Friday, April 5, 2024

Friday Notes 4/5/24

 SCHOOL INFO

April 5, 2024 

Project Bike Tech 

Our Project Bike Tech crew had a successful trip to the School for International Training, also known as SIT, this afternoon. We brought 6 bicycles down to donate to the refugee program that is being run there.


The first bicycle donated went to a 10-year-old girl from Eritrea who was so excited to get a new bike she started dancing. The one she was riding was broken and we are bringing that back here to repair it so it can be passed on to a new owner. Another gentleman came with two bicycles that were beyond simple repair and we let him choose from the remaining bikes to replace them. We have brought the two broken bikes back and will repair and return those next week.


Each of the Project Bike Tech team presented the bikes and described the work that they did to get them in working order. Mercedes Ross, the former managing director and current marketing director of PBT, came with us to speak about Project Bike Tech. She spoke about how this program is transforming lives all across the US. 


We also had a planning session to figure out when and where the students will travel back to SIT to teach the refugees how to repair their own bikes. We are looking at dates in May or June to do this.



Journey Away 

The Journey Away students have been busy traveling, learning, trying new foods, and getting their hands dirty! They post regular updates on the Journey Away Facebook page, take a look and like for regular pictures of their adventures. https://www.facebook.com/thejourneyaway



School Safety from Nurse Jorda

Please check out the School Emergency Information Guide from the State of Vermont Agency of Education and Department of Public Safety:


https://schoolsafety.vermont.gov/sites/ssc/files/documents/Resources/School%20Emergency%20Information%20Guide%20for%20Parents%20and%20Guardians.pd


Rebel Rooster

Look for the latest Issue of the Rebel Rooster today in print, or online under Updates!  Get the latest on how the Leland and Gray school building is doing, hear from Todd Lawley what it's like to work as a bus driver, read about Journey Away's NYC launch weekend, and see what you need to know about eclipse 2024


West River Valley Thrives 

Youth Ally of the Year Award - Call For Nominations!

We are seeking nominations for our Third West River Valley Youth Ally of the Year Award. This award is intended to provide much-deserved recognition for all of the great work being done to support youth in the West River Valley. Research has shown that youth who receive support from the adults in their community are more likely to live happier and healthier lives. We need your help identifying and honoring those caring adults who are supporting our youth!

Who can be nominated? There are two criteria for nominations:

  • The Nominee must live in Windham County.

  • The Nominee must have been involved in initiatives having a positive impact on youth in the West River Valley (defined as Newfane, Brookline, Windham, Jamaica, Townshend, Wardsboro, Marlboro and their surrounding hamlets) in 2023/2024.

Top nominees will be recognized for their work on Thrives’ website and social media, and the winner will be honored at a recognition ceremony and featured in a press release.

We will be reviewing nominations on a rolling basis, and will announce the recipient in May 2024. Nominations must be submitted by April 22, 2024 via this link: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdqus70XcnNSgs6xDLzETW3gfF7JagnK2V5bRsQbeaGOjfOLA/viewform 

or QR Code:

So go ahead and nominate your favorite teacher, youth pastor, scout leader, or other community member! Please note that Thrives will not be accepting self-nominations at this time.

Community Hope and Action 

You may or may not remember Community Hope and Action - the grassroots, volunteer-led, non-profit organization with the goal of bringing people together for fun, community, and entertainment. With the group currently inactive, your input is needed to help shape how the organization is re-envisioned and to provide ideas for what type of events and activities community members want to attend.

Let’s see what we can create together!

Provide your input here: https://forms.gle/NBeFCEqdaMaSsqps8

Learn more about Community Hope and Action: https://wrvthrives.org/bringing-back-community-hope-action/


Second Round of Dental in May

Leland & Gray Union Middle & High School is participating in the 802 Smiles Network, which promotes dental health programs in schools throughout Vermont. This means your child is eligible for a FREE dental screening and may be eligible to receive preventive dental services at no cost to you. All you have to do is complete the Consent Form (one per student).

You DO NOT need to fill out another consent form if your child participated in November, 2023.

Leland & Gray’s registered dental hygienist can provide the following free services:

  • Dental Screening (simplified dental check-up)

  • Fluoride Varnish (brush-on liquid that can help prevent cavities)

  • Silver Diamine Fluoride (SDF) (brush-on combination of silver and fluoride that can help stop cavities from getting bigger)

You can find information on the differences between varnish, sealant, and SDF here.

If you choose to participate, after your child is screened you will receive a follow-up letter explaining the services provided to your child and whether or not they recommend additional treatment.

If you have any questions, feel free to contact L&G’s nurse, Jorda Daigneault, or L&G’s School Social Worker, Alicia Carey.  

6th Grade Rebel Report 

For more detailed information on what the 6th graders are doing, take a moment to read the Rebel Report.


Important Dates 

  • Friday, April 5th - Kid's Night Out - 5:30-9:00 pm

  • Monday, April 8th - Solar Eclipse Half Day - 11:30 am Dismissal 

  • Monday, April 8th - 7:00 pm WRMUED Board Meeting 

  • Tuesday, April 16th - Spring Concert

  • April 22nd - April 26th - Vacation Week - No School 


April Menu