Dear Families,
The news this week of the violence in Uvalde, Texas has caused us all to take pause and hug our loved ones a little more closely. We want you to know that we care deeply about our students, teachers and staff and provide space and resources for those grieving this tragedy. A memo from Secretary Dan French earlier this week states:
"We mourn the loss of these children and school staff in what is another horrific and senseless act of gun violence in our schools and communities. Our thoughts are with the families of the victims, and with our colleagues of the Uvalde Consolidated Independent School District. "
Now more than ever we must remain vigilant against acts of violence in our schools. In Vermont, school safety resources are coordinated through the Vermont School Safety Center and include: School Safety Tipline: • Call (844) 723-3488 or TEXT 274637, type in keyword SAFE4VT and then your tip
“These violent incidents can be very difficult for students to process, and may bring up fear and anxiety, especially for children who have already experienced trauma in their lives.
Earlier this week, we shared a resource from the American School Counselor Association, which can be found here. Additionally, please see this resource for parents/caregivers from the National Association of Elementary School Principals.
Please reach out if you need additional support or if we can help you in any way.
A final note, we have received some feedback from neighbors on High Street regarding traffic at drop off/dismissal times in particular. Please, remember that we have neighbors, and that not everyone traveling Stowe Street is headed to or from BPS.
As such, please:
Use the pickup loop in the front of the school and stay in a single file line
ONLY park in designated parking spots
If you need to exit your vehicle in the morning or afternoon, please use the rear parking lot (behind the school)
Refrain from parking on side streets, and High Street in particular, if even for a moment
DO NOT block driveways
Thanks so much for sharing your students with us each day. We appreciate you!
Best,
Sarah & Chris
Music Notes:
Concert Videos: If you missed last week’s Spring Concert, you can find the videos on the BPS Website!
4th Grade Families: We are still missing shirts from the 4th grade concert on 5/19. Please return these shirts to the office, your child’s classroom teacher or Ms. Carlson as soon as possible. Thanks!
Ribbon Fundraiser: We will be selling ribbons to raise money for Ukraine in the front office next week for $1 each. Thank you to the 4th Grade students from Mrs. Diller’s class who came up with idea!
From Mrs. Baitz
Thank you to all the parents, grandparents, guardians, etc. that participated in the Walk and Bike to School event on Wednesday morning. We had taken several years off, so I was truly impressed by the turn out. I am looking forward to continuing this event in the fall and spring next year.
Also, thank you for transporting bikes and scooters back and forth all week so that your child could use it during PE this week. Please make sure to pick up all bikes and scooters.
Lastly, our school has had many bikes and helmets donated to us over the past many years. If your child needs a bike and/or helmet to keep, or to use for the summer, please contact cbaitz@huusd.org with your child's name and classroom teacher's name. I will try to set them up with a donated bike before the school year ends.
Community Postings
Harwood Varsity Volleyball is hosting a Summer Camp for girls in grades 3-8 at HUHS.
Please see this flyer for details.
If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out our Varsity Head Coach, Peter Arsenault (parsenault@huusd.org).
The Children's Room
Come to Evergreen Gardens at 15 Cabin Ln in Waterbury Center between 5:00 and 7:00 pm to purchase garden starters, plants and more and benefit The Children's Room at the same time! Evergreen Gardens donates 20% of its sales to TCR. We would LOVE your support:). Cash or check only!