Bobcat Bulletin

I hope you are all settling nicely into the rhythm of the new school year and enjoying these early days of fall.

We officially kicked off our ECO program on Tuesday with a magical afternoon exploring the forest, sparking curiosity, and reconnecting with our natural surroundings. Outdoor education like ECO gives our students essential opportunities to develop resilience, problem-solving skills, and a lifelong appreciation for the environment through hands-on discovery.

Our robust ECO program is made possible thanks to three wonderful naturalists who work closely with our classrooms: Karen Cingiser, Susan Koch, and Ana Maria Arroyo from the North Branch Nature Center (NBNC). Each brings a deep knowledge of place-based learning and a true passion for elementary outdoor education.

I am also delighted to share some extraordinarily exciting news with you all. Our very own Pam Dow has been named a finalist for 2027 Vermont Teacher of the Year! The Vermont Agency of Education shared the following context on their Facebook page this week:

“Meet Pamela (Pam) Dow, one of three finalists for 2027 Vermont Teacher of the Year. Pam teaches Kindergarten at Moretown Elementary School in the Harwood Unified Union School District. Here is Pam in her own words:

'Currently teaching Kindergarten, my journey at Moretown Elementary School spans over thirty years, from Preschool through Second Grade, where I have had the privilege of guiding our youngest learners as they discover the world around them. I believe in intentionally creating a curious learning community. By designing inquiry and place-based curricula, I connect students to the natural world and their local community, allowing their learning to thrive. I prioritize strong literacy acquisition and am committed to fostering resilience and connection in Vermont's youngest learners.

One milestone I am proud of is helping to bring our outdoor education program, Educating Children Outdoors, to Moretown School in the fall of 2011. This schoolwide initiative continues to flourish through our collaboration with the North Branch Nature Center and local naturalists. We use our school forest and surrounding land to engage children in organic, inquiry-based learning, allowing students to blossom in ways that traditional classroom settings simply cannot. I am constantly inspired by the resilience and creativity of the students I work with, and I look forward to continuing to support their growth.'

The 2027 Vermont Teacher of the Year will be announced later this fall.”

Please join me in congratulating Pam on this well-deserved recognition!

Looking Ahead

• Early Release Day: Next Wednesday, September 16th, is an Early Release Day. Students will be dismissed at 11:20 AM, starting with bus riders. You can expect your child’s dismissal plan to run exactly 3 hours ahead of their normal schedule.

• Morefest: Our annual Morefest celebration takes place next weekend on Saturday, September 19th. Our 5th and 6th grade students will be selling burgers, chips, and drinks to raise funds for the 6th grade class trip. If you have a portable grill you would be willing to lend us for the day, we would be incredibly grateful! Please call the main office at (802) 496-3742 if you can help.

I hope all of our students and families have a wonderful, relaxing weekend. We look forward to welcoming everyone back on Monday morning for another great week of learning!

Ms. Kate

We want to ensure all of our students and families have what they need to thrive. If weekend food support would be helpful for your family, we offer a free, confidential weekly backpack program. Backpacks filled with food are sent home discreetly on Fridays. If you would like to participate or learn more, please reach out directly to Carla Tepper at (802) 496-3742. Every request is handled with full anonymity and care.

• September 16- 11:20 Early Dismissal
• September 19- Morefest
• September 24- MES Open House
• October 7- MW Preschool Photo Day
• October 8- Moretown Photo Day
• October 9- NO SCHOOL- Staff Development
• October 12- NO SCHOOL- Indigenous Peoples' Day
• October 21- 11:20 Early Release

• Just 2 More Volunteers Needed for Morefest: Morefest is next weekend, and the PTO is looking for just two more volunteers: 1 volunteer for monitoring the exit/entrance from 7:00pm to fireworks, and 1 volunteer to help pack up the beverage tent around 7:15pm (right before the fireworks begin). Please mail us at moretownpto@gmail.com if you can fill these roles.
• Love Halloween? Every year on Oct 31, the Moretown School PTO hosts a Halloween porch party on the porch of the school. It's a great starting point for trick-or-treating in the village. WE ARE LOOKING FOR A VOLUNTEER TO ORGANIZE THE PORCH PARTY THIS YEAR. PTO events only happen because of the hard work of volunteers - if you would like to lead this event, please contact is at moretownpto@gmail.com.

• Backpack Program Fundraiser: We are pleased to share that so far we have raised $1,995 of our $4,500 annual goal. Thank you you to all the donors who have shown their support! This fundraiser is still open, and every donation adds up to ensure that we can send children home with non-perishable foods and easy-to-eat fruits and vegetables—every weekend and school break. Donate here: https://square.link/u/sRLRhSHc.
• Stay Connected! Follow the Moretown School PTO on Facebook and Instagram

We love our volunteers! Anyone interested in volunteering must complete an application and the required fingerprinting process. Because approval can take time—particularly for those hoping to participate in our Winter Sports Program—we encourage you to begin early. Additional information is available at huusd.org/apply-to-volunteer.

Kids’ Night Out! Drop the kids off to hang with the athletes of the Harwood Union High School Volleyball Team for a night of volleyball lessons, games, arts & crafts, snack and dinner. Funds raised support the purchase of equipment and supplies for the Volleyball team.

Saturday September 19th

5:00 pm - 8:00 pm

Harwood Union High School, 458 VT-100, Moretown

Volleyball, games, food and more! Ages 5-12

To participate, please register in advance online: https://forms.gle/66C17rgvaKLm1xM1A

Tuesday, September 22nd 3-4:30pm

Register Here: https://forms.gle/VfMcW5owZhRuArNV9

Moretown Community Library

Our monthly afterschool crafternoons are back! Children grades 3 and up are invited to our first Afterschool Crafternoon of the season where we will be wet felting with wool. Bring home a ball for play or display. Participants are welcome to arrive just after school before the program begins, the patron computers will not be available for use.

Read & Play

Fall Session Starts 9/18

Fridays, 10:30am

Moretown Community Library

Children ages 0-5 and their caregivers are invited to come play and connect, followed by stories and songs together.

Join Vermont author, Lindsey Stoddard, on September 18th at 6pm for a reading from her acclaimed book, "The Real Deal." Following the reading, Lindsey will answer questions from children. She'll also share her insight into the writing process - all while enjoying delicious food!

Lindsey was born and raised in Vermont, where she spent a lot of time outside, skiing, and hiking, playing soccer, swimming, and playing in the woods. Previous books by Lindsey have been named as Junior Library Guild Selections & Bank Street Best Book of the Year selections.

The event is FREE.
Please RSVP at inklingschildrensbooks@gmail.com
Pre-Order Book: https://square.link/u/FKSMXfB3

One Blue Balloon has been placed in a unique envelope and hidden somewhere in the Mad River Valley! Can you find it? The search begins Saturday, September 6th!

The lucky child who finds the Balloon will win the following:
- To be in charge of Inklings for a single magical day on October 10th, 2026.
- Help choose books for the shop, design a craft of their very own, choose the book for Saturday Storytime.
- To help plan our Anniversary Party.
- At the end of the day, the child will receive a very special present!

This envelope could be in any of the participating shops listed on the sheet.

Sign ups for Fall Art Classes are now open!

Beginning October 22nd, children are invited to be part of a six week course focussing on three different artists. They will have the chance to explore, in depth, three very different types of creating - from 2 dimensional to three dimensional art. Students will also receive a book about each artist!

Recommended ages: 8 - 12
LINK: https://square.link/u/Z984XEcl
ONLY 11 SEATS AVAILABLE PER CLASS.
Price: $270 ($45 per class). Includes books and materials.

Website: moretownschool.org

Instagram: Moretownschoolvt

Facebook: HUUSD

Phone: 802-496-3742

Location: 940 Route 100B, Moretown, VT