December 1, 2023
I think it's safe to say that winter is here to stay. Our newly fallen snow has blanketed our playground hill, providing the perfect sledding conditions and students have been having a ball racing down and then hiking back up. I know that wet winter gear can wreak havoc in a back pack so consider sending a reusable shopping bag with the extra gear to keep library books and important papers nice and dry.
Over this past week's vacation our building received some necessary updates and we want to thank you for your patience and understanding as we completed this important work. We are delighted to share that our hallway bathrooms are functional, our boiler is prepared to take us through another Vermont winter, our parking lot has been reset with gravel and we have beautiful new front doors ready to welcome students each morning. A giant 'Thank You!' goes to our custodial team of Ray Daigle, Greg Wagner and Lin Nunn for their tireless efforts in making sure that our building was ready to accept students Monday morning (well... that was the plan at least!)
Ms. Heather, our incre
dibly talented art teacher, has been working hard with students on the creation of their lanterns for this weekend's lantern parade. This annual tradition has become a favorite of mine as students from across the district gather their artwork to light up the night. With fun music, students parade down Stowe Street and Main Street in Waterbury showing off their creations in a community event like no other. I hope to see you there!
Another event to have on your calendar is the upcoming Book Fair. 
Our magical librarian, Nancy Willard, is working hard to transform our library as it welcomes our annual Book Fair. Money spent at the Book Fair supports our library and will ensure that each of our students gets to bring home a free book again this year. We welcome families to come in and purchase books during the Artisan Sale on Saturday, December 9th from 9am to 3pm.
In an effort to keep our dismissal process efficient and safe for all, I am asking that folks picking up students maintain a single line of traffic and do not cut in front of other vehicles to get to the front of the line. Preschool parents that prefer to park in the parking lot and retrieve their student under the roof are welcome to do so; we appreciate the understanding the buckling car seats can take a few extra minutes and hold the line up. Otherwise, there should be no passing vehicles on the left-hand side for student safety. We will continue to move people through as quickly and safely as we are able to.
While you are out and about this weekend, please consider supporting the Red Hen Bakery. Red Hen has always been generous with their charitable giving and this week MES received a substantial check to go towards our student activity fund. Thank you Red Hen!
As always, we wish you all a joy-filled weekend and look forward to welcoming our students back on Monday.
Best,
Ms. Kate
PTO Update:
Fifth and Sixth Grade Dance:
This Friday evening, December 1st, The Warren School will be holding its first dance since the pandemic. Students in grades 5 and 6 from Moretown, Waitsfield, and Fayston may be dropped off at 7:00pm and need to be picked up no later than 9:00pm.
The dance will be chaperoned by our principal Sam K, our Upper Unit teachers Drew and Elizabeth, as well as 6-7 staff members. There is no formal dress code for this event. We have a strict no-devices policy at school that extends to the dance. If a student needs a phone to communicate with parents for pickup or some other reason, they can bring that device and check it in with a staff member for safekeeping while they are having fun at the dance.
The suggested donation for admission is $5.00. All funds raised will be donated to community service organizations. Anyone wanting to attend the dance is invited regardless of ability to pay, as long as they are a student in the 5th or 6th grade in Warren, Waitsfield, Moretown, or Fayston. Refreshments will be provided thanks to generous donations from families. The kids will receive coupons for food and drinks. Students should plan on eating dinner before coming to the dance, as the refreshments provided will not constitute a full meal.
We are excited to support our student leaders with their grand plans! We hope your child will be able to attend the dance tomorrow night.
Thank You,
The Warren School 5th and 6th Grade Dance Committee
It’s time for the MRV Great Amazing Bear Story Contest!
With near record bear counts this year it’s no wonder there are so many bear sightings in the Mad River Valley. The VT Fish & Wildlife Department estimates 7,000-8,500 bears statewide, a 5 year high with an estimated 2,000 more animals than just a few years ago. As bears seek and compete for new territories to call their own, we find more bears popping up all over our community. It’s the perfect opportunity to embrace living in bear country by sharing collective stories, wildlife appreciations, and tips & tricks for our peaceful coexistence!
The MRV Bear Initiative wants to hear your best bear stories from 2023 . Share with others and become eligible to win some cool prizes!
Details:
Craft your story and submit it to the MRV Bear Initiative before Wednesday January 31st, 2024. Your story only needs to be long enough to capture our attention. Submit any or multiple formats of recorded media – an essay, pictures, drawings, a link to a video, a poem, a diorama, etc. Choose the format that best fits your story. Selected stories will be shared with the community as educational and inspirational opportunities for all of us to enjoy.
Introducing our new children’s contest!
Children 14 & under can enter to win one of three bear themed prizes including (i.) plush toy wearable backpack (ii.) Warmies Huggable Black Bear, or a (iii.) 4-foot black bear huggable body pillow. Three lucky winners will be randomly drawn from a list of eligible entries.
Submit your stories here: https://www.madrivervalley.com/stewardmrv/living-with-bears/5-great-amazing-bear-contest/
Lacrosse Registration:
Highlander Lacrosse is excited to announce our 2024 Spring Lacrosse Season
We are very excited to be able to offer another full program of practices, games, and events this spring. It’s never too late to start; novice players are welcome! Our emphasis at all levels is for kids to have fun learning to play lacrosse and to make new friends.
Registration is now open at www.highlanderlacrosse.com.
The Highlander Lacrosse Program includes teams for:
Kindergarten-2nd grade | Boys & Girls in the Chillax Program
3/4 grade girls | 3/4 grade boys
5/6 grade girls | 5/6 grade boys
7/8 grade girls | 7/8 grade boys
Official outdoor practices commencing in April. Some team coaches may also arrange pre-season indoor sessions before April. Practices run 1-1.5 hours and happen 2 or 3 times during the weekday. Games are scheduled to kick off during the first week of May and continue through mid-June. Games are jamboree style with teams participating in two games during the jamboree.
Registration Fees
Our Chillax program is free, but registration is required.
For grade 3-8, registration is $100 before Feb 1, 2024.
USA Lacrosse Membership ($35) is required for registration.
