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RISD Elementary Parent Newsletters 2019-20
October 9, 2019
Happy Fall Parents,
Colder temperatures are here. We will still be outside (except in pouring rain and extreme cold).
Kids should bring a jacket, hat, mittens/gloves, and long pants to school every day. Winter boots will be needed soon.
Stay warm,
Melissa
*If winter clothing is a financial hardship this year, please contact me or Ann O’Hearn, the school counselor.
October 8, 2019
Dear Westshire families,
Happy October! The leaves are changing and the temperatures are dropping quickly. Thank you to everyone who was able to make our open house, we enjoyed seeing familiar faces as well as meeting some new! We also wanted to recognize the chaperones who joined us on our all school hike. We had a beautiful day hiking up Flag Pole Mountain in Vershire, Vermont. We appreciate all of the chaperones, staff and students for creating a fun day spent outdoors as an entire school!
Picture day is fast approaching! Westshire Elementary picture day will be THIS Friday, October 11th. Picture forms have been sent home in backpack mail. If you are needing a new form, please let Mrs. Ward know at the front desk and a new form will be sent home with your child.
Upcoming important dates:
- Friday, October 11- PICTURE DAY
- Monday, October 14- NO SCHOOL- TEACHER IN SERVICE
September 27, 2019
It could not have been a better day to be hiking last Friday. What a beautiful day! Kids worked together, followed directions and school expectations while playing, hiking and getting lots of fresh air. We got to know our local area and the cross-rivendell trail. Thank you to all the parent chaperones, it was great to have you join us!
September 19, 2019
Dear Families,
We are off to a great start! I welcome communication and I’m happy to set up a time to meet if you’re ever interested in talking about our school and education. I suggest that you seek out your child’s classroom teacher first. Don’t hesitate to reach out to me with any questions.
- September 26 6:00-6:45 PM Open House for Families
Tour your child’s classroom, talk to teachers, sign up for classroom blogs and more. - September 27 10:00-2:00 PM All School Hike (ASH) See permission slip.
- October 11 School Picture Day
Best Wishes,
Melissa Zoerheide, Principal
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
(802) 333-4668 x4105
September 14, 2019
Our First Community Meeting of the Year
We had our first community meeting which brings K – 4 grades together for a Monday morning singing, announcements, appreciations and recognition of birthdays. Thanks for our Music Teacher Elizabeth Duvall for her role in providing structure and playing the guitar!
Learning and Fun at the Tunbridge Fair!
The fair was a tremendous success, full of fun and learning. We discovering how tools were used in the past with reenactments of stores and schoolhouse, blacksmithing and farming. We used our senses spending time with goats, pigs, chickens, cows, oxen, horses and more animals. We were impressed with the beauty and size of vegetables, fruit and flowers. We were inspired by contest entries of fine craftsmanship, in sewing, quilting, woodworking, art, lego creations and more. What a day! Thanks to all the parents who attended.
RISD Elementary Parent Newsletters 2018-19
- May 28, 2019 Elementary Parent Newsletter
- May 17, 2019 Elementary Parent Newsletter
- May 13, 2019 Elementary Parent Newsletter
- May 22, 2019 Elementary Parent Newsletter
- April 8, 2019 Elementary Parent Newsletter
- April 1, 2019 Elementary Parent Newsletter
- March 23, 2019 Elementary Parent Newsletter
- March 18, 2019 Elementary Parent Newsletter
- March 11, 2019 Elementary Parent Newsletter
- February 4, 2019 Elementary Newsletter
- January 28, 2019 Elementary Parent Newsletter
- January 22, 2019 Elementary Parent Newsletter
- January 7, 2019 Elementary Parent Newsletter
- January 7, 2019 Elementary Parent Newsletter
- January 2, 2019 Elementary Parent Newsletter
- December 17, 2018 Newsletter
- December 3, 2018 Newsletter
- November 16, 2018 Newsletter
- November 19, 2018 Newsletter
- November 13, 2018 Newsletter
- November 5, 2018 Newsletter
- October 29, 2018 Newsletter
- October 15, 2018 Newsletter
- October 8, 2018 Newsletter
- October 1, 2018 Newsletter
- September 24, 2018 Newsletter
- September 17, 2018 Newsletter
- September 7, 2018 Newsletter
- September 4, 2018 Newsletter
- August 28, 2018 Newsletter
- July 31, 2018 Newsletter
A Friday Hello from Mrs. MacQueen
April 8, 2016
Two weeks ago I attended an inspiring workshop titled, Leadership through Social Media. I have been reluctant to move forward on the technological highway and leave my weekly paper newsletter for a blog, mostly because I thought it would be more difficult and time consuming. Although I use tech gadgets, I still love the feel and smell of paper. I have to say, the workshop totally transformed my thinking about the impact that social media could have on our school and community. At the workshop, Gabi Martino, our Tech Integrationist and I started a blog and a Westshire Facebook page. I was skeptical, but within two days, we had received more than 50 likes (and that’s a good thing).
Starting in early May I will eliminate the weekly newsletter and use the blog and Facebook page to communicate. I know I will mourn the loss of the paper newsletter, but feel we can be more connected to you through social media. Plus, the capabilities to include pictures, videos and even student’s voices is tremendous. To stay connected check out my blog at: http://west-shire.blogspot.com/ and the Westshire Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/Westshire-1716146795294923/ (you don't need to be a member to view the page). See you on the World Wide Web!
Important Dates
- April 13th – Expo at the Academy
- April 18th—22nd Spring Break
- April 28th — Music & Poetry Night
- May 5th — Spring Pictures
- May 6th – Jobs on the Move
- May 14th — Kindergarten Orientation
- May 25th/27th – Rocks Celebration
- June 8th – Field Day
SummerScapes is Back!
We just got notice that we have received a large grant to bring back our awesome summer program, SummerScapes. Camp will run the four weeks of July, July 5th — 29th and will offer morning academic
programs and afternoon enrichment camps.
Our theme this summer is "Under the Sea," and we plan to travel to the Boston Aquarium and Echo in Burlington. Registration forms will go home soon! For more information, contact Tammy MacQueen at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or Jenna Ditcheos at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
A Friday Hello from Mrs. MacQueen
March 18, 2016
One of the most important things we can do for children is to foster a love of reading and that’s what we did during last week’s We Love to Read celebration! We began on Monday at Community Meeting when each class shared information about an author they learned about. Kindergarten talked about Eric Carle and the 1st and 2nd graders taught us about Dr. Seuss. On Tuesday, the teachers read to classes other than their own, during the Read Aloud Shuffle. On Wednesday, students had a fantastic time playing Dr. Seuss games during PE. Drop Everything and Read was Thursday’s theme—4 times during the day staff and students pulled out a favorite book and read for 10 minutes. The culminating activity was PJ and Stuffy Day and our All School Read on Friday afternoon when we welcomed our students, staff and parents to join us for 30 minutes of reading in the gym. Thanks to help from our families and parent volunteers, each student took home the gift of 3 gently used books. We appreciate everyone involved in making this week so much fun!
Reminder: On Friday, March 25th there is no school so that students and parents can attend
3 way conferences. If you haven’t already scheduled a time to meet, please contact your child’s teacher this week.
Important Dates
- March 25th – 3 Way Conferences (No School)
- April 13th – Expo at the Academy
- April 18th—22nd Spring Break
- May 5th — Spring Pictures
- May 6th – Jobs on the Move
- May 14th — Kindergarten Orientation
- May 25th/27th – Rocks Celebration
- June 8th/10th – Field Day
Jump Rope for Heart
March 11, 2016
Last Friday our students showed true heart when we celebrated our accomplishments with the Jump Rope for Heart program. Forty-nine WES students participated in the program, raising a total of $3,128 for the American Heart Association. Ms. Otis set an initial goal for our school of $250 and was ecstatic when she found out how much money our students had collected. When she first introduced the program, she challenged the students by telling them that the highest earner could push “pie” into her face. That was all she needed to say to motivate our students! As the pie event came closer and Ms. Otis realized how many students worked so hard, she recruited 3 more staff members to join her in the pie in the face finale. Huge kudos to Ms, Carrie, Ms. Hood and Mrs. Ditcheos for agreeing to get messy in front of our entire school. Hats off to Ms. Otis for all of her hard work!
It’s been a great “We Love to Read Week.” Each day we’ve had literacy activities that included a Read-Aloud Shuffle and Drop Everything and Read. Next week’s newsletter will include more information about this awesome week of reading!
Important Dates
- March 15th – Annual District Meeting at 6:30
- March 25th – 3 Way Conferences (No School)
- April 13th – Expo at the Academy
- April 18th—22nd Spring Break
- May 5th — Spring Pictures
- May 6th – Jobs on the Move
- May 14th — Kindergarten Orientation
- May 25th/27th – Rocks Celebration
- June 8th/10th – Field Day
A Friday Hello from Mrs. MacQueen
March 4, 2016
Welcome back! The Friday before vacation we held our annual Winter Carnival. Not even the lack of snow could dampen our spirits. Organized by Ms. Otis, the Harry Potter themed afternoon was magical for the students and staff. In multi-age groups, students rotated through 5 activities that included Wizard Tag, Golden Snitch Toss and Madam Hooch’s Broomstick Relay Race. Thanks to Ms. Prior and parents, Chip and Irene Otis we ended the day with yummy snacks and hot cocoa.
Next week we’ll celebrate authors and books during We Love to Read Week. We have many activities planned:
- Monday, March 7th — Kickoff celebration at Community Meeting that includes: a Video “All about those Books”
- Tuesday, March 8th — Read Aloud Shuffle
- Wednesday, March 9th — Dr. Seuss PE
- Thursday, March 10th — Drop Everything and Read
- Friday, March 11th — Pajama and Stuffy Day!
Dr. Seuss PE and All School Read from 2:45-3:15 Families are welcome to join us for the all school read in the gym at 2:45. We hope you can come!
Important Reminders:
- Tardiness: School begins at 8:00 a.m. and we expect students to be on time. If your child is tardy, you MUST sign in at the front desk and let Carrie know about lunch/snack milk needs.
- Snack Milk and Lunch Bills: Please make sure your child has enough money to cover drinks. If you do not want your child to get snack drinks, please let us know as soon as possible.
- Parking: The driveway is very busy in the morning and for the safety of all our families, please slow down when entering. We also ask that when you pick up or drop off your child, please park in the parking lot and DO NOT park in the following areas:
1. On the edge of the driveway where the NO PARKING signs are posted
2. The bus lane
3. ONLY park in the Handicapped spaces if you have a permit to do so.
Thank you for your cooperation!
Important Dates
- March 7th thru 11th – We Love to Read Week
- March 15th – District Annual Meeting at RA at 6:30
- March 25th – 3 Way Conferences
- April 13th – Expo at the Academy
- April 18th—22nd Spring Break
- May 5th — Spring Pictures
- May 6th – Jobs on the Move
- May 14th — Kindergarten Orientation
- May 25th/27th – Rocks Celebration
- June 8th/10th – Field Day
Winter Carnival
February 19, 2016
A Monday Hello From Mrs. MacQueen
February 15, 2016
Our Kindergartners did an amazing job hosting last Monday’s Community Meeting. After saying the 
traditional pledge of allegiance and sharing birthdays and announcements, each grade gave their class news. The 1st/2nd graders showed art they had created during their Native American unit in social studies. Each student decorated a totem pole and colored it in bright colors. Fourth graders talked about the Revolutionary War and their preparations for their reader’s theater presentation.
A few weeks ago a representative from the Upper Valley Trails Association spoke to our students about their “Passport to Winter Fun” program. Students who complete 10 days of activities earn a free pass to places like the Aquatic Center and Competition Complex. See your child’s passport for more information.
Friday is our Harry Potter Winter Carnival celebration and we have planned exciting games for our students. We love volunteers so if you are interested in helping out, join us in the gymnasium at 12:30.
Winter Program at Hulbert
Students participated in ice skating, sledding, barn hockey, shelter building and more. A huge thanks to The Aloha Foundation, Rivendell Rec, our WES assistants, and our parent volunteers for helping!
Important Dates
- February 19th Winter Carnival
- February 20th Snowshoe-a–thon
- February 22nd thru 26th Winter Break
- February 29th No School for students
- March 7th — 11th We Love to Read Week
- April 5th Spring Concert
- April 18th — 22nd Spring Break
Celebrating our 100th Day of School
February 8, 2016
Last Monday we kicked off our 100th Day of school celebration by showing off our awesome 100th Day crowns and glasses. After the pledge, we sang a 100th Day song created by Ms. Helm and then “worked out” to 100 exercises and dance moves led by the staff. Thanks to Ms. Prior and Ms. Bean, we also enjoyed 100 chocolate chip cookies and mini cupcakes.
The teachers worked collaboratively and ran mini-workshops that included measuring 100 pennies, putting together 100 piece puzzles, making 100 piece Fruit Loop necklaces, and stacking cups where the students had only a short amount of time to stack their 100 cups in creative ways. A special thanks to our staff who helped make our 100th Day so successful. A huge thank you to our amazing Admin Assistant, Ms. Carrie, too for making each student and staff member a $100 bill displaying his/her picture!
Important Dates
- February 19th Winter Carnival
- February 20th Snowshoe-a–thon
- February 22nd thru 26th Winter Break
- February 29th No School
- March 7th — 11th We Love to Read Week
- April 5th Spring Concert
- April 18th — 22nd Spring Break
A Friday Hello from Mrs. MacQueen
January 29, 2016
Music is in the air at Westshire!
Twice a month we celebrate music with REP, music repertoire. We share our love of music through song and dance. Sometimes certain grades or classes present what they have been learning in music class. On Monday, Ms. Helm hosted her first REP and we had a great time. The fourth graders sang “This Land is Your Land,” and did a fabulous job! Ms. Helm had her technology ready and we were delighted to watch an episode of “Cello Wars,” where two cellist compete by playing music from Star Wars. We always end REP by singing the Westshire Spirit Song. Ask your child to sing it to you!
We are excited to have our students participate in an awesome winter program at the Hulbert Outdoor Center. Next Thursday and the following Thursday, students will be bussed to the facility where they will participate in activities like ice skating, cross country skiing and snowshoeing. The permission slip and waiver was due back today. If you have not done it yet, please have it completed by Monday. Students will not be allowed to attend without the registration forms. Also, please make sure your child is properly prepared for outdoor activities. All skaters must bring a helmet and skates if possible, although there may be some skates available. A huge thanks to Rivendell Rec and The Aloha Foundation for creating this amazing Hulbert experience for our students.
Important Dates
- February 19th Winter Carnival
- February 20th Snowshoe-a–thon
- February 22nd thru 26th Winter Break
- February 29th No School
- March 7th — 11th We Love to Read Week
- April 5th Spring Concert
- April 18th — 22nd Spring Break
Rivendell Interstate School District EARLY CHILDHOOD (Preschool) PROGRAM NOW ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS FOR THE 2016-2017 SCHOOL YEAR
Rivendell offers free, high quality programs in the Samuel Morey and Westshire Elementary Schools for all children living in the Rivendell District (Fairlee, Orford, Vershire & West Fairlee) who will be age three by September 1, 2016. To receive an application, please call: Angel Parkin at 802-333-9755m(Fairlee & Orford families) Carrie Garrison at 802-333-4668 (Vershire & West Fairlee families)
Please return application forms immediately, as program selection begins February 1, 2016.
Annual Snowshoe-a-thon is coming!
Join us and snowshoe from the Vershire Town Center to the Mountain School on Saturday, February 20th. Children, families, and community members are encouraged to get sponsorship to raise money for VERSHARE, the community organization which runs and supports many community programs including a free children's summer camp each August and special projects like our very own Westshire gardens. Mountain School students will host a hearty lunch and a winter carnival for children and their families at the end of the snowshoe. It is a lot of fun and would be even more so if more Westshire
families participated.
A Friday Hello from Mrs. MacQueen
January 22, 2016
At Rivendell we take pride that our staff continues to use the Responsive Classroom approach to teaching and learning. This program is based on the premise that children learn best when they pair both academic and social-emotional skills in every day learning. One important aspect of Responsive Classroom is how we create a sense of community. Each morning teachers and students begin the day with “Morning Meeting.” This is time for students to greet each other and to share news. It also gives them an opportunity to review the day’s schedule and prepare for what’s ahead. Often times I walk around our school and join the classes. Attending these collaborative meetings has become one of my favorite parts of the day!
On alternate Mondays, the entire school comes together in Community Meeting where we model specific aspects of the Responsive Classroom like celebrating student achievements, appreciating those who help others, as well as recognizing the hard work of students and staff. This opportunity to spend time together helps us continue to create and foster a cohesive bond and grow as one, strong learning community.
Last week, Ms. Bittinger’s 1st/2nd grade class hosted our meeting. They did a great job organizing and running the meeting. During class news, the 4th graders presented timelines from social studies, and the 1st/2nd graders performed a reader’s theater using a Native American tale titled, The Rough Face Girl. The 2nd graders also shared about their latest art experience at the Hood Museum during their Art Start program.
Important Dates
- February 19th – Winter Carnival
- February 20th — Snowshoe-a–thon
- February 22nd thru 26th – Winter Break
- February 29th — No School
- March 7th—11th — We Love to Read Week
- April 5th — Spring Concert
- April 18th — 22nd — Spring Break
Notes from the RISD Kitchen
A reminder that on January 4, 2016 lunch meal prices increased from $2.75 to $2.95.
There is a change to this year's calendar.
No school for students on Monday, February 29th—this will be a teacher in-service day. There WILL be school for students on March 1st.