In Cross Words I most often focus on the inspiring elements of being with the students and staff here. Today, I'm afraid I'm going to tend toward cross.
Though many great things happened at school today, we also fell incredibly short at times. Students in one fourth-grade class during lunch climbed on chairs and desks and chanted "no more riddles" disrespectfully toward an ed. assistant that oversees the lunch period. First graders entered a music class that had a sub and were rude and inattentive. Second graders attending a show at the Lebanon Opera House were stepping on seats, kicking classmates, and not calming back down appropriately after the performance. As they were leaving the performance, adults from other schools commented on the poor behavior from Marion Cross School.
This is not standard behavior for our students. This is not what Marion Cross stands for. Normally, adults from other schools comment on the how respectful our students are. The teachers and I responded. We had conversations with these students, and the students worked on ways to repair the relationships with the adults , community members, and other students . On your end, perhaps you could engage in the bigger conversation and remind them that respect should be shown to all people, not just those you know well, or are friends with, or have similar philosophies, or have more power.
Some here said the moon is getting full (that's tomorrow, so you may bear the brunt of this), or that the barometric pressure was changing rapidly. I'm not fond of astronomical and meteorological explanations. I think kids need regular and clear reminders and conversations about expectations, and ultimately they need to internalize expectations so ultimately they can succeed. Together, we help them learn.
[On the bright side, 3rd-grade Rep today gave an opportunity for every student in 3rd grade to perform for their peers. We saw solos and dances and skits and magic and . . . What did your child do?
And then, too, there was the inimitable Fourth-Grade Flash Mob Dance during Thursday's Rep. Great fun!
And then there are the chicks hatching in kindergarten.
And then . . . well, I better stop somewhere.]
Calendar
S BACs all week for 3rd and 4th grade.
M onday, May 20: Pre-K Parent/Teacher Conferences, afternoon; Kindergarten Information Night (for parents of students who will be in kindergarten next year), 5:30-6:30, Kindergarten rooms
Wednesday, May 22: Resilience, a film about acknowledging and overcoming adverse childhood experiences, 5:30-7:00 pm, Multi
Thursday, May 23: May Fest, 1:30-2:50, Norwich Green (parents and community members welcome)
Friday, May 24: From the Top, guest performers; School Culture Team (final meeting), 12:00-12:30, Mr. Bill's office
School News
(1) Dear Parents,
We wanted to share some information about ticks and tick borne-illnesses. We have seen a few cases of Lyme disease already this spring. It is important to check yourself and your children for ticks everyday. Here is some information from the VT Dept. of Health to help everyone to BE TICK SMART.
Thanks,
Pam Hausler
Community News
(1) DRAWING & WATERCOLOR CAMP at the Justin Morrill State Historic Site in neighboring Strafford
Monday-Friday, July 29-August 2, 9:00 a.m.-noon for ages 6-12
Explore the nature and architecture of the Morrill Homestead through drawing, nature journaling, and watercolor painting. Make your own handmade books for sketching and finished work. Drawing will include direct observation of nature, drawing games, and techniques to improve your skills.
Children will be inspired by the natural surroundings of the gardens, trails, and stream. Each child will learn new painting methods and practice watercolors of the buildings, forests, and pond. Campers will have time to complete finished drawings and paintings. Instruction will be tailored to children’s experience and interests. $125 Register at morrillhomestead.org/news-events/2019-programs-events-exhibits/.
Friends of The Morrill Homestead
214 Justin Morrill Hwy.
Strafford, VT
765-4288
director@morrillhomestead.org
(2) Mental Health First Aid
Friday, June 28th from 9am – 4:30 pm
Mt Ascutney Hospital and Health Center
Board Room
Register by going to the Education section on MAHHC Intranet
You are more likely to encounter, work with or take care of someone in an emotional or mental crisis than someone having a heart attack. Learn how to implement a 5 step action plan to offer initial help and connect the person to professional, peer, social or self-help.
Mental Health First Aid teaches you how to identify, understand and respond to signs of mental health challenges and substance abuse disorders in your community.
Do this for yourself.
Do this for the people you love.
(3) Free Fun Day for Kids Age 8 and Up, Saturday, June 1st, 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m., West Hartford, Vermont
The Vermont Institute of Natural Science (VINS) and GUVTU are sponsoring the Chang Memorial Event, which is a day of pond side ecology paired with fly tying, fly casting, and fishing lessons at a stocked private pond in West Hartford, VT for youngsters. All equipment, instruction, and lunch will be provided for free.
For more information please contact Collette Reynolds at creynolds@vinsweb.org or 802-359-5001 ex. 210 by Friday, May 24th to reserve your spot.
We hope to see you out there with the next generation of anglers and conservationists!
(4) Coming in 1 week is Game Night at the Richmond Middle School. It is on Friday, May 24, from 5 to 6:30; the entrance fee is $5. Snacks will be available to purchase too. We will have games, but feel free to bring your own. All money will go towards helping refugee families in Manchester, New Hampshire. Come out and help us raise money for the refugees and have fun too!
(5) UPPER VALLEY RAPIDS SWIM TEAM REGISTRATION AND OPEN HOUSE
Registration is open for the Upper Valley's brand new, outdoor, summer swim team! The Upper Valley Rapids Swim Team will have an Open House Sunday, June 2nd at 4:00 pm at Tracy Hall for all registered swimmers as well as those who want to find out what swim team is all about. Hope to see you there! To learn more about the Rapids and get registered, please visit https://uppervalleyrapids.swimtopia.com/
(6) Community Nurse: Do we need one in Norwich?
I have been a part of a working group to explore the possible need for a community nurse in Norwich. We are hosting a community meeting this Sunday at 4:00pm in the Parish Hall of the Congregational Church to get further input from the community and try to answer any questions folks have. We hope to have at least one or two other meetings as well.
We would like to invite you and others to attend. Looking forward to seeing you. Marsha Biggs mm.biggs@comcast.net
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Bill Hammond
Principal
Marion Cross School
