Friday Flash

It is my hope that staff, students and families took the last week to rest, relax and prepare for the final push to the end of the school year. I always find that the days after April break until the last day of school seem to go flying by. In the words of singer Jerry Reed, "We have a long way to go and a short time to get there." I'm confident our staff and students can go the distance towards making the as much academic and social emotional growth as possible by June 12th.

The week of May 4th is staff appreciation week. Over the course of the week we will be celebrating everyone in the school that supports students' academic and social emotional well being. If a teacher or staff member has supported your child's growth, consider writing them a note or sending them an email. Your words and testimony that they are having an impact in your child's life means a lot.

On Tuesday April 28th the OUUSD School Board and administrators will be sharing our presentation on the FY 2027 budget. The presentation will cover what the proposed budget amount is, how much is within our control and what our budget priorities are for the coming year. After the presentation there will be an opportunity to ask questions. Please come to the annual budget meeting so that you can make an informed decision about the budget. The vote will follow the meeting.

~Loretta Cruz

Dear Families,

This week, our school community will focus on the character strength of Purpose. Purpose means having beliefs about the meaning of life and feeling that your life has a purpose. It’s about wanting to be part of something bigger than yourself.

People with a sense of purpose believe they are here for a reason. That reason can be different for everyone — it might be inventing something new, bringing joy through art or music, or raising kind and responsible children.

Having a clear purpose helps people stay strong and courageous, even in difficult times. It also encourages them to act with kindness and love, even when it’s hard. When people feel connected to something greater, their lives have more meaning and fulfillment.

To practice and encourage the character strength of purpose at home, please visit The Positivity Project’s mobile-friendly P2 for Families (available in English and Spanish), where you will watch a video together and discuss a quote and three questions. Below are links to this week’s P2 for Families lessons. Click on the grade level that best meets your child’s needs.

Pre-K–K

Thank you for your support!

The Art room has been busy creating magical beings with all the grades. The special creations got to go to Forest School and meet with Susie Spikol to write creative stories that included making fairy houses. It was a special opportunity to collaborate with Susie and Laurie to share their passions and guide the students' imaginations and bring their beings to life.

The Racoons have been working on pottery projects that include making coil pots and clay tiles.

The Owls and the Otters got to go to the Hood museum on St. Patrick's day and they were treated to a private showing of “Dancing with spring flowers” by Alma Thomas. The students also got to make abstract art using cut out felt shapes on black or white backgrounds.

The bears have been working on symmetry and creating mirror image paintings then turning them into abstract Art.

The Bovines and the monkeys just completed glazing their clay projects. They learned about the entire process of clay from dirt to being fired in a kiln which is bisque ware then fired again for the glaze to turn glass like.

Upcoming Events

• May 1st Spring Fling & Green Up Day

• May 1st: Knights of the Round Table

• May 4th-May 8th: Teacher & Staff Appreciation week
• May 5th: Poetry Slam
• May 6th: Early Release
• May 15th: Community Day (Oxbow Students at NES)
• May 25th: No School Memorial Day
• May 27th or 28th: 6th Grade Class Trip
• May 29th: YOB Final Event
• May 29th: Knights of Round Table
• May 31st: Finding Our Stride Color Run

Email: loretta.cruz@oesu.org
Website: https://www.nesvt.org/
Location: 214 Pulaski Street, Newbury, VT, USA
Phone: 802-866-5621
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/newburyelementaryVT