February 2, 2024
Puxatawny Phil woke up this morning and did not see his shadow, signaling an early spring. While his predictions might not always be entirely accurate, this one I'm
hoping will be! Regardless of Phil's shadow, we still have plenty of winter ahead with snow and all things snow related; sledding, XC skiing, snowshoeing, and skiing/snowboarding with our Winter Sports Program.
This week's bulletin contains an online version of our lost and found
collection for your review. My 3/4 WIN group has been discussing what it means to be a part of a community and how we can take care of one another. They worked hard to sort through the lost and found this week and take pictures to share with families with hopes that all of the items find their correct location. Please take a glance and let us know if something looks familiar.
T
hank you for continuing to send in the appropriate items for our Winter Sports Program on Tuesdays. Students always need snow pants, jacket, mittens/gloves, long ski socks and a neck gator/warmer are oftentimes helpful. We will be at Sugarbush on February 6th and 13th before taking a few weeks off and returning after vacation.
Please read on to hear about some upcoming community events and important notes from the PTO and our PE teacher, Ms. Zaino.
We wish you all a restful weekend and look forward to welcoming students back on Monday.
Ms. Kate
Lost and Found Items
Thanks to Ms. Kate's 3/4 WIN group, we are able to offer an online view of our lost and found items. If there is something in the lost and found that looks familiar, please claim it at the lost and found in our cafeteria or send your student to look. Over February break any remaining items will be donated.
High Mowing Seed Fundraiser
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High Mowing Seed Orders must be returned to school no later than Feb.19th, we will send out the order request to High Mowing on Feb 20th. We expect to have seeds ready to send home with students no later than March 15th. FYI:The Kitchen Herbs Gift Box lists Thyme as a component; due to an availability issue with the seed, the Thyme is not available and we have replaced it with Chives. If you have any questions or need additional order forms, please email [email protected].
From Nurse Phil's Office
I want to remind everybody that it is the cold and flu season and that we are all making sure we are taking all the precautions we can to keep ourselves, our families and everyone around us safe and healthy. I am including Everyday Prevention Steps from the Vermont department of health, as well as the Centers for Disease Control. Prevention is key to helping keep the spread of diseases. The general message from myself and the health department is that if you’re sick, stay home. If you have any questions about anything at all, please don’t hesitate to reach out to me.
Thank you,
Phil Stolz
Everyday Prevention Steps
We all have a role to play in preventing the spread of germs by practicing these everyday prevention measures:
1. Wash your hands often with soap and warm water. If soap and water are not available, use a hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol to kill germs.
2. Cover your coughs and sneezes with your elbow or tissue.
3. Avoid contact with others if you or they are sick.
4. Consider wearing a mask
Band and Chorus News
Winter is fully upon us, and in the music department world, that means it’s music festival time!
The HUUSD District Choral Festivalwill be held on February 22, 2024 at 7pm at Harwood ( snow date 2/23 ). The festival performance will include the elementary chorus from all district elementary schools as well as choral groups from CBMS and HUIMS and HUHS. The performance will conclude with a finale which all groups will sing together.
Fifth and sixth grade chorus students will be traveling to HUHS on the morning of 2/22 to prepare for the concert. They will have a bagged lunch at HUHS and return to school by 12:30. We have been working hard to prepare three pieces, “The Bat," “Al Shlosha D’Avarim“ as well as “When We Believe" and look forward to sharing this wonderful night of choral music.
The HUUSD District Band Festival will be held on March 14, 2024 at Harwood at 7pm ( snow date 3/19 ). The festival will include the 6th grade band ( 2nd year ) band students from all district elementary schools as well as performing groups from CBMS, HUMS and HUHS. Students will be traveling to HUHS on the morning of 3/14 9-11 am to prepare for the concert. They will return to school in time for lunch and skiing ( where appropriate ). The elementary band will be playing “ The Tempest” and “ Worksite “ and we look forward to sharing this exciting performance with you.
Upcoming Field Trip!
On Wednesday, February 21st our K-6 students will be traveling to the Flynn Center for the Performing Arts in Burlington to see the Dance Theatre of Harlem. Information will be traveling home in backpacks early next week.
"Dance Theatre of Harlem is a leading dance institution of unparalleled global acclaim, encompassing a touring company, a studio school, and an education and community outreach program. Each component of Dance Theatre of Harlem carries a solid commitment towards enriching the lives of people around the world through the arts. Now in its sixth decade, Dance Theatre of Harlem has grown into a multi- cultural dance institution with an extraordinary legacy of providing opportunities for creative expression and artistic excellence that continues to set standards in the performing arts."
PE News
Beginning February 5th, for the month of February, we'll be doing Monday K-6 P.E. classes outside, weather permitting. Please send your K-6 student on Mondays with winter boots, snowpants, mittens, hat and a warm jacket. We're hoping the snowpack stays so we can do snowshoeing, cross-country skiing and sledding. Thanks for sending your student prepared.
Put on your danc’in shoes and come dance and socialize. There’ll be dancing on the main floor and socializing in the lower level. Please consider parking at the community parking lot by the school and walking over. We’ll have light snacks and refreshments. Please no alcohol. Hope you can make it- tell your friends and neighbors.
See you there!
Camp Meade Art Camps:
Hello Camp Meade art families and Vermont educators!
Lacrosse
Calling all lacrosse enthusiasts and aspiring players! Highlander Lacrosse* is thrilled to announce that registration for the 2024 spring season is open!
Whether your child is an experienced lacrosse player or just discovering the sport, Highlander Lacrosse offers a welcoming and inclusive environment for all levels of skill and experience. Our dedicated coaches are committed to fostering a love for the game while nurturing each player's individual growth and development.
*Mad River Lacrosse and Harwood Youth Lacrosse have joined to make Highlander Lacrosse.
«« Early Registration »»
We encourage you to take advantage of our early registration discount! Register your child before February 1, 2023, and pay only $100. Regular registration opens on February 1, 2024, with a fee of $120.
Before registering your child, please ensure they have a valid U.S. Lacrosse Membership. You can obtain a membership number at www.uslacrosse.org. The cost of a US Lacrosse Membership is $35.
Our team programs cater to various age groups and skill levels:
Chillax: Kindergarten, 1st-2nd grade
3/4 grade girls
3/4 grade boys
5/6 grade girls
5/6 grade boys
7/8 grade girls
7/8 grade boys
Equipment
Equipment is provided for kindergarten through fourth-grade players, as supplies allow. We also welcome first-timers at every level, ensuring a supportive and encouraging environment for all.
Equipment borrowing is available for kindergarten through 6th-grade players, based on availability. We encourage you to reach out if you need equipment, as we strive to reuse gear that has been outgrown.
Practices and Games
Our outdoor practices commence in April . Some team coaches may also arrange pre-season indoor sessions before April. Practices typically last 1-1.5 hours and occur twice a week during weekdays.
Jamboree-style games begin in the first week of May and continue through mid-June. Each team participates in two games during each jamboree. Our season runs from May 5, 2024, to June 9, 2024.
Join the Highlander Family
Highlander Lacrosse is more than just a sports club; it's a community of dedicated players, coaches, and families who share a passion for the game and a commitment to fostering a positive and enriching experience for all.
We invite you to join our growing family and discover the joy of playing lacrosse. Register your child today and let's make this spring season one to remember!
Mad River Little League
Calling all 4 to 12 year old little leaguers, and Babe Ruth players!
Mad River Valley Little League Registration is now open for the 2024 Season!!! Little league gives each player the opportunity to play in a competitive and fun program with the goal of making every player better and more improved through teamwork and great coaching. Register today https://go.teamsnap.com/forms/410146
Early bird pricing of $75 for t-ball players and $100 for farm league and up. Price will increase after Jan 31st. Registration will close on Feb 11th. There is a multi player/sibling discount and scholarships are available as well. When registering your athlete you’ll need to know their little league age so we can place them in the correct division. Please use this link to determine little league age: https://www.littleleague.org/play-little-league/determine-league-age/
The 2024 season will begin indoors starting in mid March for farm league and up. Tee-ball will start outside in mid April. The regular season ends when the school year ends. It takes a lot to make this little league run. Each family is required to volunteer 4 hours per
season. We have many opportunities to do so including field day, snack shack, coaching and announcing etc. Also each player needs to sell a minimum of $50 in raffle tickets.
Back this year each team will host a raffle booth at either Mehurons or the farmers market. If you feel you can not donate your time for 4 hours we have a volunteer buyout option of $100 you can choose when registering your child. If chosen you will receive an invoice from [email protected]
Don’t wait, Sign up today!
Soccer Registration
In the spring, the Mad River Valley Soccer Association provides a competitive soccer experience for players from the Mad River Valley and Waterbury areas. The Spring Travel program participates in the Vermont Soccer League. The first game is held on the first weekend in May, and the last game is typically in mid-June. Teams practice at Mad River Park, with typically two practices per week.
Registration for spring travel soccer is now open through February 10th, 2024. There is no guarantee of a spot after registration closes.
Mad River Valley Soccer Association participates in the Vermont Soccer League through the Vermont Soccer Association (VSA). VSA is a US Youth Soccer organization. All USYS rules are followed: each player must provide proof of age (birth certificate or passport) and a picture.
Teams are based on BIRTH YEAR, not school grade. For example, a 4th grader born in 2013 would play U12, while a 4th grader born in 2014 would play U10.
o U10: 2014-2015
o U12: 2012-2013
o U14: 2010-2011
o U16: 2008-2009
Coaches will create rosters if we have multiple teams in an age group.
We encourage multisport athletes to play spring soccer. We ask that all players make at least one practice per week and most games. While we try to hold practices on alternate days, we are limited by field space and field availability.
Scholarships are available. Please reach out to [email protected] for more information.
