Friday, May 29, 2015

Announcements 6-1-15

Countdown to June 9th - Stewardship Day

Over the next week our school will highlight a number of our stewardship projects that have been completed or are underway.  The purpose of doing this is to recognize some of the great work that learning communities are doing to help students and staff become better stewards of ourselves, the school, St. Albans and the environment.  

On June 9th we will tour some of these stewardship sites after we celebrate our drive to offer healthier foods and more exercise to our students throughout the school year. We will do that by recognizing our partnership with RiseVT, a wonderful new Franklin Grand Isle health promotion program.  RiseVT will join us on the 9th because of our health stewardship initiatives involving exercise and increasing access to healthy foods and beverages.  

Stewardship News from Renaissance

Here is a quick description of the plants that will be found in the rain garden:
*video will not display in email - click here to view.

Mindful Monday


Mindfulness On-the-Go: Walking Meditation Practice by Elisha Goldstein
1. Appreciate. If you are fortunate enough to have the ability to walk, try and remember, it took you over a year to learn how to walk and these legs are often the unsung heroes that take you to and fro day in and day out. Thank your legs for all their efforts.
2. Ground. Bring your attention to the sensations of your feet and legs as the heel touches the ground, then the base of the foot, then the toes, and then they lift. You can actually say to yourself, “heel, foot, toes, lift.” This is a way to connect to the action of walking in the present moment.
3. Come to Your Senses. Walk slightly slower and begin to open your awareness to all your senses, one by one. Sight, sound, taste, feeling, smell. See what is around you, listen to the sounds, taste the air or whatever is in your mouth, feel the warmth, coolness, or breeze on your cheeks, smell the air. Then stop for a moment and see if you can take in all of the senses.
4. Say a helpful phrase. Recite some sayings while taking a few steps. For example, take a few steps and during an in breath say to yourself, “Breathing in, I have arrived, breathing out, I am home” or “Breathing in, I calm my body, breathing out, I relax.” Or make up your own sayings.

Band


Junior Band lessons are on for today, for flutes, clarinets, sax, oboe,  trumpet and trombone.

Beginning string lesson is this afternoon.

Jr. Band is rehearsing tomorrow.


The Mongo Concert is Tuesday evening in the big gym. We will be having the Jr. Band, Sr. Band, Orchestra and Jazz Band performing. The concert is at 7.


Thanks to the 15 or so kids and parents who came out Friday night to look at the planets, moon, and other stuff for our astronomy star party. We will be going out again, hopefully Thursday or Friday night, if the weather holds out. I will let you know in the announcements.

Open Doors


Open Doors Monday classes have ended. However, we are very busy getting ready
for our summer programs. We will be working on acceptance letters this week so
make sure you have handed in your completed registration form. 


And, if you get a moment, stop by and introduce yourself to Miss Alisha, who will be taking over for Miss Suzanne.  She is so excited to meet all of you!


Athletics





The 7/8 Softball and Baseball games are canceled today due to weather.

Lunch Menu for Monday June 1st

Seasoned Potato Wedges 
Chicken Nuggets w/Dipping Sauce 
Dinner Roll 
Fruit and Veggie Bar 
Vegetable Soup 
Or Yogurt Parfait Or Sunbutter and Jelly Or Deli Sandwich Or Pizza 
Fresh Milk

Thursday, May 28, 2015

Announcements 5-29-15

SACS Joke of the Week with Mrs. Biggie


*video will not display in email - click here to view.

Band


Jazz Band is rehearsing today at 2, and full orchestra is at 1. 

Beginning orchestra and Jr. Band lessons are on Monday.


Sign up forms for the Greater St. Albans Middle School Band trip to New York City will be going out on Monday and Tuesday, next week.


Mr. Mehaffey will be outside at the basketball court, tonight after 9 pm, with his telescopes. We will be looking at the moon, Jupiter, the Ring Nebula, globular clusters, and a galaxy or two if we are lucky. The telescopes only work when it is completely dark, so we will probably be looking starting around 9:30. Families are invited.

Culminating Event Schedule





News from the Cafe




After an epic lip sync battle at 7/8 lunch, the guest judges from Team Investigators crowned Jasmine the winner of a new-to-her guitar!

Field Trip

Incredibles are going to Spare Time Lanes today.

Open Doors


The following Open Doors classes meet today, Friday, May 29th:


·         JUST DANCE

Reminder

Today is the last day of library homework club and the 4:45 bus for this school year.

Lunch Menu for Friday May 29th

Shepherd’s Pie
Cornbread 
Fruit and Veggie Bar 
Vegetable Soup 
Or Yogurt Parfait Or Sunbutter and Jelly Or Deli Sandwich Or Pizza 
Fresh Milk 

Wednesday, May 27, 2015

Announcements 5-28-15

Discovery Christmas Tree Stewardship Project




Team Discovery just planted several dozen Christmas trees along the far north end of the walking path..  All the students and adults worked hard to dig holes, place the tree roots in the ground and pack the soil down around each seedling.  Check them out as you walk by.

Walk to School Day


193 students and 28 adults walked or biked into school on Wednesday morning. It was a warm, breezy and sunny commute and a huge contrast to walks in mid winter. Thank you to everyone who joined in. We have ONE MORE official walk/bike to school day on June 3rd.  See you next week.
Band

Jr. Band will be rehearsing today at 1 pm. This is because the 6th grade will be coming back from the park, after 12.


Full Orchestra will be rehearsing tomorrow at 1 pm, before jazz band at 2. 

Open Doors

The following Open Doors classes meet today, Thursday, May 28th:
  • French at BFA.   Session B students will board bus #3. If parents are picking up their children at BFA, please pick-up at the south side of BFA at 4:40 (where the big sign is)
  • Spanish at BFA.  Session B students will board bus #3. If parents are picking up their children at BFA, please pick-up at the south side of BFA at 4:40 (where the big sign is)
Lets Beat the Djembe Drum and Djembe Drummers Play it Again have ended.
 Have you brought in your completed summer registration form?? Is it completed but still in your back pack?

Field Trip

All sixth graders are going to Taylor Park today for History Day.

Athletics

 The 7/8 Baseball Team has a HOME game today vs Berkshire BOYS only.

Lunch Menu for Thursday May 28th

Chicken Tortilla w/ The Works 
Seasoned Chicken Strips, Mozz. Cheese, Lettuce, Salsa and Soft Flour Tortilla 
Rice Pilaf 
Fruit and Veggie Bar 
Vegetable Soup 
Or Yogurt Parfait Or Sunbutter and Jelly Or Deli Sandwich Or Pizza 
Fresh Milk 

Tuesday, May 26, 2015

Announcements 5-27-15

Wellness Wednesday

Here is Miss Rouleau from Team Investigators sharing her goals:



*video will not display in email - click here to view.

Walking Wednesday is Today

Find your route and join us!


Band


Full Orchestra will not be rehearsing tomorrow morning, because of the 6th grade field trip.

Jr. Band will be rehearsing tomorrow at 1 pm, after the 6th grade is back.


Next Wednesday afternoon, the beginning orchestra, the full orchestra, and several general music classes will be presenting an afternoon recital, for grades 3-6, in the library, at 1 pm.


6th grade violins have lessons today at 12:30.

Walking Contest Update after Four Weeks 





Triumph Completed a huge number of laps in four days last week to win control of the Golden Shoe Award.  Triumph has almost caught up with Bright Beginnings for highest total laps covered.

Here is a list of some outstanding walker/runners (laps completed):

TriumphDiscoveryRenaissanceUSA
55 Makayla57 Leila58 Isaac S.52 Makayla
54 Hailey41 Ryan48 Liam49 Andrew H.
49 Bailey41 Hope38 Aaliyah48 Destiny
38 Maddie40 Mioka
39 Kayleigh

Walk Bike Raffle Ticket List
This is a list of students that have already qualified for the walk/bike to school raffle. To earn a raffle ticket students must walk or bike to school and/or home. One punch is allotted for coming to school and another for going home. A 20 punch card gets you one raffle ticket. There is still time for you to get 20 punches on a card and earn a chance to win a yellow sport shirt, soccer ball or a pass to the St. Albans City Pool. The raffle will be held on June 8th.
Aliyah
Andrew
J.J.
Emma 
Lauren
Serenity 
Logan 
Joey 
Ava 
Abby
Yuki



Open Doors


Today, Wednesday May 27th  is the Open Doors Showcase in the BIG Gym at 4 p.m. featuring the Wed Hip Hoppers, Wed Glee, and the Thursday Drumming classes. Please join us as the students share their work with us!

The following Open Doors classes meet today, Wednesday, May 27th:

  • Hip Hop
  • Glee  
  • Girls on the Run
  • Lets Beat the Djembe Drum and Djembe Drummers Play it Again
   
      All session A students taking Glee, Girls on the Run and the two drumming classes will go to the cafeteria at 2:45 dismissal.

All session A students taking Hip Hop will meet Miss Trainer in the hallway outside of the cafeteria. 

Have you brought in your completed summer registration form?? Is it completed but still in your back pack? 

Homework Club

Just a reminder that the last day of the after school library homework club is Friday May 29th. This is also the last day the 4:45 will be running for this school year.


Codesmyths



Four students had the privilege to show off their games and learning process at the board meeting last week.  Now we are in the final stretch to get the website ready and games polished for our release party next Friday.  Families and friends of Codesmyths students please join us Friday, May 29th at 12:30 in the Tech Ed room for our culminating event.

Lunch Menu for Wednesday May 27th

Scrambled Eggs 
Green Pepper Strips 
Baked and Seasoned Sweet and White Potatoes 
French Toast Sticks 
Warm Syrup 
Fruit and Veggie Bar 
Vegetable Soup Or Yogurt Parfait Or Sunbutter and Jelly Or Deli Sandwich Or Pizza 
Fresh Milk 




Monday, May 25, 2015

Announcements 5-26-15

News from The Investigators



*video will not display in email - click here to view.

On May 8th students from Team Investigators stepped outside to fly kites they had assembled and decorated.  Each student was paired with a 7/8 Team USA student.  The Investigators want to thank USA for helping to make the event fun, helping them achieve their goal and for keeping everyone safe.

Band


Full Jr. Band is rehearsing today at 12:15, even if you do not have your instrument.

Sr. Band is also rehearsing today at 2.


The Mongo Concert is next Tuesday evening, June 2, in the big gym. We will be featuring the Jr. Band, Orchestra, Sr. Band, and the Jazz Band.


Tomorrow is Walking Wednesday




Join us on Wednesday May 27th on one of the seven walking school bus routes. Or, ride in on your bike while using a helmet.  Parents are welcome to be a part of the event!

Open Doors


The following Open Doors classes meet today Tuesday, May 26th

·         Spring Archery class (Today is the last day of Archery)
      Session B students taking Archery will board bus #2 at 3:10.  Archery students   will check in with Open Doors at bus #2 before boarding the bus and will wait until the bus driver is ready for them to board the bus.
  
·         Professional Dodgeball(Today is the last day of dodgeball)
·         CHOMP and Knitting has ended

All session A students taking Open Doors classes go to the cafeteria at 2:45 dismissal.
It is very important that all students riding the buses afterschool follow the bus expectations. 


Summer Brochure has been distributed.  Did you get one?

Field Trip

Three kindergarten classes are going to Shelburne Farms today and three are going tomorrow.

Athletics

The 7/8 Baseball and Softball Teams have games in Fairfax this afternoon.

Lunch Menu for Tuesday May 26th


Chicken Patty Sandwich w/Lettuce and Tomato or Veggie Burger
Tomato and fresh Basil Salad with a Balsamic Vinaigrette
Fruit and Veggie Bar 
Vegetable Soup Or Yogurt Parfait Or Sunbutter and Jelly Or Deli Sandwich Or Pizza 
Fresh Milk 

Wednesday, May 20, 2015

Announcements 5-21-15

News from The Voyagers







Wetlands Update

On May 12th and 14th heavy machinery moved into the school's wetlands area to help return the area to a wetlands more typical of the region.  The school's wetlands had been modified by draining and farming use many years ago.  After the work on Wednesday and Thursday last week, there are now ponds and mounds to attract water fowl, turtles, frogs and snakes.  The ground has been sown with native wetland species to support Vermont wildlife and insects.  In about a year it will be a natural-looking excellent outdoor classroom location.


Four students had the privilege to show off their games and learning process at the board meeting last week.  Now we are in the final stretch to get the website ready and games polished for our release party next Friday.  Families and friends of Codesmyths students please join us Friday, May 29th at 12:30 in the Tech Ed room for our culminating event.

Walk and Bike Turnout for Walking Wednesday



Wow!  With temperatures in the mid 40s, the sky overcast and spitting, and lots of wind, our turnout of 192 people on Wednesday was very impressive.  171 participants were students, 21 were adults.  Way to go St. Albans City School!

SBAC

Students in grades 3-8 will be testing today from 8:45 - 10:45AM.

Open Doors


The following Open Doors classes meet today, Thursday, May 21st:
  • Lets Beat the Djembe Drum
  • Djembe Drummers Play it Again
  • French at BFA.   Session B students will board bus #3. If parents are picking up their children at BFA, please pick-up at the south side of BFA at 4:40 (where the big sign is)
  • Spanish at BFA.  Session B students will board bus #3. If parents are picking up their children at BFA, please pick-up at the south side of BFA at 4:40 (where the big sign is)

Please note:  All students in the drumming classes will be coming to Open Doors next Wednesday, May 27th for the Open Doors showcase.  Students

will go to the cafeteria at their dismissal time to get ready for their performance.  The Open Doors showcase will be on Wed, May 27th at 4pm in the big gym featuring the Hip Hoppers, Glee and Drummers!

Athletics

The 7/8 Girls Softball team has a makeup game in Westford today at 4:30.

Lunch Menu for Thursday May 21st

Beef Burrito Tortilla Stuffed w/Taco Meat, Shredded Cheddar, Corn and Black Beans 
Rice Pilaf 
Chunky Salsa 
Fruit and Veggie Bar
Vegetable Soup Or Yogurt Parfait Or Sunbutter and Jelly Or Deli Sandwich Or Pizza 
Fresh Milk 

There is no school on Friday May 22nd and Monday May 25th. 
Have a safe and happy long weekend!


Tuesday, May 19, 2015

Announcements 5-20-15

Wellness Wednesday


Here is another inspiring goal video. Do you have a goal you are trying to reach? 


*video will not display in email - click here to view.

Walking Wednesday - TODAY!



Field Trip

Kindergarten is going to Carmen Brook Farm and St. Albans Bay Park today.

SBAC

Testing will be this morning for students in grades 3-8 from 8:45 - 10:45.

Open Doors


The following Open Doors classes meet today, Wednesday, May 20th:

  • Hip Hop
  • Glee  
  • Girls on the Run
      All session A students taking Glee go to the cafeteria at 2:45 dismissal.
All session A students taking Hip Hop will meet Miss Trainer in the hallway outside of the cafeteria. 
Please mark your calendars for the Open Doors Showcase which will be held on Wednesday, May 27th in the BIG Gym at 4 p.m. featuring the Wed Hip Hoppers, Wed Glee, and the Wed and Thursday Drumming classes.


Do not forget to hand in your summer registration forms.

Lunch Menu for Wednesday May 20th

BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwich 
Fresh Carrot Sticks 
Hummus Dip 
Fruit and Veggie Bar 
Vegetable Soup 
Or Yogurt Parfait Or Sunbutter and Jelly Or Deli Sandwich Or Pizza 
Fresh Milk 

Monday, May 18, 2015

Announcements 5-19-15

News from Renaissance

On April 29th, 2015, Renaissance went to Hard’Ack/Aldis Hill to study water quality. Students worked in small groups to collect field data, make observations on the biotic/abiotic habitat, and learn how scientists use technology to answer regional and local biogeochemical questions related to climate change and land use.  Our favorite part was adding salt to the water, and seeing the results change drastically.  Salt from our roads can have a negative impact on our water quality by increasing the conductivity of the water.


NEWRnet graduate students, Matt Vaughan and Ryan Sleeper, demonstrated how they use high-frequency sensors in local streams to measure various indicators of water quality including dissolved oxygen, conductivity, fluorescent dissolved organic matter, temperature, and turbidity. CWDD Research Technician, Janel Roberge, and Project Manager, Laura Yayac, helped students conduct habitat assessments in the nearby stream.


Director Lindsay Wieland, discussed EPSCoR research with students in the classroom, making connections between the local water quality issues in Saint Albans Bay with the research being done by NEWRnet scientists in the region. The presentation was followed by a lively discussion about careers in the sciences with NEWRnet researchers and CWDD staff.


Renaissance continues to work on the Hard'ack/Aldis Hill recreational trails to measure erosion and help design a trail system that filters some of the pollutants that have a clear path to the lake.  We hiked a few trails, and learned proper trail etiquette.

Here are some pictures from our trip.



*video will not display in email - click here to view.

Band

Mr. Mehaffey is not in school today. Sr. and Jr. Band are not having rehearsals.

Walking Contest Results




Bright Beginnings is the Walking Contest Leader for Week Three.  This team is also now the team with highest total laps over the contest at the half way point.  Bright Beginnings is applying focus to the contest as never before.  Team Triumph is doing the same with Team Discovery not far behind.  It is possible for any one of these teams to become the eventual winner.

SBAC





The UA teachers have been keeping students in grades 1-3 busy with lots of fun wihile the older kids have been testing!

The SBAC schedule for this week is:

Tuesday: only students in grades 7/8 test from 8:45 - 10:45
Wednesday: 3-8 tests from 8:45-10:45
Thursday: 3-8 tests from 8:45-10:45

Walking Wednesday

Tomorrow is Walking Wednesday. Find your route and join in!




Open Doors


The following Open Doors classes meet today Tuesday, May 19th

·         Spring Archery class
      Session B students taking Archery will board bus #2 at 3:10.  Archery students   will check in with Open Doors at bus #2 before boarding the bus and will wait until the bus driver is ready for them to board the bus.
  
·         Professional Dodgeball- held at City School
·         CHOMP and Knitting has ended

All session A students taking Open Doors classes go to the cafeteria at dismissal.
It is very important that all students riding the buses after school follow the bus expectations. 

Summer Brochure has been distributed.  Did you get one?

Calendar Note

There is no school this Friday May 22nd due to teacher inservice.
There is no school on Monday May 25th in observance of Memorial Day.

Lunch Menu for Tuesday May 19th

Chicken Alfredo w/Homemade Cheese Sauce 
Steamed Carrots 
Fruit and Veggie Bar 
Vegetable Soup 
Dinner Roll 
Or Yogurt Parfait Or Sunbutter and Jelly Or Deli Sandwich Or Pizza 
Fresh Milk