MORETOWN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL NEWSLETTER

October 10, 2007

School Website: www.moretownschool.org

Dear Parents & Friends,

Professional development

Karen Kurzman, writing specialist, spent Tuesday in our classrooms and afterwards met with our faculty where we focused on the importance of structure in report writing. We shared student pieces and discussed strengths and particularly, how to improve areas where students are consistently weak.

Early release went much more smoothly this time and hopefully will continue in that vain.

A word about that... All of our classroom teachers are involved in math initiatives during our Wednesday afternoon sessions. Our PK-2 teachers are attending Structuring Numbers with Lori Silvis from the Vermont Mathematics Partnership. I am also participating in these sessions and it is exciting to see teachers from different schools sharing best practices and more importantly Lori’s focus on richer mathematical understandings for young children. Our teachers for grades 3-6 are continuing work in the mathematics Ongoing Assessment Program and their focus this year is on multiplicative reasoning. All of our teachers are able to use the strategies they are learning to create better understanding of conceptual math. Remedial and special teachers are participating in sessions centering on students with challenging behaviors as well as further development in their own teaching areas. All of our Para educators are also attending training sessions in behavioral management and in the area of literacy.

We know this time creates an inconvenience for families and we do want you to know how much we appreciate this time to learn together.

Turkey Points

After such a successful drive last year, Maggie Nowlan and Maddie Baughman are once again collecting Turkey Points to provide Thanksgiving meals to families in need. Please help them beat last year's amazing amount of 71 turkeys! You will find their box in the school office as well as the Shaw's in Waitsfield. Thanks!

Moretown’s Annual Halloween Party

Come, if you dare, to Moretown’s Halloween Party. Fun games and prizes await you, October 31st, 5pm – 6pm., Moretown Town Hall

A BOOK FAIR BLIZZARD IS COMING TO TOWN!

The Scholastic Book Fair will be at our school in November during parent-teacher conferences. Hours are not set in stone yet, but I just wanted to give you a heads up of the event. You'll see more information in the coming weeks. Volunteers are welcome to join in the fun - we have openings for cashiers, decorators, setting up and breaking down.

It will be a great time to stock up on books for gift-giving. And, it's a super way to support your school library - all profits will go toward purchasing new books to add to our collection.

Warmly,

Megan Allison (mallison@moretownschool.org)

Mad River Youth Basketball registration notice.

Basketball is available to boys and girls in grades 3 to 6.  Registration will be held on Thursday, October 25th at the Waitsfield Gym from 6:00 pm to 7:30 pm.

Registration fees are $35 per player.  Practices begin in mid-November, most games are scheduled for Saturday mornings - mid-December through February.

Adult volunteers are need for coaching, referees or scheduling help. 

The Moretown PTN presents The First Annual Halloween Costume Swap! 10.13.07  8am-11am
Bring an outgrown Halloween costume and swap it up for one that fits!
From now until October 12th there will be a box located by the front doors of the school to collect old Halloween Costumes for this swap. Costumes can also be brought in the day of the swap, Saturday 13 October, 8-11, in the MPR. Don't have a costume to swap, but still want to pick one up? Not a problem! Bring in a healthy & nutritious non-perishable food item (or two) in exchange for your costume. Don't plan on making the swap? Not a problem! Non-perishable food items can also be placed in the costume collection box located by the front doors of the school. Care to lend a hand? Contact Symeon North, 496-7997 or yarn@pippikneesocks.com

FOREVER ON THE MOUNTAIN—The Truth Behind One of Mountaineering’s Most Mysterious and Controversial Disasters

By Waitsfield author, James M. Tabor, adventure writer, editor, producer and on-camera TV host. Tabor will discuss mountaineering in 1967, the unique challenges of Mount McKinley (Alaska), read from his book, sign autographs and answer audience questions at the:

Warren Public Library

Thursday, October 18th

7:00 PM

FREE! OPEN TO THE PUBLIC. CALL 496-3913 for details.

Winter Ski/Ride Program

What: 5 week winter ski/ride program

Where: Mt. Ellen

When: Sundays at 1:00. Dates: January 6th, 13th, 27th and February 3rd, and 10th.

Who: Any 1st – 6th grader and/or parents.

Prices: Lift Only $100

Rental Only $ 75

Lift and Clinic $130

Lift and Rental $ 130

Lift, Rental, and Clinic $155

Clinic Only $ 75

Clinic Only $ 50

(w/season pass purchased through group leader)

Attention: You can still purchase season passes at a discounted price. Adult Mt. Ellen pass $559

Youth Mt. Ellen $199

Adult Mt. Ellen Plus* $709

Youth Mt. Ellen Plus* $239

*Valid at Mt. Ellen, Plus 5 days at Lincoln Peak, Plus every day spring skiing at Lincoln Peak after Mt. Ellen closes for the season.

Adult All Mtn. Pass $999

Youth All Mtn. Pass $299

Box Tops for Education -- Due October 23 If you've been collecting Box Tops for Education now's the time to drop them off!  Twice a year we have an opportunity to redeem the Box Tops and the fall redemption due date is coming up.  Last year Box Tops earned over $300.  The money goes directly to the Moretown PTN to support programs and activities for our children.  Drop off the Box Tops (trimmed ones are appreciated!) in the big pink collection box on the bench outside the Library

If clipping coupons is not your thing, Box Tops for Education has a couple of other ways you can support the school. Go to www.boxtops4education.com for more information. If you have any questions, contact Jennifer Tripp Mead,

Waitsfield ski & skate sale

28th Annual Waitsfield Ski & Skate sale, Saturday and Sunday, November 10th & 11th from 9a.m. to 3 pm., Waitsfield Elementary School. New and Used gear and wear for everyone. Consignment drop-off November 9th from 4 – 7 pm.

Popcorn dates

October 26th

November 29th

December 14th

January 25th

February 22nd

March 28th

April 25th

May 30th

Cross Country Ski Equipment for sale:

Why not add a couple (or more) pairs of cross country skis and boots to your winter gear for some great backyard winter enjoyment. Moretown Elementary is selling it’s older cross country equipment at really great prices to make room for the new equipment. We have children’s & adult sizes. All the equipment is in working order.

Skis & Bindings $10.00

Boots $5.00

Skit/boots/bindings $12.00

Call Amy Kuzio at 223-7687 if interested.

P.S. The Mad River Path has great skiing!!!

Mr. Alligator:

Mr. Alligator is going to continue offering his after-school classes, please see the form below.

Important Dates

October 18 & 19 Teacher’s Convention, NO SCHOOL

October 23rd School Board Meeting, 6:00 p.m.

October 29th Assembly, 2:15

Mr. Alligator’s After School Programs

Openings and Additions

 

Due to the popularity of the September Chess Tournament, I am pleased to be able to repeat this tournament on the early release days in October (10/10) and November (11/14).

Chess Tournament: Wednesdays, Oct. 10 & Nov. 14; 12 noon to 3 p.m.. (3 hour session). Grades 1-6. Open to all skill and experience levels. Sign up for one or both sessions. $15 per session.

PROGRAMS STILL OPEN FOR ENROLLMENT:

Design Technology: Tuesdays, 3 p.m. to 5 p.m., Oct. 2—Nov. 6 (six 2 hour sessions) Grades 2-6.Design, build and test structures, vehicles, etc. in response to a new engineering challenge each week. $60 (includes $5 materials fee)

Chess & Cribbage: Tuesdays, 3 p.m. to 5 p.m., Nov. 13—Dec. 18 (six 2-hour sessions) Grades 2-6. Learn or improve your skills in either or both of these games. $55

Comic Theater: Mondays, 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. , Sept. 24 – Dec. 10. (12 2 hour sessions). Grades 2-6. $110. (Deadline to enroll: Monday, Oct. 1)

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Registration Form

Mail to: Thom McAllister 105 Snipe Ireland Rd. Richmond, VT 05477

Or e-mail info to: thommca@comcast.net

For more information, call 434-4977

Payment is due by the first session (or request a payment schedule that works for you)

 

Student Name & Grade: ____________________________________

Address & Phone__________________________________________

E-mail:__________________________________________________

Emergency Contact:______________________________________

Enrolling In: _____ Comic Theater/ $110 ________ Oct. 10 Chess Tournament/$15

_____ Design Technology/$60 ________ Nov. 14 Chess Tournament/$15

_________ Chess & Cribbage/ $55