me know! bthibault@windhamcentral.org Thanks and have a great weekend! Bob Thibault Principal

Coming Events:

  • Wednesday, January 11 - First day of Winter Activities - normal start time with early release to activities!!!
  • Monday, January 16 - MLK Day - NO SCHOOL
  • Friday, January 20 - Summative Make Up Day (no regular classes)
  • Monday, January 23 - Teacher In-Service - NO SCHOOL
  • Tuesday, January 24 - First day of Semester Two
  • Monday, February 20 - Friday February 24 - February Recess - No School
  • Monday, January 16 - MLK Day - NO SCHOOL
  • Friday, January 20 - Summative Make Up Day (no regular classes)
  • Monday, January 23 - Teacher In-Service - NO SCHOOL
  • Tuesday, January 24 - First day of Semester Two
  • Monday, February 20 - Friday February 24 - February Recess - No School

Driver Education:

The STUDENT DRIVER  roof signage for the Driver Education Car disappeared over the break.  We really need it back.  Please reach out to everyone and try and get it returned to the driver education car roof. 

Winter Activities Page:


Nurse Update:




Refuse to Use:

Event #4, The mandatory Parent / Guardian / Student Dialogue Night is this Monday, January 9 at 7 PM. There will be childcare available. Younger children and infants come and play while families take part in the discussions centering around Vaping.




L&G Co-Curricular Calendar:

http://lelandandgray.org/index.php/co-curricular-calendar


School Calendar:





January Lunch Menu:




COMMUNITY SERVICE OPPORTUNITY


Snowmobile Safety:

Looking for student volunteers to assist younger students at the Snowmobile Safety Course being held at the Townshend Fire Station on Saturday, 1/7 from 8:45-3pm.  Pizza will be provided.  If interested, please contact Nelson King at  802-843-7016.


Wardsboro Bucketville News:

Wardsboro's Bucketville News is looking for an intern/technical assistant.  Tasks/opportunities could include learning the overall technical process of producing the newsletter, all aspects of managing the document flow within Bucketville's Google Gmail/drive system, and ideally assisting with the paper's layout using MS Publisher. The role would not focus on article content, writing, or editing.  If you're interested, please contact Jennifer Matheson at jmatheson1971@gmail.com

TES Basketball:

Townshend Elementary School is looking for high school students interested in coaching and/or /assisting with the TES basketball program.  For more information, please contact Robin Patnode at rpatnode@windhamcentral.org or see Terry in Room B8.

Stratton Foundation:

The Stratton Foundation is still looking for Junior Ambassadors from LGUHS to help them with the many projects they offer.  The Stratton Foundation is a community based nonprofit that cares about the health and well being of children and families in Southern Vermont.  This would look GREAT on college apps and/ or your resume and you earn community service hours!  For more info, see Terry in room B8.

NewBrook:

1. Newbrook Firestation weekly Bingo, assisting in the kitchen, selling goodies and selling tickets.   Bingo is every Saturday night.

2. Newbrook Cemetery Association—if you like working outside then this is for you. Light grounds keeping and cleaning. This is seasonal. 

For more information call Evelyn at 802.348.7319 or  email at siroisev@aol.com  

Jamaica Library:

The library in Jamaica needs help! We have a new librarian who is in the process of updating, polishing, and engaging with the community--and she could use some support!

Who you are: someone tech savvy, curious, creative,self-directed, patient, and collaborative. Dependable and communicative. 

What you'll do: 
- work with librarian to develop an appealing, effective and useful website
- build the website on the Wordpress platform
- teach librarian as you go so she can update and keep current
- other marketing projects as you both determine together, depending on mutual interest and capability (ie: marketing/media integration and strategy)

What you'll get: 
- a chance to partner with an organization willing to treat you as a valued partner
- supervision and coaching along the way
- skill-building in website design, website creation and marketing strategy
- a reference/recommendation and help adding this experience to a resume if needed
- snacks
- undying gratitude from a librarian who learns by doing but needs some help! 
- public recognition (unless you're not into that)

If you don't have transportation, the librarian is willing to come to you to work on this project!  If interested, please reach out to Librarian Susan Ahl at librarian@jamaicavtlibrary.or (802) 874-4901.



COMMUNITY


West River Valley Thrives:

Hi L&G Parents & Guardians, West River Valley Thrives (WRVT) is conducting a brief, 7-question survey to help determine the best way to engage with and connect parents in our district. Please complete the survey here: https://forms.gle/nZxoFPNFi6GJ83947 To learn more about WRVT, visit our website: https://wrvthrives.org For questions, contact: Sara Webb Parent & Caring Adult Engagement Specialist wrvtengaged@gmail.com



Dear Parents and Guardians,

   

Earlier this month, we mailed out our 2022 Parent Survey. We want to thank those of you who have already sent yours in! As we mentioned in the mailing, our annual Parent Survey allows us to gather your valuable insights on, and perceptions of, substance use by students. This information helps inform and improve the work we do to reduce substance misuse by teens in the West River Valley. 


Another way we would like to provide you access to the parent survey is directly through this link and or QR code: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/63ZRXTM



We appreciate your time and thoughtfulness in completing this anonymous survey and hope to receive your response soon. We will be closing the survey on January 15, 2022. 

  


Thank you,

Meg Gonzalez

West River Valley Thrives Director


Stratton Foundation: