New info for You from the Principal
New info for You from the Principal
Yes, it is another weekly Cross Words newsletter
Good Morning Norwich,
I have received the MCS crosswords and have been asked to share it with the community. Some may have already seen it as you might be on the schools mailing list, however there are many residents who don’t have schoolchildren at MCS, but still like to know what is going on at the school.
Important Dates
Tuesday, January 25 - Dresden School Board Meeting, 7:00pm, in-person and via Zoom
Friday, January 28 - Teacher In-Service, No School
Wednesday, February 2 - Norwich School Board Meeting, 6:30pm, in-person and via Zoom
Wednesday, February 9 - Coffee Talk 4:00pm via Zoom
February 14 - 21 - Winter Recess
Message From The Principal
This week, I have a small note of clarification. After that, please enjoy an uplifting piece of information from Ms. Lindsay about our school gardens - what better thing to think about on a chilly day!
Talking about chilly days, some people have wondered just how cold it needs to get for kids to stay inside for recess. At 0 degrees or below, children do not have outdoor recess or activities. This used to be 10 degrees and below. However, one of the things we know is that in our Covid world, kids are better off outside, even when it is cold. This has only been a problem when children do not come prepared for the cold. Please help us out and remind your child, even those big sixth graders, to wear a hat, gloves, a warm jacket, and warm footwear. This may also influence when you drop off your child on cold winter days. Now, on to some thoughts of warmer days and summer gardens from Lindsay!
Thank you,
Shawn
The Giving Garden - 2021
The Marion Cross and St. Barnabus Giving Garden had another successful harvest year for “Willing Hands” and the school community. “Willing Hands”, for people new our community, is an organization which collects and distributes fresh food to our neighbors in the Upper Valley who do not have access to fresh vegetables and fruits on their own. This year the total donation to Willing Hands was 2,466 pounds. We are very proud of this total. A very large portion of this was from The Giving Garden on St. Barnabus Church property, but also included the raised beds at the south side of the school. We grew greens such as lettuce, kale, and chard; tomatoes, potatoes, herbs, peppers, cauliflower, and eggplant. We had a large harvest of the 3 Sisters – corn, beans, and squash.
In the fall of 2020, we had an interesting conversation with some St. Barnabus folks and a local Abenaki elder who advised us on planting a traditional Three Sisters garden, so this year we tried to plant corn and bean seed which came from more traditional stock. This was special for the students. A new seed company in Hartland, “Solstice Seeds”, donated quite a lot of seed to us, especially the traditional seeds.
In addition, this year the school community was able to use some of the garden produce for classroom projects. Students harvested, prepared, and enjoyed things such as carrot soup, salsa, roasted squash, and french fried potatoes.
Kindergarten planted the garlic in the fall and we are all looking forward to spring!
A big thank you to St. Barnabus for allowing us to use their property, all the summer parent volunteers, and all the classes and teachers who helped with this amazing harvest.
Lindsay Putnam, Jan. 2022
Message From Student Services
I hope everyone is doing well. This week was similar to last week in that each day has new challenges and new things to be grateful for.
Last week, Katie Cormier and I participated in the Webinar below, but for educators. With our jam-packed days, it was really important to just listen and realize how much we are doing well and reflect on what we could do better. Please see the registration link below if you would like to participate.
Two Important Reminders:
On February 2, 7:30-8:30pm, Lynn Lyons will present to parents and caregivers of young children (ages 0-8) on the topic of When Worry Shows Up: How Parents and Caregivers Can Help Children during Uncertain Times. Questions for Lynn may be submitted through the registration form and there will also be time for questions at the end of her presentation. This presentation will be recorded and shared to registrants and on the Project LAUNCH social media afterwards.
Please visit the February 2nd registration link with more information.Also, please remind those adults with younger children that applications for our MCS Public Preschool school year are still open and will remain open until January 31st 2022. We are encouraging everyone who might be interested to apply.
In order to apply, you will need to fill out the 5-minute application on the SAU enrollment website (click Marion Cross school and the preK tab). If you need help applying or if you would like a hard copy of the form sent to you, please contact Greg Bagnato, Coordinator of Student Services at gregbagnato@hanovernorwichschools.org if you have any questions.
Sincerely,
Greg
School News and Information
News from the Nurse
The Agency of Education has recognized that school nurses have a big job this year. Not only are they fulfilling the day-to-day expectations of their jobs, but they are also taking on all the many layers Covid 19 has brought to our community this year. We are fortunate that Elizabeth O’Donnell will be joining the MCS health office. We will work together to better care for and communicate with the students, staff and families of MCS. Please join in welcoming Elizabeth to our community.
You can order Antigen test kits delivered to your home through the USPS.
Please see the most recent Vermont Guidelines For Positive Covid-19 Individuals
PAL( Peer Adventure Learning) and PE - On the move to physical and social success!!!
This week was all about fair vs. equal. Fair is getting what everyone needs. Students created habitats for their stuffies and then traded off as a way to show what’s equal isn’t always what’s fair. We read the book: “That’s Not Fair” by Courtney Butorac as an example of how when things are fair, everyone gets what they need.
Volunteer Sign Up - SAU 70 requires that ALL volunteers in the district
complete the Volunteer Application Form. This link will direct you to the form, and details the Volunteer Background Check Process. Please reach out
if you have any questions.
We are currently looking for volunteers to help with Wilderness Wednesdays and Recess Duty help.
Thank you for supporting our school
Please let me know if you have any questions
Emma Cottage SAU 70 Volunteer Coordinator
PTO Bulletin Board
Now is the time to purchase your raffle tickets for the MCS PTO Winter Raffle!! Help us raise the remaining $2000 to fund the new front playground accessible swing set. Tickets are $10 each or 3 for $25, on sale until Friday January 28th. Either fill out the order form that was sent home earlier this week or email your name, ticket order and/or donation to marioncrosspto@gmail.com. Email orders will not be considered complete until Cash or a check (made payable to Norwich School District) has been received at the Marion Cross School front desk attention: Jessica Liddy. Prize winners will be drawn from the raffle on Wednesday February 2nd by the Who's Crew.
Five Second Prize winners will receive a $40 gift prize which includes - 1 quart of MCS Maple Syrup, 2 MCS owl stickers, 1 MCS car magnet and a $10 gift card to the COOP Food Stores.
Five Third Prize winners will receive a $20 gift prize which includes 1 quart of MCS Maple Syrup.
Valentine's Staff Appreciation Breakfast
SAVE THE DATE: FEBRUARY 11TH
Show the MCS faculty and staff your gratitude by helping us fill the staff lounge with delicious breakfast items, sweets, and flowers at the Staff Appreciation Breakfast on Friday, February 11th. The staff truly enjoy these special food-filled days. The Valentine's Breakfast is provided by families of children in grades 4-6. If you would like to contribute to the Valentine’s Breakfast, please SIGN UP HERE!
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