Monday, April 30, 2012

Announcements 5-1-12

Spirit Week Pep Rally & Celebration



The Pep Rally on the Friday before vacation was a wonderful ending to a fun week! The whole school got together to celebrate our SumDog winners, The WordMasters students, and our Cybermission winners presented. The rally was organized by students from each 7/8 community with the help of Mrs. Trainer and Ms. Cavallo. SACS Senior Band played The Star Spangled Banner along with several highly polished selections that they have been practicing in preparation for their NYC trip in June. The rally also had some fun contests that each team participated in, including a hula-hoop competition, a cheer off,  and a "teacher wrap".  It was an excellent and fun way to celebrate our school and our amazing students. Well done, Raiders!


Congratulations to Team Imagination, The Spring Estimators Cup winners!




Book Fair


The Book Fair is happening all this week in the library. It is open daily from 8:00am-4:00pm. On Thursday evening it will be open from 6:00-7:00pm as well. Volunteers are still needed to help. If you can give some of your time, please email Julie Augustino at JAugie@gmail.com. 


School Report Night


This year we did school report night as part of School Board Meeting so it could be televised and available. We have had requests to do another report night so we will share the same info Thursday May 3rd from 6:00-7:00pm in the second floor conference room off the Triumph hallway.


REMINDER to 8th Graders and their Parents &Families:

The Yearbook Pre-Order Sale ends Wednesday, May 9th!  
Quantities are limited!  Orders will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis.
Order now to guarantee a yearbook for your student.

Yearbooks at Pre-Order Sale Price = $12.00
Cash or checks payable to SACS with "Yearbook" in the memo.
Pre-orders will only be accepted with payment until May 9th.

Deliver order form with payment to Ms. Maguire, Yearbook Advisor, in Dynamic Design L.C.
or return by mail Attn: Briana Maguire, c/o SACS, 29 Bellows Street, St. Albans, VT 05478

(Order forms were mailed home in early April - please contact Briana Maguire, maguireb@fcsuvt.org or 527-0565 x2301, if you need a form.)

News from Renaissance

Hello Raiders!  On May 18th, Renaissance will be leading a school-wide green up day!  Look for a team invitation soon!

SumDog

There was a school wide, two day Sumdog Contest which ran from April 18th- the 19th. The following students were awarded certificates at our school wide assembly before Spring vacation.

Here are our top 5 winners for grades 1-3
5th place, Ashley from  Imagination with 1,195 correct answers
4th place, Brayden from Imagination with 1,245 correct
3rd place, Dustin from  Explorers with 1,360 correct
2nd place, Will from  Imagination with 1,245 correct
And 1st place for grades 1-3 was Colin from the Explorers with 3, 175 correct answers!


 Here are our top 5 winners for grades 4-6:
5th place, Haley, from Triumph with 4,010 correct answers
4th, Ben, from Triumph with 4,103 correct
3rd, Danny, from Triumph with 4,839 correct
2nd, Alyssa, from Voyagers with 5,100 correct
And our 1st place finisher, Tyler, from Voyagers winning with 5,627 correct answers!!

This week starting Monday morning at 8 AM our school began a statewide Sumdog Contest that will run until Friday May 4th. Stay tuned for the results!!!

SACS Talent

Congratulations to Rosie Newton  who placed second in her division in The Maple Festival Talent Show and to all of the SACS students who performed. Way to go! 

Over the break, Nate Gunter & Camille Gunter represented SACS in the 5th biennial John Philip Sousa Nation Honors Band. They were two of three middle school students from Vermont chosen. 


Hot Lunch Entree for Tuesday May 1st


Earth Day Celebration
Baked Potato Bar Chili, Homemade Cheese Sauce, Cabot Sour Cream & Fresh Chives 
Whole Wheat Dinner Roll 
Earth Day Bars 
Fresh Fruit 
Farm Fresh Milk

Thursday, April 19, 2012

Announcements 4-20-12

Spirit Week - Wacky Wednesday


Team Triumph Teachers get wacky!

Team Imagination gets wacky!
News from The School Store


The Raider's Treasure Chest is selling Raider Spirit Beads this Friday during lunches!!!! They cost $1.00 per necklace.....two for $1.50.  GO RAIDERS!!!!!


News from Team USA

Team USA 2012 Skate Park Project Recreation Board from Team USA on Vimeo.
Team USA shared their work on the Skateboard Project with the St Albans Recreation Board on Monday, April 16. They did a fantastic job and generated some deep conversations about possible skatepark options.
Check out the video to see the presentation.



News from The Voyagers



The Voyagers have been participating in Gamestar Mechanic. This is an enrichment WIN group where they are able to play, fix and then create their own online games. Voyager student, Calvin, has been honored by the creators of Gamestar Mechanic. One of his many games was featured on the website as a game to play! This allows gamers from all over the world to play his game and give him feedback. He was awarded a trophy and ribbon by the website. His game is titled DoodleAdventure. You can check it out at www.gamestarmechanic.com Congratulations, Calvin!


Happy April Break!


Today (Friday April 20th) is the last day of school until Monday April 30th. Have a happy and safe week off!


School Spirit Week


Today is Blue & White/Raider Day. Make sure you show your school spirit!


April Fools Joke of the Day


Where do fish keep their money?
In a riverbank.



Autism Awareness Fact of the Day


Students with autism need adults to embrace the process of working as well as the outcome.  Sometimes because it takes them longer to get to an answer, the process they took to get there is more meaningful.


Hot Lunch Entree for Friday April 20th



Cheesy Breadsticks w/Marinara Sauce 
Hearty Minestrone Soup 
Chilled Fruit Cup
Fresh Fruit 
Farm Fresh Milk

Wednesday, April 18, 2012

Announcements 4-19-12

Crazy Hair & Hat Day


Students from The Incredibles show their school spirit!
News from Kindergarten

Miss Laidman's kindergarten has the opportunity to listen to stories from a special guest teacher each Wednesday.  Lindsey, a 6th grader from the Incredibles team, enjoys reading to her students, and the kids love to see Miss Lindsey visit their room with a new story!

News from Team USA

Team USA has done a few Team photos for other teams. We appreciate you letting us serve you in this way!
Team USA has been contacted by VPT and will once again be involved in previewing a documentary later in the year, or early next year. Again,
 as with the Clinton film, we will try to open it up for all who want
to participate. Our presentation to the Rec Board went very well. We have been asked to participate in future discussions on the topic. It is hoped that we can officially place one of our students on the Recreation Board!
 We wish to congratulate the organizers of the spirit week! It was well done and fun.


Field Trip


Dynamic Design is going to Hard'ack from 10:15 - 2:30

Spirit Week

Today (4/19) is sports team day. Wear something from your favorite team and show your school spirit!


Fitness Team


Today (4/19) 3:15 - 4:15


Geier - Gleason Awards


Please join us in the library this Thursday afternoon at 3:15 for the Geier-Gleason Award Ceremony.  The award honors the memory of St. Albans City School teachers Beth Geier and Linda Gleason, educators who saw the potential in every child.  With that in mind, nominees receive scholarships or materials to develop their unique talents.  


April Fools Joke of the Day


What should you do if there is an elephant in front of you, horses beside you and a lion behind you?
Get off the Merry Go Round



Autism Awareness Fact of the Day


Kids with autism need to know the relevance of what they are learning.  Make it important to them!  


WordMasters Challenge Round III


The WordMasters Challenge will take place today (4/19) in the cafeteria at 8:15am. There will be an awards ceremony in the Library following the test at approximately 9:15. Parents and families are welcome to attend.


WordMasters Word of the Day


perturb: (verb) to disturb or disquiet greatly in mind; agitate.


Hot Lunch Entree for Thursday April 19th



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

Tuesday, April 17, 2012

Announcements 4-18-12

Team T-Shirt and Color Day


Voyagers show their "School Spirit" on Monday.

Spirit Week


Today (4/18)  is "Wacky Wednesday". Be sure and show your school spirit!


April Fools Joke of the Day 


What do you call cheese that's not yours?
Nacho cheese.



Autism Awareness Fact of the Day


Behavior is communication for people with autism.  People with autism don’t always know the words to use or even when to use them, so some will use behaviors to communicate for them.  


WordMasters Word of the Day


salve: (noun) anything that soothes, mollifies, or relieves.


Hot Lunch Entree for Wednesday April 18th



Brunch For Lunch 
Waffles  w/ Warm Syrup  
Sweet & White Home Fries 
Sausage Links 
Fruit Filled Crisp 
Fresh Fruit 
Farm Fresh Milk

Monday, April 16, 2012

Announcements 4-17-12

News From Team Voyager

The Voyagers are an attractive group, at least when then are working on exploring magnets and electricity. Students have started a series of experiments to find out what a magnet is and what magnets have to do with electricity. We have generated a lot of excitement so far. These groups are working hard to create their own compasses. Ask a Voyager how to make a compass if you get lost and they should be able to tell you what you need to know to find your way! 

Spirit Week


Today (4/17)  is crazy hair or crazy hat day! 


Fitness Team


Middle School Fitness Team practice is scheduled for Tuesday 4/17 and Thursday 4/19 from 3:15-4:15.  Questions please call Meg Jarvis at 527-0565 ext 5002


April Fools Joke of the Day


What did King Tut say when he was scared? I want my mummy!


Autism Awareness fact of the Day


People with autism think differently, teach them in a way that is meaningful for them!


WordMasters Word of the Day


pernicious: (adjective) obsolete; evil; wicked


Hot Lunch Entree For Tuesday April 17th



Pig In A Blanket 
Hot Dog Wrapped in Bread Dough 
Baked Beans 
Garden Pasta Salad 
Fresh Fruit 
Farm Fresh Milk

Friday, April 13, 2012

Announcements 4-16-12

News from Team Triumph


Team Triumph's 5th grade class recently had a Factor Game Tournament in math class.  Jason won the championship round and was named the Factor Champ.


News from Team USA





Video from F-16 Flyover

St. Albans City School Honors Lt. Col. Barent Rogers from Team USA on Vimeo.




Spirit Week!


The first day of Spirit week is Monday April 16th! Here is the schedule:


Monday - Team Color Day
Tuesday - Crazy Hair/Hat Day
Wednesday - Wacky Wednesday
Thursday - Sports Jersey Day
Friday - Raiders Blue and White Day 



Be sure and show your school spirit!


Raider Pride Poster Contest


Each community can decorate a poster, wall, and or door demonstrating their Raider Pride. Posters need to be hung in the hall by 4/19 to be judged. Good Luck!


Students present "SumDog" to The School Board. 




Autism Awareness fact of the Day


Children with autism are both teachers and students.  We can learn as much from them as they can learn from us.


April Fools Joke of the Day


Why did the dinosaur cross the road?
Because chickens hadn't been invented yet!


WordMasters Word of the Day


solace: (noun) comfort or consolation in a time of distress or sadness.


Hot Lunch Entree for Monday April 16th



Grilled Chicken Sandwich on Wheat Roll 
Seasoned Couscous 
Sweet & Seasoned Parsnips 
Fresh Fruit
Farm Fresh Milk

Thursday, April 12, 2012

Announcements 4-13-12

Thank You, Bear!







St. Albans resident and parent, Lt. Col. Barent Rogers made his last flight in the Vermont Air National Guard F-16 on April 12, 2012.  Part of his flight included a fly-over of St. Albans City Elementary School.  The entire school gathered in the fields to honor one of our local heroes.  Team USA students displayed our flag while the remaining communities formed the message, "Thank You, Bear."  


MIT Concert Band


The MIT Concert Band is having an open rehearsal at 10:30 on Saturday April 14th in the Big Gym.


Autism Awareness Fact of the Day


People with autism have no Theory of Mind! They do not understand that other people have beliefs, desires and intentions that are different from theirs.  If they want something, they will take it.  If they know something or are feeling a certain way, they expect that you know what they are thinking or feeling, but don’t understand why you are not, so they can’t/don’t tell you.  They are rule followers and have a hard time bending the rules, and don’t like it when other people bend or break them.


April Fools Joke of the Day


What asks no question, but demands an answer?
A phone!



WordMasters Word of the Day



derelict – (adj) 1: no longer cared for or used by anyone; run-down; abandoned, especially
by the owner or occupant. ▪ the slum was filled with derelict warehouses
2: US, formal : failing to do what should be done; lacking a sense of duty : negligent
▪The officer was charged with being derelict in his duty.

Hot Lunch Entree for Friday April 13th

Chef’s Specialty Pizza Side Caesar Salad Chilled Applesauce Cup Fresh Fruit Farm Fresh Milk

Wednesday, April 11, 2012

Announcements 4-12-12

News from Team Imagination




Mrs. Dussault's 2nd Grade reading class on Team Imagination created dioramas that display their favorite scene from a book that they read.  Students used a variety of materials to construct a 3-dimensional look into their book.   Be sure to check them out!


School Board Meeting


The meeting will be at 6:00pm in the Library.


School Spirit Week


Next week is Spirit Week. When classes arrive on Monday morning they will have directions and a poster board to decorate for their communities. The poster should represent their community and demonstrate their Raider Pride. Communities are encouraged to expand their spirit into their hallways and doors! The more school spirit....the more points!


Spirit Week Schedule:


Monday - Team Color Day
Tuesday - Crazy Hair/Hat Day
Wednesday - Wacky Wednesday
Thursday - Sports Jersey Day
Friday - Raiders Blue and White Day



Dance on Friday for Grade 4, 5 & 6



Team Triumph is hosting a dance! School staff, including our principal, Ms. Cavallo, will be chaperones. Only SACS students are invited. We will have contests, games, and other organized activities in addition to the music and dancing. Snacks and drinks will be available to purchase. The theme is Freaky Friday and prizes will be awarded for wacky outfits and crazy hair– no scary costumes please! Remember school dress code applies for school functions.
Students may enter the gym door at 6:30. Parents, please pick your child up promptly at 8:30 at the FRONT entrance of school!



Community Dinner & Dialogue Night 4/19


Please join Caring Communities and St. Albans Neighborhood Watch for a community dinner and dialogue night on Thursday, April 19, 6-8 PM at BFA UHS cafeteria. Parents and their families are welcome. This is an Alcohol Awareness Month event, and we are inviting our neighbors to "Be the Change for a Healthier St. Albans." We'll discuss key Franklin Central Youth Risk Behavior Survey results, celebrate positive trends, identify concerns, and think creatively about what families can do to promote a safe and healthy community that values its members. And enjoy a great meal from Mimmo's. Please join us! Download a flyer at www.fcccp.org and please share with your neighbors (including your neighbors in St. Albans Town!). Hope to see you there!



Autism Awareness Fact of the Day


People with autism have to conform to our society, but we do not conform to theirs.  We expect people with autism to sit in our classrooms, follow our rules, and get sensory input when we tell them to.  Is this fair?


April Fools Joke of the Day


Why didn't the chicken cross the road?
Because he was too chicken!



WordMasters Word of the Day



mordant – (adj) expressing harsh criticism especially in a way that is funny.
▪ She is a writer famous for her mordant humor/wit

Hot Lunch Entree for Thursday April 12th

Taco Bar w/ The Works Seasoned Taco Meat, Shredded Cheese, Lettuce, Onions, Salsa, & Soft Flour Tortilla Spanish Rice Creamy Coleslaw Fresh Fruit Farm Fresh Milk

Tuesday, April 10, 2012

Announcements 4-11-12

Congratulations, Mr. Allen!


On March 28th Mr. Allen received an INGNITE Award from Vita-Learn for transformative teaching and learning with technology.


Estimators Cup


We have a new Estimator's Cup Challenge.

We will be accepting estimates from Monday April 16th through Wednesday April 18th. The winner will be notified and get the Estimator's Cup at the Pep Rally on Friday April 20th. We will accept one estimate per class (three per team) and one for each K classroom. The slips will be ready at the front desk on Monday.

The Challenge:

If we line up 100 city school students in grade K through 8 in a line looking in the same direction, one in front of the other, close together but not touching, how long will the line be?  We would like the answer in feet for grades K-3 and centimeters grade 4-8. Happy Estimating...



Autism Awareness Fact of the Day


People with autism process their sensory input differently than you.  Some people have over-sensitivity and some people have under-sensitivity.  Some people with autism can hear noises that are far away or very high pitched, while others can barely hear anything.  Some people don’t like to be touched, others can’t get enough contact.  Some people with autism don’t like to eat certain textures while others will only eat certain colored foods on certain days.  Some people with autism are bothered by bright lights (some classroom lights and computer screens flicker like disco balls to them).


April Fools Joke of the Day


What do you call a cold dog sitting on a bunny?
A chili dog on a bun.



WordMasters Word of the Day


People with autism process their sensory input differently than you.  Some people have over-sensitivity and some people have under-sensitivity.  Some people with autism can hear noises that are far away or very high pitched, while others can barely hear anything.  Some people don’t like to be touched, others can’t get enough contact.  Some people with autism don’t like to eat certain textures while others will only eat certain colored foods on certain days.  Some people with autism are bothered by bright lights (some classroom lights and computer screens flicker like disco balls to them).


Hot Lunch Entree for Wednesday April 11th


Local Baked Potato Bar 
Chili, Homemade Cheese Sauce, Fresh Steamed Broccoli, Cabot Sour Cream & Fresh Chives 
Spinach Salad w/Apples & Maple Vinaigrette 
Vt. Apple Crisp 
Fresh Fruit 
Farm Fresh Milk

Monday, April 9, 2012

Announcements 4-10-12

News from Team Triumph





During WIN sessions a group of Triumph students has been preparing for a debate. They were assigned to PRO or CON teams around the topic: Should students be able to bring their school laptops home at night? Students researched their sides and prepared their arguments. On Friday April 6th, the two teams from A session and B session met for the first time in a live debate! The rest of the students in the audience served as judges...and the PRO side won both the student and teacher vote!


Franklin County Student Art Show


The Art Department is pleased to announce that St. Albans City School is hosting the Franklin County Student Art Show this year at The Collins-Perley Sports Complex. 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!


Autism Awareness Fact of the Day


Repetition, repetition, repetition!  People with autism forgot learned information very easily so they have to relearn skills (simple and hard) unless they review them often.  School vacations and summer can be hard for students with autism because they tend to forget skills they learned.  


April Fools Joke of the Day


What do you do if your dog chews a dictionary?
Take the words out of his mouth!



WordMasters Word of the Day



obstinancy- (noun) 1:stubbornness. 2: quality or state of being difficult to remedy,
relieve, or subdue.

Hot Lunch Entree for Tuesday April 10th

Hearty Macaroni & Cheese Parsnip/Carrot Stir Fry Homemade Cornbread Happy Birthday Cake Fresh Fruit Farm Fresh Milk

Friday, April 6, 2012

Announcements 4-9-12

News from Tech Ed.



In their nine week rotations with Tech Ed. teacher Ms. Bertucci, fourth and fifth graders designed balloon powered cars. 


Sticker Challenge


SACS students are experts on what needs to go in the compost buckets. Our only source of contamination is the pesky PLU stickers that come on almost all fresh fruit. We challenged each Learning Community to see who could collect the most PLU stickers -- and we had a tie! Congratulations to The Explorers and The Investigators for keeping all of those stickers out of our compost! 


Autism Awareness Fact of the Day


The more you say to someone with autism, the less they hear!  In general, people with autism only hear the first or the last 3 to 5 words you say.  The more words you use, the less they hear because there is too much for them to concentrate on.


April Fools Joke of the Day


How do you make at tissue dance?
Put a little boogie into it.


WordMasters Word of the Day



meek – (adj) having or showing a quiet and gentle nature : not wanting to fight or argue
with other people. ▪ She may seem meek and mild but it is all an act.


Hot Lunch Entree for Monday April 9th


Dress Your Own Hamburger or Vegetarian Veggie Burger on Wheat Roll 
Lettuce, Tomato, Cheese & Pickles 
Garden Pasta Salad 
Fresh Fruit 
Farm Fresh Milk

Thursday, April 5, 2012

Announcements 4-6-12

Spring Luncheon


Parents and families are cordially invited to attend The Annual Spring Luncheon today(4/6) in the cafeteria. Please come at your child's normal scheduled lunchtime. The menu is posted at the end of the announcements. 


Lunch Schedules:


Bright Beginnings/Kindergarten: 10:50-11:20
Investigators & Explorers: 11:15- 11:45
Imagination & Travelers: 11:30 - 12:00
Incredibles & Voyagers: 11:45 - 12:15
Discovery & Triumph: 12:00 - 12:30
All 7/8 Teams: 12:45 - 1:15


The Doug Flutie Jr. Foundation


The Doug Flutie Jr. Foundation was founded by football player Doug Flutie to help improve the lives of people and families living with autism. For more information about their programs and grants please visit www.dougflutiejrfoundation.org


Autism Awareness fact of the Day


People with autism are more likely to be visual learners.  They see in pictures, so they learn in pictures as well.  Words can be confusing because of multiple meanings and not all words can be associated with a picture.


April Fools Joke of the Day


Why did the boy glue himself to a book?
The teacher said to stick to one subject.


Brainstorm Adventure Brain Fit Tip of the Day


New technology can improve our daily lives, but it also can distract us from face-to-face contact with others, and those experiences canreduce stress and increase empathy. Make sure you take regular breaks from your technology to spend times with friends and family.


Use your brain for Dexterity: Try this tongue twister: Around the rugged rocks the ragged rascal ran


Our ten week adventure is now over. We hope you have enjoyed the tips and brain games!


WordMasters Word of the Day



launch- (verb) 1a : to send or shoot (something, such as a rocket) into the air or water or
into outer space ▪ launch a rocket/missile/torpedo
1b : to put (a boat or ship) on the water ▪ launch a battleship/lifeboat
1c : to throw (something) forward in a forceful way. ▪ I was terrified when the ferocious
animal suddenly launched itself at me.
2a : to begin (something that requires much effort) ▪ The enemy launched an attack at
sunrise.
2b : to cause (a person or group) to start to be successful in a career, business, etc. ▪ He
helped launch her in her career as a singer.
2c : to offer or sell (something) for the first time ▪ The company is expected to launch
several new products next year.
3: computers : to cause (a program) to start operating ▪ You can launch the program by
double-clicking on the icon.

Hot Lunch Entree for Friday April 6th

Spring Luncheon
Oven Baked Glazed Ham 
Chef’s Made  
Mashed Potato 
Seasoned Green Peas 
Wheat Dinner Roll 
Festive Dessert 
Warm Applesauce 
Farm Fresh Milk