School is out for the Holidays .... But!
There still might be some news you can use
Here is the latest Marion Cross School newsletter with several links to community events along with some save the dates.
Important Dates
Monday, December 24 through Friday, January 3 – December Break, No School
Thursday, January 2, 6:30pm - Norwich School Board Meeting, MCS Library and Zoom
Thursday, January 9, 6:30pm Norwich School Board Public Hearing and Budget Adoption
Monday, January 20 - Civil Rights Day - School Closed
Thursday, January 23, 5:30-6:30pm - Literacy Night
Monday, February 17 through Friday, February 21 - February Break, No School
Tuesday, March 4 - Voting Day
Friday, March 7, 6:00-8:00pm - BINGO Night, hosted by the PTO
Monday, March 10 - Teacher In-Service, No School
Friday, March 14 - Family Conferences, No School
Marion Cross School Website Calendar SAU 70 All School/District Website Calendar
Message From The Principal
This week, the MCS Climate Committee added a little extra fun to our school routine! Each day, our staff took part in a quirky challenge designed to bring some lightheartedness to our days and see if the students would catch on. It was a fun way to shake up the week and get everyone in the spirit of the upcoming break!
Monday kicked things off with Drink Out of Something Odd Day. Our staff had a blast sipping their beverages from some very unconventional items—everything from watering cans to hot sauce bottles! It was certainly a sight to see, and students were quick to notice the fun and ask what was going on.
On Tuesday, we had a Blackout Day—nearly every staff member showed up wearing black, which made for quite a striking (and slightly mysterious) sight around school. We loved the way this simple theme made our staff feel united, and the students enjoyed spotting all the different black outfits.
Wednesday was a bit more puzzling for some of us with Mix-Up Day. Clothing was mismatched, shoes were swapped, and everything seemed just a little bit off! It was a great reminder that a little bit of unexpectedness can bring a lot of joy and laughter to the day.
Then came Thursday, which brought us all into the holiday spirit with Ugly Sweater Day. Whether they were adorned with reindeer, snowflakes, or holiday sayings, the staff's festive sweaters added a splash of color and cheer to the week. It was a perfect way to usher in the holiday vibes!
Finally, today was Cozy Day, and we all embraced the comfort of our favorite cozy clothes. Pajamas, MCS spirit wear, and all sorts of comfy attire filled the halls, reminding us all to take a deep breath, relax, and enjoy the simple pleasures as we head into the break.
This week’s fun activities were a wonderful way to send ourselves off into a much-anticipated two-week vacation. As we close out the year and take some time to recharge, I want to take a moment to express my deep gratitude to all of you for entrusting us with the privilege of teaching and guiding your children. It is a gift we don’t take lightly, and it’s truly a joy to watch them grow and thrive here at MCS.
As you spend quality time with your kids over the break, I hope you find moments of rest, relaxation, and connection. I know the MCS staff and I will be eagerly awaiting the return of your children, excited to hear about all their adventures—whether big or small. We can’t wait to see their smiling faces back in the classroom in a couple of weeks.
Wishing you all a wonderful and restful holiday season. Thank you once again for being part of the MCS family!
Have a wonderful vacation,
Shawn
Student Services Update
Happy Winter Solstice and New Year!
As we get ready for the shortest day of the year, I have been thinking about some great things we’ve done at MCS. Here are a few highlights:
Welcoming New Staff: We have some awesome new teachers and staff who have joined our school.
Student Involvement: Our students helped create the new Who’s Wise Words Agreements, which makes everyone feel included.
Using Data: We are using data to make our student support systems better for everyone.
Restorative Practices: We are learning how to respond to challenging behaviors in a way that helps everyone heal and grow.
As we look forward to 2025, I have some hopes for MCS in the second half of the school year. Here are my New Year’s resolutions:
Creating a Welcoming Environment: I want to keep making our school a friendly place for everyone.
Encouraging Communication: I will create more chances for students, families, and staff to share their ideas and concerns.
Professional Development: I plan to attend more training this summer to help us improve our restorative practices and use data to make good decisions.
I would love to hear your highlights and hopes too! Please email me at gregbagnato@hanovernorwichschools.org.
Have a great holiday!
Greg
Counselor's Corner
Welcome to another exciting week in Class Counsel with Ms. Keel! We’ve been busy learning and growing together, and I can’t wait to share all the wonderful things happening in our classes. Let’s dive right in!
Last week
Last week was filled with important lessons across all grades! In Miss Anderson's Kindergarten class, students wrapped up their final lesson with Fiona from WISE, where they learned to identify caring and trustworthy adults at home and school to turn to for help. Meanwhile, Mrs. Freeman's Kindergarten class jumped back into our Child Protection Unit, discussing the Three Ways to Stay Safe: Recognize if it’s safe, What's the Rule?, Report to an adult, and Refuse by using words that mean no.
In First Grade, Mrs. Rinehimer and Mr. McLaughlin's classes also revisited the Child Protection Unit, while Mrs. Trombley's class had their second and final lesson with Fiona, focusing on identifying helpful adults. Third Graders continued their exploration of safety by reviewing the Ways to Stay Safe and the Eight Never Nevers. In Fourth Grade, students discussed different types of touches—safe, unsafe, and unwanted—and learned how to say no to touches they don’t like. Finally, in Fifth Grade, we talked about the safety rule of Always Ask First, discussing when and where to use this important rule. Sixth Graders engaged in meaningful discussions about bullying, harassment, and the dynamics of power. What a week of learning and empowerment!
Next week
As we move into next week, let’s take a moment to enjoy the wonderful holiday season ahead. It’s a time for joy, reflection, and connection with loved ones.
Things to remember
As we approach the holidays, please remember to encourage your child to share what they’ve learned about safety and support. It’s a great opportunity to reinforce these important lessons at home.
Until next time!
Thank you for your continued support and involvement in our class activities! Let’s keep the spirit of learning alive as we head into the holiday season. Wishing you all a joyful and safe week ahead.
Happy Holidays,
Ms. Keel
School News and Information
Thank you for participating in the Theater Arts Program survey!
We have heard from 58 families, which includes approximately 80 interested MCS students. What a fabulous response! We are now in the process of developing a schedule to begin this winter, as well as plans for our first production in the spring. Please reach out to Diana Cathcart with any questions.
After-School Tabletop Game Club: Join the Fun!
Calling all 4th-6th graders! Do you love card games and board games? Do you want to learn how to play new ones with friends? The After-School Tabletop Game Club is starting up this January, and we’d love for you to be part of the fun!
When: Thursdays from 3:15 PM to 4:45 PM
January 16, 30
February 6, 13, 27
March 6, 13, 20
Where: MCS Library
How to Sign Up:
Space is limited, please send your interest by Monday, January 6. In the event interest exceeds capacity, a lottery system will be used. For more details or to sign up, please email Jillian Van Ells.
News from Nurse Jane
It has been a wonderful year caring for your children. I look forward to seeing them after a nice restful break with their health restored and ready for the winter season!
When they return please make sure your child has a full change of clothes appropriate for the season. This should include a top, pants, socks (1-2 pairs) and undies for all grade levels. I have been providing lots of clothes for kids of all ages and have a very limited supply. Thank you for your help with this! See you in January, Nurse Jane
Bonjour! New from the French Program
As the end of the year nears by, it is time to freeze and look back at what we have started doing in this new trimester.
In the upper grades (4-5-6) there is word of food going on. At different levels of proficiency students learned cultural highlights of French cuisine, vocabulary of ingredients, utensils, dishes and practiced identifying it in written recipes and/or audio recordings. Samples of resources can be found here:
Quiz animé de "mars", les moments du repas - MOddou FLE
In 3rd grade students studied the weather and related activities. There was a writing and comprehension challenge to give me a baseline of the students’ independent literacy skills: A Green Mouse They came out as a strong group! Some students demonstrated exceptional listening skills, equally valuable to reading in a target language situation.
The song of the season seems to be Aujourd'hui (scroll down for the lyrics).
Students in 1st and 2nd grade learned about the human body. They followed the legendary character Jean Petit quiz in singing, naming, and dancing on theme. There will be stories and illustrations to accompany their own characters, following soon. First graders knocked out their first French word searches!
Kindergarteners learned winter vocabulary, the sound and the look of it in writing exercises and songs of celebration. Hum ‘Jingle Bells’ and they will recognize that it is Vive le vent.
In Pre-K kids continued to share and learn about animals in activities that span review, repeat, and increased vocabulary. They should move along the Bridge of Avignon and freeze to do silly moves at the sound of ‘tous en rond’. Outside we played ‘Cache cache’ and gave them funny poses when found around the playground equipment. They should name a few colors and count to 10 as a routine. The latest teaching tune is Les Poissons. So much to talk about keeping our environment clean and friendly to all species.
Happy holidays, until next time!
Madame LaRoche
PTO Bulletin Board
Thank you to all who helped us in wishing the staff happy holidays! Thank you to the class reps and to Mara Child and Katie Watkins for organizing so much holiday cheer.
Cafeteria Committee: Our amazing Environmental Educator, Chrissy Morley, has secured a grant to bring a Soup and Sandwich Day to MCS! She has reached out to the PTO looking for support. Join the Cafeteria Committee to support this exciting initiative.
Upcoming dates:
1/6/2025: Winter grants opening on January 6. Do you have a great idea for the students at MCS? If you missed the fall PTO grant cycle, we will reopen for grants (on a rolling basis) starting on January 6. More info to come.
1/10/2025: Our next PTO meeting will be on January 10 at 8:15 in the MCS Multi. Hope to see you there!
22 Church Street
Norwich, Vermont802-649-1703
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Courtesy Community Interest Posts
