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Second graders share their geographic knowledge with an audience of students as part of Continent Day.

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6/3/22

Dear Families,

The Atlantic recently published an article titled “The Miraculous Comeback of the Field Trip.” It struck a chord, because today our sixth graders went on their first field trip since the start of the pandemic. As we headed off for Boston, it felt exhilarating and also bittersweet for this particular class since it is their last Village School field trip before graduating. It just so happens this is also my twin daughters’ class, and I chaperoned the field trip. Like the article said, it feels good to put the pandemic out of mind for a little while! I am hopeful that this is the start of returning to normalcy in the new academic year.

It’s hard to believe that the Class of 2022 will graduate next week. Sixth grade families will be celebrating their students’ milestone at The Park-McCullough House on Wednesday, June 8 at 6:30 p.m.

We’re also excited for a few other traditional festivities next week: on Thursday, June 9 there will be an all-school BBQ lunch for students and staff; and, on Friday, June 10, we will end the school year with fun Field Day activities (with student dismissal at 11:30 a.m.).

In all my time working in schools, I have always noticed the way the academic year rushes to a finish with a whirlwind of activities and final projects. Often the pace has felt overwhelming, but, this year, after all the challenging days of the COVID-19 pandemic and some of the somber current events, I am appreciating the visible joy and excitement among our students as they enjoy much-deserved end-of-year festivities!

Have a wonderful weekend!
Tim

P.s. Thank you to our third and fourth graders for helping the North Bennington Tree Committee to plant lilacs along Depot Street in celebration of Arbor Day! Click here to see some photos!

COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENTS

• NorShaft Lions is holding its Annual Pancake Breakfast at Shaftsbury Elementary School on Sunday, June 5, from 8-11 a.m. The cost is $6 (cash only) and kids under 6 years old eat for free.

• Registration for the Fall 2022 Soccer Season opens June 1 and closes July 31, 2022. If you have a child entering Pre-K (must be 4 by September 1st) through 6th grade in the Fall, they are eligible to play on a Southshire Youth Soccer team. This league is designed to put kids first and winning and egos second. It is meant to be a fun, engaging team opportunity for kids to learn about soccer and enjoy the game. If your child hasn’t played in the past but would like to try soccer, they are encouraged to sign up. For more information and to register, please go to www.southshireyouthsoccer.org. All registrations are online. Please contact southshiresoccer@gmail.com with any questions or difficulties with online registration.

•The Vermont Arts Exchange invites families to the SUMMER JAM, a big, family party in North Bennington on Saturday, June 25th at Lion’s Park! Come celebrate the partnerships we have with Sunrise Family Resource Center and many others in the community! Lots of fun from 11am – 3:00pm (see poster). Food, drink, activities and live music with Moose Jr. The event will take place Rain or Shine. It’s FREE (except the food by Norshaft Lions).

•The McCullough Library Summer Reading Club for Kids 2022: An Ocean of Possibilities!

Children are invited to join the John G. McCullough Free Library‘s Summer Reading Club happening from June 21-August 23! In addition to a robust schedule of free outdoor events, children who register and track their reading will be entered into drawings for fabulous prize baskets! All children who register will receive a free book to keep and a Summer Reading starter kit. Register online here: https://forms.gle/Qp9zCKZzFAyadHCGA

Track your child’s reading with paper slips available at the library or with the Beanstack app on a computer or mobile device. Get started with Beanstack here: https://vermont.beanstack.com/reader365

Questions? Need more tracking slips or book recommendations? Email McCulloughYouthServices@gmail.com