Cross Words

Message From the Principal

Celebration was the theme of the week!  We had much to celebrate this week. The second grade culminated their unit on immigration with a simulation of the immigrant experience coming to Ellis Island.  They spent the day immersed in song and dressed in clothing from the period. A huge thank you to Mrs. Dustin, Mr. Petrone, and the many parent volunteers who made the day a success.  Fifth and sixth graders treated their families and the community at the instrumental concert Thursday evening. Their performance was impressive and appreciated by an enthusiastic audience.  Appreciations go out to Mr. Ramsey who has spent countless hours teaching instrumental students. Also, it is worth thanking Joy, Mr. Fenton, and Mr. Buck, who work alongside students and demonstrate the values of learning to play an instrument.  Finally, the week ended with a whole school celebration to recognize the stellar behavior that has been shown since we returned from December break. The PBIS committee designed a scavenger hunt that had students shooting basketballs, singing The Bells of Norwich, building snowmen, and much more!  

I would like to wish you a week filled with opportunities for your family to spend quality time together.  

Stay warm and get outside, 

Shawn

Important Dates

• March 4: Geisel School of Medicine On Doctoring, Grades K-2, 5, and 6
• March 20: BINGO Night hosted by the PTO
• April 2: Chorus Concert (grades 3-6)
• April 13-17: Spring Break, No School
• April 25: Big Hoot Variety Show - Time TBD
• May 15 - 16:  Book Sale for Used Children’s Books

School News and Information
 

KIDS  NIGHT OUT!

An ice skating  (weather permitting), crafts and game night for K to 8th graders.  

Valentine's Day, 5:30 to 9:00pm at Marion Cross School. Pizza, crafts and games provided. $15 per child, $40 of family with of 3 or more. 

Hosted by the "Youth in Action"  as a fundraiser. The Marion Cross School 6th grade leadership students also want to support their community/ adults and will help with the K to 4th grade group.  

To sign up the kids night out, please write to BSwenson@norwich.vt.us 

This activity is supported by Norwich Rec. and the Norwich Prevention Network Grant from  Mt. Ascutney Hospital and Health Center and Vermont Department of Health, whom are piloting more youth-lead leadership, and activities to support healthy youth, healthy parents and healthy community. 

To learn more about Youth in Action and their great volunteering in our communities vision, please visit our website. 

 LISTEN up!

If the reason that our ‘lost and found’ bins are overflowing is that you can’t get to school/town hall during open hours, here is your chance to rescue that favorite jersey/jacket/mittens/water bottle.  During our Nordic in Norwich celebration they will be in Tracy Hall, either waiting for you or getting ready to head to LISTEN to find a new family. 2/29 8am-7pm

KIDS ARE COMPOSING!

Did you know that your child has been writing music in music classes?  Kindergarten students have made up short and sweet songs about animals they’d like to be, first graders have written two dinosaur songs, and second graders are writing a rap full of animal facts.  Third graders will begin composing an Art Song based on a favorite poem after the break, and the fourth graders are writing fiddle tunes. The art songs and fiddle tunes will be performed right at MCS by professional mezzo-soprano Maria Lamson, and the fiddle music will be performed by fiddler Ben VanVliet (thanks to our awesome PTO for funding their visits!).  The fifth graders just finished Gregorian Chants based on attributes of people they admire, and the sixth graders are writing piano music.  

KIDS  NIGHT OUT!

Ice skating  (weather permitting), crafts and game night for K to 8th graders.  

Valentine's Day, 5:30 to 9:00pm at Marion Cross School. Pizza, crafts and games provided. $15 per child, $40 of family with of 3 or more. 

Hosted by the "Youth in Action"  as a fundraiser. The Marion Cross School 6th grade leadership students also want to support their community/ adults and will help with the K to 4th grade group.  

To sign up the kids night out, please write to BSwenson@norwich.vt.us 

This activity is supported by Norwich Rec. and the Norwich Prevention Network Grant from  Mt. Ascutney Hospital and Health Center and Vermont Department of Health, whom are piloting more youth-lead leadership, and activities to support healthy youth, healthy parents and healthy community. 

To learn more about Youth in Action and their great volunteering in our communities vision https://www.hanoverhigh.org/enrichment/youth-in-action.

Concert Reminders!

 On April 2 at 6:30 pm you can hear students in grades 3-6 sing a wonderful selection of chorus music accompanied by Victoria Dobrushina.  

We are still in desperate need of host families for the New England Music Festival that Hanover High School is hosting (http://www.nemfa.org/concert.php). Please consider welcoming talented musician(s) into your home the evenings of March 19-21 2020. For more information please contact our housing chair Bettina Read at 2020nemfahousing@gmail.com Please feel free to share this need with any other people/ organizations who may be able to help!

Interested in joining the MCS team? We currently have one position available!

Educational Assistant:  to provide academic, behavioral, social, and general support in classrooms. This position is until the end of the 2019-20 school year only. Position starts immediately, open until filled.

All  positions require a cover letter, résumé, and three names with phone numbers for a reference check. More information is available at the SAU website.  PLEASE NOTE: All applicants must apply through SchoolSpring. 

The February Break Provides an Opportunity to….

...clean out your closets, shelves, attic, garage or wherever you keep your children’s books.  Consider donating those you no longer use to the children’s used book sale May 15th and 16th at the MCS gym.  More information will be coming. We hope you will start considering becoming a volunteer for this worthwhile MCS fundraising event. 

6th Annual Geisel On Doctoring Program: coming Wednesday,  March 4, 2020.

The Geisel medical students will be coming to work with students in grades K-2, 5 and 6. The medical students will spend time in the classrooms practicing different aspects of the pediatric exam, which will be non-invasive and include the lungs, heart, eyes, ears, head, and vital signs. The Geisel students will teach the MCS students about the exam, while the MCS students will help demonstrate the developmental differences between grade levels. The medical students will also get a better understanding of how to work with kids versus adults.  

Some MCS teachers have shared comments about this experience that  include: “On Doctoring helps our students focus on health awareness and health information.” “ It helps our students develop more ease with adults whom they don't see often, developing social skills in a new situation”; “It introduces our students to some details in medical careers”. “It functions as a type of community service, supporting the learning in and connecting with our larger community”.  

Permission slips will be sent home on Monday, February 24 with the return date scheduled for Thursday, February 27. Please return these permission slips so your child will be able to attend this fun and informative day. Please let Nurse Pam know if you have any questions or concerns- please contact pamhausler@marioncross.org or 802-649-1703 x 206.

Enjoy vacation and stay healthy

Tips from the VT Department of Health: 

• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.

• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue or your sleeve.

• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.

• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.

• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.