Cougar News

It’s been a few weeks since I’ve shared notes from the principal’s office and there is LOTS to share!

• On Friday, our 6th graders went to U32 for Unity Day and got the opportunity to meet new friends from around the district and explore a day in the life of a 7th grader.

• We spent some time connecting and learning with students in grades 4-6 about issues related to bullying and harassment. These conversations ensure we are being proactive and creating a shared language and approach to challenges that impact a feeling of safety and inclusion.

• Our board approved the hiring of Ainsley Burroughs for next year’s 2nd grade teacher and we are so excited to have her join our team. Check out a note from Mrs. Burroughs later in the newsletter.

• 6th graders took their annual trip to Wrightsville today to celebrate their years at Calais. You’ll have to check out the picture of them swimming with Mr. “Dubs” as he is celebrating his transition away from Calais this week as well. They had a great day!

For the remainder of the week, there are several annual traditions to mark your calendars for:

• On Tuesday evening, our PreK families will celebrate the end of the school year with Mrs. Weller and Mrs. G. The last day of PreK will be Wednesday, 6/14.

• We celebrate our 6th graders with a graduation ceremony Wednesday evening, 6/14.. This event was planned for outside, rain or shine. The weather sounds like it may include thunderstorms unfortunately so we are preparing to shift to inside the gym.

• On Thursday, June 15th, we will kick off Field Day with a fabulous BBQ picnic by Chef Dena followed by a fun afternoon of Field Day events, To prepare your child for field day:

• Come to school in regular clothes, we will change for field day fun

• Wear sunscreen and bring a beach towel

• Bring comfortable shoes to run around in, and clothes (can include a comfortable bathing suit that you won’t mind getting dirty) to change into. We will give students time to change between lunch and the start of field day.

• We will give time to change back into comfortable (and drier) clothes at the end of the day.

• Parents may enjoy hanging out on the bank at the end of the day Thursday while students are playing. Please feel free to come watch,

• Friday, June 16th marks the last day of school for the year. This is a half day with students being dismissed at 12:30. We plan to hold our annual tradition of “clapping out” the 6th graders in the last minutes of the school day. If you’d like to join us, we will line the hallways and front walkway with our hands out for high fives and congratulations and it’s always a wonderful feeling that when our community comes together to wish them well on their last walk down the hall.

Ms. Cat, CES Principal

My name is Ainsley Burroughs and I am very excited to join the team at Calais as the new Second Grade teacher for next year! Prior to taking this position, I worked at Barre Town Elementary School as a Kindergarten and First Grade teacher for 8 years. For the past two years, I have taken a break from teaching to stay home and spend more time with my young family.

I live in Middlesex with my partner, Silas, our son's Knox (age seven) and Hans (age one) and our plethora of animals. In my free time I love gardening, camping, and adventuring with my family! I am very passionate about our outdoor education and am excited to have lots of fun learning outside next year. I look forward to meeting you soon.

Thanks!

Ainsley

I wanted to let everyone know that I will be moving on from my position as CES school counselor at the end of this school year. This decision was difficult and was based only on my need for long term job stability which is dubious in this climate of tight school budgets and terminating COVID funds.

I will truly miss all of the kids here at Calais about whom I care deeply. It was a pleasure collaborating with all of you and I look forward to meeting in the future.

Sincerely,

Pamela Mallett

As the school year comes to a close this week, I wanted to write a brief farewell.

First and foremost, I want to say thank you - from the bottom of my heart. Having worked as the Administrative Assistant for the school for the last 5 years I have been truly lucky to get to know each of your amazing, funny, sweet, sassy, awesome children and many families. While being an Admin Assistant can be challenging at times there was never a day that I did not get up excited to come to work and see these unique, funny, loveable students. They will forever hold a special place in my heart.

Secondly, I want to Thank the amazing people who work at Calais Elementary School. You are the reason Calais is like no other school and is that extra special experience for students and staff. Thank you for being you.

Have a fantastic summer!

Take Care.

Sandy

Below is a link to a form to consent to our student transportation policies and request transportation for the 2023-2024 School Year. Please fill out this form and submit by Friday, June 9.

This form does not guarantee where your bus stop will be located. If your student will need a stop at a before or after school care location, please contact your school with this information.

** This form is required, even if you previously completed transportation information via the Infinite Campus Parent Portal, or on-line registration. **

Please contact your school with any questions.

~ PLEASE COMPLETE ONE FORM PER STUDENT ~

Want to explore whether field hockey is right for you?

Join the U-32 Varsity Field Hockey Team for an hour of low-key fun drills and games to see if you love the sport as much as we do!

You can also stay and join the team’s weekly pick-up games from 6pm-7pm. Clinics are free (suggested $15 donation) and no experience or equipment is necessary. Cleats, shin guards, and a mouthguard will help, but you don’t need them.

Open to players entering 5th-9th grade. You can attend one or both.

Please email Coach Dillon Burns at Dillonteachoutburns@gmail.com to sign up.