Mt. Mansfield Modified Union School District (MMMUSD) is Formed

On December 18, 2014, Secretary of Education, Rebecca Holcombe, swore in community members who were elected in November to serve on the new MMMUSD Board and officially recognized Mt. Mansfield Modified Union as a Vermont school district.  In addition, a treasurer, clerk and annual meeting moderator were elected from the floor and an annual meeting date established on the fourth Thursday in February.  This organizational meeting was formal in nature as its purpose was to solidify MMMUSD as an authorized school district entity in the State of Vermont.  However, Secretary Holcombe highlighted the historical significance of the new school district as well as her support for the work of the Voluntary Merger Committee and enthusiasm for the potential of the the preK-12 school district.

Mt. Mansfield Modified Union School District (MMMUSD) Board Retreat

The MMMUSD School Board wasted no time in beginning its work.  On December 20th, the new board gathered at Camels Hump Middle school to discuss roles and responsibilities, set priorities for the next six months, elect officers and initiate the process of forming a new governing body.  The Vermont School Boards Association supported in facilitating the meeting. The retreat was productive and resulted in the following:

• Jon Milazzo (Richmond) was appointed Chair.  Andrew Pond (Bolton) was appointed Vice Chair.  Dianne Kirson-Glitman (Jericho) was appointed Clerk.
• Peter Geiss (Underhill), Beth Racine (Underhill),  Kevin Campbell (UID), Dave Clark (Huntington), Michael Marks (Richmond) and Edye Granning (Jericho) were appointed to the Finance Committee.
• Andrew Davis (Jericho), Peter Geiss (Underhill), Michael Marks (Richmond) and Jon Milazzo (Richmond) were appointed to the Negotiations Committee.  Huntington School District Representative, Edmund Booth is also a member of the Negotiations Committee.  
• The Board will meet the first and third Monday of each month at 6:30 p.m. (Click here to view meeting schedule) 
• The January 5, 2015 meeting will take place in the MMUHS Library. Subsequent meetings will be held at CHMS until June 30th.  CHMS is the meeting location during the transition phase. After June 30, the board will determine meeting venues.
• Set preparing a 2015-2016 budget; negotiating contract agreements; transitioning supervisory union responsibilities; building a cohesive board team; develop an understanding of the assets of the new district and plan for Town Meeting 2015.  

In addition to short-term priorities, the MMMUSD Board will be working on a vision, strategic plans/priorities and community engagement plan.  To access a draft of the Board Retreat minutes, please go to MMMUSD retreat minutes.

The next meeting of the MMMUSD Board will be held January 5, 2015, in the Mt. Mansfield Union High School Library.  A primary agenda item will be the 2015-2016 MMMUSD budget development for 8 schools which include Smilie Memorial School, Jericho Elementary, Richmond Elementary, Underhill ID Elementary, Underhill Central, Browns River Middle, Camels Hump Middle and Mt. Mansfield Union High Schools.

IMPORTANT: 3SQUARESVT REPLACEMENT BENEFITS DUE TO POWER OUTAGE 

With the recent winter storm leaving many Vermonters without power for various amounts of time, it is important to remember that 3SquaresVT households may be eligible for replacement benefits if food they bought with their benefits spoils due to loss of electricity for four hours or more.  

If you hear from Vermonters in this situation, please let them know they must request replacement benefits within 10 days of the loss, either orally (by calling 1-800-479-6151 or visiting the local district office) or in writing to the local district office.

More information about replacement benefits can be found here:http://vermontfoodhelp.com/more-resources/replacement-benefits.  Please contact me at asmith-dieng@hungerfreevt.org with any additional questions you may have.

NAEP 2015 PARENT/GUARDIAN NOTIFICATION LETTER

Grades 4, 8, and 12: Mathematics, reading, and science assessments

Wednesday, February 11, 2015

Dear Parent or Guardian:

We are pleased to notify you that Smilie School has been selected to represent schools across the nation by participating in the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP). First administered in 1969, NAEP is the largest nationally representative and continuing assessment of what students know and can do in various subject areas. It is administered by the National Center for Education Statistics, within the U.S. Department of Education. NAEP is different from state assessments because it provides a common measure of student achievement across the country. The results of NAEP are released as The Nation's Report Card, which provides information about student achievement to educators, parents, policymakers, and the public.

In our school, the NAEP assessment will be given on Wednesday, February 11, 2015. Your child  has been selected to take a mathematics, reading, or science assessment. In addition to answering questions in one of these subjects, students will be asked questions about themselves and their educational experiences, such as the amount of reading they do and the types of classes they take. These questions provide contextual information for the assessment, as well as information that may be related to students’ learning. If you would like to view sample subject area and contextual questions, please visit http://nationsreportcard.gov/parents.asp.

It will take about 90 minutes for most students to participate in the assessment. The results are completely confidential (in accordance with the Confidential Information Protection provisions of Title V, Subtitle A, Public Law 107-347), and the information provided will be used for statistical purposes only. Your child’s grades will not be affected. Your child may be excused from participation for any reason, is not required to complete the assessment, and may skip any question. While NAEP is voluntary, we depend on student participation to provide an accurate measure of student achievement that will inform improvements in education. Your child will represent many other students, so participation is very important. However, if you do not want your child to participate, please notify me in writing by Wednesday, February 4, 2015.

There is no need to study in preparation for NAEP. We do ask, however, that you encourage your child to do their best and get plenty of rest the night before the assessment. A brochure that explains what participation in NAEP means for you and your child is available at http://nces.ed.gov/nationsreportcard/pdf/parents/2012469.pdf. Should you have questions, or if you would like a copy of the brochure, please contact me at 802-434-2757 or at barbara.tomasi-gay@cesuvt.org.

We are excited that our school will be participating in NAEP and pleased that your child has been selected. We know that Smilie students will help us show what our nation’s students know and can do.

Sincerely,

Barbara

School Principal

Food Drive for Seniors

Food  Drive

Bring your non-perishable food items to

Smilie’s Winter Carnival

Featuring Breakfast with Santa

this Saturday, December 6, 2014

for Bolton Senior Holiday Gift Baskets

Universal Pre-K Information 

and Scott Noyes

WHEN

Thursday, Dec. 4th, 7-9pm

WHERE

"Richmond Elementary School", School Street, Richmond, VT, United States

Agenda

7:00: Question & Answer Session about the new law and how

 this can help parents pay for their 3-5 year old's Pre-Kindergarten.

7:20: Refreshments and time to mingle with CESU current 

Partner Pre-K Programs.

7:40: Scott Noyes Presentation about Brain Development and

 Gross Motor Play.

CESU Partner Pre-Kindergarten Programs

CESU Partner Pre-Kindergarten programs will be there to answer questions you may have.

Poker Hill School

Saxon Hill School

Williston Enrichment Center

Heartworks

Annette's Preschool

The Children's School

YMCA at Fletcher Allen

The Bellwether School

Jericho/Underhill Preschool Program

Bolton, Huntington & Richmond School-based Preschool Programs

Why Gross Motor Opportunities Build Brain Power - Scott Noyes

The human brain evolved while the body was in almost consistent motion. We were designed to move and think at the same time. The presentation looks at why the benefits of body movement include boosting brain power. Physical exertion gets blood to the brain, bringing it glucose for energy and oxygen to soak up the toxins that are left over. It also stimulates the protein that keeps neurons connecting, BDNF, Brain Derived Neurotropic Factor. This protein acts as fertilizer for the brain. As in ourselves, our children can improve thinking skills by moving.

About Scott Noyes

Scott has been professionally working, playing and talking about children for thirty years. He teaches a graduate level course in "Challenging Behaviors," and an undergraduate course in "Positive Discipline." Scott's first book "Positive Discipline- That Works!" is in its fourth publishing. His second book "intentional Language" was released fall of 2003. His newest reader, "This Child is Driving Us Crazy - What Should We Do?" helps adults develop an effective behavior plan for children with feisty behaviors.hinking skills by moving.

Free showing of "Bag It!" The Movie (is your life too plastic?).

Try going a day without plastic. Plastic is everywhere and infiltrates our lives in unimaginable and frightening ways. In this touching and often flat-out-funny film, we follow “everyman” Jeb Berrier, who is admittedly not a tree hugger, as he embarks on a global tour to unravel the complexities of our plastic world. What starts as a film about plastic bags evolves into a wholesale investigation into plastic and its effect on our waterways, oceans, and even our own bodies. We see how our crazy-for-plastic world has finally caught up to us and what we can do about it. Today. Right now.

WHEN: Thursday, December 4, 6:30-8:30 p.m.
WHERE: Richmond Free Library, 201 Bridge St., Richmond

COST: It’s Free! Please bring your own cup and bowl for local popcorn and cider and help keep this event “zero waste.”  Enter to win raffle prizes and a chance to win a backyard SoilSavercompost bin too! 

INFO:  This event is hosted by Richmond community members and Chittenden Solid Waste District (CSWD).  For more info contact Karen Cotrone at 264-9638 kacmag@aol.com, orMarge Keough/CSWD at 802-872-8100 x234.  *Film is best suited for ages 12 and up, however, see below:

***FYI:  This is an amazing film and very inspiring!  Watching the movie's trailer gives you a true look at the content of the film.  If you feel the trailer is appropriate for your younger children, you are welcome to bring them to see the film!  You and your children will leave the evening more aware and inspired to make small changes that can create a huge impact! 

Movie Trailer:
http://vimeo.com/5645718

Smilie students and families enjoyed an amazing evening of inventing at Richmond Elementary School last week. Thanks for the invitation, Richmond!
Please enjoy the video!

FOOD DRIVE TO BENEFIT

HOLIDAY GIFT BASKETS for BOLTON SENIORS

We are collecting non-perishable food items and cash

(Mail checks Payable to Town of Bolton).

Several convenient food drop-off locations:

·    Bolton Store

·    Smilie school

·    Jonesville post-office

·    Stargazer Gifts in Richmond

·    Long Trail Physical Therapy in Richmond

Cash donations will be used to add fresh dairy, fruits and vegetables.

No outdated foods please.

REMINDER

Smilie Students are invited 
to attend a very special COUGAR CUB INVENTOR'S WORKSHOP

Thursday, November 13, 2014

When: 5:30-7:30 p.m.

Where: Richmond Elementary School Gym

Cost: $1.00

What: This workshop is a family-friendly event to MAKE, create, learn, invent, craft, recycle,think, play and be inspired by celebrating arts, crafts, engineering, science and technology. Students will work with their families to create! Activities will be facilitated by engineers and teachers, but tasks will be open-ended and creative. Families will have an opportunity to learn together as they experience the fun of making/ building/ constructing/ designing and more! A variety of activities will be available to challenge students from Grades K-8.

Activities planned for our workshop include:

Cardboard Challenge
Building a fort with Bloxes
Making a keyboard with bananas
Squishy Circuits
Creating a lighted artwork with throwies
Creating interactive circuits with littleBits
Building programmable robots and machines with LEGOS
Creating abstract art with a digital microscope
Programming Arduinos
Programming interactive games with Scratch

Please contact Darcie Rankin, RES Enrichment Teacher at darcie.rankin@cesuvt.org with questions.

WAYS TO SHOW GOOD CHARACTER

WAYS TO SHOW GOOD CHARACTER

Dear Parents,

Part of the Responsive Classroom Program at Smilie Memorial School involves character building and fostering an attitude that reflects these attributes as children share their world with home and school.

Caring – Offer to help others, share toys and games and help someone who is sad or sick.

Citizenship – Collect food for the hungry, obey school rules, donate toys to help a worthy cause and be responsible for what you say and do.

Courage – Speak up in a respectful manner, use an “I” statement to solve a problem, seek out an adult to help you solve a problem.

Fairness – Do your part when working with others, listen to both sides before making a decision, take turns and play games by the rules.

Respect – Use appropriate words like “Please,”
“Thank you,” and “Excuse me,” respect yourself, others and property.

Responsibility – Complete school work on time, be safe, learn to say “No” if something is unsafe, complete home chores on a regular basis.

Trustworthiness – Tell the truth, keep your promises and return things you borrow.

Although many of these concepts may seem to be simplistic but in the developmental world of a child they are complex concepts. This is why repetition and reinforcement of the obvious helps a child to understand the importance of character building as they develop home and school friendships.

Sincerely,

Bernie FitzGerald, Principal

P.S. We as a school do not celebrate Halloween with costumes and candy treats. Thank you for following this procedure. If your children go out “Trick or treating,” be sure it’s in a safe location and they have reflective clothing and flashlights.

Understanding Power Struggles

Understanding Power Struggles

As a parent power struggles can be shocking and scary for you. You may feel misunderstood and disappointed about the way your child reacts to situations with you.

Rest assured you are not alone. Preteen struggles are quite normal. It is also reasonable for parents to be concerned about the struggles. The key is developing strategies to prevent power struggles before they become major issues. It is important to understand the 4 goals of a child’s misbehavior and to apply the application in a given situation. Power struggles are identified as:

Attention – by seeking undue attention.

Power – Child demonstrates he/she is in control and does not need direction.

Revenge – Child wants to hurt the parent in order to get even for some perceived injustice.

Avoid Failure – Child wants parents to leave him/her alone by appearing helpless to complete a given task.

Children do not always understand why they react the way they do. The beginning of physical changes plays a big part in their behavior and therefore they need parental support and understanding.

In some situations an option is to be selective in entering a power struggle. By deciding what is really important and its implication in the family setting, you will be able to eliminate some senseless arguments

If you exercise understanding, empathy and some behavioral strategies you and your child will learn to have a better understanding of an issue and seek resolution without a win/lose atmosphere.

Sincerely,

Bernie FitzGerald, Principal

After School Enrichment Program

Who loves apples??

If you do, then please come to Smilie’s Fall After school Enrichment program.

Activities: Baking, apple building, tin can lights, sack racing

Monday, October 20th

2:20-4:15

Cost: Free

Questions email:  apoor@gmavt.net

Enterovirus-D68 (EV-68) Update

Dear Smilie Parents and Guardians, October 2, 2014

There has been a lot of talk in the news about the Enterovirus-D68. What we hear in the news can sound scary. The Vermont Department of Health has some practical information about EV-D68 and how to help prevent the spread of illness in our community.

EV-68 is one type of virus from a group of very common viruses called enteroviruses. Most people who are infected with enteroviruses have no symptoms or only mild symptoms, but some infections can be serious. In the U.S., people are more likely to get enteroviruses in the summer and fall.
Children who are mildly ill might have:

•  Cold symptoms: runny nose, congestion
• Wheezing: especially in children who have asthma, but wheezing might occur in other children as well
• Cough
• Fever (sometimes, but not always with this infection)

A history of asthma may put children at higher risk for severe illness from EV-68. Children with severe illness might have trouble breathing or severe wheezing, and should be evaluated by a medical provider as soon as possible.

This virus spreads from close contact with an infected person who is coughing or sneezing, or from
contaminated hands and common objects such as toys, bottles and cups and furniture surfaces that are soiled with mucous or saliva from an infected person.

To best protect your family, follow these suggestions for infection control:

• Wash your hands often with soap and water for 20 seconds, especially after changing diapers and after coughing and sneezing into your hands.
• Teach children to always cover their cough with a tissue or cough into the crook of their elbow instead of into their hands. 
• Don’t touch your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.
• Don’t kiss, hug or share cups/utensils with people who are sick. 
• Disinfect surfaces that are touched often, such as toys and doorknobs, especially if someone is sick.

Keep your child at home if she/he appears to be severely ill, or meets general exclusion criteria such as fever with cough, worsening respiratory symptoms (including wheezing), or other symptoms that prevent the child from joining in activities as determined by school staff.

Treat typical cold symptoms such as: stuffy nose, headache, fatigue and sore throat as you normally would, with rest, drink plenty of liquids, use saline nasal drops and run a humidifier in the home. Keep a close eye on sick children, especially those with asthma. If you notice a child is breathing faster or harder than usual, call your healthcare provider right away.

Be aware of the general emergency warning signs in a child, which include:

• Fast breathing or trouble breathing that persists or worsens 
• Bluish skin color or lips
• Dehydration suspected: No urine output for more than 8 hours AND very dry mouth, no tears AND not taking or able to hold oral fluids
• Not waking up or not interacting
• Symptoms improve then return with fever and worse cough
• Fever with a rash

http://healthvermont.gov/prevent/enterovirus/documents/EV68_parent_letter_20140915.pdf 

Please refer to the following website from the Vermont Department of Health for further information.
http://healthvermont.gov/prevent/enterovirus/ev68.aspx


Sincerely,


Kristen Taylor, RN
Smilie Memorial School
Tuesdays, Thursday and Friday mornings
434-2757

Open House and Ice Cream Social

Dear Families and Friends,

In conjunction with the Smilie Community Association we will hold our annual Open House Program on October 21st. We will have an ice cream social from 5:30 PM to  6:00 PM followed by visits to various classrooms from 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM.

Since I'm new to the school, I'll be out and about meeting and greeting as many people as possible. I have been very impressed with the school culture, support for the school, and the teaching and learning occurring at the school.

Sincerely,

Bernie FitzGerald, Interim Principal

Smilie Community Association Update

Dear Smilie Families,

Here is what the SCA has coming up in early October:

• Fall Festival, Saturday October 4, 11 AM-2 PM: You can look forward to a Bouncy House, crafts, music, games, baked goods, and hot soup during this free event.
• Next SCA Meeting, October 6, 5:30 PM - 7:00 PM: Pizza will be provided for free! Bring the kids if you want and learn more about the SCA.

Click here for the fall festival flyer.

More dates to follow, check back shortly.

Advice for Parents: Listening Skills

ADVICE FOR PARENTS: LISTENING SKILLS

It is important that parents be good listeners so children will learn what they have to say has meaning. Often children don’t express their thoughts because they are surrounded by adults. However, when given an opportunity children are very purposeful in addressing personal matters and evolving friendships at school and in the neighborhood.

Here are some ways to encourage your children to communicate at home and to gain confidence in problem solving and conversation:

Be interested and attentive: Children know when you are paying attention. Forget about the telephone and other distractions and maintain eye contact to show you are really listening.

Encourage children to talk: Some children need an invitation to talk. Begin conversations with, “Tell me about your day.” Children are more likely to share ideas and feelings with others when they think they are being heard respectfully.

Listen patiently:

Because their vocabulary and experience are limited, it may take children longer to express themselves. Allow them to take their time.

Hear children out:

Avoid the temptation to jump to an opinion or reject what they have to say before they have finished speaking. Respect their right to have and express their opinion.

Look for nonverbal messages:

Listen to the tone and take note of his/her facial expressions, energy level and posture. Often you can tell more from the way a child says something than you can tell from what is said.

You don’t have to be a genius:

Children don’t necessarily expect you to have a solution to their current dilemma but they need to be heard. They will often work problems out for themselves or dismiss them once they have had a chance to verbalize their perspective.

Try to keep that communication door open as it will build confidence and trust as children become more self directed.

Sincerely,

Bernie FitzGerald

Interim Principal

CESU Proposed School District Unification Vote on November 4, 2014

CESU Proposed School District Unification Vote
on November 4, 2014

Dear Community Members,

Over the course of the past 11 months, the Chittenden East Voluntary Merger Planning Committee (VMPC) has been studying and discussing unifying Chittenden East Supervisory Union’s (CESU) eight school districts into one unified school system.  As part of its work, the VMPC has prepared a Report and Articles of Agreement outlining the framework of a proposed unified school district.  The report and articles were submitted to the Vermont State Board of Education on July 29, 2014.  After review and an affirmative recommendation from the Vermont Agency of Education, the State Board of Education approved the report and articles on August 19, 2014.  The action of the State Board of Education established a date for the electorates of Bolton, Huntington, Jericho, Richmond, Underhill Incorporated and Underhill Town School Districts to vote on unifying CESU’s eight districts.  This vote will take place in conjunction with the state and federal elections on November 4, 2014.  Per state statute, the unified school district can look different depending on how many towns approve the unification article.  If the unification article passes in all of CESU’s member municipalities, a Unified Union School District will be formed.  If the article passes in a majority of CESU’s municipalities (i.e. four out six), a Modified Union School District will be established.  Under a Modified Union School District, one or two towns that do not pass the unification article will continue an independent elementary district and have proportional representation on the new Modified Union School District Board. 

As specified in state law, elections of board directors must take place on the same date that the unification article is voted.  Community members interested in serving on this new union school board can pick up petitions at their local town office.  Residents of the following school districts can find petitions at these locations:

School District	School Director Positions	Petitions Available at:
Bolton:	One 3-year term	Bolton Town Office, CESU Website
Huntington:	One 2-year term One 3-year term	Huntington Town Office, CESU Website
Jericho:	Two 1-year terms One 2-year term One 3-year term	Jericho Town Office, CESU Website
Richmond:	Two 1-year terms One 2-year term One 3-year term	Richmond Town Office, CESU Website
Underhill ID:	Two 2-year terms	Underhill ID Elementary School,CESU Website
Underhill Town:	One 1-year term One 3-year term	Underhill Town Office, CESU Website

Please take note: Petitions must be returned to the Town Clerk no later than 5pm on September 29, 2014. 

For more details on the work of the Voluntary Merger Committee and contact information for committee members, please click on the following link: CESUVoluntary Merger Committee.

A number of informational meetings regarding the proposed unification will be held throughout CESU.  Click HERE to find a meeting in your town/municipality.