A few items of interest and news for you to view and read
Enjoy the day and weekend
Good morning Norwich,
I am sharing with you a few bits of information and upcoming happenings from the listserv in case you don’t subscribe to it along with a puzzle and the Marion Cross Newsletter.
Household Hazardous Waste Collection: Wed July 16th, 9-1 Hartford Transfer Station
From: Andy Scherer <ascherer@marcvt.org>
Date: Sun, 27 Apr 2025 01:05:01 +0000
If you find yourself inspired to do some spring cleaning with the warmer
weather, you may come across some unwanted and potentially hazardous products.
If you wonder "How do I get rid of this?" please consider bringing it to our
Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) collection event this summer.
Wednesday, July 16th, 9am - 1pm at Hartford's Transfer Station located at 2590
N Hartland Rd, White River Junction, VT 05001
Please visit https://www.guvswmd.org/hazardous-waste.html for details on what
is acceptable for the collection or call 802-674-4474.
This event is free for the residents of Hartford and all GUVSWMD towns.
Businesses are welcome to bring their hazardous waste but MUST call 802-674-
4474 and pre-register prior to the event.
Please email or call the solid waste district office with any questions.
Andy Scherer
Recycling and Outreach Coordinator
Greater Upper Valley Solid Waste Management District
PO Box 320
38 Ascutney Park Rd
Ascutney, VT 05030
ascherer@marcvt.org<ascherer@marcvt.org>
802-674-4474
www.guvswmd.org<http://www.guvswmd.org/
There will also be a Vermont Organics recycling Summit with a free tour
Vermont Organics Recycling Summit + Free Tours
When: Apr 30-May 1, 2025
URL: https://www.compostingvermont.org/vors-202
We The People/draft Animal Control Ordinance
From: Priscilla Vincent <priscilla.e.vincent@gmail.com>
Date: Sat, 26 Apr 2025 09:53:52 -0400
As per the Selectboard meeting discussion, and reported in the Valley News,
there will be a recreation committee meeting on Tuesday, May 6th at 7 pm in
Tracy Hall. This could be an opportunity to continue the discussion about
dogs at Huntley Meadow. And of course the Selectboard will take up the
topic again at its May 14th meeting. Show up if you want your voice to be
heard and/or send correspondence. There are many sides to this issue and
all need to be heard with open minds and compassionate hearts. Our town
will make a better decision if we all come together in dialog.
PriscillaVermont Organics Recycling Summit + Free Tours
When: Apr 30-May 1, 2025
URL: https://www.compostingvermont.org/vors-2025This Week at NPL 4/28-5/3
From: Norwich Public Library <norwichlibraryvt@gmail.com>
This Week at Norwich Public LIbrary:
Monday, 4/28 - NPL Board Meeting, 7-8:30 PM
Tuesday, 4/29 - LEGO Tuesday, 3:30-4:30 PM
Tuesday, 4/29 - Poetry Playshop, 5:30-7 PM (Ages 10+)
Wednesday, 4/30 - Story Time!, 10:30-11:30 AM (ages 4 & under, with a
caregiver)
Thursday, 5/1 - Tech Help, 1-4 PM
Friday, 5/2 - Preschool Storytime!, 10:30-11:30 AM (For ages 3-5 years old
with a caregiver. Younger siblings welcome, though the content is geared
towards 3-5 year olds.)
Friday, 5/2 - Tech Help, 11 AM - 1 PM
For more information on any event see
https://www.norwichlibrary.org/april-events-at-npl/, call: 802-649-1184, or
email: circulation.desk@norwichlibrary.org
Meeting House Farm and Norwich cards at D&Ws
From: Emily Myers <emilypiercemyers@gmail.com>
Check out the new selection of spring and summer cards available at Dan & Whit’s (by the office). More cards can be found at:
https://www.meetinghousefarmcreations.com
Thanks for your support,
Emily Myers
28. Jigsaw Puzzle for April 26, 2024
From: Cameron Cross <cross.cameron@gmail.com>
Date: Sat, 26 Apr 2025 23:00:00 -0400
Here's your Sunday jigsaw: https://jigex.com/xU8g5
On January 4, 1887, many of Hanover's buildings lining Main Street were
destroyed by a fire that began at 2 a.m. at the Dartmouth Hotel. Wooden
construction and inadequate water and equipment caused the fire to spread
quickly down the Tontine Block, ultimately destroying eight buildings. The
Lebanon Fire Department came by train from White River Junction and trekked
up from Lewiston Station to help finally contain the fire. The Dartmouth
Hotel was rebuilt in 1889 as the Wheelock Hotel, which was later renamed
the Hanover Inn in 1902. The fire resulted in Hanover establishing a water
company in 1893.
Scanned photo
<https://norwichhistory.org/wp-content/uploads/DartmouthHotelCombined-scaled.jpg>
Courtesy Rauner Library at Dartmouth
Cameron Cross
for the
Norwich Historical Society <
https://norwichhistory.org/
>
I welcome suggestions for future puzzles.
Please send photos with the date, location,
and any other relevant details to: cross.cameron+jigsaw@gmail.com
Important Dates
Thursday, May 22 - Mayfest
Monday, May 26 - Holiday, No School
Tuesday, June 10, 9:30am-1:45pm - Field Day
Wednesday, June 11, 5:00pm - 6th Grade Celebration
Tuesday, June 17 - Last day of school, 12:10 dismissal
Marion Cross School Website Calendar SAU 70 All School/District Website Calendar
Message From The Principal
Celebrating Earth Week, Community Spirit & Student Talent!
This weekend, the MCS Compost Palace will be a stop on the Earth Week Open House Tour! Alongside Chrissy Morley and members of the Environmental Club, I’ll be helping to showcase the incredible efforts our students are making to reduce food waste through composting. Visitors will have the chance to tour our site, learn how we process compost, and hear from passionate student leaders who are eager to share how composting is making a real impact on our school’s sustainability goals. Their enthusiasm and knowledge make it clear that the future of environmental stewardship is in good hands.
In celebration of Earth Week, our Community Groups took part in a full-campus Green Up Day on Thursday. Students came together to pick up trash around the school and throughout the neighborhood, rake leaves, tidy garden beds, and think of ways to support local ecosystems. The teamwork and care on display were a great reminder of the pride our students take in their environment and community.
We also want to give a huge shout out to the SAU 70 music departments for putting on a phenomenal District Music Festival this week. It was incredibly moving to see students from all four schools—elementary through high school—take the stage together. Their powerful performances and collaborative spirit showcased not only their musical talents but also the dedication of our music educators. Events like this highlight the value of the arts in our district and offer students a chance to connect, create, and shine in a truly meaningful way.
At MCS, we are proud to offer our students a rich variety of opportunities that help them grow into well-rounded individuals. Whether they’re working hands-on to care for the environment, giving back through service, or expressing themselves through music and the arts, our students are learning to lead with heart, think critically, and act with purpose. Earth Week has given us a perfect snapshot of what makes MCS such a vibrant and inspiring place to learn.
Enjoy the weekend,
Shawn
Student Services Update
VTCAP Testing Update
Students in grades 3-6 completed their VTCAP testing this week! We are holding off on our celebrations until a few folks who were absent make up their tests next week. However, as the test coordinator, I have been extremely pleased with how hard Marion Cross students have worked to show their reading, math, and science ability. Students and families have been supportive of this State requirement and I am excited to share individual results next fall.
Please send me any feedback about this experience for your family or student.
Sincerely,
Greg Bagnato
gregbagnato@hanovernorwichschools.org
Counselor's Corner
Welcome to another exciting week in Class Counsel with Ms. Keel! We’ve been diving deep into our emotions and learning how to navigate them like pros! Let’s take a look at what we’ve been up to and what’s coming next!
Last week
Last week in Miss Anderson’s Kindergarten, we continued our exploration of feelings in the Yellow Zone of the Zones of Regulation. Meanwhile, Mrs. Freeman’s Kindergarten class just started with the Blue Zone, trying out some fantastic strategies to help regulate our bodies and brains. In First Grade, we kicked off our review of the Zones of Regulation, having a blast experimenting with different strategies.
In Second Grade, we continued our journey with feelings while enjoying the movie Inside Out. Third Grade began a new unit on problem-solving, learning how to express problems without blame as our first STEP. In Fourth Grade, we’re winding down our problem-solving unit, using the STEP process to choose the best solutions for everyone involved. Fifth Grade is still on the journey through puberty, following Riley’s adventures in Inside Out 2. Finally, in Sixth Grade, we explored calm-down strategies to help soothe our nervous systems after experiencing strong emotions.
Next week
Looking ahead, Kindergarten and First Grades will continue their learning with the Zones of Regulation. In Second Grade, we’ll wrap up Inside Out before diving into our next unit. In Third Grade they will keep building on their problem-solving skills using the STEP method. Fourth Grade will apply what they’ve learned to real-life situations, while Fifth Grade will continue with Inside Out 2 until we finish the movie. Lastly, Sixth Grade will keep exploring emotion management strategies, helping students identify what works best for them.
Things to remember
As we move forward, please remember to encourage your child to share their feelings and the strategies they are learning at school. Open communication is key to helping them navigate their emotions effectively!
Until next time!
Thank you for your continued support and enthusiasm! We’re excited to keep learning and growing together. Have a fantastic week ahead!
Please read below for a message from some of our students regarding an initiative they are working on.
Progress Pride Flag at Marion Cross School: A Student-Led Initiative
We are gathering feedback from students, staff, and community members as we consider bringing a proposal to the school board. Our goal? To get permission to hang a Progress Pride flag outside Marion Cross School.
Who We Are:
We are LAAAA (LGBTQIA+ And Allies Activism Association)—a student-led organization focused on making Marion Cross School a more inclusive and welcoming place for everyone. We started this group because, until now, there hasn’t been a club specifically dedicated to promoting inclusivity. We believe Marion Cross can—and should—do better when it comes to acceptance and belonging. That’s why we’re here.
Why the Flag Matters:
The Progress Pride flag is a symbol of inclusion and safety. For us, this flag is not a political statement—it’s a message that everyone is welcome here, no matter who they are. We want all students to feel safe, supported, and seen at school. This flag is one small step toward that goal.
What We've Done So Far:
Met with Principal Mr. Gonyaw to ask if flying the flag would be possible
Checked current school policy (spoiler: there wasn’t one about flags!)
Met with the Assistant Superintendent and Superintendent
Researched other school policies in the state
Wrote a draft policy proposal
Created and distributed a staff survey to gather input
We’ve made a lot of progress already, and now we’re focused on gathering broader community input as we move toward presenting our proposal to the school board. Thank you for supporting a more inclusive Marion Cross!
Please click on this link to give your feedback.
Thank you,
LAAAA Members
School News and Information
From Guidance and Tech
Guidelines for Children's Screen Time: What Parents Should Know
In today’s digital age, managing children’s screen time is a growing concern for many families. With screens becoming an integral part of education, entertainment, and even socialization, it’s more important than ever to establish healthy boundaries. Parents have been asking for clear guidance, and fortunately, leading health organizations—including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), and the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (AACAP)—have outlined evidence-based recommendations.
Screen Time Recommendations by Age
Infants (0–18 months)
AAP & AACAP: Avoid screen time entirely, except for video chatting with a caregiver.
Screen time at this age can interfere with critical brain development and attachment.
Toddlers (18–24 months)
AAP: If introducing screen time, choose high-quality educational programming and always co-view to help your child understand what they’re seeing.
AACAP: Limit use to educational content with a caregiver; keep it brief and meaningful.
Preschoolers (2–5 years)
AAP: Limit to one hour per day of high-quality content; co-viewing is recommended.
AACAP: Limit non-educational screen time to about 1 hour on weekdays and up to 3 hours on weekends.
Emphasis on prioritizing physical play, sleep, and interactive activities.
Children 6 Years and Older
CDC, AAP & AACAP: Set consistent limits to ensure that screen time does not interfere with sleep, physical activity, or other healthy behaviors.
Avoid screens during meals and family outings.
Remove screens from bedrooms, especially 30–60 minutes before bedtime.
Additional Guidance for Parents and Caregivers
Create a Family Media Plan: The AAP encourages families to develop a personalized plan that reflects their values and schedules. This helps balance screen time with school, physical activity, chores, and sleep.
Be Involved: Co-view programs and discuss content with your child. This can enhance learning and provide opportunities for bonding and values-based conversations.
Set Boundaries: Designate screen-free times and zones—especially during meals, before bed, and in bedrooms.
Encourage Alternative Activities: Prioritize physical play, reading, creativity, and social interaction away from screens.
Model Healthy Habits: Children learn by watching. Practice moderation with your own screen use and prioritize face-to-face interactions.
Health Concerns of Excessive Screen Time
Prolonged or unmonitored screen use has been associated with a range of health issues including:
Obesity
Sleep disturbances
Vision problems
Increased anxiety and depression
Lower academic performance
By following expert recommendations and staying actively involved in your child’s digital life, you can foster a balanced and healthy relationship with media.
References
American Academy of Pediatrics. (2023, December 13). Media and young minds. HealthyChildren.org.
American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. (2024, May). Screen time and children
Gold, J. (2024, June 26). Too much screen time harms children, experts agree. So why do parents ignore them? Los Angeles Times.
Pappas, S. (2020, April). What do we really know about kids and screens? APA Monitor on Psychology.
Park, A. (2024, November 20). Teens are stuck on their screens. Here’s how to protect them. Time.
Pathway Pediatrics. (2024). American Academy of Pediatrics announces new recommendations for children’s media use.
PE News
MCS FIELD DAY
Tuesday, June 10, 2025
Greetings Parents and Families,
Warmer days are just ahead! We’re looking forward to moving PE classes out onto our fields for some fun in the sun.
Springtime is a special time of celebration at MCS. One such tradition is our MCS Field Day, which will take place on Tuesday, June 10th. Our school community plans to spend the day on the green, enjoying each other's company while participating in a variety of movement-based activities. It’s a great day to be at MCS!
FIELD DAY VOLUNTEERS NEEDED!
This day would not be possible without the support of our parent community. Please consider lending a helping hand if you have the time. We have various tasks that could use some attention. From food prep, to equipment organizers, to activity supervisors, we got something for you!
Thank You!
Mr. Petrone & the Field Day Committee
CALL FOR MUSICIANS!
Hi everyone, I hope you’re as excited about Mayfest as I am! On Thursday, May 22 at 1 pm we would love to see all of you at our annual Mayfest celebration of music and dance! You will hear the MCS band, watch every student perform a folk dance, and you can even join in our community singing!
Speaking of music, I would like to welcome any grown-up musicians who play a folk instrument (guitar, ukulele, banjo, fiddle, flute, tin whistle, etc. etc. etc.) to join our merry band of musicians. We will play from 9-12 on Thursday May 22 while the kids rehearse their dances, and then the performance will begin at 1 pm. I will be happy to share the music with anyone who’s interested. Some of the songs are fast-paced with tricky chords … BUT some of the sing-along songs are great for beginners, too! Please email me travisramsey@hanovernorwichschools.org if you’re interested!
Courtesy Community Interest Posts
22 Church Street
Norwich, Vermont
802-649-1703
