An upcoming Norwich Inn event - Two Newsletters - and a Norwich Lions Club press release
Come and meet and mingle with your neighbors
Hello Norwich and Upper Valley readers,
This post is to advertise a get together at the Norwich Inn and also two newsletters to keep you informed, and a Norwich Lions press release
Norwich Business Council Invites You to Mix & Mingle with Your Neighbors
Tuesday, February 17th
5:30pm–7:00pm
The Norwich Inn, 325 Main St, Norwich VT
Join us for a casual evening of drinks, snacks, and great conversation as we share what the Norwich Business Council has been working on, connect with other local businesses and organizations, and explore opportunities to collaborate and build a stronger, more connected Norwich.
If you know other people running a business or organization in Norwich please encourage them to attend.
I have also attached a flyer if you please print and hang in your business if able.
Come for the updates, stay for the connections!
We hope to see you there!
— Norwich Business Council
And here is this weeks newsletter to keep you informed as there is lot’s of good info whether you have elementary school children or not.
Important Dates
Wednesday, February 4 - Norwich School Board Meeting, 6:30pm, MCS Library
Friday, February 6th - PTO Coffee Talk, 8:15am, focus on reading development, MCS Multipurpose Room
Monday, February 16 - Holiday, School Closed
Monday, February 23 through Friday, February 27 - February Break, No School
Tuesday, March 3 - Town Meeting, Tracy Hall in Norwich
Friday, March 13 - Family Teacher Conferences - No School for Students
Marion Cross School Website Calendar SAU 70 All School/District Website Calendar
Message From The Principal
This week, our K–3 students completed the winter DIBELS reading assessment, and families should look for a letter and score report coming home in backpacks. DIBELS assesses key early literacy skills such as letter knowledge, phonics, accuracy, and reading fluency, helping teachers understand how students are developing as readers and where additional support may be helpful. If you have questions after reviewing your student’s report, please reach out to your student’s classroom teacher.
On Friday, February 6, families are invited to a PTO-sponsored Coffee Talk featuring Lucy Hampton, our talented reading interventionist. Lucy will explain the DIBELS assessment, how to interpret the results, and share practical ways families can support literacy development at home.
Not mentioned last week, but notable, is we enjoyed a meaningful MLK assembly during Rep this week. Thank you to all of our students and staff who participated and shared their talents, including:
Mrs. Trombley’s class singing “Freedom, Freedom Let It Ring”
Second grade singing “We Shall Overcome” and “Freedom Is Sweet”
Remy and Clara reciting “Dreams” and “Still Here” by Langston Hughes
Fourth grade performing excerpts from Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s “I Have a Dream” speech
Mrs. Trombley reading The Oldest Student
Mr. Dean and the full community singing “This Little Light of Mine”
A gentle reminder that our attendance and tardy numbers are increasing. Students should be at school ready to enter the building by 8:05 a.m. Students arriving for breakfast should be at school at 7:45 a.m., and fifth and sixth graders are welcome to come directly to the library starting at that time. If a student arrives after teachers have picked up classes from the playground, a parent should accompany them into the building to sign in with Joy. Being on time helps students start the day calmly, connect with classmates, and fully engage in learning right from the start.
Wishing all of our families a wonderful weekend—with plenty of time to enjoy the fresh snow and winter sunshine!
Have a restful weekend!
ShawnStudent Services Update
Any family who has not completed the Pre-K application and is interested in having their child attend MCS Pre-K next year, please complete the application by Feb 2nd.
On February 2nd, we will examine all the Pre-K applications that have been submitted. If we have more applications then slots available we will prioritize enrollment in the following order:
Currently enrolled Pre-K students
Residents of Norwich
Students with a diagnosed developmental delay(s) or disability
Students who are “at risk” as defined by experiencing homelessness, dual language learners, in foster/kin care, and/or migrant, free and reduced meals eligible
Siblings of Marion Cross School students and children of Marion Cross School Staff
Older students by birthdate. (However, if students turn 5 by the kindergarten cutoff date, September 30th 2026, we would expect them to enroll in kindergarten).
We will offer the 34 spots using our priority order, not first come first serve. For those families not offered a spot in our Pre-K program, they will be placed on the waiting list based on the priority order.
Have a great weekend,
Greg
Counselor’s Corner
Hello from Class Counsel with Ms. Keel!
We’re so excited to share all the wonderful things happening in our class! From learning how to stay safe to exploring our feelings and even diving into how our brains work, there’s never a dull moment. Let’s take a look back at what we’ve been up to and peek ahead at what’s coming next!
Last Week’s Highlights
In PreK, we focused on safety by reviewing our safety rules and learning about good and bad secrets, plus what to do if a secret doesn’t feel right. Kindergarten wrapped up their Safety unit by applying what they learned to a story about Julie, a girl who keeps herself safe. First graders are finishing up their Safety unit too, practicing the Three Ways to Stay Safe with stories about kids just like them.
Second grade is at different points because of snow days, but Mr. Magistro’s class finished their Safety unit, while Mr. Dean and Ms. Guthrie’s classes are almost there. Third graders kicked off a new unit on Growth Mindset and Goal Setting, learning about their amazing brains and how to set goals to improve their skills. Fifth graders completed the Puberty Workshop series, exploring new emotions and feelings. Sixth graders are discovering how the brain reacts to strong emotions.
What’s Coming Up Next Week?
PreK and Kindergarten will start their Feelings unit, learning about different emotions and what to do when feelings get really big. First grade will finish their Safety unit by watching a video about David, a boy who uses all the safety rules to stay protected.
Second grade will begin their Feelings unit and explore the Zones of Regulation to help manage emotions. Third grade will learn how practice helps us get better at anything we try. Fifth grade will have fun testing their puberty knowledge with Puberty Jeopardy, and Sixth grade will continue their deep dive into the brain and emotions.
Things to Remember
Encourage your child to talk about their feelings and what they’ve learned about safety at home.
Practice the Three Ways to Stay Safe together as a family.
Recognize: Is it safe? Does it break a rule?
Report: Tell an adult.
Refuse: Say words that mean no.
Support your child’s growth mindset by celebrating effort and progress, not just results.
Wrapping Up with a Smile
We’re so proud of all the hard work and curiosity our students are showing. Keep encouraging them to be safe, kind, and brave as they learn and grow. Here’s to another fantastic week ahead filled with learning, laughter, and lots of big feelings.
School News and Information
Lots of Happy Sounds in the Music Room!
Hi everyone, just writing a quick note to share all the exciting things going on in the music room. Our kindergarten students have been working very hard lately, learning to read and write their first music notes. First graders just finished reading Aliki’s book Ah, Music! And have now begun a musical journey through the music of South and Central America. Second graders are about to start playing tunes on our xylophones. All students in grades 3-6 are learning songs for our next performance, which will be our Choral Concert (April 9 – mark your calendars!). In addition, the older students are also learning how to compose Art Songs, Fiddle Tunes, background music for an upcoming Crankie project, or pop/rock songs. Lots of beautiful music for all to enjoy!
Stay warm,
Mr. Ramsey
All Things Literacy
Thank you to the 147 children and their caregivers who joined us last week for Family Literacy Night! We appreciate the MCS PTO and the Dartmouth Department of English and Creative Writing for their generous sponsorship of this event. We hope everyone enjoyed reading, experimenting, crafting, playing games and learning together!
January DIBELS scores
If you have a student in grades K-3, your child should have brought home a letter today with their January DIBELS scores and information about their reading progress. If you did not receive a letter, please double check your child’s backpack and then contact their teacher. If you want to find out more about the DIBELS assessment and how to support your child’s reading development at home, please join us on Friday, February 6th at 8:15 am for the next PTO coffee.
Books and Coffee Go Together!
Please join us for a PTO Coffee Talk on Friday, February 6th at 8:15am in the Multi.
Want to learn more about the Science of Reading in action at Marion Cross? Wondering how you can support your child’s reading skills? Principal Shawn Gonyaw and Reading Specialist Lucy Hampton will host a conversation about reading assessment and support at MCS. We hope to see you there!
Kids Heart Challenge!
Greetings MCS Families,
We’re excited to share that our school is participating in this year’s American Heart Association Kids Heart Challenge! Together, our students and staff will focus on caring for their hearts and minds, supporting kids with special hearts, and learning the lifesaving skill of Hands-Only CPR.
Here’s How You Can Help
Register: www.heart.org/schools or download the free “AHA Schools” app.
Complete Finn’s Mission: Watch the 2-minute Hands-Only CPR video featuring cardiac arrest survivor, Damar Hamlin, and watch a music video on the warning signs of a stroke (F.A.S.T.).
Share with Family & Friends: Send messages via social media, text messages and/or email.
- Students that complete Finn’s Mission will be entered to win 2 tickets to next year’s Super Bowl!
- Our school will be entered to win a $10,000 gym upgrade if 18 or more students complete Finn’s Mission
- When you sign up for the Kids Heart Challenge, you’ll unlock our NFL Family Challenge—an exciting way to get fit and stay healthy by working out with NFL players, cheerleaders, and mascots!
Thanks,
Mr. Petrone
Winter Wellness: When to Keep Your Child Home
With colds, flu, and respiratory illnesses on the rise, we want to ensure our classrooms stay as healthy as possible. Please keep the following school policies in mind:
Fever Policy: Children must stay home and be fever-free for 24 hours (without the use of fever-reducing medication) before returning to school.
Coughs & Malaise: If your child has a persistent cough or is feeling “run down” and exhausted, they should remain home. Students need enough energy to comfortably participate in the daily classroom routine.
When to See a Doctor: If your child has had a cough, fever, or difficulty breathing for 2–3 days, please bring them to their medical provider for an evaluation.
Thank you for your ongoing support in keeping our school community healthy.
Nurse Jane
Hanover High School Youth Hockey Night!
Come cheer on the HHS Boys Varsity Bears as they take down the Windham Jaguars!
January 31 - puck drops @ 5:20 at Campion Rink, and ALL GAMES are always FREE!
Enjoy snacks, games, prizes and a great hockey atmosphere!
Wear your HHS colors (cardinal/white/black) and get ready to roar... GO BEARS!
PTO Bulletin Board
We will send a PTO update via Membership Toolkit this weekend. You will receive it if you listed your email address in Membership Toolkit. You can also view PDFs of our newsletters and updates HERE.
Have a great weekend!
Courtesy Community Interest Posts
22 Church Street
Norwich, Vermont
802-649-1703
Norwich Historical Society news you can use
Discover Norwich
Every Thursday in February on Zoom
EVERY THURSDAY IN FEBRUARY!
6:30 p.m. on Zoom; by donation
Discover Norwich is a fundraiser for Norwich Historical Society. Programs explore the people, places, and stories that make our town a special place to live and work.
February 5: Norwich & Hanover in the American Revolution
The years of the American Revolution brought challenges to this frontier town. The men and women who lived here during those years encountered dilemmas that echo through time and around the world.
Learn about the decisions people in Norwich had to make, how they protected their families, and how they became true revolutionaries.
February 12: Why did they call it that? The origins of Norwich’s street and place names
Have you ever wondered whether or not Turnpike Road was actually a turnpike? Or how Hopson Road got its name? And who was Brigham Hill named after? Norwich’s place names come from legends, actual people, and the land itself. You can probably imagine how Brook Road got its name, for example!
Join us for a slide show that will take you up and down the streets of Norwich and connect you just that much more with the world around you.
February 19: Was your house once under water? Norwich during the Ice Age
Richmond Middle School teacher, Greg Stott, will discuss his documentary film, The Last Ice, and share photographs and drone footage of evidence from Norwich and the Upper Valley’s glacial past.
February 26: Paul Sample’s Beaver Meadow: Stories within the Painting
Paul Sample’s Beaver Meadow painting is considered one of his finest works. We’ll explore the history and people of Beaver Meadow through Paul Sample’s eyes.
Click here to register for all Discover Norwich 2026 programs
UPCOMING WORKSHOP
DAUGHTERS OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION
GENEALOGY WORKSHOP IN NORWICH
FEBRUARY 14, 2025
This year is the 250th Anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence in 1776. As we celebrate this birthday, and the Patriots who achieved American Independence, there has never been a better time to explore our own ancestral contributions. The Thomas Chittenden Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution will hold a free Genealogy Workshop on Saturday, February 14, 2026 from 10:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. in the Norwich Public Library Community Room. Please RSVP to regent@darthomaschittenden.com to participate in this event.
Annual Meeting and 2025 Annual Report
Welcome to new Board members Doug Britton, Elizabeth Howard, and Pam Smith. We are happy to have you join us! We distributed the 2025 Annual Report at the meeting.
Read the Annual Report by Clicking Here
Did you miss the Norwich in the 1990s presentation? The recording is now available.
Watch the video by clicking here
Our Mission:
Norwich Historical Society cultivates a vibrant sense of place and community through discovering, preserving, and sharing the history of Norwich.
Photograph of NHS in winter by Emma Cottage
And now for the Norwich Lions club press release
This press release was posted on the list serv
https://norwichlionsclub.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Norwich-Lions-2025-Melvin-Jones-Award-Press-Release-2026-02-03.pdfNorwich Lions Club Melvin Jones Fellowship Presented to Three Recipients
From: Norwich Lions Club Vermont <norwichvtlions@gmail.com>
Date: Tue, 3 Feb 2026 22:37:32 -0500
December 9, 2025 Norwich: At its end-of-year holiday dinner, the Norwich Lions
Club bestowed its highest honor, the Melvin Jones Fellowship, for the 2024-5
club year on three people, Kyle Koehler, Jay Van Arman (progressive award),
and Cheryl Herrman. Jay is a former member of the Norwich club and Cheryl is a
member of the community at large.
Kyle Koehler received the award in recognition of his high degree of
dedication to the club’s activities, including Zoom support of club meetings,
co-management of the dunk tank at the Norwich Fair, and maintenance of the
club’s social media presence on Facebook and Instagram. Kyle is the youngest
member of the club and takes an interest in supporting its District 45
activities, as well.
Melvin Jones Fellow (2000), Jay Van Arman, received a Progressive Melvin Jones
Fellowship for his continued service to his new community of Randolph,
Vermont, where he still drives school buses, plays taps at veterans’ funeral
services, delivers meals on wheels—and jokes—to those in need, shelves books
at the thrift store, and helps direct traffic at accident scenes.
Cheryl Herrman received the award for her service in support of the Norwich
community on a large number of boards, councils, and committees in service of
the town’s businesses, its children, and its inhabitants.
Norwich Lions Club President, Rosanne Maguire, presented the awards during the
club’s annual holiday dinner at the Coolidge Hotel in White River Junction,
Vermont.
The Melvin Jones Fellowship reflects the backbone of Lions Club service. The
award is presented to those who donate $1,000 to the Lions Clubs International
Foundation or to people for whom a donation was made by others. The Norwich
Lions Club bestows this honor on those who have made a notable contribution to
the advancement of the club or its activities. The fellowship memorializes the
legacy of Melvin Jones, who developed Lions Clubs International as an
international service organization. The progressive award is for recipients,
who are already Melvin Jones Fellows.
For more details, see:
https://norwichlionsclub.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Norwich-Lions-2025-Melvin-Jones-Award-Press-Release-2026-02-03.pdf
Stephen Flanders
Norwich Lions Club
802-649-1134