Cornwall School News 2/6/26
Message from the Principal
The Cornwall Conservation Commission invited Cornwall School to name a one-eyed fox that has been turning up in their trail cams on Cider Mill Road. Cornwall School families nominated candidates. They were:
Silver
Willow
Wink
One-eyed Jack
Chicken-Eater
Puddles
Pirate
Last week, in a scrupulously supervised one-person-one-vote democratic process, Cornwall School students and staff decided on a name. It was close. We counted ballots twice. The winner was: Puddles.
The people have spoken!
In partnership,
Nadya
Important Dates
Mon, 2/9 Ted Scheu "that poetry guy" comes to Cornwall, grades K-2
Tues, 2/10 100th Day of School Celebration!
Thurs, 2/12 Grades 3 and 5 go downhill skiing at the Middlebury Snow Bowl - details in separate email
Fri, 2/13 Grade 4 goes downhill skiing at the Middlebury Snow Bowl - details in separate email
Week of 2/16 - 2/20 Spirit Week at Cornwall
Wed, 2/18 Cornwall School goes XC skiing at Rikert - 3rd of 3 times
Fri, 2/20 Vermont Symphony Orchestra performance for Cornwall School students!
Snapshots from Cornwall School
1st Grade
2nd Grade
Second graders have been hard at work building measuring skills and inquiring about trade and resources! In math, students are learning how to measure using inches, feet, and yards. They are practicing measuring classroom objects, comparing lengths, and deciding which unit of measurement makes the most sense for different situations.
In inquiry, students are exploring resources and trade. They are learning about natural resources, how goods are made, and why people trade to get what they need or want. Students have invested time in researching a food product and created their own infographics that share the process of how their products are made and other facts that are of interest to them!
As a special treat when we had a substitute, 2nd graders watched a storyline story and were mesmerized!
FOCS Update
Dear Cornwall parents,
Friends of Cornwall School is pleased to announce after school scholarship funds to support Cornwall School students’ participation in afterschool activities. This is to help families cover fees for structured, educational, or enrichment after school activities (e.g., sports programs, music or art lessons, academic clubs, camps, etc.).
Scholarship details
Amount: up to a maximum $100 per student for the academic year 2025-2026, subject to available funds.
Eligibility: must be a Cornwall School students during the academic year 2025-2026
Important: Funds cannot be used to pay informal childcare/babysitting. Activities must be offered by a qualified organization or provider with a valid tax ID, unless they are Cornwall school-sponsored activities (e.g., Magic Club).
Requirements for reimbursement
To receive a scholarship, families need to:
Select an eligible after school activity for their child (this can be an activity from fall 2025)
Obtain a receipt or invoice from the activity provider that includes provider/organization name, provider address, provider tax ID number (EIN), student’s name, activity name and dates (or session), and amount paid.
The deadline for scholarship application is June 1, 2026.
How to apply
To request a scholarship, up to $100, please fill out this form.
Once your request is reviewed and approved, FOCS will issue reimbursement by check up to $100 per student. If total requests exceed available funds, scholarships may be awarded on a first-come, first-served basis or prorated at FOCS’s discretion. Allow 2-3 weeks for processing reimbursement.
If you have any questions about whether an activity qualifies, how to obtain a suitable receipt, or the application process, please contact FOCS at focs.vt@gmail.com.
Ways to Help Cornwall School
Volunteer for a XC ski day
ACSD News
ACSD’s new Elementary School Transfer Policy
The ACSD Board recently revised Board Policy C30, School Assignment and Intra-District Transfer, to offer more flexibility to ACSD families when choosing an elementary school for their child(ren). If you are interested in having your child attend a different K-5 elementary school, please read more about the policy and the application process here. To apply, use this form or visit your school’s front office or the ACSD District Office for a paper application. The application window opened January 30th, and all applications must be received by March 2nd, 2026.
There will be a second information session to learn more, ask questions, and get support filling out the application: Weds, February 18: 8:30-9:30am: at the Superintendent's Office (49 Charles Ave, Middlebury)
Schools have scheduled open houses for all interested families.
Tues, Feb 10, 5:30-6:30: Mary Hogan
Thurs, Feb 12, 5:30-6:30: Salisbury Community
Mon, Feb 16, 5:30-6:30: Cornwall Elementary
Tues, Feb 17, 5:30-6:30: Bridport Elementary
Weds, Feb 18 5:30-6:30: Weybridge Elementary
Early Childhood Education Survey
Do you have young children birth to 5? We are expanding our early childhood offerings and want to hear from you! Share your hopes, needs, and ideas for building strong childhood care and education for our community. Find the survey link here. Survey is open 2/6-2/20.