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Administrator's Corner

Principal Gonyaw scooping ice cream outside at MCS
Shawn Gonyaw

Shawn Gonyaw

Principal
Greg Bagnato

Greg Bagnato

Associate Principal

Archived Posts

Welcome to the Administrator's Corner. Shawn Gonyaw, Principal of Marion Cross School, and Greg Bagnato, Student Services Coordinator will post their weekly messages here. The intent is to keep you updated on important topics that are happening at school.

These posts can also be found in the weekly Who's Wise Words newsletter, which we highly encourage you to read. We hope you find all this information helpful, informative and fun.  We encourage you to reach out to us with questions and comments.

Regards,
Shawn and Greg


 

Most Recent Post:

August 30 - September 3

Important Dates

  • Monday, September 6 - Holiday, School Closed
  • Wednesday, September 8 at 8:15am - Coffee Talk with Shawn and Greg at the Gazebo
  • Thursday, September 9 - New Parent Night, hosted by the PTO
  • Friday, September 10 - Band Forms due to Mr. Ramsey (grade 6)
  • Wednesday, October 6 at 4:00pm - Coffee Talk with Shawn and Greg

 Message From The Principal

MCS has had a successful start to the school year!  This year I gave myself permission for the first week to avoid my computer, especially email, during the time when students are in the building.  Although I can’t do this every day, it was such a pleasant experience to focus on kids and teachers.  I can happily report that this was an amazing start to the school year.  The past school year provided much experience in reading a masked smile - and I saw many this week. 

Picture day was a success.  We were thrilled to host Whipple Studios for a second year.  Last school year we received a wealth of positive feedback about the quality of service provided.  Student photos were taken maskless outdoors, and group photos were taken on the gazebo with masks.  A funny aside, when Mr. Whipple was taking my photo, he reminded me that he took my high school photos, prom photos, and now my principal photo!

There will be a special edition of the Cross Words next week that will explain in depth the situation with the Norwich Nature Area (Milt Frye Nature Area).  This week a meeting was had with Tony Daigle, Facilities Director, Tom Candon, School Board Chair, Brie Swenson, Recreation Department, Rod Francis, Interim Town Manager, members of the UVTA, and myself.  These collective minds are putting together a message that explains where we are, a possible timeline, and where to direct further questions.

A reminder that if you have questions or concerns, please always start with the person closest to the question or concern.  In most instances, that is the classroom teacher.  I am always willing to help problem-solve, but in many instances, the classroom teacher can solve the problem or answer the question with more accuracy.

I continue to be in awe of the awesomeness of your children and the support given by the Norwich Community.  Many times this week, I paused to think about how very lucky I am to spend my days with your children. 

 

...and I neglected to include information about one very important new staff member last week.  

Lucy Hampton is excited to be joining the Marion Cross team this year as the Academic Support Teacher. She is passionate about early intervention, data-driven instruction, and helping each child love learning.  Lucy has her undergraduate degree from Dartmouth and a Masters in Education from Harvard. She lives in Norwich with her husband and two daughters. Lucy enjoys reading, baking and exploring the Upper Valley with her family.  We are extremely fortunate to have her talents joining our team!  

Have a lovely weekend,

Shawn

 Message From Student Services

Marion Cross School does not currently participate in the national School Lunch Program and so we use this application to determine eligible families for free milk, and lunch, and/or breakfast.

Important notes about Milk, Breakfast, and Lunch for all families

  • Milk can not be ordered through Fresh Picks.  To order milk this year, have your student tell their teacher that they would like milk.  Parents/guardians will pay by giving a check to Joy Smolin made out to "Norwich School District". 
  • Milk is .35/carton
  • Every Friday, Chocolate Milk is available...$10.50 for the year
  • If you are going to pay for the whole year...1 milk/day = $60.20, 2 milk/day = $120.40
  • If you are going to pay weekly...1 milk/day = $1.75, 2 milk/day = $3.50
  • If you are eligible for free milk, your student will order through their teachers and the family will not be billed.
  • Lunch (and soon) Breakfasts will be ordered online through Fresh Picks https://marioncross.schoollunchchoice.com/
  • If you are eligible for free milk/you will order your student's lunch and/or breakfast through Fresh Picks and will not be billed.

On Thursday, I sent an email containing two attachments regarding free milk, breakfast,and lunch. One of those attachments was an application. If you did not receive it, or need another copy, please contact me. 

Greg Bagnato