May I just say—in gratitude for the heart-felt, generous, and special retirement celebration on Friday—thank you to all of you for honoring me and my seven years as principal here at Marion Cross School. Though I had taught 5th and 6th grade early in my career, you took a risk by hiring a high school teacher to be principal of an elementary school. I hope it became clear that my interest is focused not on people's ages, but on helping people learn. I keep pushing myself to learn, too, and I'm old.
To all those who participated—to the Brian Cook Band, to Ben & Jerry's (provided by the Essaid's), to Ken's bubble-making, to St. Barnabas and its garden, to Brie and the mushrooms and the nature walk, to Kate Barlow and Emma, to Jill and Jay Badams and Lindsay who all spoke beautifully on my behalf, to RoB Adams and his solar panels, to the bountiful community and family members who attended, to the supportive faculty and staff, to others unnamed, and to the students—your participation in this event made it touching and meaningful and memorable. I often think of how lucky I have been over the last thirty-six years to be working in education. You are all part of my journey in learning.
Thank you, truly, from the depths of my heart.
[No cross words here.]
Calendar
Monday, June 10: Sing Along, K-2, 8:30-8:45, Multi (all welcome); Sixth-Grade Celebration, 5:00 pm, Multi
Tuesday, June 11: Field Day, 1:00; Acadian Odyssey, 6th grade, evening
Wednesday, June 12: Last Day of School for students, noon dismissal
School News
(1) Dear Parents,
If your child has any medications, epi-pens, or inhalers in the health office, please arrange to pick them up by the last day of school. I will be in the office until Friday, June 14 if you need to pick up the medication on Thursday or Friday. Please contact me if you have any questions or concerns.
Best,
Pam
(2) Sixth-Grade Celebration is on Monday, June 10th, at 5:00 p.m. This is a great time to celebrate the achievements of our sixth-grade students. After a succinct ceremony, there will be a potluck dinner for all on the Green, followed by a dance for the 6th graders in the Multi
(3) We have two granite benches out in the meadow and the Milt Frye Nature Area that need repair. The one in the meadow (honoring Mary Ann Haagen) is leaning, and the one is the forest (for Mary Bagnato) has toppled. Does anyone want to help to reset the benches?
Community News
(1) Celebrate the last day of Marion Cross School with ice cream and summer
reading at the library. NPL will be serving ice cream and summer reading
sign up in the garden from 12-3 pm on Wednesday, June 12.
All ages welcome. We'll be raffling off a Billings Farm Family membership,
and our friends at the Norwich Historical Society will be in attendance,
too.
More information about this year's summer reading theme, "A Universe of
Stories," available here: http://www.norwichlibrary.org/summerreading/
(2) Only 3 more days of school - what are your kids doing this summer? The Norwich Rec still has room in several of our camp programs, and most have full time options! Please click here, and register today:
http://norwichvtus.sportssignup.com/site/
(3) We are excited to invite you to a special screening of GENERATION ZAPPED, an eye-opening documentary about the true cost of living in the wireless age. We are also pleased to welcome Cecelia Doucette, a Technology Safety Educator and expert on the topic, who be available for Q&A after the film.
GENERATION ZAPPED reveals evidence of the health risks from our ubiquitous use of cell phones and digital devices and the prevalence of wireless radiation. Children and teens are especially susceptible and yet they have some of the highest daily exposure. In this film, scientists, physicians and health researchers discuss the mounting scientific evidence regarding links to serious diseases such as breast and brain cancer, associations with increased infertility, genetic mutations related to autism and ADHD and newly developed illnesses, such as Electrical Sensitivity (ES).
The film is also an excellent introduction to understanding the mounting concern for attempts worldwide to roll-out 5G (fifth generation) for telecommunications until potential hazards for human health and the environment have been fully investigated by scientists independent from industry. Scientists and physicians worldwide are calling for a halt to the 5G Roll-out.
Documentary films have a unique power to raise awareness and spark action on topics like this one. This is a film that provides important information on how to protect yourselves and will lead to a vital discussion about our wireless lives.
To watch the TRAILER click HERE
GENERATION ZAPPED
On Wednesday, June 5 at 6:30 PM
At Hartford Municipal Building, Room 2
171 Bridge St, White River Junction, VT
Hosted by Vermont Free from 5G
Followed by a Q&A discussion with Cece Doucette
Technology Safety Educator & Education Services Director at Wireless Education
(Event by donation)
We hope to see you there!
Pat Fisken (Wilder) & Frederica Graham (White River Junction)
(3) The Family Wellness Program is offering a Parent Education Program this summer called Circle of Security. “Circle of Security” is based on Attachment Theory. It teaches us a new way to understand our children’s behavior and helps us improve our relationships with our children. The group will be led by Courtney McKaig and Katrin Tchana.
This program is great for parents and caretakers with children of any age—we think it helps us with our adult children-- but it is especially helpful for parents of children under ten.
“Circle of Security” is FREE and open to all—childcare is provided but space is limited! If you know any parents who would be interested, please encourage them to sign up soon!
We are attaching a flyer—please feel free to print it out and share it with your patients.
Thanks for your help getting the word out about this wonderful program!
Courtney and Katrin
(4) White River Ballet Academy presents its annual Spring Performance and this year we’re performing PETER AND THE WOLF!
When: Sunday, June 9
Where: The Barrette Center for the Arts, WRJ
Show times: 1:00 and 5:00
Tickets: Adults: $15
Kids 12 and under: $10
This is a wonderful performance for all ages!
Featuring 3 Norwich residents and soon-to-be graduates of Hanover High School and Sharon Academy: Sarah Genzer, Natalie Thompson and Hailey Swett and also many more Norwich residents/MCS students!
Come join us for an hour of beautiful dancing in this beloved ballet narrated by David Bowie!
--
Bill Hammond
Principal
Marion Cross School
