A rainy day perhaps but...
An assortment of postings and music to keep you shining on.
Good Morning Norwich,
Today we have an assortment of music and a few postings for you to view
We will start off with a music video followed by the Marion Cross Newsletter and then a posting from the Root district schoolhouse and a new puzzle - in color - by Cameron Cross and them Music in between from Chad Finer's Music in the Upper Valley series.
25. MUSIC IN THE UPPER VALLEY - IDA MAE SPECKER & MILLER NUTTLE - "Big Scioty" - recorded at the Root District Schoolhouse in Norwich, Vermont on October 27, 2024
From: Chad <chad.finer@gmail.com>
Date: Thu, 21 May 2026 18:26:28 -0400
IDA MAE SPECKER & MILLER NUTTLE - "Big Scioty" recorded at the Root
District Schoolhouse in Norwich on October 27, 2024.
Chad Finer/Music in the Upper Valley
And this week we have the Jigsaw puzzle and it is in color to add to the fun of solving it.
18. Jigsaw for May 24, 2026: Ledyard Bridge, Now in color
From: Cameron Cross <cross.cameron@gmail.com>
Date: Sat, 23 May 2026 23:25:00 -0400
Jigsaw for May 24, 2026: https://curioustorian-ledyard-bridge.netlify.app/
I'm hosting the usual jigsaw on my own site this week...let's see how it
goes!
This week's puzzle is a colorized late-1800s view of the Ledyard Bridge. I
tracked down the photographer's location on a dramatic knob on River Rd. in
Norwich.
Dig deeper: more photos, artwork, and commentary in Ledyard Bridge, Now in
Color: https://www.curioustorian.com/p/ledyard-bridge-now-in-color
Enjoy these puzzles? You can sign up here to get one each weekend by email:
https://www.curioustorian.com/about
Cameron Cross
for the Norwich Historical Society
https://norwichhistory.org/
And here is the Root Schoolhouse and they would like to tell you about a Community Music Show that will be happening on June 14. Check out their link in the posting
10. Root Schoolhouse Community Music Show June 14
From: David Bibeau <david.a.bibeau@gmail.com>
Date: Sat, 23 May 2026 11:42:44 -0400
The Grange has been getting a lot of press lately, and rightly so! But
there are other gathering space treasures in Norwich, and the Root
Schoolhouse is one of them. Lovingly restored over the last decade or so,
this gem is a perfect intimate space for music and friends.
Come join us June 14 for a late afternoon of music from friends and
neighbors hosted by The Porch Brothers, joined by Cam’s Crew, and Nathan
and Lori Margolis. Music starts at 4pm or thereabouts, the show will run
60 to 90 minutes.
You’ll hear some eclectic bluesy, folksy Americana, some classic rock hits,
maybe an “on the road” song or two and who knows what else! Don’t be shy,
we may encourage some sing-along classics as well.
Light refreshments and drinks will be available. Bring something to share
if you’re in the mood. Stay for a few minutes afterward to chat with your
neighbors.
Who are the Porch Brothers?
Your Norwich neighbors Bob Miller (guitar, harmonica), Dave Barthel (bass
uke, guitar) Jordan Mueller (guitar) and Dave Bibeau (guitar). Also
featuring Dan Longnecker (mandolin) from Bradford, Bill Suite (drums) from
Ryegate and Deb Crosby (guitar) from Wilder.
The Root Schoolhouse is located 987 Union Village Road. Three accessible
parking spaces are available, and some limited lawn parking. Further
parking can be found on Goodrich Four Corners near Hogwash Farm. There is
NO parking on the Union Village Road.
For more information on the schoolhouse visit:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Root_School
Take a few moments to look over the Marion Cross Newsletter which always has some good information and important save - the dates.
Shawn Gonyaw
May 22, 2026, 2:12 PM (2 days ago)
to me
Important Dates
Monday, May 25 - Memorial Day, School Closed
Tuesday, May 26 - Wednesday, May 27 - Eid al-Adha
Wednesday, June 10 - Field Day
Thursday, June 11 - Sixth Grade Celebration, 5:00pm
Tuesday, June 16 - Last day of school, 12:00pm dismissal
Marion Cross School Website Calendar SAU 70 All School/District Website Calendar
Message From The Principal
Mayfest 2026 was truly something special! Thank you to the many families, friends, and community members who joined us on the Norwich Green to support our students. One of the things that makes Mayfest so meaningful is the incredible audience that cheers, claps, dances along, and celebrates our students so wholeheartedly. Your presence helps make this cherished MCS tradition feel joyful and memorable year after year.
A huge thank you also to Mr. Ramsey and the entire MCS staff for the many hours spent helping students prepare for the event. From practicing songs and dances to organizing logistics behind the scenes, there is a tremendous amount of work that goes into making Mayfest happen. Most importantly, thank you to our students, who once again impressed us with their enthusiasm, courage, and talent as they shared a wonderful variety of dances and performances with our community. It was a beautiful afternoon and a wonderful reminder of the joy that comes from being together as a school community.
A quick reminder about bikes and scooters at school: students are absolutely welcome to bring bikes and scooters to school. However, once students arrive on campus, bikes and scooters should be parked for the duration of the school day. We have recently had a number of students riding on Girard Way during bus drop-off and pick-up times, as well as riding unsafely during morning recess. We would appreciate your help in reminding your child(ren) that while bikes and scooters are welcome at MCS, they are not to be ridden during the school day. Our goal is simply to help keep everyone safe during some very busy parts of the day. Thank you for your support and partnership!
Have a wonderful weekend,
Shawn
Student Services Update
Celebrations Continue
What a joyful couple of events at school! At this year’s Mayfest, a beloved Marion Cross tradition, each grade performed a dance, the sixth graders wowed the crowd with their May Pole dance, and it was wonderful to see so many friends and family members come out to cheer them on.
Last week at REP, we also celebrated students who participated in Jump Rope for Heart. As part of the fun, the recognized students even got to surprise their teachers with silly string, making for lots of smiles and laughter.
Have a great weekend,
Greg
School News and Informatio
Hello from Class Counsel with Ms. Keel
I’m excited to share all the wonderful things happening in our social-emotional learning classes! Our students are growing in kindness, empathy, and confidence every day. Let’s take a look at what we’ve been up to and what’s coming next!
Last Week’s Highlights
Kindergarten kicked off our Bullying Prevention unit with the Second Step program, learning how to Recognize, Report, and Refuse bullying, important skills for staying safe and kind. First graders explored empathy and kindness, discovering how small acts can make a big difference. Second graders just finished watching Inside Out as part of our Zones of Regulation unit, practicing ways to manage tricky feelings. Third graders focused on how kindness and empathy help build strong friendships.
What’s Coming Up Next Week?
Kindergarteners will continue their bullying prevention journey with the story Howard B. Wigglebottom Learns About Bullies, a fun way to reinforce what they’ve learned. First graders will dive into the idea of “filling buckets” through kind actions after hearing Have You Filled a Bucket Today? Second graders will explore the “Size of the Problem,” learning how to tell when problems are big or small and how to solve the little ones. Third graders will wrap up their unit as we prepare to close out the year with lots of positive reflections.
Things to Remember
Please encourage your child to practice these important social skills at home. Talking about feelings, kindness, and problem-solving helps reinforce what we learn in class. Also, remind your child that it’s always okay to ask for help if they feel unsure or upset.
Wrapping Up with a Smile
I’m so proud of all our students for their hard work and kindness. Keep cheering them on as they grow into thoughtful, caring friends. Stay tuned for more exciting updates next week as we wind down the school year. Together, we’re building a happier, kinder community.
The annual SAU70 Annual Survey is live. Thank you for your time and thoughts on this survey. We appreciate your candid feedback immensely as we work to maintain and improve the quality of our schools.
Graphic Novelist Dan Abdo to Visit MCS!
Mark your calendars! On Monday, June 1, acclaimed author and illustrator Dan Abdo is visiting Marion Cross School. Dan is the co-creator of the hit graphic novel series Blue, Barry & Pancakes and Barb the Last Berzerker. He will host interactive, creative workshops with all students in grades K–6.This special event is fully funded by the generous support of the MCS PTO. Families can pre-order copies of Dan’s books for personalization through The Norwich Bookstore.
MCS Kids are Reading More (And Yes, Graphic Novels Count!)
Our students are reading more than ever, and the numbers prove it! Marion Cross School library circulation has skyrocketed, jumping over 35% over the past 5 years compared to the 5 years leading up to Covid. Graphic novels now make up nearly 32% of our total library circulation. While our students are reading a healthy mix of everything, graphic novels are undeniably a major driving force behind this wonderful reading boom.
Far from being “just picture books,” graphic novels are often highly sophisticated texts that boost vocabulary, support visual literacy, build fluency and reading stamina, and foster a lifelong love of reading. To explore the immense educational value of this format, check out these two wonderful resources:
Watch: The insightful, animated TED-Ed Talk by Gene Yang on how comic books actively help students learn and control their reading pace.
Read: What to do if my child is reading graphic novels ALL THE TIME! from Laura Amy Schlitz, Newbery Medalist and longtime librarian at The Park School of Baltimore.
Field Day - Wednesday, June 10th. Please mark your calendars for this exciting end-of-year tradition. Our school community will gather on the green for some fun in the sun. This year there will be a variety of wet and dry fitness activities, karaoke, face painting, and bubbles, sprinkled with some alternative spaces for kids to cool down and connect. We will begin our day with a cross country trail run for students in grades 3-6 and conclude our festivities with a 6th grade vs. teachers kickball game. Stay tuned for more information and volunteer opportunities coming from our PTO. I hope to see you there!
Best,
Mr. Petrone
Interested in Demo’s Newsletter?
Courtesy Community Interest Posts
22 Church Street
Norwich, Vermont
802-649-1703
And a few more music videos to listen to if you wish:
More music from Chad's music series here:18. MUSIC IN THE UPPER VALLEY - TWANGTOWN PARAMOURS - “That’s What the Blues Are For” - recorded at the Anonymous Coffeehouse in Lebanon New Hampshire on October 11, 2024
From: Chad <chad.finer@gmail.com>
Date: Tue, 24 Feb 2026 18:31:16 -0500
TWANGTOWN PARAMOURS - “That’s What the Blues Are For” - at the Anonymous
Coffeehouse in Lebanon recorded on October 11, 2024
Chad Finer/Music in the Upper Valley
14. MUSIC IN THE UPPER VALLEY - JOE CROOKSTON - “Blue Tatoo” - A Dina Jacobson Story recorded at Roots & Wings Coffeehouse in Norwich, Vermont on January 21, 2024
From: Chad <chad.finer@gmail.com>
Date: Sun, 22 Feb 2026 16:41:05 -0500
JOE CROOKSTON - “BLUE TATOO” - a Dina Jacobson Story - recorded at Roots &
Wings Coffeehouse in Norwich on January 21, 2024
Chad Finer/Music in the Upper Valley
22. MUSIC IN THE UPPER VALLEY - PHIL BUSH - Upstairs at Dan & Whits in Norwich, Vermont recorded on February 15, 2026
From: Chad <chad.finer@gmail.com>
Date: Fri, 20 Feb 2026 17:25:19 -0500
PHIL BUSH - Upstairs at Dan & Whits in Norwich - recorded on February 15,
2026
Chad Finer/Music in the Upper Valley
