Discover more from My Newsletter "about Norwich"

My stories are about people and events in Norwich and sometimes out and about the Upper Valley, The stories are meant to inspire and bring the community together. I will do my best to write positive stories and offer you some informative topics also.

Most Recent Who's Wise Words

MCS Who's Wise Words, April 21, 2023

Apr 23, 2023

Who's Wise Words

Welcome to Who's Wise Words. Here you will find the weekly newsletter as well as its archives. We encourage you to come back often to hear about the fun and exciting things happening around our school.

Marion Cross School

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MCS Students Outside standing around on the tar

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Most Recent Who's Wise Words

MCS Who's Wise Words, April 21, 2023

Important Dates

Friday, April 21 - 6pm - Mudstomp in the MCS Gym hosted by the PTO
Wednesday, May 3 - Bike to School Day
Wednesday, May 10 - Teacher In-Service, No School
Thursday, May 25 - 2pm - Mayfest Celebration on the Norwich Green
Monday, May 29- Holiday, No School

Message from the Principal

Specials Rotation for the week of April 24

Monday - F
Tuesday - G
Wednesday - A
Thursday - B
Friday - C

We had a fantastic return to school, after what seemed to be a great vacation week for many. Staff and students returned rested and ready to settle in for the remainder of the school year. By the way, the school year ends for students on Friday, June 16th.

This is the time of year when we prepare for this school year to end and the new one to begin. One task that we hope to accomplish before end of year report cards is class placement for the upcoming school year. Having taught and been a principal in several other states and schools, I can say that each place goes about class placement in a very different way. When I taught and was principal at the very small Westshire School in West Fairlee, there was one class at each grade and students simply moved on in the same group. When I taught in North Carolina in a much larger school, class lists were made by alphabetical order. The number of students in a grade was divided by the minimum class size of 26 children and then the registrar went down the alphabetical list and gave every teacher their 26 consecutive names. Sometimes I would teach the A-F class, sometimes the S-Z group!

At MCS, we have a much more child-centered and thoughtful approach to forming class lists. Our process consists of the following steps…

Family input - Families are invited to use this link to complete a brief survey. The information is then used as one piece of our process. Because I do not want to misplace any feedback, we ask that all parent input come through this survey. Of course, this is not required, but given as an opportunity for families to have a voice.
Classroom Teacher input - We use a program called ClassSolver to help us with class placement. Teachers input proficiency information for each subject, standardized test scores, work habits, match children who work well together, and flag children who may need a break from one another.
Specialist and Specials Teacher input - Non classroom teachers make recommendations about children who should be grouped together to allow them to get optimal intervention, related services, special education, or EST support. Specials teachers weigh in on dynamics of students and give input from their perspectives.
We then let the Class Solver program do some magic and propose first drafts of class lists. The program does a much better job of keeping track of a wealth of data gathered from the above groups. Sometimes it produces the perfect class lists; more often it gives us a great starting point.
Finally, the grade level teams look at the proposed lists and make any adjustments that need to be made.

When do families find out about class placement? When end of year report cards are shared, the class placement is included. At that time you will know who your child’s teacher is for the coming year. Due to FERPA rules, we are not able to share the class lists with you. However, it usually makes for fun summer conversations between kids and families to find out who is in which classroom!

Have a splendid weekend,

Shawn

STUDENT SERVICES UPDATE

Jump Rope for Heart Celebration - Thanks to Ms. Farwell for bringing the school community together to acknowledge the student’s hard work. Several lucky students celebrated by getting to “Pie a staff member”!

mr bagnato with pie on his face while wearing an orange wig

April Family Climate Survey - The Climate Survey is an important tool we use to see how we are doing. We would really like to get over a 100 families to participate. Please take a moment to complete it here. The window closes very soon.

Get to know PBiS - Ms. Katie and I are featured in the last SAU70 podcast. We discussed PBiS at Marion Cross School. Check us out!

VTCAP Testing - Next week we will start the VTCAP testing in 6th grade. This test is replacing the SBAC, which was the state-wide test for the past several years. I will be sending a letter to elaborate on this to families who have students in grades 3-6.

COUNSELOR'S UPDATE

What a fun week! It was great to get back to MCS after a lovely warm weather break. Students are definitely excited about the warmer weather and have been showing a bit more energy around the hallways and in classrooms. One area we focused on in classes this week was “think it or say it” activities and games. Sometimes when students are excited and more energetic, things that should stay in thought bubbles, come out and create hurt feelings. Community groups will be doing some milkweed plantings next Tuesday in hopes that we will have small plants sprouting before the end of school and ready to attract butterflies in August and September. Hope the return to school has gone well for your families.

SCHOOL NEWS AND INFORMATION

Come Hear Some Poetry Set to Music!

Did you second grader tell you that they wrote songs based on Haiku? Did your third grader tell you all about their Art Song project, where each student picked a poem to set to music? It’s been a very busy time for young composers at MCS!

Please consider yourself invited to a short performance to hear all this music! The second graders will sing their Haiku to you, and special guest Caroline Gollub will perform the 3rd grader’s Art Songs. Hope to see you there!

Friday, April 28, 2023 in the multi at 8:30

Calling All Folk Musicians!

Do you play guitar/fiddle/banjo/flute/tinwhistle/any-of-the-above? I am looking for adult volunteers to accompany our Mayfest performance on Thursday, May 25. We will meet at the gazebo, play for the students to practice their dances throughout the morning, and then finally perform with them at approximately 2:00.

We play fiddle tunes and common sing-along favorites. All ability levels are welcome! Please email me to find out more.

Two Rep Performances Remaining!

If your 3rd, 4th, 5th, or 6th grader is interested in performing something in Rep this year, they should know that we have exactly two performances to go - one on April 27, and one on May 18. Students should visit me at recess (remembering to ask their teacher first so we know where they are) to sign up and practice. Mr. Ramsey

IMS After-school Program - 2023-24 School Year

Our sign up for next year is open! Please fill out IMS After School sign up link to be on our list!

Kafré O'Connell

Codirector / Enrichment Programs Coordinator

(603) 276-6913

kafre.oconnell@uvims.com

Lost and Found - The Great Purge

The lost and found is full of wonderful goodies that are looking to make their way back home. Please come in and look for your students gear by Friday, April 28. After that, all items will be donated to Listen.

PTO NEWS

MudStomp: Tonight! 6 pm, MCS Gym

Admission: $10/per person, $20/per family

Raffle tickets available at the door

Pie Day: Friday, May 12 - A volunteer is needed to organize this decades-old staff appreciation event. Please email marioncrosspto@gmail.com if interested.

The PTO is seeking a Secretary for next year. Please email if you have any questions or are interested in volunteering.

Upcoming Events:

Bike To School Day: Wednesday, May 3

Pie Day: Friday, May 5

Volunteer Appreciation Night: Thursday, May 4, 7:00 pm, Norwich Inn

marioncrosspto@gmail.com