Friday Notes 2/17/23

SCHOOL INFO

February 17, 2023

Dear L&G Families:

Please start the vacation by reading this letter.

As we roll into February Vacation, we are now complete with the 2023 Winter Activities Season!  We had a great season, with some of our students making the news this week with the culminating session at VEMSA.  

As you all know by now, Mr. Dana Aquadro has been named as my successor as principal beginning on July 1st and so we are now searching for a new Assistant Principal.  If you know of anyone who might be interested, please have them reach out to Dana or simply apply on schoolspring.com.  On a related note, we will also be posting teaching positions for next year including Chorus, Art, and a Social Worker.  Please spread the word!

Have a great vacation!

Bob Thibault

Principal

Coming Events:

• 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.

Semester 1 Virtual Art Show:

Art Show

Journey Away:

You are cordially invited to a Mardi Gras Party, February, 17th, 6-8pm in Leland & Gray's Dutton Gym! Join us for an evening of New Orleans inspired fun and to learn about Leland & Gray's Journey Away (formerly Journey East) program. Family & friends welcome! 

In March, a group of students from Leland & Gray will travel by train to New York City and then to New Orleans to explore the impact of climate disasters. Students will see how communities are adapting & will collect oral histories and vox pop style interviews with folks they meet along the way.

On Feb 17th, join us for cajun inspired drinks & snacks and *win a prize* if you get the baby in the King Cake! See what's on our itinerary for NYC & NOLA and make a donation to one of the various experiences we have lined up. Hear from students about what they are most excited for and how they imagine this trip might be transformative. We will have a listening booth to collect your stories of travel and / or climate disasters and also a small silent auction.  

We want to give a big THANK YOU to The Stratton Foundation, Vermont Folklife, and The West River Education District for their support! We look forward to your support as well :) 

It should be a fun night, for a great cause, and we hope you will join us! 

Sincerely,

Journey Away students & teachers

L&G Co-Curricular Calendar:

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

School Calendar:

February Lunch Menu:

COMMUNITY SERVICE OPPORTUNITY

NewBrook Fire Department:

Student volunteers needed:  

The NewBrook Fire Department will be celebrating their  75th anniversary on  Sunday February 26.

Their winter celebration  will be a chili contest voted on by members of the community who stop by.  The event will run from 12 to 3.

Volunteers wanted  to help make snowmen &/or color, help with serving food / hot chocolate / touch a truck event etc.   etc while visiting the open house.  Volunteer hours are 11:30 to 3:30 or any part thereof.  

Looking for at least 6 students to help.  Please see Terry in Room B8 for more info!

COMMUNITY

FEMA Seeking Leaders:

FEMA Seeking Leaders for Youth Preparedness Council Applications

Do you know a young leader who is passionate about making a positive impact on their community? The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is looking for students in grades eight through 11 interested in supporting disaster preparedness to join the Youth Preparedness Council (YPC). Why is it Important for Youth to Apply? FEMA created the Youth Preparedness Council in 2012 to bring together young leaders from across the country who are interested in disaster preparedness and community service. The YPC demonstrates FEMA’s commitment to involve America’s youth in preparedness-related activities. It also provides young people an opportunity to present their perspectives, feedback and opinions to FEMA staff. During their terms, YPC members can make a difference in their community, gain valuable leadership and emergency management experience, and work with like-minded peers to help strengthen preparedness and resilience across the country. What Do YPC Members Do? YPC members meet with FEMA staff throughout their term to develop strategies, initiatives and project proposals. YPC members will also participate in the YPC summit held in Washington, DC with FEMA leaders and other preparedness professionals to network and learn more about the field. Who Should Join the YPC? Students in grades eight through 11 who have a passion for preparedness and helping others, are involved in their community, and have an aptitude for working on teams and as leaders. Spread the Word! You can spread the word by sharing information about the YPC with parents, educators, schools and organizations, and reaching out to friends and family! Do you know a student who would make a great candidate? Encourage them to apply today! How to Apply? The online application is open, and closes March 6, 2023, 11:59 p.m. PT. To learn more about the YPC and application requirements, visit http://www.ready.gov/kids/youth-preparedness-council and visit https://community.fema.gov/PreparednessCommunity/s/apply-to-ypc to apply. FEMA will also host two webinars for potential applicants on Jan. 30, 2023 and Feb. 28, 2023.  Disclaimer: The reader recognizes that the federal government provides links and informational data on various disaster preparedness resources and events and does not endorse any non-federal events, entities, organizations, services, or products. Please let us know about other events and services for individual and community preparedness that could be included in future newsletters by contacting  FEMA-prepare@fema.dhs.gov.

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.  

Friday Notes 2/10/23

 

SCHOOL INFO

February 10, 2023

Dear L&G Families:

We started our week with a visit from the VT Secretary of Education, Dan French.  He toured our facilities and spoke with students in our morning assembly.  His visit was captured by the Reformer in a great story in Tuesday’s paper.  He highlighted two areas of which I am incredibly proud: One, he commented on the cleanliness of our school - he visits lots of schools around the state and so I took this as a big deal!  Two, in conversation with him as we walked the halls, he was excited to hear about our Project Based Learning and our Journey Away (formerly Journey East) program.  He referenced us as a historically innovative school; a badge of honor for all of us.

Next week, 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.  Middle school students have already taken this and high schoolers will do it this coming week.

I look forward to seeing you at our Annual Hoops for Hope games this weekend!

Thanks and have a great weekend!

Bob Thibault

Principal

Coming Events:

• 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:

WA Page

Semester 1 Virtual Art Show:

Art Show

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.

Journey Away:

You are cordially invited to a Mardi Gras Party, February, 17th, 6-8pm in Leland & Gray's Dutton Gym! Join us for an evening of New Orleans inspired fun and to learn about Leland & Gray's Journey Away (formerly Journey East) program. Family & friends welcome! 

In March, a group of students from Leland & Gray will travel by train to New York City and then to New Orleans to explore the impact of climate disasters. Students will see how communities are adapting & will collect oral histories and vox pop style interviews with folks they meet along the way.

On Feb 17th, join us for cajun inspired drinks & snacks and *win a prize* if you get the baby in the King Cake! See what's on our itinerary for NYC & NOLA and make a donation to one of the various experiences we have lined up. Hear from students about what they are most excited for and how they imagine this trip might be transformative. We will have a listening booth to collect your stories of travel and / or climate disasters and also a small silent auction.  

We want to give a big THANK YOU to The Stratton Foundation, Vermont Folklife, and The West River Education District for their support! We look forward to your support as well :) 

It should be a fun night, for a great cause, and we hope you will join us! 

Sincerely,

Journey Away students & teachers

Refuse to Use:

If you missed your in person RTU Event #5, register for the online meeting:

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfv_Q0X4xXFbSpDJG5hmwTufkJg8m9VN6eDTqPn6yiIkMiohg/viewform  The virtual event in Feb 15th from 6:00-8:30.  pre-registration is required.

For your passes to remain active, All RTU students must do a February Event #5.

Grade 12 has an in person meeting, Monday, February 13th  from 2:45-4:15 in room C-3.

L&G Co-Curricular Calendar:

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

School Calendar:

February Lunch Menu:

COMMUNITY SERVICE OPPORTUNITY

NewBrook Fire Department:

Student volunteers needed:  

The NewBrook Fire Department will be celebrating their  75th anniversary on  Sunday February 26.

Their winter celebration  will be a chili contest voted on by members of the community who stop by.  The event will run from 12 to 3.

Volunteers wanted  to help make snowmen &/or color, help with serving food / hot chocolate / touch a truck event etc.   etc while visiting the open house.  Volunteer hours are 11:30 to 3:30 or any part thereof.  

Looking for at least 6 students to help.  Please see Terry in Room B8 for more info!

COMMUNITY

Lincoln Tech Open House:

Scan QR code for more information:

FEMA Seeking Leaders:

FEMA Seeking Leaders for Youth Preparedness Council Applications

Do you know a young leader who is passionate about making a positive impact on their community? The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is looking for students in grades eight through 11 interested in supporting disaster preparedness to join the Youth Preparedness Council (YPC). Why is it Important for Youth to Apply? FEMA created the Youth Preparedness Council in 2012 to bring together young leaders from across the country who are interested in disaster preparedness and community service. The YPC demonstrates FEMA’s commitment to involve America’s youth in preparedness-related activities. It also provides young people an opportunity to present their perspectives, feedback and opinions to FEMA staff. During their terms, YPC members can make a difference in their community, gain valuable leadership and emergency management experience, and work with like-minded peers to help strengthen preparedness and resilience across the country. What Do YPC Members Do? YPC members meet with FEMA staff throughout their term to develop strategies, initiatives and project proposals. YPC members will also participate in the YPC summit held in Washington, DC with FEMA leaders and other preparedness professionals to network and learn more about the field. Who Should Join the YPC? Students in grades eight through 11 who have a passion for preparedness and helping others, are involved in their community, and have an aptitude for working on teams and as leaders. Spread the Word! You can spread the word by sharing information about the YPC with parents, educators, schools and organizations, and reaching out to friends and family! Do you know a student who would make a great candidate? Encourage them to apply today! How to Apply? The online application is open, and closes March 6, 2023, 11:59 p.m. PT. To learn more about the YPC and application requirements, visit http://www.ready.gov/kids/youth-preparedness-council and visit https://community.fema.gov/PreparednessCommunity/s/apply-to-ypc to apply. FEMA will also host two webinars for potential applicants on Jan. 30, 2023 and Feb. 28, 2023.  Disclaimer: The reader recognizes that the federal government provides links and informational data on various disaster preparedness resources and events and does not endorse any non-federal events, entities, organizations, services, or products. Please let us know about other events and services for individual and community preparedness that could be included in future newsletters by contacting  FEMA-prepare@fema.dhs.gov.

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 Notes 2/3/23

 

SCHOOL INFO

February 3, 2023

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:

WA 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.

Journey Away:

You are cordially invited to a Mardi Gras Party, February, 17th, 6-8pm in Leland & Gray's Dutton Gym! Join us for an evening of New Orleans inspired fun and to learn about Leland & Gray's Journey Away (formerly Journey East) program. Family & friends welcome! 

In March, a group of students from Leland & Gray will travel by train to New York City and then to New Orleans to explore the impact of climate disasters. Students will see how communities are adapting & will collect oral histories and vox pop style interviews with folks they meet along the way.

On Feb 17th, join us for cajun inspired drinks & snacks and *win a prize* if you get the baby in the King Cake! See what's on our itinerary for NYC & NOLA and make a donation to one of the various experiences we have lined up. Hear from students about what they are most excited for and how they imagine this trip might be transformative. We will have a listening booth to collect your stories of travel and / or climate disasters and also a small silent auction.  

We want to give a big THANK YOU to The Stratton Foundation, Vermont Folklife, and The West River Education District for their support! We look forward to your support as well :) 

It should be a fun night, for a great cause, and we hope you will join us! 

Sincerely,

Journey Away students & teachers

Refuse to Use:

Your required Grade Level Meetings are happening in February.  Remember, you must attend a February meeting to keep your pass active.  

• This Monday, Feb 6,  Grade 10 is meeting from 3:00-4:30  in room A-9.  
• This Tuesday, Feb 7 Grade 6 is meeting from 4:15-5:45 in room A-10.
• This Thursday, Feb 9 Grades 7 & 8 are meeting from 4:30-6:00 in room C-3

RTU STUDENTS FROM ALL GRADE ARE WELCOME TO ATTEND ANY GRADE LEVEL MEETING.

L&G Co-Curricular Calendar:

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

School Calendar:

February 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:

West River Valley Thrives:

Dear Parents and Guardians,

 

Please help! Your input is important and needed. If you have not already done so, please complete the West River Valley Thrives anonymous, 7-minute survey:

https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/HMF2DH5

Thank you to those who have already completed it! The data collected is critical to informing the work we do to support L&G students & families.

Thank you,

Meg Gonzalez

West River Valley Thrives Director

FEMA Seeking Leaders:

FEMA Seeking Leaders for Youth Preparedness Council Applications

Do you know a young leader who is passionate about making a positive impact on their community? The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is looking for students in grades eight through 11 interested in supporting disaster preparedness to join the Youth Preparedness Council (YPC). Why is it Important for Youth to Apply? FEMA created the Youth Preparedness Council in 2012 to bring together young leaders from across the country who are interested in disaster preparedness and community service. The YPC demonstrates FEMA’s commitment to involve America’s youth in preparedness-related activities. It also provides young people an opportunity to present their perspectives, feedback and opinions to FEMA staff. During their terms, YPC members can make a difference in their community, gain valuable leadership and emergency management experience, and work with like-minded peers to help strengthen preparedness and resilience across the country. What Do YPC Members Do? YPC members meet with FEMA staff throughout their term to develop strategies, initiatives and project proposals. YPC members will also participate in the YPC summit held in Washington, DC with FEMA leaders and other preparedness professionals to network and learn more about the field. Who Should Join the YPC? Students in grades eight through 11 who have a passion for preparedness and helping others, are involved in their community, and have an aptitude for working on teams and as leaders. Spread the Word! You can spread the word by sharing information about the YPC with parents, educators, schools and organizations, and reaching out to friends and family! Do you know a student who would make a great candidate? Encourage them to apply today! How to Apply? The online application is open, and closes March 6, 2023, 11:59 p.m. PT. To learn more about the YPC and application requirements, visit http://www.ready.gov/kids/youth-preparedness-council and visit https://community.fema.gov/PreparednessCommunity/s/apply-to-ypc to apply. FEMA will also host two webinars for potential applicants on Jan. 30, 2023 and Feb. 28, 2023.  Disclaimer: The reader recognizes that the federal government provides links and informational data on various disaster preparedness resources and events and does not endorse any non-federal events, entities, organizations, services, or products. Please let us know about other events and services for individual and community preparedness that could be included in future newsletters by contacting  FEMA-prepare@fema.dhs.gov.

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!