Happy autumn weekend, Brookside community!
We hope you've enjoyed the gorgeous weather so far this weekend. Teachers across HUUSD engaged in professional learning on Friday, 10/11, which included work on the district curriculum, a focus on teaching responsible decision making, and a workshop about inclusive practices for all students with educators from UVM's I-Team (Interdisciplinary team from the Center for Disability and Community Inclusion).
There is also no school Monday October 14th, in recognition of Indigenous People's day, an honoring of the indigenous people who have lived in the Americas for thousands of years. In a proclamation for last year’s holiday, President Biden said that Indigenous Peoples’ Day is intended to “honor the perseverance and courage of Indigenous peoples, show our gratitude for the myriad contributions they have made to our world, and renew our commitment to respect Tribal sovereignty and self-determination.” While we will not be in school on Monday, discussion of the importance of this recognition is part of all of our work as we deepen our understanding of our history and cultures that shape it.
We hope you have a restful few days, and we look forward to returning to our routines on Tuesday 10/15!
Warmly,
Sarah & Chris
UPCOMING IMPORTANT EVENTS
Monday 10/14: Indigenous Peoples' Day, NO SCHOOL FOR STUDENTS
Friday 10/18: 3rd grade field trip, Little River State Park
Thursday 10/31: Kindergarten field trip to ECHO Science Center
Monday 11/4: Family conferences, NO SCHOOL FOR STUDENTS (signup forthcoming)
Tuesday 11/5: Staff Development, NO SCHOOL FOR STUDENTS
SCHOOL PICTURE FAQs
Can I order pictures online? YES. Email Kelsey kguziak@huusd.org and she can send you your child's code to see and order photos online.
My pictures didn't come? Help! Reach out to Ambient if you submitted a form but did not receive pictures; some payment information was incomplete or did not process. Contact Alex: ambient1147@gmail.com or (802) 872-0905
More questions? Reach out to Kelsey kguziak@huusd.org
Backpack Program is back!
The BPS Backpack Program, started by Denise Goodnow, is again sponsoring, free of charge a “weekend of food” for your child. We are able to offer a supply of nutritious meals and snacks for children over the weekends and extended breaks at no cost. Any child enrolled at Brookside Primary School is able to receive thee weekly bags of food for themselves and each child in their family.
If your family could benefit from this, please email Kelsey Guziak at kguziak@huusd.org or complete this form.
Call for Donations
Dear Brookside Families,
The nights are cool, the days are warm, and the scent of autumn is in the air—what an exciting time of year! As we dive into the school year, we are thrilled to offer additional support to families in need through our Backpack Program, which provides weekend food assistance.
The Backpack Program strives to make a meaningful difference by addressing food gaps during weekends and school breaks. Every Thursday, enrolled students will find a backpack on their hook, filled with breakfasts, snacks, meals, and extras to help nourish them during times when they might not have access to regular meals. The program is free to all families—there are no qualifications for enrollment.
We are seeking donations of shelf-stable, non-perishable items, such as:
Breakfast cereal, oatmeal, and bars
Rice and pasta
Soups and sauces
Beef sticks and jerky
Snacks (e.g., fruit snacks, Goldfish crackers, individually wrapped cookies, applesauce)
Canned goods
Hygiene products
No donation is too small! Items can be dropped off in the front airlock at 47 Stowe Street, in the bin marked "Backpack Program Donations." Alternatively, items can be shipped directly to Brookside Primary School, 47 Stowe Street, Waterbury, VT 05676, c/o The Backpack Program.
If you have any questions or would like to make a monetary donation, please contact Kelsey Guziak or Eliza Chittenden.
Thank you for helping us make a difference in the lives of our students and families. Your generosity strengthens our entire school community!
Warm regards,
Eliza Chittenden
From the PTO
Are you interested in being a point person for volunteers/support for your child(ren)'s classroom? Consider becoming a Room Parent! Please fill out the link here to receive more information from a PTO representative!
COMMUNITY POSTINGS
Please note that the opportunities/events listed below are not specifically endorsed or screened by school staff. As always, families should use their own standards and review processes to determine appropriate activities.
Monday Mornings Walking School Bus
Start your week off with some fresh air and a little exercise. Mrs. Carol Baitz will be leading a Monday morning walking school bus. This week it will be on Tuesday, 10/15 due to no school on 10/14. The walking school bus route will be:
7:10 Batchelder Street
7:15 Rusty Parker Park
7:15-7:20 Randall to Elm Street
7:20-7:30 North Main Street to Union Street to BPS
(Times are approximate)
If your child (and any adults) would like to participate, just look for Mrs. Baitz and jump on board. Hope to see you on Monday morning.
~Mrs. Baitz
Please note: If you are interested in starting a walking school bus on a different day, or for a different part of town, please contact Carol Baitz at cbaitz64@gmail.com
Registration for Harwood Youth Basketball is now open and will be closed on October 6th. An earlier registration period will help us organize teams, ensure uniforms arrive in time for the start of the season, and recruit the appropriate number of coaches. All1st-6th graders interested in having fun, getting exercise through the winter months, and learning the game of basketball are encouraged to register at: https://go.teamsnap.com/forms/446609
The full list of age groups and options is below, along with pricing which helps cover insurance, equipment, referees, and uniforms the players will get to keep. We have scholarships available for anyone who needs one.
· 1/2 Boys in MRV (primarily mid-week) - $75 / player
· 1/2 Girls in MRV (primarily mid-week) - $75 / player
· 1/2 Boys in Waterbury (Saturday Mornings and possible mid-week practice) - $75/ player
· 1/2 Girls in Waterbury (Saturday Mornings and possible mid-week practice) - $75 / player
· MRV 3/4 Boys (2 practices in MRV, 1 game per week) - $125 / player
· MRV 3/4 Girls (2 practices in MRV, 1 game per week) - $125 / player
· MRV 5/6 Boys (2 practices, 1 game per week) - $125 / player
· Waterbury 3/4 Boys (2 practices, 1 game per week) - $125 / player
· Waterbury 3/4 Girls (2 practices, 1 game per week) - $125 / player
· Waterbury 5/6 Boys (2 practices, 1 game per week) - $125 / player
· Waterbury & MRV 5/6 Girls (2 practices, 1 game per week) - $125 / player
Practices will begin in early November. Games schedules will be created in early November and games will begin in late November / early December. The season runs until the week before February break.
Harwood Youth Basketball is looking forward to another great winter of basketball, and we hope to have another great turnout! Please also consider volunteering to coach. Patience, enthusiasm, and availability are just as important as experience, and many hands make for lighter work and more fun!
Please let us know if you have any questions.
Brian Godfrey: brian.godfrey@mmuusd.org
Danielle Kent: danielle@daniellekent.com
ONE Arts Studio at Camp Meade
More info visit https://www.oneartsstudio.org/ or email fionas@oneartsvt.org
After School Art for K-4th Grade.
Registration is now open for Spring 2025 After School Art. Available Monday-Friday.
It's not too late to sign up for this semester, Fall 2024! We still have open slots on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday.
Upcoming Camps for 1rst-7th Grade include:
Indigenous People’s Day Camp | October 14th
In this camp we will spend time with tree and plant identification. Time will be taken to learn plant anatomy and move forward creating artwork inspired by surrounding flora. Choices will range from sewing plant designs, collaging plant shapes, sunshine permitting cyanotype plant prints, and creating plant flashcards with scientific names.
Printmaking Camp | November 11th
In this camp we will explore the art of gelli printing guiding students as they experiment with the mirror image effect in printmaking. Throughout the class we will build up the printmaking process incorporating sketches, chine-collé, texture and multiple layer printing.
Gratitude Camp | Nov 25th-Nov 27th
Leaving space for students to create with a multitude of art supplies. In this camp we will encourage imagination to take root and grow with abundance. Camp will kick off with students sketching things for which they are grateful and will move forward with the young artists creating three-dimensionals objects from clay, cardboard and paper. If students enroll for all three days, time will permit for the favorite activity of miniature house building! Students create a miniature house using cardboard boxes and custom decorating.
Save the Date - 45th annual Ski & Skate Sale!
When: Saturday, November 9, 2024, 9 AM to 4 PM
Volunteer Shop: 7:00 - 8:00 AM
Ticketed Early Shop: 8:00 - 9:00 AM
General Public: 9:00 AM to 4:00 PMWhere: Waitsfield Elementary School, 3951 Main Street, Waitsfield, VT
What: New and Used Gear: Alpine, Nordic, Skate, Backcountry, and hard/soft goods too
Consignment Registration is Open!
Consignors are required to pre-register items online to receive item tags; no unregistered or untagged merchandise will be accepted onsite. You can register online to consign at https://sale.waitsfieldpta.org/register. Upon registration you will receive an email to login to your Ski & Skate sale account to enter your consignment items.
● All items must be entered by Monday, Nov. 4th at 11pm
● Pick up tags Wednesday, Nov. 6th after 8am at Waitsfield Elementary School
● Drop off Friday, Nov. 8th from 6pm to 9pm at Waitsfield Elementary
Volunteer for the Earliest Shopping Access!
Volunteer and get first dibs - we need support from all families! This is the school’s only fundraiser for the year, and all proceeds enable the school to support educational and enrichment programs for students, including our Winter Ski & Ride Program, ECO, and field trips. Volunteer opportunities will be posted on our website soon. Visit http://www.waitsfieldpta.org/ski-and-skate-sale.html and click on “Sign Up To Volunteer”.
