EMES School Newsletter

It's a wet, rainy, and cold last day of October! Please take some time to read through this newsletter as there is a lot of information in this edition. There are several opportunities to sign up for events, including our community soup dinner on November 20th and supporting the EMES staff with some refueling treats! You'll also note that Wednesday, December 10th is a half-day for students. Our staff will be working with colleagues around the district that afternoon and students will be sent home after lunch.

I hope you have a fabulous weekend with your kiddos and don't forget to set the clocks back!

Faculty/staff snack cart on November 12th. Please add your name to this list if you would like to bring in some goodies for the EMES staff.

Ideas in link are just ideas that have been a hit in the past. Any donations are welcomed and appreciated. Easy to grab individually wrapped items seem to work best.

Please have items delivered to EMES by 9am on Nov. 12th. Thank you!

November 3: EMES All-School Celebration. Our woodchip tree is full!
November 5: 6:15 - 8:15: Community Configuration Listening Series in the EMES Library

November 10: Parent/Teacher Conferences - no school

November 15: Winter Clothing Swap at EMES 10:00 - Noon

November 20: Gifts for Giving during the school day

November 20: Soup for the Soul Dinner 5:00 - 6:30

November 24 - 28: Thanksgiving Break - no school

December 10: 1/2 Day For Students - 12:30 dismissal after lunch

Please join us on Thursday, November 20th for a soup dinner at EMES! This meal is free of charge (donations welcome!) and is intended for EMES students and up to two guests each.

The meal includes a bowl of soup, garden salad, Manghi's rolls, a brownie, and apple cider.

Soup choices:

Broccoli Cheddar Soup (vegetarian)

Tomato Basil Soup (vegetarian)

Chicken Tortilla Soup

Lasagna Soup

RSVP Here By Thursday, November 13, 2025

Dear Community Members,

You’re invited to join us for a Listening Session on Wednesday, November 5th from 6:15–8:15 PM, happening simultaneously in each of our five district towns.

These sessions are an opportunity for the Configuration Committee to listen and learn from you, our students, families, staff, and community members. Together, we’ll talk openly about the new school configuration model presented to us on October 15th and discuss what it could mean for our district’s future.

Your input will help us understand what’s most important as we plan for any potential transition related to the proposed school configuration.

While the Configuration Committee has recommended a model, this is a moment to hear from you:

• How does our community feel about this possibility?

• What priorities, hopes, and concerns should guide the School Board and Administration as we move forward?

During the session, we’ll discuss questions such as:

• What concerns do you have about possible school closures?

• What challenges or opportunities do you see in creating multi-town elementary schools?

• How can we build strong, connected, and student-centered school communities?

• What would help students, families, and staff feel welcome and proud in a new multi-town school?

• What can we do to make any transition easier for everyone?

Your thoughts, experiences, and ideas will help shape our shared vision for the future of our schools.

Notes and reflections from all five sessions will be shared with the full School Board to inform future discussions.

We encourage you to stay engaged, reach out to the Board directly or share public comments at upcoming meetings.

Let’s come together to listen, learn, and plan for a strong, connected, and student-centered future for our schools. We hope to see you there!

The Washington Central School District Configuration Committee and your School Board.

Our school health office now carries Harm Reduction Packs provided by the Vermont Department of Health. These kits are designed to promote safety and awareness within our community. They include educational materials and supplies that focus on preventing injury and supporting health for individuals and families. If you would like more information or would like to pick up a pack, please reach out to the school nurse or visit the health office.

Winter is approaching, and we hope you will have a peaceful and safe holiday season. Here at EMES, we have assisted families during the holidays through donations and fundraising in cooperation with the East Montpelier Fire Department.

If your family needs assistance during this time with food for Thanksgiving, and/or with clothing and gifts, please complete this Google form by Monday, November 3, 2025.

The East Montpelier Fire Department will deliver Thanksgiving groceries to families in time to prepare your Thanksgiving meal. EMES will follow up with you to organize a time to pick up the gifts for the week of December 15, 2025.

If you'd like to contribute to our EMES Cares Fund, which is used throughout the year to help our school families, just send in your tax-deductible contribution payable to 'EMES Cares Fund'.

If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to call Michael at 802 223-7936 x 356 or email msherwin@u32.org

Sincerely,

East Montpelier Holiday Giving Committee and The EM Fire Department

Michael Sherwin, PBIS Behavior Coach

East Montpelier Elementary School