The Compass Connector for Wednesday, November 6. The Compass School in Westminster, Vermont is a vibrant learning community for grades 7 -12 in Westminster, Vermont, Compass is a small school dedicated to the success of every student.
Compass Connector for Wednesday, 10/23/24
A Note from the Head of School
Kendra Rickerby
Music is a universal language. Observing Compass students listen to Louisa Stonehill and Nick Burns perform in the big room a few weeks ago fills my cup of joy and keeps me motivated.
Last week, we were delighted to welcome the Ashuelot Music Series and we hope to see you at their performance at the Bellows Falls Opera House on Sunday, November 3. Please also consider joining us at Compass for a very special concert with the Sitkovetsky Piano Trio at 2:15 PM on Thursday, October 31. Bonus points will be awarded to those who show up impersonating a classical musician from the past.
Here is a link to the Sitkovestky Piano Trio playing Brahms Piano Trio in C minor for Piano, Violin, and Cello, II. At this website, https://www.bluoceanarts.com/sitkovetsky-trio, you can learn more about their music and travels.
The performing arts are important to the Compass learning community. Please let us know if you hear of other opportunities to expose our students to such creative and musical talent. We welcome musicians, artists, and creative thinkers anytime.
Hope you will be able to join us on October 31 for this unique opportunity right here in our school’s big room.
Be well,
Kendra
P.S. Thank you for using Compass School’s new mobile phone number, 802-428-3868 to report attendance.
Save the Date: December 13, 2024
This year instead of our traditional Fiesta, the Junior class is hosting a Holiday Bazaar. There will be music, food, activities and holiday gifts. The Bazaar is on December 13, 2024 starting at 5:00 pm and ending around 9:00 pm. It is similar to a winter market and we’re looking for vendors. You can sell homemade crafts and goods. If you make a food item, please list ingredients for those with allergies. It costs $30 for a table space. All the proceeds go to the 11th grade trip to Puerto Rico. Please email Sandra or call Compass at 802-428-3868 if you’d like to be a vendor!
Flyer designed by Benjamin Holder
Music Program Seeking Instruments
by Lola Saccardo
The music class here at Compass would love some donations. We are looking for instruments in good condition. A number of students are interested in learning guitar and other stringed instruments. If they need a simple fix like restringing or tuning, we can easily fix that. Both electric and acoustic would be useful. If you’d rather loan and instrument let us know you would like it back at the end of the year. Contact Lou Vitale if you have anything to donate.
Lou Vitale and a couple of students learning guitar during lunch.
College Application Season is Here!
by Jacksyn and Carter
For college day this year, on November 8, a Vermont State College representative is coming to Compass to present to upperclassmen (Juniors and Seniors) about the many options at our state colleges. For the rest of the day 11th graders will visit and tour a college campus. The seniors will stay behind and work on their college applications and transcripts.
Closer to home, if you are looking for a local college that supports kids who learn differently, check out Landmark College in Putney, Vermont. RSVP for their open house below.
Reminders
Student-Led Conferences are This Friday!
Have you signed up yet? Student-led conferences are an important part of proficiency-based education here at Compass. Please email your student’s advisor to pick a time on Friday, October 25th that works for your family!
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PSAT’s This Week for Juniors
On Thursday, October 24th, 11th graders will take the PSAT’s beginning after breakfast and last until lunch. (9:30 - 12:10) Your child’s attendance is mandatory on that day.
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Do you Have a Junior Going to Puerto Rico?
Check your email for a Zoom link! We look forward to seeing tonight, Wednesday, October 23rd at 6:15 pm. The meeting will last between 30 and 45 minutes.
Many thanks!
Ann & Sandra - Junior Class Advisors
On the Calendar - Fall 2024
Every Thursday - Juniors sell cookies, brownies & T-shirts for their Global Connections Trip!
Thursday, 10/24 Juniors take the PSATs at Compass
Friday, 10/25 NO CLASSES - Student Led Conferences
Tuesday, 11/5 Junior & Senior’s Election watch party
Friday, 11/8 College Day for Compass Students
Monday, 11/11 NO SCHOOL - Veteran’s Day
Compass Connector for Wednesday, 10/9/24
A Note from the Head of School
by Kendra Rickerby
I’m thrilled to announce the IT upgrade is close to being wrapped up! Compass School’s new mobile phone number, 802-428-3868, is up and running.
For those old enough to remember that one hit wonder by Tommy Tutone, Jenny, I am singing 802-428-3868.
Going forward:
Expect to receive a message from the 802-428-3868 over the course of the next few days. Then please be sure to save this number in your contact list.
Communicate absences and/or early dismissals via text to 802-428-3868. Or, you can email attendance@compassvt.org. Texting method is preferred. Either way will be received.
Expect announcements re: inclement weather and other reminders to be texted as well as published in this Compass Connector. School closings are also published on WCAX (not quite yet ready to think about snow)
With this IT upgrade comes some improvements to our communication system including a video cam being installed at the front entry. This allows whomever is carrying the new phone to see who is entering the building. The front doors will remain locked at all times. There are signs indicating where you can find the buzzer and someone will always be in the main office and/or art room. Please be patient with us as we use our new systems. Someone will come let you in!
Also, Compass School has a new domain name: compassvt.org. If your child is encountering glitches accessing their new email address, please send them to me or Lou Vitale. All emails are now firstname.lastname@compassvt.org.
Lastly, our Internet connection is now functioning on fiber optics, which provides us with more reliable bandwidth. Words won’t convey how much we appreciate the donation given last year to make these upgrades.
Thank you for your support.
Regards,
Kendra
Reminder: Mountain Day is Friday, Oct. 11!
by Zoey Perry
We are excited for Mountain Day this Friday at Mount Ascutney! The weather looks like it’s going to cooperate but please remember to dress in layers, pack a hat, gloves and lunch. (unless you ordered a bag lunch from Cher).
If you’re picking up at Compass at the end of the trip, remember that all returning vehicles will be back to Compass by 4:30 p.m.
️New Teacher Feature️
Meet Brian Weber!
by Jacksyn McAllister and Carter DeCoste
Brian came to Compass because of the tight and close community where he can connect more with his students and where people take care of each other. He is a STEM teacher(Science, Technology, Engineering, Math).
He teaches 10th-grade geometry and 11/12 science. He shares the 8th-grade advisory with Gabe and does the coding ELO. Brian likes to play Magic: The Gathering in his free time and with students during lunch.
He also likes to kayak, hike, camp, mountain bike, and anything remote control tech-related like flying drones and RC Cars/ Crawlers. Brian especially enjoys hanging out with his family.
Thank You For Your Support!
By, Raisa Wentworth
Juniors and Seniors screen printing shirts to fundraise for the Puerto Rico trip.
Starting Thursday, Juniors will be selling cookies, brownies, and personalized T-shirts to fundraise for the Global Connections Program and other Compass community trips. The cookies/brownies are $5/bag, and the T-shirts are $20. The juniors and seniors went to the Wonky Press in Brattleboro this year for a service day. The juniors have decided that they will be going to Puerto Rico for their trip!
On the Calendar - Fall 2024
Thursday, 10/10 Hireability meets with the 11 & 12th grade
to learn more about their goals for the future
Friday, 10/11 Mountain Day! (no regular classes)
Monday 10/14 NO SCHOOL - Indigenous People’s Day
Thursday 10/24 Juniors take the PSATs at Compass
Friday, 10/25 Student Led Conferences (more info soon)
Tuesday, 11/5 Junior & Senior’s Election watch party
The Compass Connector for Wednesday, 10/2/24
Mountain Day is Coming Soon!
by Zoey Perry
On October 11, 2024, we will be going on a trip we call Mountain Day. It is a Compass tradition! This time we will be going to Mount Ascutney on the Weathersfield trail. It is an all day trip and we would love for you to join us.
We need more parent drivers to help with transportation because we no longer have a bus driver. All parent and guardian chaperones are welcome.
Cher is providing bag lunches for mountain day for $5 or you can bring a lunch from home.
Gabe will be sending out an email with more details including a google form to help us plan so please watch your inbox. If you have any other questions about Mountain Day contact Gabe.
⭐️New Teacher Feature⭐️
Meet Rachel Golden-Coup!
by Jacksyn McCallister and Carter Decoste
Rachel said she came to Compass and left the public education system because she felt pigeon holed in her school.
She said, “They expected me to do so much without enough resources and tools to help me. I like the education style of the Compass and that it is a more student-led educational experience. I also like having more of a relationship with my students, giving me more of a community feeling”. Rachel teaches middle school math, middle school science, and fiber arts. For hobbies she likes to walk, doing wildlife photography and generally be outside.
Junior Class Begins Fundraising
for their Global Connections Trip
As part of the Global Connections Program at Compass School every 11th grader takes part in a trip later in the school year. Students build deeper friendships while learning about the culture, people, and environment of the place they travel to. A lot of planning and fundraising goes into these trips.
This year’s Junior Class will be selling Cher’s homemade cookies and brownies on Thursday 10/4 at pick up! Cookie flavors: chocolate chip, sugar and oatmeal raisin. $5/bag for a sweet treat your family will love.
On the Calendar - October, 2024
Friday, 10/11 Mountain Day (no regular classes)Monday 10/14 NO SCHOOL - Indigenous People’s DayFriday, 10/25 Student Led Conferences
Welcome back! Read the latest Compass Connector.
what is the Compass Connector?
The Compass Connector is a weekly email to our community with highlights from the school and surrounding area.
Meet Your New Editorial Team!
Pictured above left-to-right: Lola, Dechen, Raisa, Zoey, Jacksyn, Carter
(Not Pictured: Bennett)
It’s a new year at Compass and we thought you’d like to meet your new editorial team! Together with Cara, we’ll be bringing you the weekly news, events, and important information you need to know to stay connected to the Compass Community.
Hey, I’m Lola, and I’m in 12th grade, so this is my last year here in the compass community. This trimester I will be helping with writing the compass school newsletter. I am very excited to write what compass school is offering and to tell first year parents how we act in this community.
Hello, my name is Zoey and I am in 11th grade, I will be helping with the Compass Connecter.
Hi, I’m Jacksyn and I’m excited to contribute this year.
Hi, I’m Dechen, I’m in 12th grade, and I’m excited to help keep you all informed about various school-related news and events!
Hi, I’m Carter, I’m in 11th grade. I am looking forward to helping plan the Compass newsletter.
Hi, I’m Bennett. I’m in 11th grade, and I’m happy to be here.
Hi, I’m Raisa, I’m in 12th grade and I am looking forward to contributing to this newsletter.
️Special Programing Days
On Thursday and Friday this week (September 26th and 27th), we will have special activities instead of regular classes! *all outdoor activities are weather dependent
7th and 8th grade is hoping to be outdoors locally on Thursday but their plan may change due to weather. On Friday, they will be going to V.I.N.S. and the Quechee Gorge. Please bring extra clothes. For lunch on Friday, they will have to bring food from home.
9th and 10th grade will be making and editing their own films together in groups and presenting them on Friday. The Flash Film Fest is a Compass tradition.
11th and 12th grade will be doing some fun outdoor activities and service work at a few different places nearby. For lunch, students can either bring food from home, buy a bag lunch from Cher ($5), or bring money to get lunch at Allen Bros or the Brattleboro Co-op. Students who live in Brattleboro can be dropped off in town near the end of the school day.
Have you seen what’s in the latest Compass Connector? (Week ending 5/31)
Recent Compass Connector Highlights
The Compass Connector is a weekly email distributed each Friday to our community with highlights from the school and surrounding area.
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I’ve got the one hit wonder Walking on Sunshine by Katrina and the Waves stuck in my head. This brings back fond memories of walking toward my own high school graduation with a boombox in hand dancing to the lyrics: “ I feel alive, I feel the love, I feel the love that’s really real.”
As I sit down to write this week’s note which is also the culmination of my first year as Head of School, one of my favorite ‘80s songs has taken on new meaning. Back when we were preparing for Giving Day in December, Louise said it best, "At the core of compassion is Compass".
The Class of 2024’s middle school experience ended with an abrupt shutdown of schools due to a global pandemic. Since then these beautiful humans have persevered and earned their high school diploma. We look forward to celebrating them and you all at tomorrow’s ceremony.
This weekly note marks the ending of the 2023-2024 school year. This summer we will be upgrading Compass School’s IT network and transitioning to the use Cisco Meraki products. The next Compass Connector will be sent using that new to Compass technology in the Fall!
As some families are transitioning elsewhere after this year, and new are coming to Compass, I hope all continue to walk in the sunshine and are able to find joy in this weekend’s weather forecast.
Regards,
Kendra -
Please join us to celebrate the 12 seniors who are ready to begin their lives beyond high school!
The ceremony starts at 10:30 am and, weather permitting, we'll be outside.
Please plan to stay for light snacks, conversation, and celebrations cupcakes after the event.
Personalized diplomas are unique to Compass so take a close look at each one to learn more about each of our seniors! -
Please help us shape the future of Compass School!
We welcome your insight and invite you to contribute to the fundraising planning process for the years to come. Some of you have already participated in focus groups, work group meetings, and staff have completed the SOAR Template. SOAR stands for strengths-opportunities-aspirations-results.
The SOAR approach is intentionally designed to flip the deficit mentality of a SWOT analysis. In the past when strategic planning, some organizations relied on the SWOT (strengths-weakness-opportunities-threat) approach.
Building on the community’s vision for personalization and compassion, the process of fundraising and development this year is being anchored in this strengths-based approach. All of which aligns with Compass School’s legacy and involvement with the Coalition for Essential Schools.With the goal of crafting an inclusive, well informed vision for the future of our organization, please share your perspectives in a 10-15 minute survey.
Employee Survey
Student Survey
Alumni Survey
Donor Survey
Thank you! -
➡️June 1st - Graduation @10:30 am
➡️May 28 - June 5th - Project Week
➡️June 5th - NO SCHOOL Project Exhibition Night - Students arrive at 4pm to set up.
➡️June 6th - Last Day of School
Project Week In-Progress
Thank you to all the parents, community members, friends, family, and board members who came out this week to support our students as they presented their learning in a variety of formats. Your kind words and celebrations of who they are and how they learn made this week even more special.
🎓Join Us for Graduation Tomorrow!
Please join us to celebrate the 12 seniors who are ready to begin their lives beyond high school!
The ceremony starts at 10:30 am and the weather is looking lovely for an outside ceremony!
Please plan to stay for light snacks, conversation, and celebrations cupcakes after the event.
Reminder: *Juniors are required attend and need to arrive by 10 o'clock to help set up.
Personalized diplomas are unique to Compass so take a close look at each one to learn more about each of our seniors!
We're looking forward to a fantastic celebration and hope you'll join us for a special morning.
**Please park only on Compass campus property.
Parents Corner
It's hard to believe next week is our final few days of school for the year!
➡️Monday, June 3rd is the last day of project week. Your kids will either be on or off campus based on their projects.
➡️Tuesday, June 4th all students are expected back at Compass for the full day of school.
➡️Wednesday, June 5th, NO SCHOOL during the day. Exhibition night begins at 4pm for all students, parents, and community members. Join us! The event will end by 6:30pm.
➡️Thursday, June 6th - Last day of school for all students
Have you seen what’s in the latest Compass Connector? (Week ending 5/24)
Recent Compass Connector Highlights
The Compass Connector is a weekly email distributed each Friday to our community with highlights from the school and surrounding area.
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Please help us shape the future of Compass School!
We welcome your insight and invite you to contribute to the fundraising planning process for the years to come. Some of you have already participated in focus groups, work group meetings, and staff have completed the SOAR Template. SOAR stands for strengths-opportunities-aspirations-results.
The SOAR approach is intentionally designed to flip the deficit mentality of a SWOT analysis. In the past when strategic planning, some organizations relied on the SWOT (strengths-weakness-opportunities-threat) approach.
Building on the community’s vision for personalization and compassion, the process of fundraising and development this year is being anchored in this strengths-based approach. All of which aligns with Compass School’s legacy and involvement with the Coalition for Essential Schools.With the goal of crafting an inclusive, well informed vision for the future of our organization, please share your perspectives in a 10-15 minute survey by no later than June 1, 2024.
Employee Survey
Student Survey
Alumni Survey
Donor Survey
We are enjoying celebrating students at their roundtables and we look forward to graduating the Class of 2024. Thanks so very much for your contributions and support.
Be well,
Kendra -
Contracts are signed and students are ready to spend the next week and a half in a small group or individually learning about subjects that interest and inspire them.
Project week runs from Tuesday 5/28 - Wed 6/5.
Important Dates to Mark:
➡️Tuesday June 4th - ALL students required to be at school, even if their project is off-site.
➡️June 5th - NO SCHOOL Project Exhibition Night - Students arrive at 4pm to set up. -
Please join us to celebrate the 12 seniors who are ready to begin their lives beyond high school!
The ceremony starts at 10:30 am and, weather permitting, we'll be outside.
Please plan to stay for light snacks, conversation, and celebrations cupcakes after the event.
Personalized diplomas are unique to Compass so take a close look at each one to learn more about each of our seniors! -
➡️May 27 - NO SCHOOL - Memorial Day
➡️June 1st - Graduation @10:30 am
➡️May 28 - June 5th - Project Week
➡️June 5th - NO SCHOOL Project Exhibition Night - Students arrive at 4pm to set up.
➡️June 6th - Last Day of School
Presentations of Learning / Y.E.A.R. Reviews
L-R: Zinth Holder's 7th grade POL, 9th and 11th Grades Y.E.A.R. Reviews
Roundtables
L-R: Cinnamon Lawrence's 8th grade RT, Maggie Breen's 10th grade RT, and Brendan Mathieu's 12th grade RT!
Thank you to all the parents, community members, friends, family, and board members who came out this week to support our students as they presented their learning in a variety of formats. Your kind words and celebrations of who they are and how they learn made this week even more special.
Parents Corner
🎓Junior Parents - Graduation is Saturday, June 1st. Commencement starts at 10:30am. *Juniors are required attend and need to arrive by 10 o'clock to help set up. We're looking forward to a fantastic celebration and hope you'll join us for a special morning.
*Juniors who are taking the SAT's are not required to come.
🎉 ALL PARENTS Wednesday, June 5th Project Exhibitions Please note the change in schedule. There is no school this day. Please have your student to school by 4pm to set up their project week exhibition. Then join us to take a tour of all student's learning transformations! The event will finish about 6:30pm
🧽The last day of school is Thursday, June 6th. We'll be deep cleaning the school followed by a closing circle, and picnic lunch. If we have good weather, we'll go swimming too!
Save the Date: Class of 2024's Graduation Ceremony
Saturday, June 1st is Graduation Day
Please join us to celebrate the 12 seniors who are ready to begin their lives beyond high school!
The ceremony starts at 10:30 am and, weather permitting, we'll be outside.
Please plan to stay for light snacks, conversation, and celebrations cupcakes after the event.
Personalized diplomas are unique to Compass so take a close look at each one to learn more about each of our seniors!
Have you seen what’s in the latest Compass Connector? (Week ending 5/16)
Recent Compass Connector Highlights
The Compass Connector is a weekly email distributed each Friday to our community with highlights from the school and surrounding area.
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As the end of my first year at Compass is coming to a wrap, I continue to marvel at the brilliance and creativity students display. The exhibitions, senior projects, and the oral exams are distinguishing features of what makes the Compass learning community shine so bright.
I look forward to the Senior’s Roundtables next week and wish to use this note to highlight the exemplary coordination Alexandrin brings to this culminating experience for students.
Look forward to seeing you all at graduation on June 1 at 10:30 AM.
May this final stretch of the school year bring each of us joy, sunshine, and laughter.
- Kendra -
Being a senior at Compass means 'showing your work', literally. The next weeks are filled with visual, oral, and roundtable exhibitions demonstrating why they are ready to graduate and take their first steps out into the world to pursue their personal and professional paths. Senior projects are great deal of work.
Read their blogs documenting their learning goals.
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At Compass students show their annual growth in all five learning realms by building their portfolio to show they met all proficiencies for the year.
Ask your student if this is a year that they are working on a Presentation of Learning (POL) or a Roundtable.
These are culminating student-led learning presentations you'll be invited to!
Community members and board members are welcome to attend. Interested? Please email Alexandrin at Alexandrin.zuser@compass-school.org -
Has your student chosen if they are doing a group or an individual project?
The group project options at school are:
1. Trail Maintenance with Ron
2. Hiking & other outings with Nicole
3. Book Club with Sandra
4. Play Production with Andrew Freeman
⬇️See Parents Corner below for ideas of individual projects.
Reminder: Students need parents to sign their contract for individual projects. -
➡️May 20th - NO SCHOOL, Teacher Inservice Day
➡️May 21st - Project week contracts due
➡️May 21-24 - Portfolio Week
➡️May 27 - NO SCHOOL - Memorial Day
➡️May 28 - June 5th - Portfolio Week
➡️June 1st - Graduation
➡️June 5th - NO SCHOOL Project Exhibition Night - Students arrive at 4pm to set up.
➡️June 6th - Last Day of School
Class trips at the end of the year are a great way to learn through experiences while bonding with peers in a new way. The 9th & 10th graders had a great time exploring Boston! And thank you to the parent volunteers who went along for the day.
Parents Corner
In the last three weeks of our school year there are a number of events happening where your children get to showcase their work. Please join us for any and all exhibitions that you are able to.
📝Reminder: Project week signed contracts are due this Tuesday, 5/21. Is your child planning on doing an independent project? Please talk to them about their ideas so they have time to plan and connect with mentors who can sign off on the project before the deadline.
Categories/Ideas for Individual Projects
Project week is a chance for students to do something fun and meaningful for their own learning. Successful projects take many forms and can include such things as:
Arts: Create a mural, movie, dance, poems, short stories;
Immersion: Try being an artist, or a poet, or a scientist;
Learn a skill: Fix a car, build a cabinet, cook Chinese food;
Academic Discovery: Research an animal species, read about WWII, conduct a science experiment;
Community Service: Do yard work for an elderly neighbor, volunteer at a farm, connect with an activist organization, do a job shadow, assist your parent’s business. Please discuss project week ideas with your child.
🧽The last day of school is Thursday, June 6th. We'll be deep cleaning the school followed by a closing circle, and picnic lunch. If we have good weather, we'll go swimming too!
🎓Graduation is Saturday, June 1st. Commencement starts at 10:30am. *Juniors are required attend and need to arrive by 10 o'clock to help set up. We're looking forward to a fantastic celebration and hope you'll join us for a special morning.
*Juniors who are taking the SAT's are not required to come.
🎉 Wednesday, June 5th Project Exhibition Day - Please note the change in schedule. There is no school this day. Please have your student to school by 4pm to set up their project week exhibition. Then join us to take a tour of all student's learning transformations! The event will finish about 6:30pm.
Have you seen what’s in the latest Compass Connector? (Week ending 5/10)
Recent Compass Connector Highlights
The Compass Connector is a weekly email distributed each Friday to our community with highlights from the school and surrounding area.
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One of Compass’ educational pillars is democracy. This week our middle schoolers witnessed the completion of a legislative process that brings a smile to what democracy in action can look like.
On Tuesday, May 7th, Governor Phil Scott signed the Mushroom Bill - making Vermont the 6th state in the union to have a state mushroom. Thanks to the support and mentorship of Representative Michelle Bos-Lun, Zinth, Mustapha, and Nicholas made their case in front of the Senate Committee on Agriculture. They were heard and the vote passed in the Senate. Here is a link to WCAX’s press release.
We’re grateful for technology and Governor Scott’s invitation to be ‘present’ while he signed the bill. He was generous enough to take a few extra minutes and answer student questions. In his speech, he shared that hands-on learning impacted his own trajectory and encouraged our students to explore careers. We are so proud of our students and the effort they took to make their ideas become reality. We captured this milestone event in a 6-minute video. If you’d like to watch it you can view it here.
As we approach the end of the school year, we look forward to seeing you at more exhibitions and graduation! -
🎓On Tuesday, May 14th, the seniors will be exhibiting their senior projects and you are all invited! Join us in The Big Room from 9:30-11:00 a.m. Seniors will have engaging displays of their senior projects set up and will be on hand to answer questions.
Pictured above are Brendan and Solan test-playing Tristen's board game. Want to see the rest of the creative projects?
Come on Tuesday! -
Middle Schoolers:
Please see detailed breakdown in the last section of this newsletter!
9th & 10th Graders are headed to Boston to explore the aquarium, Quincy Market, Smith College Botanical Gardens, and more!
11th Graders will stay local. They're hoping to share their Puerto Rico trip with other local schools on those days. They may join our middle school for a day in Burlington too!
12th Graders will be here working on their final roundtable! -
➡️Tuesday, May 14th - End of Trimester 3
➡️Tuesday, May 14th - Senior Project Exhibitions 9:30-11am
➡️Wed, May 15 - Fri, May 17 - Spring Trips by Grade
➡️May 20th - NO SCHOOL, Teacher Inservice Day
➡️May 21-24 - Portfolio Week
➡️May 27 - NO SCHOOL - Memorial Day
➡️May 28 - June 5th - Portfolio Week
➡️June 1st - Graduation
➡️June 5th - Project Exhibition Night
➡️June 6th - Last Day of School
1920's Living Museum
It felt like walking back in time last night as the 9th and 10th graders brought the 1920's to life! Thanks to all of you who came out to tour their learning displays. Organizing and creating an event like this is a lot of work! A huge shout out to Ann, our humanities teacher, for all her hard work. And of course Cher for the delicious snacks.
Parents Corner
We are rapidly approaching the end of our school year and that means there are a number of events happening where your children get to showcase their work. Please join us for any and all exhibitions that you are able to.
In an effort to keep you well informed, but not overwhelmed, details about graduation and the last week of school will come in next week's newsletter.
Refer to the below dates below for a chronological timeline.
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Middle School Class Trip Plan 5/15 - 5/17
Wed, May 15th: 8:25 am - 3:15 pm
Portfolio work at school in the morning; Fall Mountain hike after lunch
Thurs, May 16th: 8:25 am - 8:00 pm Long day trip to the Burlington, VT area. We welcome parent volunteers to chaperone and/or help transport students. Please contact advisors if you are interested.
Fri, May 17th: NO SCHOOL for 7/8 students.- Advisors will be available to schedule remote meetings for portfolio support
Categories/Ideas for Individual Projects
Project week is a chance for students to do something fun and meaningful for their own learning. Successful projects take many forms and can include such things as:
Arts: Create a mural, movie, dance, poems, short stories;
Immersion: Try being an artist, or a poet, or a scientist;
Learn a skill: Fix a car, build a cabinet, cook Chinese food;
Academic Discovery: Research an animal species, read about WWII, conduct a science experiment;
Community Service: Do yard work for an elderly neighbor, volunteer at a farm, connect with an activist organization, do a job shadow, assist your parent’s business. Please discuss project week ideas with your child.