It's back to school time at MCS! Key dates and info to know about.
Are you ready for the transition
Good morning Norwich,
Well hopefully summer is with us for a little while longer, although with back to school happening this coming week there may not be much time left to enjoy it. I am confident that there was some get away time to do the many things that are available in the Twin Sate and beyond.
It is now time for those with school aged children to get all the supplies that are needed and be ready for opening day. This MCS posting that I am sharing will keep you informed with what will be happening this week at the elementary school.
Important Dates
Tuesday, August 26, 2:15 - 3:00pm - Meet and Greet Your Teacher
Wednesday, August 27 - First day of school for students - Dismissal at 2:10pm
Monday, September 1 - Holiday, No school
Monday, September 8 - School Picture Day
Marion Cross School Website Calendar SAU 70 All School/District Website Calendar
Message From The Principal
Drop-Off at Marion Cross: Starting the Day Right!
This year, one of our shared goals is to help every child learn to their fullest potential. One of the simplest (and most powerful!) ways families can support this is by getting children to school on time. When students arrive by 8:05, they are in their class lines, ready to dive into morning meeting—a time full of greetings, sharing, goal-setting, and important morning jobs. The 8:05 AM bell is the indication that school has officially begun and anyone later than that is considered tardy. Arriving late means missing those connections, interrupting learning already underway, and sometimes even missing breakfast or lunch orders. Nobody wants that!
Here’s how to make mornings smooth and stress-free:
Arrival Time: Supervision begins on the front playground at 7:45 AM. All morning recess happens on the front playground. Aim to have your child here by 8:05 so they can join their class line.
Breakfast (and Lunch!): Breakfast is served daily from 7:45–8:00 AM, and both breakfast and lunch remain free for all students this year. (Think of breakfast as fuel for brains that are about to do big things!)
Library Option: 5th and 6th graders may come inside at 7:45 to enjoy some quiet time in the library.
Pre-K Drop-Off: Pre-K families should bring their child to the Pre-K playground and sign them in (and out!) with the staff member on duty there.
Finding Class Lines & Independence: Each class has a designated line-up spot. Families of K through Grade 2 students are welcome on the first day to help children find their lines. From then on, our goal is for students to walk from the parking lot to their lines independently. This small step fosters confidence and makes for smoother transitions (and usually fewer tears—for kids and parents alike!).
A Special Note About the Church Street Loop:
This loop is for drop-off only. Parents should stay in the car, pull up, let kids hop out, and keep things moving. If you’d like to walk your child to school, please park at the blue church, post office, or Main Street. Getting out of the car in the loop creates long lines of traffic, late kids, and lots of frustration (and who wants to start the day like that?).
Thank you for helping us start the day on the right foot. Together, we can make mornings at Marion Cross smooth, cheerful, and on time—for the sake of every child’s learning and for the sanity of all involved!
You might also notice that the front basketball court was recoated and has a newer and cleaner feel. Here is a photo for your enjoyment.
Looking forward to a wonderful school year!
Shawn
Student Services Update
Dear Marion Cross School Families,
Since 2022, Vermont has successfully implemented Universal School Meals. This program enables schools to offer free breakfast and lunch to all students, regardless of household income.
However, all Vermont schools still need to gather household income data. This data enables Vermont to access the maximum possible dollars for school meals, thereby reducing the burden on Vermont taxpayers.
Household income data is needed to ensure that millions in federal education dollars continue to flow to Vermont to support educational benefits and to make sure that these funds are fairly distributed across our state.
We hope that every family in our school community fills out the 2025-26 Household Income Form to help create a more equitable future for all of Vermont’s students. Even if you didn’t fill out these forms in the past, doing so now will help Vermont maintain an affordable Universal School Meals program and continue to receive millions in essential federal education dollars.
Please complete the Household Income Form for your household. This form should only take a few minutes to fill out. Please reach out to me if you have any questions.
Thank you
Greg Bagnato
PTO Bulletin Board
Hello MCS Families,
The MCS Parent-Teacher Organization (PTO) warmly welcomes all MCS families to the 2025-2026 school year! The PTO focuses on bringing the MCS community together to enrich student education. Throughout the year, the PTO organizes and supports a variety of school programs and special events. Our success has always been thanks to the incredible willingness of volunteers from our parent and caregiver community. You’ll hear more from us soon!
For now, here is information on PTO-supported activities in the upcoming weeks:
Popsicles on the Playground - Tuesday, 8/26 - 3:00 - 4:00 pm
Please join us on Tuesday, August 26th, to enjoy popsicles and connect with other MCS students and families. There will be a few veteran families on hand with current MCS students and recent graduates who can help answer questions about school and get new students excited about their first year at MCS!
Welcome Back Breakfast - Wednesday, 8/27 - 8:05 - 9:05 am
We invite all parents, caregivers, and younger siblings to join us after the morning bell at the gazebo on the Norwich Green for coffee and breakfast treats. We're looking forward to seeing new and familiar faces!
Welcome to Pre-K and Kindergarten Potluck Parties
The PTO and the Norwich Recreation Department will co-sponsor welcome potluck party events for the Pre-Kindergarten and Kindergarten students and their families at the Huntley Meadow Pavilion. This is a wonderful opportunity for kids to get to know their classmates and for parents and caregivers to connect at the beginning of the school year. Siblings are welcome to join. Both events will be potluck style.
Kindergarten Potluck on Monday, 9/1 - 4:30 pm:
Please sign up here to bring a dish to share! If you have trouble accessing the sign-up sheet or have questions, feel free to email Carolyn Weiss (carolyn.weiss@gmail.com).
Pre-K Potluck Party on Sunday, 9/7 - 11:00 am to 1:00 pm::
Please sign up here to bring a dish to share! If you have trouble accessing the sign-up sheet or have questions, feel free to email Aime Mason (aime.schwartz@gmail.com).
First PTO Meeting of the Year - Friday, 9/19 - 8:15 to 9:15 am
The PTO holds monthly meetings throughout the school year. All parents, caregivers, and MCS staff are welcome and encouraged to attend! Our first meeting of the year will be held on Friday, September 19, from 8:15 to 9:15 am in the Multi-Purpose Room. We will be alternating morning and evening meetings this school year in an effort to accommodate more families.
Please reach out to the PTO Team at marioncrosspto@gmail.com with any questions, ideas, etc.
Best wishes,
Mara Child, Co-Chair
Parent of Caleb (4th)
Megan Donohue, Co-Chair
Parent of Owen (5th) and Anna (4th)
Mandy Archer, Treasurer
Parent of Vincent (6th), Maeve (3rd) and Violet (2nd)
Libby Weintraub, Secretary
Parent of Lenny (4th)
Courtesy Community Interest Posts
22 Church Street
Norwich, Vermont
802-649-1703
