3/17 - Coffee and Conversation with the Superintendent
3/28 - Dragon! @ Taplin Theater
3/29 - Dragon! @ Taplin Theater
3/29 - 38th Annual State Scholastic Chess Championships – Vermont Chess
3/30 - Dragon! @ Taplin Theater
4/10 - Friends of Calais meeting
4/17 - Coffee and Conversation with the Superintendent
As of March 11, 2025, there has been one case of measles in Vermont in 2025. Stay up to date at HealthVermont.gov/measles.
Key Facts about Measles
Measles is not just a little rash. It can be dangerous, especially in children younger than 5 years old. About 1 in 5 unvaccinated people in the U.S. who get measles are hospitalized.
Measles is one of the most contagious diseases. An infected person will spread measles to about 9 out of 10 people they come into contact with who are not vaccinated. The virus can spread to other people when an infected person coughs or sneezes. The virus can stay in the air for up to two hours after an infected person leaves an area. People can become infected if they breathe in the germs or touch a contaminated surface and then touch their eyes, nose, or mouth.
Measles is almost entirely preventable with vaccines. While most people in the U.S. and Vermont are vaccinated against measles, communities with lower vaccine coverage are at higher risk for outbreaks.
o According to 2023-2024 school immunization survey data, 93% of children in Vermont public and independent schools are fully vaccinated against measles before entering kindergarten. This data doesn't include children who are homeschooled or not yet enrolled in school.
o Because measles is so contagious, 95% of a population needs to be immune to limit the spread of the virus effectively.
This school year 24-25, Calais Elementary School has a 97% vaccination rate for Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR).
Measles vaccines are safe and highly effective. It is part of the measles-mumps-rubella vaccine or "MMR." Two vaccine doses are 97% effective against measles (one dose is 93% effective).
Measles is still common in many parts of the world. Every year, measles is brought into the U.S. by unvaccinated travelers who get measles while they are in other countries.
Here’s how you can help keep your family, school, and community healthy:
1. Make sure you and your family are vaccinated against measles—especially if you plan to travel outside of the U.S.
Measles is still common in many parts of the world. Every year, measles is brought into the U.S. by unvaccinated travelers who get measles while they are in other countries.
Children should get two doses of measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine—the first dose at 12-15 months and the second dose at 4-6 years.
Babies 6-11 months old who are traveling internationally should get an early dose of the MMR vaccine at least two weeks before travel.
If your child is sick with measles symptoms, stay home and call your doctor.
Symptoms usually start with a high fever, then a cough, runny nose, and red and watery eyes. A rash usually appears three to five days after the first symptoms.
If you do not have a health care provider, call 2-1-1 to be connected to care.
If you suspect measles, make sure to call before going to a doctor’s office, the hospital, or a clinic to let them know about symptoms. Because the virus is so contagious, the office will need to take precautions before you arrive.
While there is no treatment for measles, your doctor will have the best guidance on how to care for a child with measles.
Dear Calais Families, Students and Staff,
Throughout the month of March, students will have the opportunity to explore college and careers in Guidance class. Students will learn more about different professions, college and skill requirements needed and a general description of the work entailed in each profession presented.
If anyone is interested in coming in to talk with students during Guidance class about their college or career, please complete the response form below. Presentations can be anywhere from 5-15 minutes in length. You may drop it off at the Calais Elementary Office or in the Counselor's room in the Learning Center.
I look forward to hearing from you and feel free to stop by or call if you have any questions at 802-454-7777 ext 105.
Kind Regards,
Ruth Frisenda
Calais is home to an incredible Preschool program and we want all of our parents of 3-4 year olds to consider enrolling their children in our program for the 2025-2026 school year. The more children we have sign up for Preschool the more we might be able to offer.
Please check out the website below for more information and if you have any questions, don’t hesitate to reach out.
We have been made aware that several of our sinks in classrooms have tested at higher levels of lead than is allowable. At this time, those sinks have been restricted from use out of precaution. As of today, we are working with the Director of Facilities for WCUUSD on a remedy as soon as possible.
If you have any concerns, please do not hesitate to contact Mr. Weiss.
We’ve asked staff to start sharing positive stories each week and this week there has been so much to share.
Students: Student was talking and got a bit flustered so she paused, took a deep breath, waited a moment, and then continued. Super smart strategy!!
Fifth and sixth grade worked hard on sketching world landmarks. They were focused and fully engaged during art class. The beginnings of their sketches are really well done!
Staff: There is not enough time to list all the positive things that Lucretia does and says throughout the day. The kids love her because she is fun, caring, consistent and fair. She is often helping do things before I even know I need to do them. I couldn't do this job without her and I don't say it enough! Thank you for helping me to teach and care for our youngest learners.
Dena is super responsive to student needs. I see her adapt, move in closer when needed, pull back away when needed, offer support, guide good thinking, ask sincere questions and really find the heart of any problem. Her instinct for working with young children is something I learn from everyday. She's a rockstar in my eyes and I value her contribution to the classroom!
Berlin Board Member: 3 Year Term
District Clerk: 3 Year Term
Want to make a positive impact for students in Vermont? You can! By serving on your local school board. While it is a big responsibility, we don’t always hear about the benefits of school board service.
Your decisions have the potential to directly and positively affect the lives of students and their families, the livelihoods of those the district employs, and the economic well-being of your community.
To learn more, the VT School Boards Association (VSBA)’s website at https://www.vtvsba.org/runningforschoolboard
If you are interested in either of the positions please submit a letter of interest to Flor Diaz Smith at fdiazsmith@u32.org
As part of our commitment to supporting students’ social and emotional growth, we will be using the DESSA (Devereux Student Strengths Assessment) SEL screener. This research-based tool helps us understand and nurture key social-emotional skills such as self-awareness, responsible decision-making, and relationship-building.
The screener is strength-based and designed to identify areas where students excel, as well as areas where they may need additional support. Based on the results, our school will provide targeted support through classroom activities, small group interventions, and individualized strategies to help students develop essential life skills. Our goal is to create a positive, inclusive, and supportive learning environment where every student can thrive.
If you have any questions or would like more information, please feel free to reach out. Thank you for your partnership in fostering your child’s well-being!
The 5/6ers are working on projects that help out both CES and the Calais community. This week they decided to start with creating a mini food shelf at CES.
6th grader, Katie is taking the lead with a large donation from her family. If you would like to participate please drop of non-perishables at CES during school hours.
Hi Calais Cougars!
Today we are interviewing Derek.
His favorite color is white (snazzy).
His least favorite color is turquoise.
His favorite animal is a monkey (razzle dazzle).
His least favorite animal is a dolphin.
His favorite food is KFC chicken.
His least favorite food is sausage and gravy.
If he could be anything in the world it would be .. a monkey.
What's your favorite food? And least favorite food?
Bye for now!
We are continuing to move forward with our “Humanity & Justice Coalition” working to ensure all people feel heard, welcome, and safe at Calais Elementary and in our community. We’ve even got a new name - “Humanity and Justice, Calais”. This will be our celebration of all that makes us who we are and will work to ensure we will always be a community that welcomes and respects all people.
As we push forward we are engaging our students to gather their input and help them to drive the process. If you ever have any questions, please feel free to reach out to me and be sure to talk with your students - those conversations are going to be critical. This is something we believe is important and I personally want to ensure that all viewpoints are heard and all people have a stake in this work. Do not hesitate to reach out to me personally with any questions.
- Jarrod
Last week our staff spent time with Sally Russell from Youth First Mentoring. There are some incredible opportunities for our young people through mentoring and this is something we hope you explore if your child would be interested. We are happy to help connect you and help with the process if this is something you want to explore for your child. Check out this local organization at → https://youthfirstmentoring.org/
Dear Calais Families,
We will be starting the Backpack program soon here at Calais Elementary School for families. The program is designed to provide families with children who attend Calais, the necessary food and clothing that they may need throughout the school year. Food and Gift bags will be dispensed in a discreet and caring manner. This program runs the full school year on a weekly basis with exception to student breaks and summer. This includes winter clothing, Thanksgiving and Christmas presents, in addition. There is no cost associated with this program. If you wish for your child to participate in the program, please sign below and return this letter to the school in your child's folder or drop it off at the Main Office by next Friday. Thank you and please let us know if you have any questions or any needs for your child at any time.
Feel free to email me at rfrisenda@u32.org or call 802-454-7777 ext 105 at any time.
Sincerely,
Ruth Frisenda
School Counselor
Calais Elementary School
Thank you to everyone who signed up and helped raise awareness and funds for the American Heart Association through our participation in the Kids Heart Challenge.
As a school we raised just shy of $1000 and had nearly 50% of students register. This is incredible for our first year doing this event and it shows a real commitment from our students and families.
I am working to find out if we qualified for the $500 for PE class and will let you know once I’ve heard. Thank you all again for your support!
Central Vermont Little League offers programs for boys and girls between the age of 4 and 12. The league serves the communities of Berlin, Cabot, Calais, East Montpelier, Marshfield, Middlesex, Montpelier, Plainfield, and Worcester.
On Time Baseball and Softball Registration Closes on March 8, 2025
**For 2025**! Central Vermont Little League (CVTLL) is offering spring clinics for league ages 8 to 12 (please see the league age calculator link below). Your registration for the 2025 spring season includes winter clinics at Norwich University Jacob Shapiro Fieldhouse. The clinics are scheduled for Sunday, March 2nd, Sunday March 16th, Sunday March 23rd, and Sunday, March 30th from 4:30 pm to 7:00 pm. Please look for the spring clinic RSVP link in the registration confirmation email. Clinic spots are limited, please only sign up for the days you plan to attend.
Visit our website at https://www.cvtll.org/ for more information or to register.
Thank you,
Central Vermont Little League
In the autumn of 2024, the Calais Selectboard voted to create a new volunteer "Ordinance Advisory Committee" to recommend changes to current Town ordinances. This advisory committee has begun to review current Calais laws so that they more accurately reflect how the town functions at present, or how it would like to going forward.
If you are interested in serving on the Calais Ordinance Advisory Committee, please let us know. Service on this Committee will allow Calais citizens an opportunity to participate in the review and development of specific recommendations that will go before the Selectboard.
This Ordinance Advisory Committee is presently comprised of two Selectboard members, the Town Clerk, and one Calais citizen. The Committee would like to add one or two more citizens to the group. The ability to interpret state laws and how they affect related Town ordinances, the direction of the Town Plan currently under revision, research skills, and the ability to understand state statutes and regulatory guidelines are preferred.
Up next, the Selectboard has charged the group to start investigating the "Use of Town Highway Right of Way Ordinance". Due to that Ordinance's connection to other Town ordinances, policies, plans, and standards, the Committee is beginning a deep dive into all things Calais roads-related, in order to bring alignment and clarity to our documentation. Calais residents who apply should be knowledgeable or strongly curious about such topics as curb cuts, rights of way, road widths, and other road standards.
Per Vermont law, all meetings are open to the public. For more information and additional details on the scope of work for this Committee, please go to https://www.calaisvermont.gov/ordinanceadvisory.
HOW TO APPLY
If you are interested in serving on a volunteer basis with this Calais Ordinance Advisory Committee, please submit a letter of interest to SBadmin@calaisvermont.gov no later than Friday, March 21, 2025 to include your skills, qualifications, and the contributions you feel you would bring to this important task. Please save the date of Monday, March 24, 2025, 6:00 pm to interview with the Selectboard for this appointment.
Get some before Town Meeting!
Dear Colleagues and Neighbors - The Town of Calais has received hundreds and hundreds of at-home Covid-19 antigen rapid tests; plenty to share!
Expiration Date: July 2, 2025
Please reply via email to let us know if you would like some, and when you would like to come pick them up from the Calais Town Office (sorry, no deliveries). See our business hours below.
Let's keep everyone healthy and safe!
Barbara Butler, Calais Assistant Town Clerk
Teegan Dykeman-Brown, Town Clerk
Barbara Butler, Assistant Town Clerk / Assistant Treasurer
Town of Calais, VT
3120 Pekin Brook Road, East Calais, VT 05650
802.456.8720
Hours of Operation: Monday-Thursday, 9:00am to 4:00pm; Closed Fridays.
All Land/Title/Deed research or vault time is by appointment only.
No cash transactions.
