Dear Academy Families and Friends,

This year, one of our staff initiatives has been to work on developing explicit ways to make Academy School welcoming to all students, staff, families and community members.  We have had a dedicated staff meeting each month to learn about ways we can do this in accordance with race, gender, values, and more.  This is ongoing work that we are excited about, as it has provided us with a framework to address topics and questions that can be challenging to discuss.  We have learned the importance of addressing concerns and topics related to discrimination and marginalization, instead of ignoring them or changing them to fit our mold.  It is through this work that we are creating real change in our perspectives, and biases; and work that will allow us to become allies and advocates for others.

One example of this recent work is the acknowledgement that some of our most beloved books are written by authors who publicly share personal opinions that violate human rights and promote discrimination.  Many of us fall in love quickly with stories that we read- especially when they are part of a series.  Books are a great way to dive into a world where magical things happen, and we tend to get attached to our favorite characters.  But, what do we do when we find out that the authors of those books are openly discriminatory against certain groups of people?  Can we still read and enjoy the books that we love, knowing that the authors have made hurtful statements about people who are Trans?  People who observe certain religions?   People who we love and work with each day?  

The answer is, there is no easy answer.  Developing a process and a platform to have these conversations and express our views as a staff and as a larger community is part of the work.  Because we are an institution where books are used throughout the day, every day, it is difficult to create a process where each text is analyzed deeply, in addition to knowing information about how the author portrays themselves publicly.  The quickly changing times have shown us that books written years ago may express views that are no longer appropriate.

  As a staff, we are committed to having a discussion whenever we do have knowledge of an author’s public views, or if there are views expressed within a book, that can be hurtful toward others.  We welcome the community’s input on this.  I am interested in your thoughts on this topic, and would like to bring it up at a Leadership Council in the future.  

As always, thank you for your trust, support, and commitment to the health and happiness of our Academy School family.  Have a wonderful weekend!

Kelly

SPRING IS COMING!!! Shout out to Lucy E. for our beautiful door decoration!

Mrs. Paradis's 2nd grade class receiving instructions from Mr. Session about Local Motion Bike Trailer that is visiting Academy School these next few weeks. 

Family Engagement Corner

I want to ride my bicycle; I want to ride my bike (Freddie Mercury)

Thanks to Mr. Sessions requesting Academy host the program, Local Motion Bike Smart, we have some 30 bikes for our students to ride! The bikes will be available through April break. 

Riding a bike has amazing benefits in so many ways for all ages.

Physically it strengthens our hearts, legs, cores, muscles and bones. It lowers blood pressure and cholesterol levels. Pedaling a bike increases the blood flow to our brains, which positively impacts our brain health in several ways. Our brains release feel good hormones and lowers our cortisol level. Have you ever noticed the feelings; joy, freedom and reduced stress? So good for our emotional well-being.

Children will develop better balance, stamina, control skills and confidence. Often their awareness of their bodies and their surroundings will improve. 

I hope you try joining your children on bicycles. Together your family could spend time riding the streets and/or trails talking and developing healthy exercise habits. Physical inactivity during the pandemic is a serious threat. Cycling can offer health benefits while maintaining social distancing. I hope it works out that your family discovers or rediscovers, riding bikes. 

Check out the Recreation’s link for the annual Super Fun Bike Day April 17th from 10:00-1:00. Helmets will be on sale; $5.00 for children under 16 and $10.00 for older. Reservations required.        :https://tinyurl.com/y5esk5z8

 Lost and Found. Recognize anything? Please have your students take it home before the April break. Thank you!

Bikes, Bikes and more Bikes!

MAY FIRST INVITATION TO ALL FAMILIES

Please join us again this year as we spend a morning cleaning up our neighborhood roadsides. GREEN UP VERMONT will happen on Saturday morning, May 1, 2021 from 8am to noon. Bags and gloves will be provided, and we will have some extra masks.

Come for any chunk of time you have to spare on May 1. You may choose a road where you'd like to clean up or we can give you suggestions.

We just ask that you dress accordingly, with bright colors and long pants for safety.

Won't it be great to get outside with your family and friends? Show some care for our public roads? And, go to Brattleboro Subaru at noon for a free lunch of hamburgers, hot dogs, chips and a soda! Call 257-5593

New this year, Cub Scout Troop 447 will be on hand to collect your 5 cent returnable bottles and cans. Due to Covid, this is there only fund raiser this year, so please bring them what you can save between now and then.

THANK YOU, and SEE YOU ON MAY 1ST!

UVM Extension’s Nutrition Education Programs are offering two free programs that can help improve your family’s health. Check them out and sign up now!

Eat Smart Move More

Want to learn more about nutrition, saving money, and preparing healthy, low-cost meals?  UVM Extension’s Nutrition Education Program is offering a FREE online nutrition course including remote personal sessions with a local Nutrition Educator. Upon completion you will receive a certificate of graduation. All adults in Windham County are eligible.  Click here for more information or to register.

Text4HealthVT

Text4HealthVT (T4HVT) provides families with information, resources and support to stay engaged in a healthy lifestyle. Everyone who signs up will receive 2 text messages every week with ideas to stay active, nutrition tips, easy, low cost recipes, support with goal setting and so much more. T4HVT provides information and motivation that fits into your busy schedule. Click here for more information or to register.

Click on the link below to view the Academy menu for the month of April.

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