Bobcat Bulletin v. 33

April 19, 2024

 

 

https://huusd.org/budget-vote-april-30

 

As you are aware, our budget was voted down on Town Meeting Day.  The School Board has worked hard to prepare a budget that reduces expenditures by $2 million for vote on April 30th.  We encourage all of our families to remain informed and ask that everyone gets out to vote.  

 

It is important to note that until a budget is passed we cannot offer contracts to our current staff members or complete the hiring process for open positions.  We have heard from folks that their vote of 'no' was to send a message to the state and while we are confident the state has received the message, relief will not come in time.  Another failed budget will further necessitate the need to eliminate programs and positions.  

 

This link contains important information regarding the details of the budget.  Absentee voting is available now and can be arranged through the Town Offices.  Thank you for helping to spread this important message.  Please vote by April 30th! 

_____________________________________________________________

Bobcat Bulletin's weekly message:

 

This week brought plenty of joy to all members of our Moretown community.  Wednesday was a highlight of the year for me as our K-6 students traveled to the Ice Center in Waterbury for a day of skating and pizza!  I observed older students helping out younger students, beginners taking the risk of trying something new, established skaters giving pointers to friends and adults showing off unknown skills.  Our students represented Moretown with manners, appreciation and behavior that makes me proud to be a member of this community.

 

Wednesday also held the Author's Tea celebration for our Maples preschool class.  I have had the privilege of having all three of my children be celebrated as authors and illustrators through this event and the pride it evoked in them serves them still to this day.  Thank you Jenny and Lisa for highlighting the work, creativity, talent and progress that our youngest learners posess. 

 

 

As we look ahead to the final push of the school year (things move really fast after April break), we want to remind everyone of our Spring Concert and Art Show on May 16th.  We invite families to come as early as 5:00 to see their student's art work on display in our hallways and cafeteria and the concert will officially begin at 6.  Students and teachers are already preparing and I'm certain it's going to be a wonderful celebration of music and community.

 

Nick Hart is a Moretown resident and MES parent who also happens to be a financial advisor that works closely with parents and grandparents to plan ahead for the cost of college.  While I know I'm not alone in wishing that I could slow down the rate in which my kids are growing up, I also know that college will be here before I know it!  Nick is graciously hosting an event here at the Moretown School on April 28th at 1:00 to assist families in establishing savings goals and developing strategies to meet those goals.  If you are interested in attending please reach out to Nick directly at 802-476-2398 or [email protected]

 

I hope that all of our students and families have a enjoyable vacation filled with things that bring you joy.  I cannot wait to spread some mulch in my gardens and enjoy the spring weather.

 

I look forward to welcoming our students back on Monday, April 29th.  

 

Ms. Kate 

 

PTO Update

  • Spring Break Raffle - Thank you for making the PTO's spring break raffle a great success!! We're very excited to announce the Week 3 winners, along with our grand prize winners and class challenge winners.
    • April 13 - Jimmy Moffett won a restorative yoga session from Valley Yoga
    • April 14 - Megan Doczi won a Canteen Creemee gift card and t-shirt
    • April 15 - Sybil Schlesinger won a gift card to The Mad Taco
    • April 16 - Christine Wulff won a Yeti cup from Bisbee's
    • April 17 - Kate Liptak won a gift card and knit cap from Splinters
    • April 18 - Linda Joyal won a 1-hour reiki session from Thrive Healthworks
    • April 19 - Kim Revoir won a family pass to ECHO Leahy Center
    • GRAND PRIZE WINNERS
    • Chris Joyal won a Sugarbush 4-pack golf pass ($319 value)
    • Sybil Schlesinger won a Sugarbush LOCAL pass ($769 value)
    • Colleen Senterfitt was a coaching session from Three Moons Wellness ($400 value)
    • And Ms Goldhammer's 3/4 class sold the most raffle tickets, winning a class party. Congratulations!!

 

  • We have a number of volunteer opportunities coming upso please keep an eye out in this weekly blog and on social media for our volunteer requests. Right now, we're recruiting volunteers to help.
    • Teacher Appreciation Week: May 6-10. (We'll be celebrating teachers as well as staff.) We need help from volunteers to:
    • Staff a daily "teacher/staff appreciation station" during morning drop-off times, helping students to write messages of thanks and appreciation. Here is the sign-up form.
    • Contribute a food item to a Salad, Soup & Bread luncheon on Tuesday, May 7. Here is the sign-up form.
    • Contribute a food item to a breakfast spread on Thursday, May 9. Here is the sign-up form.
    • Student Art Show - Help art teacher Heather O'Hare organize, matte, label, and hang student art for the art show on May 16th. There are volunteer shifts available on Tuesday, May 14 and Wednesday, May 15.  Here's the sign-up form. Please note: if a lot of work is completed on May 14th, we may not need all volunteers on the 15th.

 

Please get in touch if you have questions about the PTO or if you're interested in getting involved. Our email address is [email protected].

 

      

 

From the Nurse's Office

Spring break is almost upon us and many of you will be traveling. As a parent, ensuring your child's health and safety during travel is paramount. Measles, a highly contagious viral infection, poses a significant risk, especially when traveling to areas where outbreaks occur. CDC is reporting a higher number of U.S. measles cases in 2024 compared to all of 2023. Many countries and travel destinations are experiencing measles outbreaks. Most cases reported in 2024 have been among children aged 12 months and older who had not been vaccinated against measles. Many of these cases have been linked to international travel.

 

Here's what you need to know:

  • Understanding Measles: Measles spreads through respiratory droplets and is characterized by symptoms like high fever, cough, runny nose, and a distinctive rash. It can lead to serious complications, especially in young children.
  • Vaccination: The most effective way to protect against measles is through vaccination. The measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine is safe and highly effective. Ensure your child is up-to-date with their MMR vaccinations before traveling.
  • Travel Considerations: Before traveling, research the measles situation in your destination. Check for any travel advisories or outbreaks in the area. Avoid travel to places with ongoing measles outbreaks, especially if your child is not vaccinated.
  • Precautionary Measures: Encourage proper hand hygiene, covering coughs and sneezes, and avoiding close contact with sick individuals. These simple measures can help reduce the risk of contracting measles during travel.
  • Seek Medical Advice: If you're unsure about your child's vaccination status or have concerns about traveling to a measles-prone area, consult with your healthcare provider. They can provide personalized advice and recommendations based on your child's health needs.

Remember, staying informed and taking preventive measures are key to safeguarding your child's health while traveling. If you have any questions or concerns, don't hesitate to reach out to your school nurse or healthcare provider for guidance.

You can find more information here.

 

      

 

P.E. and Health Updates

Head to https://zainopeandhealth.blogspot.com/ to check out what we've been up to this spring in P.E. and health class! 

 

        

 

Mark Your Calendars Now:

April 22-26 Vacation

April 28- Parent Info. Night on saving for college presented by MES Parent Nick Hart

April 30- School Budget Vote

May 8- Walk to School Event

May 16- MES Spring Concert and Art Show, 6pm

May 20-24 Artist-in-Residence, Lucie de LaBruere 

May 22- 6th grade class trip to Hulbert Outdoor Center

May 27- Memorial Day, No School

June 10- (tentative) Step Up Day

 

Community Offerings

 

A summer offering for kids aged 12 and above led by our very own Liz Harris!

 

 

 

The ShareMRV Farm Stand is heading into its fifth season offering fresh, healthy food based on a “take what you want, donate if you can” model.  Anyone can come by the ShareMRV Farm Stand to help themselves without having to provide any personal information or demonstrate specific financial need.  Open all day every day during growing season, the ShareMRV Farm Stand is located at Lareau Farm in Waitsfield.

https://www.instagram.com/sharemrv/

https://sharemrv.org/

[email protected]

 

 

The Children's Room has some great special events coming up, including the Dabble Days Spring Art Fling on Saturday, April 13th and the Children & Families Tag Sale on May 31st and June 1st.  See the below flyer for more information! 

TCR Spring Programs Flyer

 

Summer FUNd Applications Open for 2024

Is your child looking for an enriching and engaging summer experience?  The MRV Summer FUNd is here to help ensure that any child who wants this opportunity is given it by providing financial assistance to families who find it challenging to afford these programs given the high cost involved. Summer programs are essential to combat learning loss during the summer break while nurturing the social, emotional, and intellectual growth of participants. By funding an array of activities, the FUNd offers opportunities for exploration, skill-building, and connection with nature.

Apply for a grant now to secure a spot for your child in the camp of their choice, as camps are starting to accept applications and can fill quickly. We want local families who need assistance to know we are here to help.  The application can be accessed at www.mrv-ic.org under the Summer FUNd page or at https://forms.gle/NnzCDAcK1G17mbG18.   If you have any questions, please reach out to Patty Giometti, the Summer FUNd coordinator, at [email protected].

 

 

Summer Art Camps Announced for Students

Comics Camp


July 8-12

Ages 8-15

Cost: $300 per session

9-12pm (mixed-media)

Instructor: TBA

 

Comics and Cartoon summer camp will allow participants to share a story. Discover the character’s voice, attitude, conflicts and what they look like. Channel your own emotional world through characters and plot step by step. At the conclusion of this camp, the participants will have completed a short cartoon, a series of 2D characters, perhaps a beginnning of a graphic novel idea, and all other illustrations from the entire week.

 

Mural Art Camp

 

July 8-12 

Ages 10-14

Cost: $300 per session

1-4pm 

Instructor: Allison Biondo

 

Kids engage in the making of a mural for the side of our building. This creative process involves designing with the language of art- shapes, patterns, line, and subjects both from the natural and human worlds.

 

Shibori Indigo

July 15-19 

Ages 11-15

Cost: $300 per session

1-4pm (indigo)

Instructor: TBA

 

Shibori is a dyeing technique. Shibori Indigo,involves folding, clamping, pole-wrapping, and the insertion of various objects into the fabric dye to create the patterns.

In this camp, students will learn the art of Shibori indigo.
 

Nature Inspired Design Stitching

July 15-19 

Ages 11-15

Cost: $300 per session

9-12pm (nature/pattern/sachiko)

Instructor: TBA

 

Nature Inspired camp explores embroidery stitching and patterning on pre-washed cotton garments, linen patches, or aprons, bandanas, shirts, jeans or totes and pocket books. Give your garments or accessories a new look. Florals, geometry, animals, insects and fauna explorations can imbue new fashionable dimensions. Hand stitch Sashiko style ( running/rice stitch) overlays of decorative pockets, patches, sheets and pillow design sections from a variety of patterns.  

You could invent a whole new look for your wardrobe!

 

Photography + Mixed-Media

July 22-26, 

Ages 8-14

Cost: $300 per session

9-12pm

Materials required: iphone, smart phone for taking photos

Instructor: Barrie Fisher, artist, teacher, professional photographer

 

Build a personal work- story, landscape or portrait starting with your own photography adventures and merge visual elements with mixed-media techniques. This is an opportunity to employ collage with photos, drawings, found imagery.

 

Macrame & Fiber Arts

July 22-26, Ages 11-15

Cost: $300 per session

1-4pm Macrame & Fiber Art  

Instructor: Anna Nasset

 

Macrame and knot-tying with natural cord can create plant hangers, wall hangings, and so much more! In this class we will learn many different basic knots, how they can work together to create strength and beautiful projects. Students will create key chains, plant hangers, wall hangings, a market bag and their own special project.

 

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………...

 

All art camps/classes at MRVArts are taught by art professionals with years of teaching experience with youth and young adults.

 

Scholarships are available on a sliding scale basis. Please call office: 802-496-6682

 

To register, go to https://www.madrivervalleyarts.org/summer-camps

 

Email:  [email protected]

Phone: (802) 496-6682

Mailing Address: PO Box 238, Waitsfield, VT 05673

Street Address: 5031 Main Street, #2 Village Square, Waitsfield, VT 05673

   Categories: Bobcat Bulletin,   Homepage,   Uncategorized

Post Categories