Dear Academy families and caregivers,

It feels like a fitting end to our February to watch the snow gently falling outside as our students gear up for an afternoon of Winter Sports.  Of all the challenges related to the past year, one blessing has been the winter weather this year and the opportunities it has afforded us and our students.  Between sledding, snowshoeing, xc skiing, alpine skiing at the T-bar, cooking food over fires and winter hikes, all of our students and staff have been engaged outdoors and learning in our beautiful Vermont winter.

As we head off to vacation, I’d like to extend a sincere thank you to our whole community.  We have all been working together this year like never before in keeping our community safe and our school functioning both in-person and remotely.  We truly could not have done it to this point without your cooperation and engagement.  Thank you for adhering to guidelines and for your honesty and transparency.  Thank you for the endless temperature checks and screening tickets.  Thank you for supporting your students during periods of at home learning.  Thank you for providing sufficient outdoor gear, and helping provide for those that need assistance.  Thank you for keeping yourselves and the young people in your lives safe and healthy.  And, most importantly, thank you for your neverending partnership and trust in us in the care and development of our students.

Please remember that there is no school for students on Monday, March 1st and Tuesday March 2nd in observation of Town Meeting Day.  Wednesday March 3rd is a school day, but like all Wednesdays is a remote learning day.  We look forward to welcoming back our in-person learners on Thursday, March 4th.

Wishing you all a wonderful, restful winter break.

Valentine's Day is for the birds! Mrs. Walior's 1st grade class made cookie cutter bird feeders.

Mrs. Oliver's remote Kindergartenters made these cute Love Bears as part of their Valentine Craft and Writing Activities last week.  Here are Casper and Bradyon’s Valentine's!

FAMILY ENGAGEMENT CORNER- JODY MATTULKE

Mrs. Maiello's class illustrates full buckets.  

"A full bucket gives us a positive outlook and renewed energy. Every drop in that bucket makes us stronger and more optimistic. When you fill someone else's bucket with a smile, hug, kind word, or gesture, you fill your own. The more you fill buckets, the quicker your own bucket fills up" 

Ways to reinforce the Bucket Filling concept at home 

• Create a bucket for you and your child (or for each family member) using a small bucket, container or cup. Place an object in their bucket (and in yours) each time they show bucket filling behaviour. This can reinforce the concept of bucket filling, and they can be excited to fill it!
• Be a “Bucket Detective” when out in social situations. For example, watch children in the playground or characters on TV and discuss what behaviours could be filling or dipping into buckets.
• At the end of each day (perhaps around the dinner table or during down time) discuss one way you each filled or dipped into someone’s bucket that day. Praise the filling and discuss how the dipping behaviour could have been avoided or what they could do next time and keep it positive. (EmpoweredKids)

Mrs. Maiello's students' bucket filling concept evolved into extremely thoughtful discussions on the importance of sometimes needing to put a lid on your own bucket. If you notice you are scooping from your bucket to fill another's bucket, it is time to take care of yourself. The need to take care of yourself and the concept of self-care practices emerged. Amazing discussions, amazing students.

Laura Casey's 1st grade class goes out in all types of weather.  Check out Preston learning to walk like a bear.                       

Lots of construction building happening in first grade!

Still staying active with yoga on days when it's just too cold to go outside!

Orly's 6th grade class has been enjoying the winter weather.They tried out

cross-country skiing and  made S'mores outside by the fire.

February Winter Carnival Fun

For full instructions on how to enter in the Google Doodle Contest:   

https://doodles.google.com/d4g/. This year's theme is "I am Strong because...."

Like to sew? Looking for a winter project? Have some extra fleece laying around? 

We are looking for people to make neck warmers for our Academy Stars! Spending 

time outside in the winter is great, and staying warm is important! These neck warmers

will help our students stay warm and cover their faces for COVID requirements. 

If you think you can help out by donating your time and materials to make some neck warmers (or know someone else who may help) please email Liz at lcasarella@wsesdvt.org

 Any colors would be welcome, here are some examples:

CHECK OUT THE LATEST EPISODE OF NEBULA NEWS. YOU DON'T WANT TO MISS IT! Click on the picture below to check it out.