SES School Hours: 8:10 a.m. – 2:53 p.m.
SES Phone Number: (802) 253-4154
SES School Nurse: Catherine Reilly (802) 253-4154 x 3010
Covid Questions? Please call Jordan Myerson (802) 585-4087
Dear SES Families,
Last week was our first full week of school for the 2022-2023 school year. There was much excitement in the building last week as several of our performing arts opportunities began for students this year. As a school we went on our first field trip to the Stowe Arena to experience the Ice Dance International performance. In the mornings, chorus began with Mrs. Dana LaClair for our 3rd, 4th and 5th grade students and the fifth grade students met with Mr. Andy Gagnon to learn more about the band program and instrument selection. These opportunities are a vital part of our music programming at Stowe Elementary School, and a place where students develop an appreciation and a passion for music. Many students continue to participate in music programming throughout middle and high school. These opportunities are for all children and financial support is available for any family that needs it. For more information about the 5th grade band, please see this link.
At SES we are intentional about building a strong sense of community and belonging throughout the school. One way that we ensure children feel connected to our school is through kindergarten buddies. This past week, our kindergarten students met their fifth grade buddies for the first time to enjoy some reading time together. Buddies are paired together for the school year and spend time together at community meetings, reading and at other school wide events throughout the year. This opportunity also recognizes the leadership and independence of our fifth grade students. It is a privilege for them to work with the kindergarteners and something that they have been looking forward to for many years. I spent time in a fifth grade closing circle and there were smiles all around from the excitement of the first meeting.
Another way that we foster community and a sense of belonging is through our weekly community meeting on Friday morning. This past week, the 4th grade debuted the return of Parent Pop Quiz, Mrs. Green’s class shared a presentation welcoming new members of our school community and Addison Kneale’s artwork was presented and will be framed as a part of the school’s permanent collection. Come and join us this Friday at 8:20 in the gym.
To further build a strong sense of community and partnership with families this year we are starting a Family Advisory Council. The intention of the Family Advisory Council is to gather a representative group of families to come together to help set goals, provide feedback and make decisions in partnership with the school. Next week, I will be sharing a survey for people to share their interest in participating in the Family Advisory Council. If you have any questions about this group, please reach out to Maura Wieler.
With the rainy weather forecasted this week, please send your children to school with appropriate rain gear. We try to have children outside as much as possible and appreciate your support.
I have taught special education in New York and Connecticut for twelve years before moving to Vermont in August 2021. I have a masters degree in elementary education and special education. Last year I had the pleasure of teaching special education at Morristown Elementary. I am thrilled to be switching gears and working with kindergarteners this year at SES. My twin boys will be continuing at SES in 4th grade this year. When I am not teaching in the classroom, you might find me playing pickleball, skiing, hiking, biking with my family or jogging with our dog Billy on the quiet path.
Important Dates:
Open House- September 29
Picture Day- October 4
PTO Announcements:
Open PTO Meeting on Wednesday, Sept 21, 8:15 in the SES dining room. Please feel free to come by – even if you just want to check it out and see what’s happening!
Charleston Wrap fundraiser continues! Order Now!
If your student has not picked up their 2021/22 yearbook – please have them do so from the office.
Community Connections
Stowe Library Community Survey: How can the Library best serve our growing and changing community? YOUR voice is important! Help us plan for the future of the Library by completing this survey: https://stowelibrary.org/survey.
The Children’s Room: Please see this link for an updated calendar of events.
Lamoille Family Center: Please see this link for Events from Lamoille Family Center
- Power Struggles
- Brain Development
- Conscious Parenting Circles
Working Communities Challenge (WCC) Resources: WCC stands for Working Communities Challenge, a three-year grant from the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston to support collaborative work to remove systemic barriers to employment. United Way of Lamoille County is the backbone partner in the Lamoille WCC, with 24 core partners participating.
Step Up to Childcare: starts 10/5. Certification for people interested in starting a home child care or working in a child care program.
- CPR/first aid certification
- Vermont Online Mandated Reporter Training
- Vermont Orientation Training
- Primed for Success professional skills curriculum.
