Catamount Connection

September 18: Experiential Learning for Grades 6-8 (11:30am-2:30pm)

September 18: 6th-8th Grade Dance at Sutton School (6:30pm-9:00pm)

September 24: K-8 Field Trip to Kingdom Corn Maze (11:30am-2:30pm)

September 25: Experiential Learning for Grades 6-8 (11:30am-2:30pm)

September 26: Burke Fall Foliage Festival Parade (10:00am)

September 28: School Picture Day

September 29-October 2: PTG Scholastic Bookfair at Sutton School

October 2: 4th & 5th Field Trip to Kickline Performance at LI (9:00am-1:30pm)

October 2: Experiential Learning for Grades 6-8 (11:30am-2:30pm)

October 8: Rescuefest at Sutton School

October 8: Early Release for Professional Development (12:10pm)

October 9: No School- Professional Development

October 12: No School- Indigenous Peoples' Day

October 15: Title I Presentation at Sutton School with Dinner (5:00pm-5:45pm)

October 15: Catamount Night (5:45pm-6:45pm)

October 16: Experiential Learning for Grades 6-8 (11:30am-2:30pm)

October 28: Early Release for Professional Development (12:10pm)

October 30: Experiential Learning for Grades 6-8 (11:30am-2:30pm)

October 30: Sutton PTG Trunk or Treat (6:00pm-7:00pm)

Dear Sutton Families and Caregivers,

As we settle into a new school year, I want to take a moment to talk about something that makes a real difference in our students’ success: being at school regularly.

At Sutton School, we know that every day matters. When your child walks through our doors each morning, they are doing so much more than completing assignments. They are learning new skills, asking questions, building friendships, practicing problem-solving, developing independence, and becoming part of our school community. There are many things that happen during a school day that simply cannot be recreated when a child is absent.

We also understand that children get sick, families have important events, appointments happen, and sometimes being away from school is unavoidable. Our goal is not to make families feel badly when a child needs to be absent. Instead, we want to work together to make sure our students have as much consistent time as possible to learn, grow, and connect with others.

Why does attendance matter?

A student is considered chronically absent when they miss 10% or more of the school year for any reason. In Vermont’s 175-day school year, that is approximately 18 days—or about two days each month. While 18 days may not sound like a lot over the course of an entire year, the missed learning and experiences can add up quickly.

For our youngest learners in kindergarten through grade 3, school is where children are developing the foundational skills they will use throughout their education. They are learning to read, write, develop number sense, communicate, follow routines, manage emotions, and work with others. Missing school regularly can mean missing important pieces of that foundation, as well as the daily opportunities to build friendships and a sense of belonging.

In grades 4 and 5, students are building greater independence while their academic learning becomes more complex. Lessons often build directly on what students learned the day before. When students miss school frequently, they can find themselves trying to fill in gaps while the class continues moving forward. They also miss the conversations, collaboration, and classroom experiences that help them become confident learners.

In grades 6 through 8, students are managing multiple teachers and classes, more challenging academic expectations, and increasingly complex social relationships. Regular attendance gives students the opportunity to stay connected to their teachers and peers, keep up with their learning, participate in school activities, and feel like an important part of their school community.

At every grade level, attendance is about more than academics. Children need consistent opportunities to practice social skills, develop relationships, experience success, work through challenges, and feel connected to the people and community around them.

How can families help?

One of the most helpful things families can do is make regular school attendance a priority whenever possible.

If your child will be absent, please contact the school to let us know that your child will be out and the reason for the absence. This helps us keep accurate attendance records and ensures that we know why a student is not in school.

We also ask families to please contact the school ahead of time if you are planning to take your child out of school for a special occasion, trip, or other activity. We recognize that families have important experiences and events outside of school, and we understand that sometimes these opportunities are meaningful to your family. At the same time, we ask that families limit these absences whenever possible because missed school days can add up quickly.

And if your family is experiencing circumstances that are making it difficult for your child to attend school regularly, please reach out to us. We would much rather know that your family needs support than have a child quietly struggle with attendance. We are here to listen, problem-solve, and work alongside you.

Ultimately, we want every child at Sutton School to know something very simple: their presence matters. Their teachers notice when they are here. Their friends notice when they are here. And our school community is better because they are here.

Thank you for partnering with us and for helping your child make the most of every opportunity to learn, connect, and grow. We are grateful to be part of your child’s journey, and we look forward to seeing them at school each day.

Warm regards,

Rachel Robillard

Principal

We are excited to welcome several new faculty and staff members to our school community this year!

• We have a new Music teacher, Charlotte LaBonte, who is working with all students in grades K–8.
• Our new school nurse is Dusti Wells.
• We are fortunate to have three new classroom teachers joining our team this school year. Jessica Falconer is the 2/3 classroom teacher, Christina Goodman is the 4th & 5th grade math and science teacher, and Haley Chadburn is the 4th & 5th grade humanities teacher.
• Rebecca (Becca) Lane will be joining us as a Content Specialist this school year.
• Charissa Kelly will serve as an IIA in the school.
• Finally, Becky Jenkins has moved into a mathematics teaching and intervention role this year and Tiana Gillespie has moved into a literacy intervention role this year.

We look forward to the energy, skills, and new ideas these staff members will bring to Sutton, and we know our students will benefit greatly from their expertise and dedication. Please join us in giving them a warm welcome to the Sutton community!

We’re excited to announce that Sutton School will be participating in the Burke Fall Foliage Festival parade on Saturday, September 26th! This year’s theme is “Wild Kingdom,” and our middle school students are partnering with art teacher Katy Laverdiere to design the float and build all the props.

• Parade Time: Starts at 10:00 a.m.

• Participant Arrival: Please arrive at East Burke Park no later than 9:30 a.m.

• What to Wear: Show your school spirit by wearing Sutton School Catamount Gear or school colors!

• Supervision: All participating students must be accompanied by a caregiver.

We Need Volunteers! The PTG is leading the overall event effort and would love adult volunteers to help bring our students' vision to life. If you can lend a hand with final prep or assembly, please contact PTG President Becky Jenkins or Principal Rachel Robillard. Let’s make this a parade to remember!

Get ready to discover your next favorite book! The Scholastic Book Fair will be hosted at Sutton School from Tuesday, September 29th through Friday, October 2nd.

During the week, students will have a designated time with their class to browse the selection and purchase books. We also invite our Sutton families and community members to visit! Public browsing and shopping hours will be open Tuesday through Friday from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM.

Important Notice: "Share the Fair" Round-Up

Due to the national penny shortage, we will be rounding up all cash purchases to the nearest dollar. These extra cents will be directly donated to our school's Share the Fair fund.

• What is "Share the Fair"? It is a Scholastic program that turns spare change into new books for kids. All funds raised stay within our school to help ensure that every student—regardless of financial need—has the opportunity to take home a book from the fair.

Disclaimer: If you do not want your child's purchase rounded up, please contact the school prior to the fair.

We look forward to seeing our young readers explore new stories!

The Sutton Parent Teacher Group (PTG) is looking for new members to join them this school year! The PTG meets the first Monday of each month starting at 6:30pm in Becky Jenkins' 3-4 classroom. The PTG helps fundraise and organize important community events for the students and families in Sutton. If you would like to join the PTG reach out to Becky Jenkins, the PTG president, rjjenkins@kingdomeast.org.

Our next meeting is Monday October 5th, 2026 at 6:30pm. Join us at the school in-person or via zoom. https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84865682088

This fall, we’re excited to continue to offer our middle school students in grades 6-8 the opportunity to participate in experiential learning over the course of several weeks. Students have the chance to choose from a variety of activities (fishing, mountain biking, and theater) that align with their interests and passions. They will select one activity to explore during the designated weeks.

The focus of this program is to help students build strong relationships with each other and with staff members, while also setting goals and diving into personalized learning experiences. Whether they’re deepening an existing passion or discovering something new, this is a wonderful opportunity for your child to engage in meaningful, hands-on learning in a supportive and collaborative environment. We can’t wait to see the growth and connections that will come from this experience!

Experiential Learning Dates & Times Ahead:

September 18 (11:30am-2:30pm)

September 25 (11:30am-2:30pm)

October 2 (11:30am-2:30pm)

October 16 (11:30am-2:30pm)

October 30 (11:30am-2:30pm)

In alignment with the state of Vermont guidelines regarding school safety drills, we will communicate a time frame for upcoming fire drills, evacuation drills, and relocation drills, but specific dates and times will not be provided to ensure the safety and security of our students.

As part of our commitment to preparedness, during the first few weeks of school we are required to have a fire drill/evacuation drill. In the first month of school we are required to practice a lockdown drill. The students practiced a fire drill/evacuation drill the week of August 31st- and did an amazing job! They also practice a lockdown drill the week of September 7th. We were impressed by what a great job they did follow directions during this drill. In October, we will be conducting a fire drill the week of October 5th and practicing a relocation drill to a secure off-site location the week of October 19th. At the end of the drill the students will return to school. This exercise is designed to familiarize students and staff with evacuation procedures and alternative shelter locations. Please be assured that we will conduct this drill in a developmentally appropriate manner, prioritizing the well-being and understanding of our students.

Your support is invaluable as we strive to create a safe and secure learning environment for all. If you have any questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to reach out to your child's teacher. Thank you for partnering with us in keeping our school community safe.

Sutton School will be hosting a Middle School Dance on September 18th. Students in grades 6, 7 & 8 who are enrolled in a KESD school or lives in a KESD town may attend the school dance.

The dance will run from 6:30pm-9:00pm. Students will need a permission slip signed by their school's principal and a parent/guardian to attend. Students who have exhibited major behaviors that are unsafe leading up to the dance will not be able to attend the dance. The school will notify families prior to a dance if their child does not qualify to attend that dance.

Parents are required to provide a contact number for their child during the hours of the dance in case of an emergency or discipline issue. If a child is going home with someone other than their parent/guardian, a parent needs to send in a signed note.

All students must follow school rules as well as the following rules:

· no outside food or drink

· bags, cellphones, wireless earbuds, and smart watches need to be dropped off at the coat check before entering the dance- they are not allowed in the area the space the dance is occurring

· no running, tripping, horseplay, or activities that could cause injury

· no cell phone, smart watch, or wireless headphone use

· hands off/body in control

· no public displays of affection

· follow dress code

· appropriate dancing

· no arm wrestling

· no swearing, inappropriate language, or threatening language and/or behaviors

· once in the dance- you must stay in- may only go outside in the designated area

If a student fails to comply with the rules and/or are not following adult directions they will be sent home early. School administration will determine if your child will be allowed to attend any future KESD dances this school year.

Managing caregiving duties while keeping a household running smoothly can be a daily balancing act. The Temporary Food Assistance Program (TFAP) through Neighbors In Action is here to lighten the load by offering accessible, nutritious food support directly to caregivers and families in our local community. Whether you need temporary help stretching your monthly grocery budget or require ongoing assistance, TFAP provides essential staples—including fresh produce, pantry goods, and protein—with zero hassle and total confidentiality.

Caregivers often put their own needs last, but staying nourished is vital to staying strong for your loved ones.

• Who it’s for: Caregivers, seniors, and local families needing extra nutritional support.

• How to get started: Contact Makenzie Murray, our school to home coordinator, by either calling the school (802.467.3492 ex. 1463) or by email Makenzie (mmurray@kingdomeast.org).

• Pass this along to a fellow caregiver or neighbor who could use a extra boost this month!

he HOPE Backpack Program works to eliminate weekend food insecurity for local children throughout the Lyndon, Vermont community. Recognizing that school meals end on Friday afternoon, this initiative provides K–12 students in need with discreet, easy-to-open, and nutritious food packages slipped directly into their backpacks every Friday. Packed with kid-friendly staples, healthy snacks, and ready-to-eat meals, the program ensures students return to the classroom on Monday nourished, focused, and ready to learn. Supported by local volunteers, school staff, and community donations, HOPE is dedicated to keeping Kingdom kids fed year-round.

How to Sign Up:

Enrolling a student is simple and confidential. To get started, please contact Amanda Colon, our School-to-Home Coordinator and School Counselor. You can reach out by calling the school office (802.467.3492 ex. 1470) or emailing Amanda (acolon@kingdomeast.org) directly to request participation in the program.