Week 37

A peaceful view from the schoolyard this week.

This is a reflective time of the school year as we look back on all that we have accomplished  and memories we have made together.   This year presented many challenges as we navigated through another year of a pandemic.  Slowly things have become more "normal" again.  This year students were able to have desk partners, we were able to do some field-trips and outings, parents were invited to volunteer again, we were able to bring Friday Hot Lunches back, and masks became optional for students and staff and visitors.  On Friday Elmore 3rd graders visited MES 4th grade classes and Elmore Kindergarteners at MES visited the Elmore School.  It was an exciting and busy day, and a first for me!  It is privilege and a treat to get a sneak peek of next year's class!  The 1st and 2nd graders were great hosts to our guests as they guided them on a classroom scavenger hunt, and shared what makes the Elmore School so special. 

This week I administered the PNOA (Primary Numbers and Operations Assessment) to the 1st graders.  This assessment is given three times during the school year.  It is a lengthy assessment that is given 1-1 in an interview style.  I was proud of their effort and perseverance!   I am finishing up reading assessments and that will mark the end of all of the major assessments for the school year.  Phew!

This week our focus in science was Constellations.  Students have learned that constellations are groupings of stars (88 groups) that make imaginary images.  They learned how stars were used as a means of navigation during ancient times and the stars that are visible in the sky change by the seasons.  We concluded this lesson with a fun art project where students painted a night sky and created a name constellation.  

Friday we enjoyed Chicken Broccoli Pasta Alfredo for Hot lunch with "dirt" for dessert!  Thank you to the Audet's for providing us this delicious meal!  Next week will be our last Hot Lunch of the School year provided by the Batchelder's!  Hot lunch will be TUESDAY  next week.  School lunch will be available on Friday

I am hoping to do one more outing on Friday, June 10th.  Weather permitting, we will hike to the lookout on Elmore Mountain.  We will plan to eat a picnic lunch at the lookout before we hike back down the mountain.   If you would like to join us for this outing, please let me know.   We also have one more reading reward to squeeze in.  Stay tuned for more on this! 

The tree graft has a bud!

Announcements:(Not so many!)

• Our last Library will be Monday.  All books are due back!
• PE Tuesday and Friday - you need your sneakers and extra socks!
• Please send slippers or an extra pair of indoor shoes for students to wear inside.
• Hot Lunch Tuesday,  June 7th will be generously provided by the Batchelder Family
• Email me school lunch orders for Monday, Wednesday, Thursday & Friday
• The Last Day of School Tuesday, June 14, 2022
• 3rd Grade Graduation/ Elmore School Family Picnic: Tuesday, June 14, 2022 from 5-7 @ Elmore State Park.   Please return the RSVP by June 7th.

Our Third Graders!

 

Week 36

 

Our last day of ECO!

The end of the school year is quickly approaching.  We had another great week!  Third graders completed SBAC, we had a glorious day at ECO on Wednesday, and Friday we observed Memorial Day at PA with students from Kindergarten through Grade 12.  We topped the week off with Pizza for Hot Lunch provided by the McCarthy Family!

On Wednesday we had perfect weather for our last day of E.C.O..  We played a couple of fun games in the field followed by a snack.  Then we set off on our hike to the Beaver Pond just off the Ridge Line trail.  At the pond students explored the waters edge, finding salamanders and frogs.  We saw how the beaver constructed a dam and it's lodge, but we had no beaver sightings that day.  There were, however a pair of mallard ducks that swimming on the pond when we arrived.  Thought the hike up was challenging for some, every student persevered and felt proud of their accomplishments!  

In the Classroom students are working on their last writing projects of the year where they are composing original stories.  In math grade 3 began multiplying a single digit number by a double digit number, grade two is adding and subtraction 2 and 3 digit numbers and grade one is adding ones to a double digit number.  

Announcements:(so many!)

• Library will take place on Tuesday through the end of May.
• PE Tuesday and Friday - you need your sneakers and extra socks!
• Please send slippers or an extra pair of indoor shoes for students to wear inside.
• Hot Lunch Friday,  June 3rd will be generously provided by the Audet Family
• Email me lunch orders for Tuesday-Thursday
• No School - Monday, May 30th in observance of Memorial Day.
• I will be doing SBAC makeups for students who missed a test on Wednesday June 1st.
• Elmore 3rd grade to visit MES 4th grade - Friday June 3rd from 1:30 - end of the day. (parent drivers needed at 1:30.  Students will be picked up at MES or take the bus from MES at the end of the day). See information and a permission slip in your third grader's Friday Folders.
• The Last Day of School Tuesday, June 14, 2022
• 3rd Grade Graduation/ Elmore School Family Picnic: Tuesday, June 14, 2022 from 5-7 @ Elmore State Park.   Please return the RSVP by June 7th.

The Following message is from Jordan Myerson:

Just a reminder that we are still seeing cases of Covid-19 throughout our schools and communities.  Schools are no longer handing out test kits, The following information was sent by Jordan Myerson, director of Health services for LSUU.

Here is where they can get tests/tested (share this info below) https://www.healthvermont.gov/covid-19/testing/where-get-tested

FREE HEALTH DEPARTMENT TESTING

You can be tested at a Health Department testing site through the end of June, through your health care provider, or at many local pharmacies. People with or without symptoms can be tested at most testing locations.

Free take-home tests that give you rapid results are available at many Health Department testing sites! Testing is recommended for people with symptoms, and close contacts of someone with COVID-19 who are not up to date on vaccines. We encourage Vermonters to have home tests on hand, in case they develop symptoms.

When you make an appointment, you can choose from three types of tests:

• Take-home antigen
• Take-home LAMP (similar to PCR)
• PCR

You can get up to four antigen test kits for each appointment (there are two tests per kit, for eight tests total), but only one LAMP per appointment.

You can make an appointment (online or call 802-863-7240) or just walk in. An appointment guarantees you a test. ASL interpretation is available by video at all Health Department testing sites.

MAKE AN APPOINTMENT Use if you have had testing or a vaccine through the Health Department.

CHECK FOR RESULTS Log in after you get an email saying your results are ready.

CREATE AN ACCOUNT Use if you have never had a test or vaccine through the Health Department.

How to create an account 

1. 1. Create an account.
2. 2. Check your email, copy your patient ID and follow the link to verify your account (check your spam or junk folder if you don't see the email).
3. 3. Schedule an appointment, or add family, household or client to schedule.
4. 4. To schedule in the future, log in to the system using your email and password.

If you need help creating an account or making an appointment for a test, please call 802-863-7240 (select option 9, then option 3).

--

Jordan Myerson BSN, RN

​Lamoille South Unified Union (LSUU)

46 Copley Ave.

Morrisville, VT 05661​

Director of Nursing Services

Cellphone : 802-585-4087

Week 35

Elmore students enjoy seeing Dinoman at MES on Friday!

Week 35 was full of fun and excitement!  We began the week with our first big field trip in 2 over two years!  Students had a lot of hands on learning and fun at the Montshire Museum on Monday.  Following our bus ride, we began our day with a hands on learning workshop about clouds and condensation, where students worked together to create a cloud in a jar and used ice and salt to see how salt affects the temperature of ice and finally they created frost (frozen condensation).  Then the students split up into small groups with their chaperones and explored the various exhibits inside and outside the museum. We ended our day with lunch before boarding the Bus back to Elmore. 

Third graders persevered through two SBAC test (literacy) on Wednesday and Thursday.  I was proud of the effort each student put into their assessment.  We have two more tests (math) next week on Tuesday and Thursday.  

On Friday we had Farm to School where students worked to expand our garden space.  We have two additional raised beds in which we planted squash, peppers, celery, leeks, and a potato.  Students also made scientific drawings of the apple tree bud they observed previously.  

After FTS on Friday we traveled to MES where students were entertained by the informative and dynamic presentation by Dinoman.  Dinoman is a paleontologist who has been visiting schools to share his passion for dinosaurs for over 30 years!  His show is filled with information presented in a way that keeps kids  engaged using comedy, magic and props.  We even had two of our students chosen to be in the show!

We have our Final ECO of the school year this Wednesday (May 25).  This will involve a small hike to the Beaver Pond on the Ridge Line Trail.  Students need to wear closed toed shoes and should dress comfortably.  Please make sure your child has a water bottle and a portable snack for the day.  please let me know if you would like to volunteer to join us for the morning.

Announcements:(so many!)

• Library will take place on Tuesday through the end of May.
• PE Tuesday and Friday - you need your sneakers and extra socks!
• Please send slippers or an extra pair of indoor shoes for students to wear inside.
• Hot Lunch Friday, May 20th will be generously provided by the McCarthy Family
• Email me lunch orders for Monday-Thursday
• SBAC testing for 3rd grade will take place May 24, and 26.  There will be make days for students who miss a test, but please try not to schedule any appointments for these dates. 
• We will travel to PA on Friday, May 27th to participate in the Memorial Day Observance.
• No School - Monday, May 30th in observance of Memorial Day.
• Elmore 3rd grade to visit MES 4th grade - Friday June 3rd from 1:30 - end of the day. (parent drivers needed at 1:30.  Students will be picked up at MES or take the bus from MES at the end of the day). See information and a permission slip in your third grader's Friday Folders.
• The Last Day of School Tuesday, June 14, 2022
• 3rd Grade Graduation/ Elmore School Family Picnic: Tuesday, June 14, 2022 from 5-7 @ Elmore State Park. Invitations are in Friday Folders.  Please return the RSVP by June 7th.

 

Week 34

We are so grateful to Kate and Mike for hosting us for lunch on the deck at the Elmore Store!

This week was filled with so much!  Third graders practiced for SBAC testing on Tuesday and Thursday.  Wednesday all students took the STAR Math assessment and on Friday all students took the STAR reading assessment.  On Thursday we concluded our economics unit with a unit test and then the students had the opportunity to spend their school dollars at the "School Store."  Wednesday we had ECO with our last campfire of the year, and Friday we were treated to Hamburgers and Hot dogs, orange slices, pasta salad, lemonade (and ice cream for dessert) by the Kate and Mike at the Elmore Store!  We even got to eat on the deck overlooking the lake!  We ended the week with a trip to MES to watch the fourth graders perform the Lion King!  Phew!  That was a lot for one week! As you can see, this is a very busy and exciting time of the school. 

Not only did the black flies make their annual comeback this week, but the days began to feel more like the middle of July, making it difficult to be outdoors at times!  On Friday the group ended up retreating into the town hall to finish PE because the black flies were so thick!  If you want your child to wear sunblock or bug spray, you should supply it.  I've told the children they are not allowed to share these items or use someone else's due to the chymical nature of both.  Similarly, I will not apply these items to your child.   

During ECO on Wednesday, students began with a fun tag game, they made rain gages, went on a spring nature scavenger hunt, made s'mores during forest choice, and fought off lots of black flies!  Thanks you to Melissa DiMotta and Healther Hill for Volunteering this week. Our next ECO will be on May 25th, and we will be hiking up to the Beaver Pond on Elmore Mountain.  Please let me know if you would like to join us for this last ECO event of the school year.

Monday is our field trip to the Montshire Museum.  The bus will be leaving at 8:15.  Please DO NOT be late on Monday.  Chaperones can plan to arrive at 8:00 (or just stay when you bring your child).  All students need a cold bag lunch and a water bottle (or drink), and a mask.

On Friday, May 20th we will be going to MES again to see Dinoman!  I will send home a permission slip early next week for this trip.

Announcements:(so many!)

• Library will take place on Tuesday through the end of May.
• PE Tuesday and Friday - you need your sneakers and extra socks!
• Please send slippers or an extra pair of indoor shoes for students to wear inside.
• Field Trip to the Montshire Museum: Monday, May 16 @ 8:15-2:30 
• Fri. May 20th: "Dinoman" at MES. The bus will pick us up at 10:10 and we will return by bus after the assembly.
• Hot Lunch Friday, May 20th will be generously provided by Uma Tartaglia's Family
• Email me lunch orders for Tuesday-Thursday
• SBAC testing for 3rd grade will take place May 18, 19, 24, and 26.  There will be make days for students who miss a test, but please try not to schedule any appointments for these dates. 
• No School - Monday, May 30th in observance of Memorial Day.
• Elmore 3rd grade to visit MES 4th grade - Friday June 3rd from 1:30 - end of the day. (parent drivers needed at 1:30.  Students will be picked up at MES or take the bus from MES at the end of the day). More info to come!  
• The Last Day of School Tuesday, June 14, 2022
• 3rd Grade Graduation/ Elmore School Family Picnic: Tuesday, June 14, 2022 from 5-7 @ Elmore State Park.

Week 33

 

Students making observations about the budding process of on our Apple Tree

Our week was full of productive energy.  With just a little over five weeks left of this school year and the promise of warmer weather this week, we are all eager to be outdoors more.  This week we had several opportunities to get outdoors.  

On Thursday Jason Batchelder joined us in the afternoon and taught us about tree grafting.  Jason brought clippings from both an Empire and Macintosh apple tree and he explained and demonstrated how to graft the clippings onto the apple tree in the schoolyard.  We will watch them over the next few weeks in hopes that we will see buds appear.  If the graft is successful in a couple of years the tree will (hopefully) produce Empire and Macintosh apples in addition to the apples it already produces!   

On Friday, Kyle Weatherhogg with Farm to School, joined us in the morning and we planted some seeds in our raised bed.  The seeds we started indoors a couple of weeks ago have sprouted,  Kyle has another raised bed she plans to bring so we can expand our garden space with these plant starters.  We split into two groups and while some were planting seeds the other group spent some time at the apple tree.  Each student "adopted a bud" on the tree. They used a "scientists eye" to draw what they saw.  They will revisit the "bud" over the next couple of weeks to record the changes they see.

We spent Friday afternoon Greening Up.  We started in the classroom by reading Earth.  My first 4.54 Billion Years by Stacy McAnulty followed by a discussion about the harmful things that are happening to the earth and what we can do to help.  

Then we walked to the town garage/fire station on beach road and back collecting litter and trash along the way.  When we returned to school the children had collected nearly 4 bags of trash!  I know that several of you were planning to "green up" as a family over the weekend as well.  Thank you for taking the time to make our beautiful state green and for instilling the values of taking care of the earth, which provides so much for us.

This week I was able to begin doing final reading assessments for the year.  It is exciting for me to see the growth that every students have made over the year.  One of the things I love most about my teaching position at The Elmore School is that I have the privilege of seeing students grow as learners over multiple years.  I also had  some students in kindergarten, making this my third year with them.  Seeing students grow and learn over time is so enlightening, and I feel so proud of every student.  

We had many wonderful and creative Economics projects presented this week.  We have a few more to go on Monday as there were students who were absent that we had to allow more time.  

Third Graders will practice taking the SBAC (Smarter Balanced Assessment Consortium) this week so that they learn how to sign into and navigate the platform for taking the test which we will begin the following week. 

We have ECO on Wednesday, May 11th.  I could use a couple of parent volunteers.  Please let me know if you would like to volunteer.  Our focus will be weather.  This will be the final ECO at our "campsite" as the last ECO on May 25th will involve a hike to the Beaver Pond.

Thank you the DiMotta family for providing hot lunch on Friday.  Students enjoyed Hamburgers and chips followed by Strawberry Jello cake and fresh strawberries.  The Kate and Mike at The Elmore Store asked if they could provide Hot Lunch one day, so we have added them to the Calendar for next Friday!  

Finally, I would like to wish all the mothers and grandmothers a very Happy Mother's Day.  You are your child's first and most important teacher.  I value you and appreciate you all so much.  I hope your day is filled with love, and time doing you enjoy!

Announcements:(so many!)

• Library is Monday, May 9th- remember your books!
• PE Tuesday and Friday - you need your sneakers!
• Please send slippers or an extra pair of indoor shoes for students to wear inside.
• Hot Lunch Friday, May 13th will be generously provided by The Elmore Store
• Email me lunch orders for Monday-Thursday
• Field Trip to the Montshire Museum: Monday, May 16 @ 8:15-2:30 - please return permission slips.
• SBAC testing for 3rd grade will take place May 18, 19, 24, and 26.  There will be make days for students who miss a test, but please try not to schedule any appointments for these dates. 
• Elmore 3rd grade to visit MES 4th grade - Friday June 3rd from 1:30 - end of the day. (parent drivers needed at 1:30.  Students will be picked up at MES or take the bus from MES at the end of the day). More info to come!  
• No School - Monday, May 30th in observance of Memorial Day.
• The Last Day of School Tuesday, June 14, 2022
• 3rd Grade Graduation/ Elmore School Family Picnic: Tuesday, June 14, 2022 from 5-7 @ Elmore State Park.