3 C's UPDATE:
We are excited to be following up on all of the input received from parents. We want to keep everyone updated on progress, next steps and opportunities. We've learned that some of the top priorities for parents and teachers are:
The Climate Committee, a planning group of parents and teachers, has met once to review all of the information that we have collected. The collated data from our survey can be found here. The committee will identify projects that will strengthen communication and collaboration. This is an ongoing process that we are just beginning!
Current committee members include: Colleen Cowell (co-chair 3rd Grade/District Science Coach), Stephanie Gorman (co-chair/Special Educator), Betsy Greene (Music), Rebecca Haslam (1st grade), Chaska Richardson (English Language Learners), Dawn Moskowitz (parent), Hans Manske (parent), Silvia Jope-Dalinghaus (Parent Involvement Coordinator), Leslie Colomb (Principal), Mark Stein (VT Parent Info Resource Center).
The committee meets again this Thursday, focusing on two key areas: communication and parent involvement/volunteering. A few POSSIBLE projects to be discussed are:
1. A Guide to Communicating with your Child's Teacher
2. A Parent Volunteer Handbook (How To/Expectations of volunteers)
3. A Volunteer Opportunity Listing (information from teachers about how parents can be involved in classrooms and school-wide)
4. A Parent Resource Directory (parents' expertise/teachers' needs)
The committee will also work on organizing and coordination. The agenda includes:
1. A discussion of upcoming events (this year and next), including determining a mechanism for coordination between parents & teachers
2. An exploration of potential Curriculum Nights (for next year)
3. A discussion about developing standards for communication/documents on curriculum
We expect that there will be lots of opportunities for parents to be involved in working on these projects as we move forward! If you have any questions or comments for the climate committee, please let any one of the committee members know.
SURVEY DEADLINE TODAY:
Superintendent Jeanne Collins has started the district-wide hiring process for new teachers and would like to hear from parents about what qualities and characteristics they would like to see in their children's classroom teachers. The following is a one-question internet "survey monkey": http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/PDG72PX
This is your opportunity to have an impact on hiring.Please take a moment to click on the link and respond to this survey. If you would prefer to give your input verbally or on paper, Leslie would be happy to pass your thoughts on to central office. If you would like help completing the survey, please contact Silvia Jope at sjopedal@bsdvt.org or Leslie at lcolomb@bsdvt.org. Please respond by March 30th.
THE ADOLESCENT BRAIN:
Dr. David Walsh presents: "Welcome to the Adolescent Brain" at Burlington High School Wednesday, March 31st from 6:30 to 8:30. Dr. David Walsh is the author of "Why Do They Act That Way? A Survival Guide to the Adolescent Brain for You and Your Teen." He will help parents understand the adolescent brain and why a parents role is so crucial to a child’s development. The lecture is free and open to the public. Click here for more information. http://champlain.bsdvt.org/Walsh.pdf
NOTE CARDS ARE IN:
If you placed an order, please pick up your note cards in the Teacher’s Room. Thanks again to everyone who bought and sold note cards. The final tally came in at 54 packs sold, resulting in $216 for the PTO.
TIME FOR BOCCE BALL:
CALLING ALL CHAMPLAIN STUDENTS!!! Interested in trying a new sport? A one-day Bocce Ball clinic will be offered Friday, April 2, 2010 after school from 2:45-3:45. This clinic is open to any CES student, whether or not you currently participate in the Burlington Kids Afterschool Program. Come and learn a new game, make some new friends, and have FUN!! Coaches Gabe and Donna Diaz will bring their experience and expertise; you only need your sneakers.
EARLY RELEASE NEXT THURSDAY:
It's no April Fool's joke! Thursday, April 1st there will be an early dismissal. Children will be let out of school at 11:30.
THE SPOT FUNDRAISER:
Next Thursday, April 8th, The Spot -- Vermont’s only surf style restaurant -- will be having a Champlain School Fundraiser and 10% of all proceeds go to Champlain School! The Spot is owned by a Champlain family and is located in the old Phillips 66 gas station on Shelburne Road! Try the fish taco!