Announcements 4-2-12

Autism Awareness 

April is Autism Awareness Month, but how much do you know about Autism?  Check out our autism facts everyday on the daily announcements or in the lobby.  Please share these fun facts with your class everyday and let us know if you want any more information.  Thank you

-Kaleidoscope

Autism affects 1 in every 110 children.  1 in every 70 boys

Autism is becoming more prevalent than ever before. It is not known if there is a better diagnosis or if more people have autism. It is also not known if autism is genetic or not. Autism is a developmental disorder that appears in the first 3 years of life, and affects the brain's normal development of social and communication skills.

Check the announcements tomorrow to learn more about how people with Autism learn.

News from The Voyagers

Voyagers love to PLAY

 and we have just finished our second production!

 The Tiger, The Brahman, and The Jackal, was the our latest and greatest. The whole team enjoyed watching or acting in the performance. Our play was really helped out by Ms. White who provided some fantastic costumes, a killer cage for our tiger, and even filled-in for a sick actress on the day of the performance! We have another play in the works and students are already hard at work!

Brainstorm Adventure Brain Fit Tip of the Day




The oyster is one food rich in both iron and zinc. If your mind wanders or you have memory lapses here
and there, you may need more of the minerals zinc and iron in your diet.


Use your brain for Logic: I create a happy sound on my entire journey to a place of monetary deposit. What am I doing? (answer tomorrow)
Friday's answer: 9 + 9 + ⁹/₉ + (9 x 9) = 100


WordMasters Word of the Day 


howl  - the long plaintive cry of a hound or a wolf


April Fools Joke of the Day


What kind of music do board game pieces like to listen to?
Hint: It has something to do with chess.
Answer: Rook & Roll


Hot Lunch Entree for Monday April 2nd



Oven Baked Chicken Nuggets  w/Dipping Sauce
Zesty Lemon Couscous 
Fresh Steamed Broccoli 
Oatmeal Muffin Squares 
Fresh Fruit 
Farm Fresh Milk

Announcements 3-30-12

The District Music Festival

Band students participating in the festival will be bused to MVU in Swanton for the day for rehearsal on Friday (3/30) and Saturday (3/31). Students will return to SACS by 4:15 on Friday. The concert is at 2:00pm on Saturday 3/31 and there is a charge at the door. There will be no bus returning to SACS after the concert. 


Dental Fair Today (3/30)


Grades 1-3 are having a Dental Fair which will include learning opportunities regarding proper tooth brushing, healthy snack and beverage choices, and the ever popular bicycle powered smoothie event!  Local dental professionals, VTC dental hygeine students and community outreach specialists from Blue Cross/Blue Shield will be contribute their expertise.

 UVM Fitness Competition

Any students in grades 5-8 interested in being part of the Middle School Fitness team should report to the gym for practice on Monday 4/2, Tuesday 4/3 and Thursday 4/5.  We will meet from 3:15-4:15. 

News from Team USA


On Friday, The Engineers of IBM will be conducting a workshop in Team USA! They will also listen to our presentation regarding how we utilized the grant money that we won from them last year, and students will be having a round table discussion with them in an effort to secure funding for researching/designing/ building a prototype for a waste saving machine. It will be marketed, should it work as planned! Our students can pull this off. It will be a two year project with students returning back from BFA next year, and hopefully including

the 6th graders who will be joining us in Team USA next year.

Team USA students spent an afternoon cleaning up outside of the school last week and are applying for a grant to install a low altitude rope course on our grounds that will be open to all grade levels!

Field Trip

Kindergarten is traveling to the Welden Theatre to see "The Lorax" at 8:15am.

Book Discussion at St. Albans Free Library


On Thursday evening April 19th at 6:30pm Gillian Ireland will be leading a discussion of the parenting book "Nurture Shock" Copies of this book can be attained at the library. If you are interested please call the library at 524-1507 to register.


Brainstorm Adventure Brain Fit Tip of the Day

We've all heard that fish is "brain food," and there's good reason for it. Fatty fish like budget-friendly sardines contain omega-3 fatty acids, which are thought to be instrumental in maintaining brain function from early development throughout life.

Use your brain for Logic: Can you make the number 100 with six nines? (answer tomorrow)

WordMasters Word of the Day

blurry  - without a clear outline, not clear

Hot Lunch Entree for Friday March 30th

Italian Style Meatball Sub on Wheat Roll

Side Caesar Salad

Fresh Fruit

Farm Fresh Milk

Announcements 3-29-12

Countdown to The District Music Festival

St. Albans City School and BFA have had many of our former students go into both music education and performance college programs. Adam Sawyer and Chris Comstock, who graduated from the City School, are both teaching elementary and middle school band programs in Essex Jct, and Sheldon. Adam has conducted several Middle School Band festivals, since starting his teaching career. We have professional musicians teaching high school in Massachusetts, Robert Raymond, and performing in both professional and local amateur bands and chorus's in New England. Both Nichole and Michelle Rawding (Ms. Rawding's daughters) are performing singers and flutists, in Maine and New Hampshire. The computer composition music curriculum that has been taught by Arlene Jarvis and Cathy Gottschalk, has produced several high school and college musicians, who are having their music perfomed by BFA and their college ensembles. Ms. Jarvis' students from SACS, have won several of the Vermont Midi Project composition awards.


Brainstorm Adventure Brain Fit Tip of the Day


Don’t let the avocado’s fat content fool you. It’s a healthy fat that promotes blood flow, keeping your mind functioning at its peak. That’s not all: Avocados have also been shown to reduce blood pressure.


Use your brain for Dexterity. Try this tongue twister: The thirty-three thieves thought that they thrilled the throne throughout Thursday.


WordMasters Word of the Day:


hardy - able to survive under unfavorable conditions


Hot Lunch Entree for Thursday March 29th


Nachos Supreme
Seasoned Taco Meat, Nacho Cheese Sauce, Lettuce, Salsa & Corn Tortilla Chips
Brown Rice Pilaf
Broccoli/Carrot Salad
Low-Fat Dessert
Fresh Fruit
Farm Fresh Milk 

Announcements 3-28-12

Dr. Seuss Day in Kindergarten!

.

It was Dr. Seuss day last week in Kindergarten and they celebrated by dressing up as their favorite characters from Dr. Seuss books.

Countdown to The District Music Festival


The Vermont Music Educators Association festivals have been handing scholarships to deserving high school students for lessons and for their college education. Both the High School and Middle School festivals have 2 bands and a chorus, with all teachers with performing groups, participating as the organizers and serving as coaches during the two day festivals.


VYO Philharmonia Visits SACS

Vermont Youth Orchestra students visited SACS today and treated our students to a brass and strings concert.


Fishing Trip


Kid's Free Fishing Adventure! A collaboration between the Grand Isle Fish Hatchery, Buddy's Taxi, St. Albans Recreation Department & Franklin County Senior Center. Kids are picked up at 8am Saturday June 9th at the St. Albans City Poolhouse, transported by bus to the Grand Isle Hatchery and return back by noon. Trip is chaperoned by St. Albans Recreation Department Staff. All fishing equipment is supplied. Kids just need to pack water and snacks. All fish caught will be donated to the Franklin County Senior Center where it will be cooked and served to the seniors. Space is limited. There is no fee, but kids must be pre-registered to attend.

Fishing Trip

• Space is limited
•  Kids need to pack water and snacks

for more information go to http://www.stalbansrec.com/

Jokes


Heard any good jokes lately? Send them to gunterd@fcsuvt.org or give them to Mrs. Gunter and look for the next week in the announcements.


Brainstorm Adventure Brain Fit Tip of the Day

Broccoli has been shown to improve memory function as well as slow the aging process. This means a broccoli-rich diet will keep you young and sharp.

Use your brain for a mental Exercise: List what you believe are the five most important events in world history.

WordMasters Word of the Day

graze- verb
           Inflected forms: grazed; grazing
           1 : to feed on growing grass or herbs
           2 : to put to feed on grass or herbs

Hot Lunch Entree for Wednesday March 28th

Whole Grain Pancakes w/Warm Syrup  
Fresh Sweet & White Home Fries 
Baked Ham 
Fresh Fruit 
Farm Fresh Milk

Announcements 3-27-12

The Phantom Tollbooth

   I would like to thank everyone who helped with the production of "The Phantom Tollbooth". This production was a collaboration of many different people, and it all came together in a great show! First, I would like to thank my Drama Mamas who constructed sets and got together costumes and supervised and helped keep me going! Also thank you to Suzanne Skaflestad and Jill Snapp for the Open Doors "Backstage Pass" and Melissa Haberman and her class of 6th graders who made the beautiful backdrop. Thank you also to our wonderful PTO and St. Albans Society for the Performing Arts who both provided grants. I would also like to say thank you to all the parents who support this effort. But, the biggest thank you I have is to my great cast of students. Your hard work and dedication always makes this a highlight of my teaching here at City School - and my new chair is amazing!  -Mrs. Jarvis

St. Albans City School presents WELCOME TO KINDERGARTEN!

St. Albans City School would like to welcome all incoming Kindergarteners (children who will be 5 before September 1^st, 2012) and their parents to the 2012-2013 school year.  You are invited to visit us in the Kindergarten on Tuesday, March 27th  and Wednesday, May 9^th from 6 pm to 7 pm.   Registration material for Kindergarten screenings will be available.  Your child’s social security numbers, immunization records and birth certificate are required.  For more information, call Helene Biggie at 527-0565 @ ext. 1101.

News From Kindergarten

Kindergarten visited the Branon's Sugar House in Fairfield on Wednesday. We learned about gathering, boiling and tasting !! We walked in the woods and saw the many miles of pipelines used to collect the sap. We sat in a tractor and then had a huge pancake breakfast, Mmmmm!! 

Countdown to The District Music Festival

The Vermont Music Educators Association is the professional arm of music teachers, and has sponsored both local and statewide music festials for over 75 years. St. Albans City School belongs to  District 1, which includes Richford, Enosburg, Milton, Georgia, St. Albans City and Town, Swanton and Mt. Mansfield schools. We put together 2 festivals a year, with a High School festival and a Middle School Festival. On Friday March 30th, and Saturday March 31st members of our Elementary and Senior Band are traveling to MVU to participate in this years District Music Festival.

Athletics

Girl 7/8 Softball first practice is at 3:30 in the big gym.

UVM Fitness Competition

Any students in grades 5-8 interested in being part of the Middle School Fitness team should report to the gym for the first practice on Thursday March 29th.  We will meet from 3:15-4:15.  If you have questions about the program please call Meg Jarvis or Rusty Branon at

527-0565 x5002

Vermont Youth Orchestra Philharmonia Concert


They are performing for our school at 1:30 today (3/27) in the big gym.


Franklin County Art Show
The Art Department is pleased to announce that St. Albans City School is hosting the Franklin County Student Art Show this year. The show opens on Tuesday, April 10 and closes on Sunday, April 15. There will be a reception on Wednesday, April 11. Please come and enjoy the work
of our talented students! 



Yearbook News for 8th Graders!

Last call for Baby Pictures and Personal Messages!  Deadline Wednesday, March 28th!

If you want to put your 8th grader's baby picture or a message of congratulations and good luck in the yearbook, the deadline is Wednesday, March 28th!!!  (We may accept late deliveries on Thursday or Friday, but no guarantees due to publishing deadlines - please honor the Wednesday deadline.)  We will take as many as we can get!  The cost is $5 for baby pics and $10 for messages (up to 50 words), but if this is a hardship for your family, we will still take the picture or message.  A donation of any amount will be used toward the publishing and production costs of the yearbook.

Any items can be brought to Ms. Maguire in Dynamic Design, given to your student's L.A. teacher, or mailed to Briana Maguire at City School.  

(Pictures will be returned after being scanned.)

Brainstorm Adventure Brain Fit Tip of the Day

Dark chocolate is antioxidant-rich, and it also improves focus and concentration. Milk chocolate, on the other hand, improves memory and reaction time.

Use your brain for a Mental Exercise: Count backwards by twos or threes from 100 (or forward or backward by sevens).

WordMasters Word of the Day

impoverished- verb  1 : to make poor
                               2 : to use up strength of richness of
                      noun  impoverishment 

Hot Lunch Entree for Tuesday March 27th

Grilled Cheese Sandwich on Wheat Bread 

Hearty Country Vegetable Soup 

Chilled Fruit Cup 

Low-Fat Dessert

Fresh Fruit 

Farm Fresh Milk

Announcements 3-26-12

Learning Showcases


Just a reminder that there is no school for students on Monday March 26th due to Learning Showcases. There is no tutoring all week due to Learning Showcases, but Open Doors is in session (Tues-Fri).


News from Voyagers

The Voyagers continue to light up their worlds as they explore electricity. This week the 

Voyagers took a trip to Ohio to visit with Mr. Andrew Campbell who lead us on a series 

of experiments and in-class models! We did this all on a virtual field trip! Pencils bubbled 

and bulbs lit up as we learned about circuits and had some fun.

A huge thanks to LEARNnco, Mr. Campbell and to Mrs. Wade who made our adventure possible.

The Phantom Tollbooth

The play has two performances this weekend. Friday evening at 7:00pm and Saturday afternoon at 2:00pm. We hope to see you there

Brainstorm Adventure Brain Fit Tip of the Day

Egg yolks are rich in choline, an essential nutrient to improving memory function.

Use your brain for a Mental Exercise: Can you list the nine Supreme Court Justices?

WordMasters Word of the Day

from the 3rd grade list:

Precipice - a very steep cliff; the brink or edge of disaster 

Announcements 3-23-12

News From Team USA

Team USA welcomed another distinguished guest to our Leadership Series.  Ms. Joan Cavallo spoke to our community about her leadership experience.  She shared her background as a leader in the business and education world. She also shared her vision of what school should be like and how far St. Albans City School has improved in the past few years.  

The video is in production and will be shared once available.  

Thank You

A Special Thanks goes out to the Kwaii Origami group.  This is a group of 7th grade students who create and sell origami and other goods for special causes.  The group held a bake sale at the March 16th Dance, and donated the proceeds of nearly $50 to the Class of 2012 to use toward the cost of producing the Yearbook.  The Yearbook Committee would like to give a GREAT BIG THANK YOU to the group for their hard work and generosity!

Behind The Scenes with "The Phantom Tollbooth"

We asked Mrs. Jarvis about what needs to be done to produce the play, and who helps out:

"This year we have had many people working on production. Mrs. Haberman and one of her art classes designed and made the beautiful back drop. Open Doors did a "Back Stage Pass" and this class made many of the props. Our Drama Mamas, (Mrs. Walsh, Mrs. Newton and Mrs. Grubb) made the sets and gathered the costumes. The PTO gave us a large grant to be used toward this production, and we have recently learned that the St. Albans Society for the Performing Arts has also  given us a grant towards our efforts here."

You are invited to see the play Friday 3/23 at 7:00pm and again Saturday 3/24 at 2:00pm.

Brainstorm Adventure Brain Fit Tip of the Day:

Students who eat breakfast find it easier to pay attention, can concentrate better and have better memories and problem-solving abilities. So, breakfast eaters score higher on tests than those who skip a morning meal. Breakfast eaters are also less depressed, anxious and hyperactive than those who eat an unbalanced breakfast or skip the meal entirely.

Use your brain for Creativity: What if...we lived to 200? How would life change?

WordMasters Word of the day:

from the 5th grade list:

amalgam

   [uh-mal-guhm] 

noun

1. an alloy of mercury with another metal or metals.

2. an alloy that consists chiefly of silver mixed with mercury and variable amounts of other metals and is used as a dental filling.

a mixture or combination: His character is a strange amalgam of contradictory traits.

Hot Lunch Entree for Friday March 23rd

Chef’s Specialty Pizza 

Dark Green Garden Salad w/Dressings 

Fresh Fruit 

Farm Fresh Milk

Announcements 3-22-12

News from the Cafe

Wednesday was National "Kick Butts Day" which is a day to raise awareness about the dangers of smoking. We recognized this day in the Cafe with trivia and special prizes.




News from Team USA

Tuesday after school, several members of Team USA participated in a Webinar hosted by Vermont Energy Education Program. The Team will be applying for a spot in their next year program to make our school even more energy effecient.

On Wednesday,  the Team went to Hardack to participate in Team building activities organized and facilitated by Team USA students.

The winners of our Design a Recreation Facility (Skate Park/Teen Center) Project will be presenting to the St. Albans City Recreation Commission in early April for their considerations.

The Team  thanks Mitch Craib for making a great documentary on Project Based Learning featuring Team USA. It will be available on our web site for viewing.

On Thursday, at 11:30 Team USA will be honored to host Ms. Joan Cavallo as a guest speaker. She will be discussing ' leadership styles' and the 'courage to make changes'!  If you are interested in attending, please contact us.

Alaska - Here we come!


It's your last chance to join us for our virtual trip to The Alaska Sea Life Center. The trip takes place Thursday March 22nd in The Learning Commons at 6:00pm. The trip is free, open to anyone in the community and light refreshments will be served. Please call 527-0565 ext 1100 or email gunterd@fcsuvt.org to register. 


News from Open Doors

While there will be no Tutoring next week because of Learning Showcases, Open Doors will have classes next week. (Tues-Thursday) 

SACS Dress Code

With the warm weather this week, please take a moment to review SACS Dress Code.

Students should wear clothing that is neat, comfortable, and appropriate for learning while keeping the weather in mind.

Specific Guidelines:

• Clothing must cover stomachs, backs and undergarments, including underwear and bras.
• No halter-tops,spaghetti straps, short shirts, see through items or tank tops with straps less than two inches.
• All clothing should provide coverage so that no cleavage is showing.
• Skirts, shorts, or skorts must be as long as mid-thigh.
• any item of clothing with sexual, drug, alcohol, tobacco connotations or hate or gang related activities or messages are not allowed.

If dress is inappropriate, students will be asked to change and if a change of clothing is not available parents will be called.

Connect with Saint Albans Neighbors

Have you checked out FrontPorchForum.com yet?  FPF hosts online neighborhood forums in 70 Vermont communities, including Saint Albans City.  Neighbors post about lost dogs, gardening tips, babysitters, farmers' markets, plumber recommendations, road repairs, break-ins, town meeting, free couches, cars for sale, teen summer jobs, and much more.  More than 250 St. Albans neighbors already are putting your FPF to great use.

Sign up at FrontPorchForum.com 


Behind the Scenes with "The Phantom Tollbooth"


We asked Mrs. Jarvis how long students work on the play once they are signed up for Drama Club:
"The drama club starts in December with the students. We have a couple meetings so students can hear the play. As soon as December break is over, we have auditions. From there, students put in about 50 hours of work in rehearsals. We usually work 3 days a week for two hours after school, plus about half the Saturdays between January and the end of March. Students also have to put in additional time on their own to memorize their lines. We begin by learning the lines and songs. Then we begin to "block" or stage the show. Actors also have to learn other responsibilities such as when to get props, or move stage pieces etc. Students also have to learn choreography. I always tell the kids that it doesn't matter if you have one line or pages and pages of them - there is always a lot for each student in the show to do. One of my goals is to keep as many students on the stage as possible for each scene. "


The Drama Club will be performing "The Phantom Tollbooth" for the entire school today (3/22) in the Big Gym. 


Brainstorm Adventure Brain Fit Tip of the Day



For kids, numerous studies over decades have shown that when children eat a good breakfast, they have more energy, strength and endurance for both physical and mental tasks.



Use your brain for a Mental Exercise: Scan the room in which you are sitting. Now close your eyes and try to recall as many items as possible. Repeat!


WordMasters Word of the Day
from the 4th grade list:


pittance- noun   a small portion, amount, or allowance, especially of money 



Hot Lunch Entree for Thursday March 22nd



Oven Baked Barbeque Chicken 
Rice w/Black Beans & Corn 
Broccoli/Carrot Salad
Wheat Dinner Roll 
Fresh Fruit 
Farm Fresh Milk

Announcements 3-21-12

News from The Incredibles

The Incredibles Community reading teacher, Mrs. Campbell, has recently set up a book club available to 5th and 6th graders. The 4th grade book club is in planning stages at the time.

The 6th grade book club meets every Monday at lunch time, where we talk about the book we are all reading, and decide how many pages to read.

This book club is a great way for us to interact with our friends by talking about the book. It’s been so much fun to get together and share our ideas.

I’d just like to say thanks to Mrs. Campbell for setting this book group up. Even though the 6th Grade Book Club has only met twice, it’s been so much fun.
by Camille 6th Grade


News from Odyssey of the Mind

On Saturday March 10th,  two teams from Saint Albans City School attended the state Odyssey of the Mind tournament at Champlain Valley Union High School in Hinesburg.  Both teams worked hard all year to present a short play that demonstrated a solution to a problem.  They also were presented with spontaneous problems to solve on the spot as a team.  Our coaches,  Michelle Leduc and Christopher Lenox  worked tirelessly to guide our students through the process.  If any students and/or parents are interested in participating next year, please contact our coordinator Shanon Lenox at Shannon.Lenox@med.uvm.edu


Missing Something?

When you come for your child's Learning Showcase, be sure and stop by the main hallway to our lost and found. We have so many coats, snow pants, boots, shoes, and clothing and we are hoping they all make their way back to their owners this week!


Behind the Scenes with "The Phantom Tollbooth"



We asked Mrs. Jarvis how the show is chosen each year:
"During the summer months I peruse plays and look at castings and what the show will need for voices and acting parts. I never "pre-cast" a show, but I do consider the students that are available for parts when I pick a show. In the fall I order the show right away so I can begin to look at what we will need for resources etc. "

Tutoring


There will be no tutoring next week due to Learning Showcases.


Athletics


Mandatory Meeting for 7/8 Boys Baseball students and their parents Wednesday 3/21 at 6:00pm


Field Trips for 3/21/12


Kindergarten is going to Branon's Sugar House at 9:00 am


Team USA is going to Hard'Ack at 9:15


WordMasters Word of the Day
from the 3rd grade list:


Gleeful -  full of jubilant delight, joyful 


Brainstorm Adventure Brain Fit Tip of the Day



Without sufficient nutrients, breakfast skippers often feel tired and listless, irritable and restless. Eating a good breakfast full of nutrients restores your energy.


Use your brain for a Mental Exercise: List as many typical "pairs" as you can think of, suh as "salt and pepper" or "cats and dogs."


Yesterday's answer: Facetious


Hot Lunch Entree for Wednesday March 21st


Harvest Macaroni & Cheese
Oven Roasted Root Vegetables (Rutabaga, Parsnips, Red Potatoes & Carrots) 
Local Zucchini Muffins
Fresh Fruit 
Farm Fresh Milk