Greetings SMS Families,
Students, staff and faculty had an opportunity to meet MIsha Hudak, the principal candidate yesterday. Students asked some great questions and got to spend a bit of time getting to know her better. She was very impressed with our school and her interactions with students during her visit.
This week we began having conversations about Black History Month beginning with Gerald Ford’s inception of a month-long celebration and study of the contributions and impact that African American and People of Color have had and continue to have on society, art, culture. This work will continue throughout the month when we will feature different historical events.
Students did an amazing job listening to the school wide presentation from John Halligan about his son Ryan. Please ask your student what they learned and will take away from this very important presentation. We hope you will join us tonight at 6pm for the parent presentation from John Halligan in the auditorium.
Friday Program Reminder: Please be sure that skis are securely fastened so that the transport of gear can be as smooth as possible for Friday Program.
Clarification regarding Absences – We are reminding all families of our expectations around student absences and the protocols we follow when determining whether an absence is excused or unexcused. We always ask that parents or guardians notify us via phone or in writing when their student is out of school.
| Excused Absences | Unexcused Absences |
| Illness, Observance of Religious Holiday, Death in the Family, Appointment, Family Emergency, Circumstances Beyond the Student’s Control | Travel/Vacation, Family Event, No Reason Provided |
**Please note that all absences, whether excused or unexcused count toward truancy. Per the Lamoille Valley Schools’ Attendance/Truancy Policy, a student is truant if they are absent for any reason. Letters will be sent from the school when there is concern about the number of
student absences. A student shall be declared truant if that student has had any absence from school for more than 10 days during the course of the year. Per state law and the regional policy, school interventions shall occur after a student misses 10, 15, 20 days. Continued truancy may result in affidavits being filed with appropriate state agencies and the State Attorney General’s office.
SMS Spelling Bee – We will be hosting our Spelling Bee on Wednesday February 22nd. The preliminary rounds will take place earlier in the day. The Finals will occur in the auditorium beginning about 1:00 pm. All are welcome to join in the fun and to be silent cheerleaders for our talented students.
If you are interested in this year’s word list, click this link. You and your students could practice these words at home.
Stowe Lacrosse Registration for Spring 2023 – Lacrosse Players, Families and Friends,
Stowe Youth Lacrosse is delighted to announce that registration is now OPEN for the 2023 Spring Season! Our website and registration has a fresh new look and we can’t wait to get started! Register here www.stowelacrosse.com , K-8th graders. Early bird registration discount ends February 28, SAVE $25!
We have great coaching coverage for most teams but are still looking for coaches for Kindergarten Fiddlesticks. Please contact us if you’re interested in coaching, and prior lacrosse experience is not necessarily required at this level. If any player is in need of financial support please contact us.. if YOU want to play we want to make that happen! Please note that the outdoor field schedule is posted and we hope to finalize the indoor turf time schedule soon. Some teams filled up fast last season so please don’t wait to register your players!
The Stowe Youth Lacrosse Board Click Here to Register→
Other Stowe Middle School News and Announcements
Important Dates to Remember and Other Resources
These events are always available on our website too! lsuu.org/schools/stowe-middle-school/
Dates to Remember
February 8th – SMS Principal Finalist Forum (Stowe Middle School) 6-7PM
February 9th – Ryan’s Story Presentation (6-7PM) – Stowe Middle / High
February 15th – LSUU Board Meeting (5:30PM) – Morristown Elementary
February 27th – March 7th – No School (Winter Break)
March 1st – Stowe School Board Budget Informational Meeting 6PM
March 6th – LSUU Annual and Board Budget Informational Meeting 6PM
March 7th – Town Meeting Day
Important Links and Community News
Healthy Lamoille Youth Resources
Working Communities Challenge (WCC’s Community Share)
Flu shots are now widely available. You can get your flu shot simultaneously with other vaccines, including COVID-19 vaccinations. Where to get a flu shot:
- State walk-in clinics
- Pharmacies (most want appointments, but not all)
- Primary care physicians
