3/18/22
Dear Families:
As none of us can forget, two years ago yesterday was when the COVID-19 lockdown went into effect, and now our country is moving nearer to a pre-pandemic existence. This week marked an important transition for our school as we moved to masks optional for students and staff, with the exception of the Pre-K. I started the week feeling cautiously optimistic, and so far things are going well. We have had no reported cases of COVID-19 within our school this week, and everyone has been accepting of individuals’ choices around masking. COVID Specialist Kim Krall and I went around to all of the classes at the beginning of the week and talked about what “mask optional” means, and we explained why this change is happening.
While I am all too aware of the latest BA.2 subvariant, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is currently reporting that it is only slightly more transmissible than Omicron and it doesn’t seem to evade our vaccines or our immunity any more than the prior Omicron. The CDC also reports that it does not seem to lead to any more increased severity of disease. This is good news, and, as I said in my email last week: if we need to mask up when there are individual cases or higher rates of community transmission, then we will have the flexibility to do what is safest for our school community. In the meantime, we are appreciating the breath of fresh air!
Below are several community announcements for your review. I would especially like to call your attention to tomorrow’s opening reception for Art From the Schools, which is taking place at the Southern Vermont Arts Center (SVAC) from 2-4 p.m. The exhibit includes artwork from many of our students. More information about this exhibit is below.
Have a good weekend,
Tim
Southern Vermont Arts Center (SVAC) – Art From the Schools 2022
Opening Reception: March 19, 2-4 p.m. with ice cream party
Spring is coming early to SVAC’s Elizabeth de C. Wilson Museum in an annual celebration of preK-12 student art. Art from the Schools allows students the meaningful learning experience of presenting in a real art gallery, and it brings guests the joy of seeing the vibrant creativity of young artists at work. The Wilson Museum will be filled with drawings, paintings, and sculptures created by students from more than 20 area schools, including works of art from Village School of North Bennington students in all different grades. This exhibit will be on display from March 19-May 1. SVAC is located on West Road in Manchester, VT. https://www.svac.org
Reduce Heating Costs and Carbon Dioxide Pollution With Free Insulating Window Inserts
WindowDressers brings community volunteers of all economic and social situations together to improve the warmth and comfort of interior spaces, lower heating costs, and reduce carbon dioxide pollution by producing low-cost insulating window inserts that function as custom, interior-mounted storm windows. The grant for this opportunity runs out in June and it is recommended you reach out to the local Bennington coordinator at (802) 234-3050 or benningtoncountywd@gmail.com if you are interested in participating. >> Click here to see the Window Dresser Flier.
Village School Online Auction Fundraiser
The Friends of the Village School group is planning an Online Auction for May 2022 to help raise money for classroom enrichment activities, un-budgeted supplies, and, hopefully, field trips when Covid times are better! With the need to cancel both the Holiday Catalog and the Winter Carnival this year and last, we’ve lost two of our most crucial fundraisers, and we’re hoping this will help to make up for that loss.
>> For more details about volunteering or donating goods or services, please click here.
The Village School is Seeking a Long-Term Substitute Teacher for Grade 5/6 Math & Science
The Village School of North Bennington has an anticipated opening for a Long-Term Substitute Teacher (Grade 5/6 Math & Science) to cover a planned parental leave. If you know of anyone who might enjoy teaching math and/or science on either a full-time or part-time basis for a couple of months this spring, please share the news of this Long-term Sub position.
>> To learn more or to apply, please visit this link to our ad on SchoolSpring: https://www.schoolspring.com/job.cfm?jid=3761752
Enrollment is Open for Lake Paran’s Spring Break Camp
Students can spend April vacation, from April 18-22nd (8:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.), at Lake Paran’s Spring Break Outdoor Camp. Outdoor education is healing and fosters social emotional connections among children and their fellow campers. Camp activities will include participating in a BioBlitz, nature exploration, meet and greet lambs, planting seeds, discovering insects, and more! The camp will have 15 spots available for K-6th grade students. The cost is $225 for the 1st child, and $200 per additional child. To register or for more information, please visit this link: https://lakeparanvt.org/programs-and-camps. If you have questions or concerns, contact: lakeparanvista@gmail.com
2021-2022 Business Partners in Education
Thank you to the following businesses for their ongoing support of The Village School:
GOLD LEVEL
Bank of Bennington: https://thebankofbennington.com/
RCS Consulting: https://www.rcs.consulting/
SILVER LEVEL
D.B. McKenna & Co., Inc.: https://www.dbmckenna.com/
Danielle D. Fogarty, PLC: https://www.ddfplc.com/
Whitman’s / Poulin Grain: https://www.whitmansfeed.com/
BRONZE LEVEL
Adam’s Lock & Security: https://www.adamslockvt.com/
Idena Beach Photography:: https://www.idenabeach.com/
Maple Leaf Realty: https://www.mapleleafvermont.com/
Pangaea: https://vermontfinedining.com/
Power Guru: https://www.power-guru.com
West Oil Company: https://westoilcompany.com/
Williams Financial, LLC: https://williamsfinancial.net/
SPONSORS
Bennington Express Car Wash and Repair: https://www.benningtonlubeandwash.com/
Bennington House of Tile and Carpet: https://bennington.abbeycarpet.com/
Bolio Propane Service, LLC: https://www.facebook.com/BolioPropaneServiceLLC/
Casella Waste Systems: https://www.casella.com/casella
The Bennington Bookshop: https://www.benningtonbookshop.com/
The Roasted Bean: https://www.the-roasted-bean.com/
