April 12

April 12. 2012

Dear Parents,

Short weeks are insanely busy, but we wanted to get a brief letter out before break. 

• There is an opening on the school board from now until next March.  We need someone to fill the position.  Please consider volunteering for your school in this capacity by contacting Bettina Read.
• Kudos to Ms. Bernstein and students in grades 3 and 4 for the fabulous performance, The One Hundred Year Snooze.  It was charming, fun, and full of very talented students. 
• On Monday, Ms Colby and I accompanied six students in grades 7 and 8 to the Global Issues Conference in Montpelier.  This was the first Global Issues Network conference held in Vermont.  It is a world- wide organization created to compel students to take action within their communities to solve issues that are found through out the world.  World hunger, clean water, wetlands conservation, biodiversity, leadership, and conflict resolution are all examples of workshops that were available for students.
• There was a letter to Annie in the Valley News this week recognizing the24th  Annual Global Youth Leadership day.  It is April 20 – 22. (a day?)  The day is to honor the youth who strengthen their communities through the power of youth service.  I think Hartland is full of young people who do just this.  Think of the many ways in which young people participate in community events, help at church, volunteer, and strengthen this community.  We are indeed lucky. 
• Lost and found items will be sent to the Listen Center next week.  Last call to retrieve what may be yours. 

I hope your children have a wonderful vacation and return rested and ready for the spring.  As always, give them a hug for me. 

Judy Callens

April 6

April 6, 2012

Dear Parents,

First, the BIG news!  The School Board has hired a wonderful young man as your next Principal.  His name is Gary Wright.  Although I was not part of the interviewing team, I spent over an hour with each applicant talking about the school and giving a tour.  I was very impressed with Mr. Wright and feel confident that he has the energy and idealism to bring the Hartland School to the next level.  Between the energy of the new School Board members and the energy of Mr. Wright, I know the school will be in good hands.

Speaking of the School Board, there is a vacancy that needs to be filled.  I urge you to become involved in the governance of this school and the greater WSSU.  If you are interested, please send a letter of interest to Bettina Read, Board Chair, by April 17.

To say we have had a busy week is an understatement!  Thanks to the efforts of Deb Christie-Maples, National Public Health Week was a resounding success.  There were Farm to School Activities, presentations about the danger of ticks, information sessions on immunization, the State Canine unit, relationships, healthy snacks, and a hysterical presentation about healthy choices by Michael Zerphy.  Today students will participate in Jump Rope for Heart. 

Eighth grade students participated in Job Shadow day, along with over 700 students in the Upper Valley.  The reports were varied, from “It was awesome!!!” to “ Boy, I got a four hour lecture!”  As with any initiative, some students benefited more than others, but all got an idea of the kind of academic preparation needed for a career of interest to them. 

This morning students in grades 3 and 4 will present their science fair projects.  As a former science teacher, I just love this event. 

My favorite classroom observation of the week was watching the entire eighth grade class square dance with Ms. Murphy.  Don’t let them tell you they didn’t enjoy it! 

Next week will also be busy, and short.  On Monday, Ms Colby and I are taking a team of 7^th and 8^th grade students to the Global Issues Network conference in Montpelier.  The ¾ play will take place on Wednesday and Wednesday night.  The One Hundred Year Snooze should be priceless.

Don’t forget there is no school next Friday due to parent teacher conferences.  Enjoy this holiday weekend.  I hope you get to share it with family and friends.  As always, give your child a hug for me.

Judy Callens