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RISD Elementary Parent Newsletters 2019-20

Message from the Superintendent, Barrett Williams, December 11. 2019

Letter from Barrett Williams, Superintendent

 

Message from the Principal, Melissa Zoerheide December 9. 2019

Concert - Upcoming break - Differences day - Report cards

Dear Families,

It was really wonderful to have the gym filled with so many friendly faces at the concert last week! Thanks to everyone who could make it to the performance.

We have two weeks of school before the break and we plan on keeping students focused and productive in school. Keeping routines, and taking care to eat and sleep well is extra important as we head into this busy time of year.

Again this year, we will have a Differences Day, which is an event where students have a short experience that brings more awareness to disabilities and differences. “The goal is to help each child recognize his or her uniqueness and challenges and, in doing so, to promote a deeper understanding, respect, and acceptance of all people.” -from the program Ann O’Hearn has been teaching in Guidance class, called Changing Perspectives. https://changingperspectivesnow.org/ Ask your child about this experience on Tuesday.

You will be getting the first trimester report cards on Monday. The report cards are Standards-based. This means that you’ll see a list of what teachers expect your child will master by the end of the school year and numbers between 1-4 that indicate progress made so far.

CALENDAR

  • December 9th Monday – Report cards go home in backpacks
  • December 10th Tuesday – Differences Day
  • December 23 - January 1st - No School
  • January 2 – School begins again

 

Message from the Principal, Melissa Zoerheide November, 24 2019

Dear Families,

We’ll host our first Games with Grandparents hour this Wednesday at 12:00, right before the early release at 1:00. We are looking forward to welcoming and sharing grandparents while playing board games throughout the school. Connecting and appreciating our families and the larger community is a joy and responsibility for the faculty at Westshire. We are thankful to the Friends of Rivendell for providing cookies and coffee/tea. We are thankful for all the people that support our school at the District Office (food service, operations, technology, accounting, payroll, human resources, administration). I am thankful for our teachers, staff, and students who are taking on the work of learning and education.

Thank You ALL!

Morning Drop Off Information:
All students should arrive dressed for the weather and go directly to outdoor recess before school starts in the morning.
Soon there will be a sign at the front of the school that will say -Indoor- on days that it is too rainy or cold to be outdoors.
All backpacks are to stay outside near the back doors (we are working on getting hooks and a tarp). Students that eat breakfast go in at 7:45. When school starts at 8:00 students will go into their classrooms. *Remember to send in winter clothes every day.

Upcoming calendar events:

  • November 27th Games with Grandparents 12-1 pm
  • November 27th Early Release 1:00 pm
  • November 28-29th NO SCHOOL Thanksgiving Break
  • December 3rd School Board Meeting 6:30 pm
  • December 5th Winter Concert 6:30 pm (doors open at 6:00)
  • December 6th Pajama Day – Wear PJ’s to school
  • December 9th Report Cards go home in backpacks
  • December 23 - January 1st NO SCHOOL Holiday Break

Sincerely,

Melissa Zoerheide
Principal
Westshire Elementary School

 

Message from the Principal, Melissa Zoerheide November 17, 2019

Dear Families,

It’s been a wonderful time at Westshire Elementary with students and staff alike set into the weekly routines. Knowing what to expect day to day is a great place to be and I’ve found so much to enjoy and appreciate in this new season. The few inches of snow have given us new ways to enjoy recess with sledding, fort building and imaginative games that involve animals that enjoy the winter.

Most of our parent-student conferences have happened and I hope this provided ample information about this years’ learning. If you have not had a conference, contact your child’s teacher.

I’m working on more frequent newsletters so keep a lookout for more emails to come!
Upcoming calendar events:

  • November 21st Picture Retakes - let us know if needed
  • November 27th Games with Grandparents 12-1 pm - Invitations are going home with students. Cookies and tea.
  • November 27th Early Release 1:00 pm
  • November 28-29th Thanksgiving Break
  • December 3rd School Board Meeting 6:30 pm
  • December 5th Winter Concert 6:30 pm
  • December 6th Pajama Day
  • December 23 - January 1st No School

Sincerely,

Melissa Zoerheide
Principal
Westshire Elementary School

 

Message from the Principal, Melissa Zoerheide October 27, 2019

Dear Familes,
We are having a fun Friday this week. We plan on having a great day with our regular academic learning and some extra fun. Students are invited to wear pajamas to school on Friday.

No Halloween costumes during school this week. We decided to keep the focus on learning and not risk wearing out costumes before trick or treating.

Reminder: Dress warmly, the weather changes fast. Pack warm clothes every day!
Kids should bring a warm jacket, hat, mittens/gloves, and wear long pants to school every day. Winter boots and snow pants will be needed soon.

Upcoming Dates:

  • Pajama Day Friday 11-1-19
  • No School/Parent Conferences Friday 11-8-19
  • No School/Veterans Day Monday 11-11-19
  • Early Dismissal 1:00 Wednesday 11-27-19
  • No School/Thanksgiving Thursday and Friday 11-28-19 and 11-29-19
  • Picture Retakes 11-21-19
  • Winter Concert 12-5-19

 

Message from the Principal, Melissa Zoerheide October 18, 2019

Dear Parents and Families,

We have been in school 36 days now and it is starting to feel like we know each other. I’m working on setting up a regular weekly newsletter to highlight what’s happening at Westshire day-to-day and to provide dates on upcoming events. The newsletter will begin in the next couple weeks. I’m very excited to get this up and running because there are many great happenings to share.

Teachers have started to dive into more of the content of the curriculum, as setting the positive tone and culture of the classroom is now set. This week, all teachers met with educator instructors from the Montshire Museum to look deeply at this years’ science units. On Monday, we increased our collaboration with the educators at Rivendell Academy and Samuel Morey by meeting together and finding connections and resources in our district. Teachers left with new connections to strengthen what we do together. I’ll be sure to highlight more specifics (like the 1st grade forest exploration unit). New and experienced teachers are regularly meeting for mentorship to build both the friendly excitement for learning and the rigorous pursuit of high-quality teaching.

We are happy to be outside for the morning and mid-day recess unless it is pouring rain or very cold. We have just put in an order for more recess equipment as these items have begun to dwindle (like balls, jump ropes). In addition, I’m hoping to add a Ga Ga ball structure to the playground. Ga gab ball is a safe and pro-social ball game that can be played in a large group. The set up will require some communities volunteers to help put together, let me know if you are interested in helping. More details on this to come. A reminder that the weather is changing and kids need warm clothes, boots, hats, mittens for school.

Thanks for being the dedicated caregivers of the students at Westshire. I’m impressed daily by our families because I’ve heard from you and see you in the hallways. You are focused on your child’s education by working together in a caring way to address questions, hopes, and concerns. Thank you for saying hi when you’re in school and communicating with teachers when the need arises. Westshire is a great place, thanks for welcoming me into your world.

I hope you have a wonderful weekend and enjoy the sunshine!

 

Message from the Principal, Melissa Zoerheide 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.

 

Message from the Principal, Melissa Zoerheide 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

 

Message from the Principal, Melissa Zoerheide 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

 

Message from the Principal, Melissa Zoerheide 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

A Friday Hello from Mrs. MacQueen

April 8, 2016wes 040816

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, 2016wes 03182016

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

 

March 18, 2016 Newsletter

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!

wes 031016

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


March 11, 2016 Newsletter

A Friday Hello from Mrs. MacQueen

March 4, 2016
wes 030416 1

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.

wes 030416 2

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

March 4, 2016 Newsletter

Winter Carnival

February 19, 2016

wes 021916

A Monday Hello From Mrs. MacQueen

February 15, 2016 

Our Kindergartners did an amazing job hosting last Monday’s Community Meeting. After saying the wes 021516 1traditional 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!

wes 021516 3

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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

 

February 15, 2016 Newsletter

Celebrating our 100th Day of School

February 8, 2016

wes 020816 2

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!

wes 020816 3

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

February 8, 2016 Newsletter

A Friday Hello from Mrs. MacQueen

January 29, 2016wes 012916 1

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.

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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, 2016wes 012216 2

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.wes 012216


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.