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4/2/21 Cornwall News
Posted by Heather Raabe on 4/2/2021Hello Cornwall families,
The highlight at school this week was not on April Fool’s Day (although there were some fun pranks and jokes!) but the day before when an area cow visited unexpectedly! It stayed for some time exploring the playground and parking lot until its owners arrived and walked it back home.
There is A LOT of information in this newsletter - please take the time to look it over.
A Message from the Nurses
Please take a look a the Nurse News which neatly organizes and explains Vermonts's restrictions based on whether you are fully vaccinated or not.
Meal Kits
During the April break, ACSD is able to provide FREE meal kits for children ages 18 and younger. Each meal kit contains food for multiple days for one child and includes proteins, grains, vegetables, fruit, and milk.
Curbside pick up will take place on Friday, April 16th during dismissal at all ACSD elementary schools and from 4:00 - 5:30 pm at MUHS. Families can choose the pick up location that works best, regardless of where children are enrolled, including sites in Mount Abraham and Addison Northwest School Districts.
Sign up using our Google Form between now and Tuesday, April 6th.
We are looking for volunteers to help package and sort food items, fold boxes, pack meal kits, drive meal kits to elementary schools, and distribute meal kits on April 14, 15, and 16. If you are able to help, please sign up using this sign up sheet.
Please contact Laura LaVacca, llavacca@acsdvt.org or Erika Garner, egarner@acsdvt.org for more information. If you know a family with children (birth to 18 years old) who might not see the sign-ups, please share this information with them.
Laura LaVacca, ACSD Food Service Director
Erika Garner, ACSD Community Coordinator
Virtual Guest Speaker
Rajnii Eddins, Black Spoken Word Poet and Teaching Artist, will be a virtual guest speaker for Cornwall 5th and 6th grade students on April 8 with Ripton students and again on April 16 as a follow up with just Cornwall students.
Thank you to Tammie Johnson for arranging this opportunity!
Kids and Phones - Virtual Q&A event
Given rising interest in the topic of kids and screens, we’ve invited founding parents Julie Barry, Samantha Farrell-Schmitt, and Amy Mason from Parents Supporting Thoughtful Technology (PSTT) to talk with our community.
ACSD adults are invited to this online presentation and discussion on April 8th from 6-7pm using this link.
In preparation and so we can make the event as helpful as possible, please email your top 2-3 questions or concerns to me at hraabe@acsdvt.org. Please send questions by April 5!
There will be open time at the end for additional screen-related parenting questions.
In the meantime, the presenters invite you to check out their website (especially the Resources section) and their public Facebook group.
Workout Wednesdays with Sal Nakhlawi, Founder of Stronger Girls
Middlebury College’s Sister-to-Sister program is starting up its virtual Workout Wednesday series on Wednesday, April 7, 14, 21, and 28 at 7 p.m.
All female-identified 6th graders and middle schoolers are invited to join us (and if your sister in grade school or high school would like to join, we don't mind either!)
Sal is a super nice certified coach and really breaks down the movements. The exercises are interspersed with brief periods of reflection.
Questions can be directed to khanta@middlebury.edu; (802) 443-5937.
Join in by following this link: https://middlebury.zoom.us/j/91215185106?pwd=TXloRGJxTlQ5Tk80TWVXWUQyUXFBQT09
Summer Program Information
Please see this flyer for information on the MiddSummer Lunch and Recreation Program
Photos
And don’t forget to take a look at the Photos of the Week!
Important Dates
4/5/21 Submit questions for Kids & Phones by this date
4/6/21 Last day to sign up for meal kits
4/8/21 Kids and Phones - Virtual Q&A, 6-7pm
4/15/21 Family Fun Night- 6-7:30pm
4/19 - 4/23/21 April Break, no school
Have a great weekend,
Heather
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3/26/21 Cornwall News
Posted by Heather Raabe on 3/26/2021 10:00:00 AMDear Cornwall Families,
It definitely is feeling like Spring! That means warmer days, more sunlight, and also more rain and mud. Please make sure your child has indoor and outdoor shoes at school. To help keep the building clean, it is especially important to change shoes when going outside and when coming back indoors.
I also anticipate that with the changing temperatures, we will start to accumulate more clothing in Lost and Found. If you realize something is missing, please call school and we can look for it - we will also organize an outdoor space to check for Lost and Found items before the April break.
Snacks
Students have time for snack each morning before or after recess. Please remember to send a snack in with your child each day. Thank you!
MUMS Information
Please see this MUMS communication about transitioning to MUMS next year
MUMS Town Meeting
Tuesday, March 30th, 5:00 - 6:00 pm
Learn more about MUMS next year
Rising 6th, 7th, and 8th grade families are welcome to join
Principal Michael Dudek will also be joining us to introduce himself and say hello
Please join us by following this Zoom link.
Kids and Phones - Virtual Q&A event
Given rising interest in the topic of kids and screens, we’ve invited founding parents Julie Barry, Samantha Farrell-Schmitt, and Amy Mason from Parents Supporting Thoughtful Technology (PSTT) to talk with our community.
ACSD adults are invited to this online presentation and discussion on April 8th from 6-7pm using this link.
In preparation and so we can make the event as helpful as possible, please email your top 2-3 questions or concerns to me at hraabe@acsdvt.org. There will be open time at the end for additional screen-related parenting questions.
In the meantime, the presenters invite you to check out their website (especially the Resources section) and their public Facebook group.
Family Fun Night and Cocoa House
A virtual family fun night is scheduled for April 15 from 6pm-7:30pm.
The first half will be a Cocoa House hosted by our own Kendra Gratton and involve student performances.
It will be followed by rounds of bingo with prizes for winners!
Please click on the link below to see the full animated invitation, which includes the Zoom link for evening AND a way to sign up for Cocoa House AND the Cornwall School song!!!
Cocoa House and Game Night Apr15
Friday Afternoon Cocoa House
Ms. K will also be hosting virtual Cocoa House after school on Fridays beginning today, March 26 from 3:10-4:00!
Ms. K provided students with access via Toddle.
Meal Kits
During the April break, ACSD is able to provide FREE meal kits for children ages 18 and younger. Each meal kit contains food for multiple days for one child and includes proteins, grains, vegetables, fruit, and milk.
Curbside pick up will take place on Friday, April 16th during dismissal at all ACSD elementary schools and from 4:00 - 5:30 pm at MUHS. Families can choose the pick up location that works best, regardless of where children are enrolled, including sites in Mount Abraham and Addison Northwest School Districts.
Sign up using our Google Form between now and Tuesday, April 6th.
We are looking for volunteers to help package and sort food items, fold boxes, pack meal kits, drive meal kits to elementary schools, and distribute meal kits on April 14, 15, and 16. If you are able to help, please sign up using this sign up sheet.
Please contact Laura LaVacca, llavacca@acsdvt.org or Erika Garner, egarner@acsdvt.org for more information. If you know a family with children (birth to 18 years old) who might not see the sign-ups, please share this information with them.
Laura LaVacca, ACSD Food Service Director
Erika Garner, ACSD Community Coordinator
Girl Scouts
Please see this Girl Scout flyer for information on a Kindergarten readiness series.
Important Dates
3/26/21 Today! After School! Cocoa House with Ms. K!
3/30/21 MUMS Town Meeting - 5-6pm
4/8/21 Kids and Phones - Virtual Q&A, 6-7pm
4/15/21 Family Fun Night- 6-7:30pm
4/19 - 4/23/21 April Break, no school
Have a great weekend,
Heather
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3/19/21 Cornwall News
Posted by Heather Raabe on 3/19/2021 8:00:00 AMHello Cornwall families,
There has been a lot of energy this week! Maybe it’s the early spring weather and sunshine, maybe it’s excitement about vaccinations, or maybe it’s the longer days we’re having as a result of Daylight Saving Time.
This week’s newsletter is FULL of events and celebrations, so please read on.
Kids and Phones - Virtual Q&A event
Given rising interest in the topic of kids and screens, we’ve invited founding parents Julie Barry, Samantha Farrell-Schmitt, and Amy Mason from Parents Supporting Thoughtful Technology (PSTT) to talk with our community. Cornwall adults are invited to this online presentation and discussion on April 8th from 6-7pm.
In preparation and so we can make the event as helpful as possible, please email your top 2-3 questions or concerns to me at hraabe@acsdvt.org. There will be open time at the end for additional screen-related parenting questions.
More information, including the link to attend, will be sent later, but please keep your calendar open if you are interested, and you are welcome to send questions any time! In the meantime, the presenters invite you to check out their website (especially the Resources section) and their public Facebook group.
Family Fun Night and Cocoa House
A virtual family fun night is schedule for April 15 from 6pm-7:30pm.
The first half will be a Cocoa House hosted by our own Kendra Gratton and involve student performances.
It will be followed by rounds of bingo with prizes for winners!
Please click on the link below to see the full animated invitation, which includes the Zoom link for evening AND a way to sign up for Cocoa House AND the Cornwall School song!!!
Cocoa House and Game Night Apr15
Friday Afternoon Cocoa House
Ms. K will also be hosting virtual Cocoa House after school on Fridays beginning March 26. She will talking with classes about it today and she will let students know where to find the link to participate on Toddle.
Celebrations
Thank you to everyone who participated in the Winter Passport activities! Your participation made it possible for all classes to celebrate outside this week through extra fun time outside - some free time to play for the primary students and a fun, kickball game for the upper elementary students!
We also are celebrating our “Caught You” board being filled up! Students (and sometimes teachers) have been caught demonstrating IB Learner Profile Attributes such as being caring, principled, open-minded, communicators, and more!
All students were given a treat today to recognize their achievement! What I love the most is that students are recognizing the traits in each other as well!
Read-a-Thon
We are about ⅓ of the way to our goal of reading 1000 books before April break! When you read with your child at home, those books count to! Every student received a “book spine” page to record titles, and we are happy to send some home if needed.
Kindergarten
Cornwall School is accepting registrations for Kindergarten for the 21-22 school year. Your child must turn 5 on or before September 1st to be registered. Please call the school at 802-462-2463 to see if your child is already on our incoming list, or email lballantine@acsdvt.org. In April, we will mail letters with enrollment information to families on our list. Please spread the word!!!
And, please please continue to look at our Photos of the Week!
Important Dates
4/8/21 Kids and Phones - Virtual Q&A, 6-7pm
4/15/21 Family Fun Night- 6-7:30pm
4/19 - 4/23/21 April Break, no school
Warmly,
Heather
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2/12/21 Cornwall News
Posted by Heather Raabe on 2/12/2021 1:00:00 PM2/12/21
Hello Cornwall families,
Today’s newsletter is FULL!! Please see the announcements from Nurse Gina, information about Town Meeting dinner (Covid-19 Style), Winter Passports, and classroom news.
From the Nurses
1) Below you will find information from PEEPS (Partners Educating and Empowering Prevention for Success). PEEPS is a community coalition whose goal is to improve positive outcomes for youth while reducing substance use and abuse. The links below give more information.
Message from PEEPS,
“We are excited to share with you our CAMP Guide for Parents. 'CAMP Talk' is a how-to guide for parents to confidently and successfully communicate with their kids about substance use. The guide includes helpful tips, facts, and resources to support parents/guardians through what can be a difficult topic to discuss.
Right now the guide can be found on our webpage, here is a link to our prevention page and a direct link to the guide:
We simply wanted to share this valuable resource with all of you so we can all work to set our youth up for success.
Thank you.
Nurse Eva
Nurse Gina
2) Health and Safety Update for ACSD Staff, Families and Students
Indoor Gathering and Travel Reminders
As a reminder as we head into February break, we are resending Nurse Kelly Landwehr’s message from Feb. 5. We are still required to follow the Governor’s orders prohibiting indoor multi-family gatherings. The current order states that getting together indoors with anyone who does not live in your home with you is not allowed at this time. For example, this means you cannot go over to a family member or friend’s house to visit, have playdates, or go to a restaurant with someone you don’t live with. You can’t host gatherings of friends or family from out of state or those that live in Vermont. Some exceptions include:
-Those who live alone may gather with immediate family in one other household
-Custody visitation
Participating in outdoor recreational activities with families outside of your household is allowed and we have shared several pieces of guidance on this in the last several weeks. Remember to always adhere to infection mitigation rules in these situations - wear a mask, stay 6’ from others, don’t gather if you are ill, and do not socialize in a way that adherence to these rules is at risk of breaking down.
If staff or students travel outside of Vermont, they must quarantine for 14 days or for 7 days followed by a negative COVID test before returning to school. Some exceptions to this include travel for shared custody and parent visitation and medical appointments.
If you ever have questions about this guidance or want to talk through your personal scenario please reach out to your nurses and/or administrators.
2.5.21
Kelly Landwehr, MSN, RN ACSD COVID-19 Coordinator
klandwehr@acsdvt.org
ACSD Winter Passports
Winter Passports are here, and they will go home with your child today!
While this winter is a challenging one for all of us, there are still plenty of ways to enjoy the colder weather. This winter passport offers many ideas for getting outside, enjoying time with family, trying something new, and helping others. Keep track of each activity you complete and return your passport to school by March 11th. Cornwall School’s participation goal has two parts: If 75% of the passports are returned with one or more activities completed, or if over 250 activities have been completed. If we meet our participation goal either way, we will have an All School Celebration!
In addition, the ACSD Community Partnership Council has partnered with MiniBury and the Addison Independent to help spread the joy of winter and to encourage participation. Parents can share photos of the various activities on the MiniBury Facebook page or using the hashtag #ACSDwinterpassport. Your photo may be featured in an upcoming print version of MiniBury in the Addison Independent! You can also share your photos with your school to be featured in an upcoming newsletter. Please send them to hraabe@acsdvt.org.
Read our “Top 10 Reasons to Come Alive Outside” list to see why we love this program. We hope you take time over the next few weeks to get outside, try something new, help others, and, most importantly, have fun!
From the ACSD Community Partnership Council
Town Meeting Dinner
FOCS has planned a Covid-19 style dinner for Town Meeting. The dinner will be prepared by Chef Dan Whittemore and Laurie Ballantine at Cornwall School on March 2, 2021 and can be picked up curbside from 5-6:30pm.
Pre-order your meals by Tuesday, Feb. 23 by contacting Ian Ross at 462-3729 or addison.department.store@gmail.com.
The menu includes some virtual travel to the Mediterranean and includes Greek Lemon Baked Chicken or Tofu Roasted Potatoes with green beans and turtle brownies for dessert.
$10 for adults, $5 for children
Please see the attached flyer as well for further details.
Classroom Updates
Please see the Photos of the Week section of Cornwall’s website for photos of -
Kindergarten: Their IB Unit of Inquiry, How We Express Ourselves; Exploring painting and Kandinsky's concentric circles; a Mind Map about What is Art; and Reading!
2nd: This month, in Number Corner the calendar markers feature flags from around the world. Each day we reveal a new flag, discuss the fraction of the flag that is red, and solve a story problem related to the country. We have then been learning a little bit about the landmarks, animals, or other special person, place or thing in each of the story problems. We are also spending time looking at maps, atlases, the globe, and google earth to locate the countries. It has been important to spend time learning the difference between continents, countries, states, and cities.
5th: A February Number Corner experiment using green colored water, a spinner and measuring tools. Students had fun making predictions, converting liquid measurements into milliliters and recording their findings!
Plus some photos of library time!
We wish you all a safe break. See you back at school on Feb. 22!
Heather
