Hello Cornwall Families,

 

What a fun week this has been! We’ve witnessed example after example of students demonstrating being thinkers, caring, reflective, communicators, open-minded and more! I speak for all of us here at Cornwall School when I say that feels like a very good way to close out a school year.

Cornwall Action Committee

 

Progress Reports

Progress Reports are being mailed home today.

Health and Safety update from Kelly Landwehr

Please take a look at the final health and safety update of the year!

 

To See Photos

Please remember to check out Instagram!

 

Important Dates

8/31/22 First day of School

 

We hope everybody has a fabulous summer!

 

Warmly,

 

Heather

 

Hello Cornwall Families,

 

A goal for the last month of the school year has been to celebrate - celebrate each other, celebrate our connections, celebrate ourselves, and celebrate our learning. We have held (and will be holding) larger celebrations in the form of cumulative field trips, the Happy Cow ice cream truck, Cornwall School T-shirts, and All Out Day. And, we’ve also been celebrating in smaller ways - thank you notes to buddy classes, walks or extra play time outside, work in the garden, coffee and tea for teachers, Fun Fridays, and more. Thank you to all of our families for helping to make these moments happen and for celebrating with us!

5th Grade Promotion

5th grade promotion will be held on Wednesday, June 8 at 1:00pm outside under the tents. There will be a reception indoors afterward for 5th grade students and their guests.

 

The tents will provide some protection from the sun and in the event of rain, but we will have to pay attention to the weather as well.

All Out Day

On Thursday, June 9, the whole school will go to Button Bay for All Out Day.

FOCS secured the space for us and will be providing lunch.

 

We will go to Button Bay rain or shine, so please make sure your child has clothing appropriate for the weather.

 

Students should bring:

Water bottle

Bug spray

Sunscreen

Rain gear and layers if it’s chilly

Swimsuit and towel 

 

We will change our plans to indoor activities at school should there be severe weather.

 

Summer Meal Kits

More information will be sent out separately.

Cornwall Tie-Dye Day

Important Dates

6/6/22 3rd grade field trip

6/7/22 Kindergarten release trout - rescheduled field trip

6/7/22 Band concert, 2:00pm - parents are invited. 

6/8/22 5th grade promotion 1:00pm

6/9/22 All Out Day - whole school goes to Button Bay

6/10/22 Last day of school

 

Warmly,

Heather

Hello Cornwall Families,

 

There is a lot of energy in the building today, which will soon culminate in an all-school Capoeira performance! We feel very fortunate to be able to celebrate all together, and also show off some of the skills learned this week! In addition, some classes (2nd, 4th, and 5th) place flags at cemeteries in Cornwall as a remembrance for Memorial Day.

 

Please see below for messages on student and school safety including links to resources, the Cornwall Action Committee Bake Sale, some photos and a calendar with upcoming events.

ACSD STUDENT and SCHOOL SAFETY

We know that school safety is at the forefront of many families’ minds this week. We want to share a brief overview of the work we do to keep our students safe. Below, we outline our staff safety training and practices, building security, and safety protocols. We have also included helpful resources for supporting your child during these events and getting engaged in the reform necessary to keep our schools safe.  As Dr. Burrows shared in his email earlier this week, the healthy, trusting relationships our students build with each other and adults create the true foundation for a safe, healthy school environment. We will continue to prioritize this social emotional learning of every student in all of our schools. 

 

STAFF TRAINING AND PRACTICES

The goal in each safety practice is to help our students feel safe, calm, and empowered. A key step in these practices is letting students and staff know in advance that a practice will happen. 

 

• All schools are required, by statute, to conduct safety practices each year. The VT Agency of Education altered this requirement during  COVID.  The drills we practice include: Fire drills and options based drills such as A.L.I.C.E (Alert, Lockdown, Inform, Counter, Evacuate). In some practice, families at our elementary schools will also be notified in advance to help support children with any questions at home. 
• All employees (including substitute teachers) are required to take an A.L.I.C.E training each year.  A.L.I.C.E is a multifaceted response to a dangerous or unexpected situation.
• ACSD’s leaders are trained in the Vermont School Crisis Guide
• Each school has an identified Crisis Team and we are continually working to improve our Emergency Operations Plan for each school, which is reviewed by our Director of Facilities and shared with local emergency management professionals
• We have a cross-district ACSD School Safety Team that meets regularly to identify additional needs or changes that would increase building security and school safety
• We communicate and work with emergency responders across the county to support inter-agency leadership in the event of a school crisis

 

BUILDING SECURITY

• Each of our buildings have locked entrances that require authorized key fobs or a school employee to open doors for entrance
• Each of our buildings have surveillance cameras, depending on the school, they are located in hallways and/or exterior 
• School administrators use a variety of internal communication systems including radios, text/phone to ensure rapid response to any crisis
• We have a strong relationship with all three police forces that cover our seven towns and a district School Resource Officer from Middlebury Police Department that works closely with Mary Hogan, MUMS, and MUHS
• Principals meet regularly with the Director of Facilities to review the physical safety measures and any concerns that arise. 
• We continue to fund safety improvements to our buildings and utilize safety audits to determine areas for future investment

 

SCHOOL PROTOCOLS IN RESPONSE TO EMERGENCIES

Each crisis event is unique, and the trainings above are intended to ensure every staff member is able to respond in the safest method possible after assessing the threat. The responsibility for the safety and security of our schools is a shared responsibility between the School board, administration, faculty, staff, students, families, community responders and partners. Each party has a role to play in an emergency.

 

Each school’s Emergency Operating Plan lays out specific protocols for responding to each type of emergency.  Each Plan includes: 

1. An initial risk assessment
2. A response or safety plan 
3. Connecting with/requesting support of local law enforcement or community partners 
4. Communication about the situation to individuals involved, a portion of our school or greater community
5. Reparative and restorative practices with individuals, classrooms, schools, or our entire learning community 

 

RESOURCES: 

The weight of these tragedies can feel overwhelming as parents and educators. The resources below offer support in talking to children and supporting them through these acute crises. 

 

• Talking to Children About Violence: Tips for Parents and Teachers
• Talking to Children about Terrorist Attacks and School and Community Shootings in the News
• Gun Violence and Mass Shootings - Table Talk - ADL
• Helping Children with Tragic Events in the News
• Helping Kids Navigate Scary News Stories
• Tips for Helping Children Cope After a Traumatic Event
• Helping Youth After Community Trauma: Tips for Educators 
• How to talk to kids about school shootings
• The National Child Traumatic Stress Network

 

The practices and procedures we have outlined will prevent many crises, but policy change is necessary ensure our schools are safe spaces for all children, educators, and families: 

• Call Congress  (202) 224-3121
• Everytown for Gun Safety: Solutions
• Moms Demand Action: Resources

Cornwall Action Committee - bake sale!

 

Some Capoeira Photos

 

Important Dates

5/30/22       No School - Memorial Day

5/31/22      4th grade field trip

6/1/22        5th grade move up day - visit to MUMS

6/6/22        3rd grade field trip

6/7/22        Kindergarten release trout - rescheduled field trip

6/7/22        Band concert - parents are invited. You will receive further information.

6/8/22        5th grade promotion 1:00pm

6/9/22        All Out Day - whole school goes to Button Bay

6/10/22       Last day of school

 

Warmly,

Heather

Hello Cornwall Families,

5th graders just returned from a week at KEEC (Keewaydin Environmental Education Center) - they were tired, happy, dirty, excited, and a little emotional. For some, it was the first time they’ve been away from home for such a long time so in the midst of the fun activities, there was some discomfort or worry. Mr. Hirsch and the Keewaydin staff did a great job of supporting students. I was told that some highlights of the week were Xtreme Streaming, rock climbing, the calm wildflower hike, hiking at Branbury, fishing, the hobo dinner, the surprise birthday cake, and the Predator vs. Prey game.

 

 

 

End of Year Gathering Message from Kelly Landwehr

As we gather for group events at the end of the school year, it is up to each of us to assess our comfort level in these situations and make choices that are right for us. ACSD schools are currently following the COVID recommendations of the Vermont Department of Health for all Vermonters.  If you are concerned about a situation, we encourage you to wear a mask if you choose and reach out to discuss your needs. 

 

We are happy to help provide space for social distancing or other needs when possible.  We will hold gatherings outdoors when possible. When not possible, we will work to hold events in spaces that allow for maximum social distancing and increased air flow.

 

We also ask that you do not attend public events if you are ill with any COVID related symptoms including Fever (100.4 °F or higher), Cough, Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, Chills, Fatigue, Muscle or body aches, Headache, Sore throat, New loss of taste or smell, Congestion or runny nose, Nausea or vomiting,  or Diarrhea. 

Public Safety Event

May 21 9-12 (tomorrow!!)

Please see this  flyer for details.

Midd Rec Dept Summer Activity Guide

Please see this brochure for details.

Monarch Soccer Club

Please see this flyer for details.

Important Dates

5/23 - 5/27/22      Capoeira at Cornwall

5/24/22      Band students to Salisbury Community School for concert

5/25/22      Kindergarten release Trout

5/27/22      Friday Fun Day - Super Hero/Costume Day

5/27/22      Flag placement at Cornwall cemeteries

5/30/22     No School - Memorial Day

6/1/22       5th grade move up day - visit to MUMS

6/8/22       5th grade promotion

6/9/22       All Out Day - whole school goes to Button Bay

6/10/22      Last day of school

 

Have a great weekend!

Heather

​​Hello Cornwall Families,

It definitely feels like spring! And, actually, a bit like summer, too :). 

 

Classes have started planting and preparing the garden and some have gone on hikes, noticing how seasonal changes bring changes to our environment. The tree in front of the school is in full bloom right now!

Health and Safety update from Kelly Landwehr

Please take a look at this week's health and safety update.

Action Cycle - Message from 1st and 2nd grade

The Action Cycle is an important part of a student’s experience in an IB World School. Students are encouraged to reflect on their learning, to think about a choice based on their understanding, and to take action to support their choice.

 

Recently some of the First and Second Grade students did just this and wanting to make a positive difference in their community formed the Cornwall Action Committee.

 

Meeting as a group they decided they wanted to act locally and raise money for the Homeward Bound Animal Shelter and the Addison Community Food Shelf.

 

Thinking of various ways that they could raise money, they decided to challenge the classes to participate in a Penny Drive. Thus, these students are challenging each class to compete with other classes to collect the most coins during the challenge that will run from May 9th to June 3rd.

 

Thus any small amount your student may want to bring in to donate is greatly appreciated!

Capoeira Artist in Residence

We are excited for Fabio Fua Nascimento to come to Cornwall School again to teach and practice capoeira with the students! He will be at Cornwall the week of May 23-May 27, meeting with each class each day. On Friday at the end of the day, the school will come together for a final celebratory performance.

Tiger Football Youth Skills Clinic

Date & Time: Tuesday - Friday, June 14 – 17 8:30 AM – Noon 

Ages: Grades 4 – 9 (for the 2022-23 school year) 

Cost: $20.00 ($40.00 max for immediate family) 

*Scholarships available upon request* 

Location: Doc Collins Field

 

Please see this flyer for more information.

 

 

To See Photos

Please remember to check out Photos of the Week and Instagram!

Important Dates

5/16 - 5/20/22 5th grade to KEEC

5/23 - 5/27/22 Capoeira at Cornwall

5/24/22 Band students to Salisbury Community School for concert

5/27/22 Flag placement at Cornwall cemeteries

6/1/22 5th grade move up day - visit to MUMS

6/8/22 5th grade promotion - details to come!

6/9/22 All Out Day at Button Bay - details to come!

6/10/22 Last day of school

Warmly,

 

Heather

​​Hello Cornwall Families,

 

A big THANK YOU to students and families for expressing their appreciation for teachers this week, and thank you to FOCS for providing such a lovely lunch today!

 

After lunch, we gathered together as a school to prepare for the afternoon’s Friday Fun activities. Students participated in two activities of their choice - drumming, board games, recycled crafts, active movement games, free art expression, chess, or improvisational games. It was an afternoon to celebrate being together and having fun together.

 

Right before the Friday Fun day activities began, we revealed the design selected for our new Cornwall School T-shirts. Students submitted design ideas before April break, and we shared the selected design.

Congratulations to Roland for creating the design for our new shirt!!

 

 

Action Cycle - Message from 1st and 2nd grade

The Action Cycle is an important part of a student’s experience in an IB World School. Students are encouraged to reflect on their learning, to think about a choice based on their understanding, and to take action to support their choice.

 

Recently some of the First and Second Grade students did just this and wanting to make a positive difference in their community, formed the Cornwall Action Committee.

 

Meeting as a group, they decided they wanted to act locally and raise money for the Homeward Bound Animal Shelter and the Addison Community Food Shelf.

 

Thinking of various ways that they could raise money, they decided to challenge the classes to participate in a Penny Drive. Thus, these students are challenging each class to compete with other classes to collect the most coins during the challenge that will run from May 9th to June 3rd.

 

Any small amount your student may want to bring in to donate is greatly appreciated!

 

 

Spring Cleaning Day

We are looking for volunteers to come to school tomorrow Saturday, May 7 from 9-11 to help spruce up the school grounds! Please see the flyer below, and please RSVP to Molly Daly. Thank you!

 

Teacher + Staff Appreciation/Nominations

As we wrap up teacher appreciation week, we are launching an ongoing way to celebrate our ACSD teachers and staff!

 

Students, parents, colleagues, and community members are all invited to use this new form any time you want to highlight an ACSD teacher or staff member.

 

On the form, you can also choose to nominate teachers and staff for our annual Outstanding Teacher of the Year and Barbara Whittemore Support Staff Awards (due by May 31, 2022 and presented at the beginning of the 2022-23 school year).

 

We will work to transform your nominations into an ongoing culture of recognizing and celebrating all of the incredible work happening each day with our students and in our school community.

 

Important Dates

5/7/22 Cornwall School Spring Cleaning Party

5/16 - 5/20/22 5th grade to Keewaydin 

5/24/22 Band students to Salisbury Community School for concert

5/27/22 Flag placement at Cornwall cemeteries

6/1/22 5th grade move up day - visit to MUMS

6/8/22 5th grade promotion - details to come!

6/9/22 All Out Day at Button Bay - details to come!

6/10/22 Last day of school

Warmly,

 

Heather

Hello Cornwall families

Thank you for coming out for some Bingo Fun last night! We raised about $450 to support students going to Keewaydin, and it was really fun to see so many of you there!

The next few weeks will be very busy as it often is in May.

Please note the Important Dates listed at the end of the newsletter. More information will be provided each week and/or from classroom teachers directly.

Friday Fun Day

Next week’s Friday Fun Day will be doubly fun! 

It will be Sports Day - wear a sports jersey, T-shirt, or team colors.

And, to celebrate demonstrating learning profile attributes such as being principled, good communicators, or caring, we will spend the entire afternoon doing some fun, play activities. Students will sign up in advance for two sessions which will range from Recycled Crafts to Chess to Improv Activities and more!

 

To help prepare for the day, we are in search of:

• clean plastic recyclables
• clean cardboard recyclables
• tape - masking tape, colored tape, and/or scotch tape

 

If you have any of the above to share, please send them in with your child any day next week. Thank you!

Spring Cleaning Day

We are looking for volunteers to come to school on Saturday, May 7 from 9-11 to help spruce up the school grounds! Please see the flyer below, and please RSVP to Molly Daly. Thank you!

Important Dates

5/4/22 1:05pm Early Release

Reminder: the north bus runs its route in reverse

1:30-3:00pm Incoming Kindergarten student and family visit

5/6/22 Friday Fun Day - Sports Day (see above)

5/7/22 Cornwall School Spring Cleaning Party

5/16 - 5/20/22 5th grade to Keewaydin 

5/24/22 Band students to Salisbury Community School for concert

5/27/22 Flag placement at Cornwall cemeteries

6/1/22 5th grade move up day - visit to MUMS

6/8/22 5th grade promotion - details to come!

6/9/22 All Out Day at Button Bay - details to come!

6/10/22 Last day of school

Warmly,

 

Heather

Hello Cornwall families,

First, I would like to thank all Cornwall families for supporting each other and the school these past few weeks as we have navigated an increase in Covid cases. We are starting to see a decrease in numbers. 

 

And second, I would like to wish you all a break that gives you what you need.

 

Health and Safety update from Kelly Landwehr

Please take a look at this week's health and safety update

 

Bingo Night Update

Please mark your calendars for Thursday, April 28 from 6:00-7:30pm! 

 

Kids Heart Challenge Update

We will celebrate going beyond the goal set with Ms. Morrison the week after break.

 

 

To See Photos

Please remember to check out Photos of the Week and Instagram!

 

Important Dates

4/18/22-4/22/22 No School, April break

4/25/22 SBAC testing starts this week

4/28/22 Bingo Fundraiser for KEEC

4/29/22 Fun Friday - Geography T-shirt day

5/4/22 Incoming Kindergarten student and family visit, 1:30-3:00

6/8/22 5th grade promotion - details to come!

6/10/22 Last day of school

Warmly,

Heather

4/8/22

 

Hello and happy Friday!

 

Please see below for some important dates (hint: 5th grade promotion and the last day of school) and for a change to Bingo Night.

 

Also, please look for a communication sent separately from Covid Coordinator Kelly Landwehr, School Nurse Gina Ciancia Jackson, and myself.

Bingo Night

Bingo Night will be postponed until after April break.

Please mark your calendars for Thursday, April 28th from 6:00-&:30pm!

Important Dates

4/15/22 Fun Friday! Socks and Ties day!

4/18/22-4/22/22 No School, April break

4/25/22 SBAC testing starts this week

4/28/22 Bingo Fundraiser for KEEC

6/8/22 5th grade promotion - detail to come!

6/10/22 Last day of school

Warmly,

 

Heather

Hello Cornwall families,

 

Happy April Fool's Day! This week feels like it has been full of celebrations! It marked our first non-skiing field trip in quite some time! Thank you to the Williams family who invited us to visit their sugar shack. Grades K-2 learned about how maple trees produce sap and the process of turning that sap into syrup. They also got to sample some yummy maple treats! Board members who are new to the board this year or last year have had the opportunity to come visit Cornwall this week. We’ve been impressed by how well students could explain what board members do! Also, today we are celebrating Backwards/Opposite day as part of Fun Friday! We've seen backwards and inside-out clothing, we’ve heard some backwards speaking (eg., “Morning good”), students have written their names backwards, and I’m sure we’ll discover some more creativity throughout the day.

 

Open House April 5

We would like to invite families to come into school for an Open House on Tuesday, April 5. Each classroom will be open from 5:30-7pm, and you are welcome to come at any time during that window. 

 

Class Highlight, 3rd grade, from Mindy Harvey

Third grade just finished Sharing the Planet, a unit focused on function. We examined animal habitats, adaptations, and how they fit into ecosystems. Each student researched an animal and then wrote a fiction story about them. We also collaborated with the fourth grade on book clubs. The third graders really rose to the occasion, joining in discussions of character, plot, and theme. 

 

This week we launched a new unit, How the World Works. We are studying weather and climate, and how those impact humans. We are working on close reading and vocabulary development as we learn lots of great words associated with weather and weather forecasting. We will be tracking local weather patterns and thinking about how climate varies around the globe. Do you know what a haboob is? The third grade will soon be able to tell you about this weather event from a much hotter, dryer part of the world.

 

During all our academic work we are focusing on friendship skills and good learning habits. Students have been working really hard on active listening skills, as well as how to interact with peers in positive ways. They have been helping the Kindergarteners at recess, making sure that everyone is safe, kind, and having fun.

Please see Photos of the Week for some photos of 3rd grade in action!

 

Kids Heart Challenge, from Christa Morrison

Hi Cornwall Families! 

 

I am so impressed with how well we have done with the Kids Heart Challenge. I set a goal of $2,000 and we are way beyond that now! It is amazing how much this community has raised for such an important cause. The last day of this challenge will be April 7th. We are planning an event at the end of the day to celebrate going beyond our goal. Some of the students will get to pie a teacher in the face! Thank you all so much for your help in raising awareness around heart health. 

 

Have a great weekend!

Christa 

 

 

Kindergarten Enrollment

Cornwall School is now accepting registration forms for students entering the Kindergarten class 2022-2023 school year. Your child must turn 5 on or before September 1st. Please call the school at 802-462-2463 to see if your child is already on our incoming list, or email lballantine@acsdvt.org. We will be sending home information to families through both mails, postal and email about upcoming events and important due dates.

You may also find more information about K transitions at our Addison County UPreK website.

 

 

Preschool Enrollment

The Addison County School District Early Education programs are excited to announce that families may apply for preschool enrollment in our school-based classrooms by completing the district interest form by April 8th. (Note: if you have completed the Mary Hogan-specific survey, you do not need to complete this one). Preschool classrooms are based in two of our elementary schools: Mary Hogan School and Bridport Central School. Although classrooms are based out of these schools, they serve children from the entire district. In 2022-23, preschool classrooms will operate on a school-year schedule, Monday-Thursday (hours vary by building, see interest survey for more info). Spaces are highly limited. Since school-based programming is limited, we do encourage your family to consider other preschool options. Under Act 166, our district partners with prequalified private preschool programs to pay tuition for 10 hours/week, 35 weeks/year of preschool in those settings.  For more information go to: https://mbaker61.wixsite.com/uprek/partners  

Middlebury Youth Lacrosse Club 2022 – Boys and Girls

Register now at Middlax.org for the fastest game on two feet!

Programs for boys and girls of all abilities in 3rd–6th grades, as well as competitive teams for 7th-8th graders. No lacrosse experience necessary! Learn lacrosse in a fun and supportive atmosphere. Experienced coaches, many with experience playing on college level.

Schedule: Practices start in April w/ 2-3 sessions per week Boys games on Saturdays, Girls games on Sundays starting in early May Season ends at Green Mountain Shootout, June 18-19 Location: Practices at Legion Fields (Creek Road) or other local fields Games (2 per weekend) at Legion for home & other VT Northern League sites for away

Registration: Open now until early April at middlax.org Reduced Fees for 2022: $45 ($15 club fee + $30 US Lacrosse registration) Scholarships and loaner equipment available Questions? Contact Jamie Northrup at jnorthru@gmail.com

 

Important Dates

4/5/22 Open House 

4/6/22 Early Release, school dismisses at 1:05pm

4/8/22 FUN FRIDAY - Silly hair or Silly hat day!

4/14/22 Bingo Fundraiser for KEEC

4/18/22-4/22/22 No School, April break

4/25/22 SBAC testing starts this week

 

Warmly,

Heather