Our week was cut short with the unexpected weather event today! We hope everyone had a safe and productive "snow day." While we did have to cancel our 2nd planned trip to Trapps this week, the snowy mix was a welcome sight and is hopefully a sign of a turn of the weather.
Our 4th graders had a surprise special event this week - they attended a UVM Women's Basketball game against UMASS Lowell on Wednesday and the Cats did not disappoint. This event is a tradition at UVM with more than 1500 local students and educators in attendance, and it was a treat to be included!
Thank you for continuing to send your child(ren) to school with appropriate winter gear daily. With the fluctuating weather and playground conditions, it is essential that students are prepared for outdoor play and learning each day.
A reminder - there is no school for students on Monday 1/16 in observance of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day and teachers will be attending inservice. Finally, report cards for semester 1 will be sent home with K-4 students on Thursday, 1/19.
Have a fantastic long weekend and keep thinking snow!
Warmly,
Sarah & Chris
SEL and Allyship
Part of our overarching HUUSD focus this year is on relationships - student, family, staff and community. Positive and supportive relationships and a sense of belonging is critical to students' social and emotional safety and security. While we work to celebrate differences in our school community and beyond, sometimes what is needed more than celebration is allyship. An ally is someone who is not a member of an underrepresented group, who is active and purposeful in supporting, promoting, and advancing real change to a marginalized group through a focus on inclusion, equity, and diversity. As third and fourth graders learn more about their own identities and become interested in topics of social justice, Ms. Schoolcraft and Ms. Mosher have decided to offer a safe space for 3rd and 4th grade students to get information, share concerns, and work to support all students in having a sense of belonging at school. The group will begin in January, and will meet once a week during 3/4 recess. Please complete this form if you/your child are interested.
Health Education (Grades K-2)
Students in grades K-2 are watching four short personal safety videos in health education classes. These videos are designed to keep kids safe by teaching them who trusted adults are and when to check in with a trusted adult. Click on the individual video links below if you wish to watch these short videos with your child. Students did create their personal list of “trusted adults” that included at least one trusted adult at home and at school.
Feel free to contact Nancy Robinson, Health Education Teacher at nrobinson@huusd.org if you have any questions.
KidSmartz Videos:
Student Drop-Off
If you are dropping your child off in the morning, please use the drop-off loop in the front or the rear of the building, and have your child exit the car on the sidewalk (passenger) side of the car.
If you need to walk your child to the building, please use the rear drop-off loop, and you will be directed to park in the corner of that (visitor) lot. Please do not park in the staff parking spaces in the front or rear of the building, with the exception of the two spots near the chicken coop, reserved for PK parents. Your support with this is greatly appreciated!
COMMUNITY POSTINGS
Please note that the opportunities/events listed below are not specifically endorsed or screened by school staff. As always, families should use their own standards and review processes to determine appropriate activities
Parenting in the Digital Age: Thursday January 19th, 7-8:30pm
You are invited! Come join the BPS and CBMS PTO’s for a parent information night. We are thrilled to welcome Bonnie Birdsall, the Director of Digital Learning & Communication at Champlain Valley School District, as our speaker. Bonnie is an Ambassador for Common Sense Media and will speak to the opportunities and challenges of raising kids in this time of technology and information access. She will share tools and resources available to you to raise responsible digital leaders.
Bring your questions, and your appetite. Snacks will be provided!
We hope to see you there.
-CBMS and BPS PTOs
Youth Spring Soccer Registration is Open
In the spring the Mad River Valley Soccer Association provides a competitive soccer experience for boys and girls from the Mad River Valley and Waterbury areas. The Spring Travel program participates in the Vermont Soccer League and is for players who have demonstrated a higher level of skill and commitment to the sport of soccer. The first game is held in the first weekend in May, the last game is typically in mid-June. Teams practice at Mad River Park, with typically Two practices per week.
Spring soccer is based on the player's age; registration will be open for players born between the years of 2005 to 2016.
Registration is open from January 9, 2023, to January 30, 2023; the registration fee will be $130.
Late registration (After January 30, 2023) will be based on roster availability, (you are not guaranteed a spot after Jan 30) AND pricing will increase to $150, until Late registration closes on February 24th.
Please contact registrar.mrvsa@gmail.com with any questions.
Here is the link to register: https://system.gotsport.com/programs/20S162991?reg_role=player
Growing Works of Art Contest
Audience: Vermont Students Grades K-8
The Vermont Dept. of Forests, Parks and Recreation is celebrating Arbor Day, a day to appreciate trees and the difference they make in our lives. We invite students to celebrate by creating a piece of art and writing. This year, the contest theme is “Branching out!” One winner from each grade (K-8) will be featured on the WCAX television show “Across the Fence” and receive a state park pass ($90 value). Entries are due March 10, 2023. For more information visit the Growing Works of Art Contest webpage. Contact: Rebecca Roy at rebecca.roy@vermont.gov or (802) 522-0780