The Buzz

BIg kudos going out this week to our amazing fourth grade math class: they have been working hard to master their single-digit multiplication facts, and this week moved on to multi-digit multiplication (or, in their words, BIG MULTIPLICATION problems). If you have a fourth grader at home, you can help out by asking them a few facts each night: just 5-7 minutes of practice can help a student make big gains over time, and retain what they have learned.

• Picture retakes will be on Thursday, November 2nd.
• There will be a half day on Thursday, November 9th and there is no school for students on Friday, November 10th for parent-teacher conferences. Teachers will be in touch as the date gets closer to schedule a time. Note: there will be Bridges care for the remainder of the day on the 9th, followed by the Bridges Harvest Dinner.
• School is closed for Thanksgiving Break from November 20th - 24th.

On Tuesday, October 31st, students will spend the afternoon at Mad Scientist Day! We will rotate through fun science experiments that may be slimy, icky, or even a little explosive (just baking soda, don't worry!). As a reminder, students should not wear Halloween costumes to school, nor should they bring Halloween candy. We are all set on volunteers - thank you, everyone!

MRPS has partnered with The Equity Leadership Group to conduct an equity audit of our current systems and we want to hear from YOU! Please visit https://www.mrpsvt.org/diversity-equity-and-inclusion to learn more about the audit and two opportunities for caregiver and community member participation: attend a focus group in person or virtually on Thursday, 11/2 or Friday, 11/3 (please RSVP!) and/or complete an anonymous survey.

The HOPE Coalition has been in contact to share with the Roxbury community that they are providing support in the form of relief supplies, clothing, fresh produce and shelf-stable foods, all at no cost. They are located at 297 Vine Street in Berlin and are open on Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 1-4PM. Folks seeking more info can visit www.hopecoalition.net.

All regularly scheduled meetings begin at 6:30pm. Board Members will either be participating virtually or in-person. This meeting will be held at MHS. Public comment is welcome at all meetings at the time period designated in the meeting agenda and/or as established by the chairperson. The agenda and Zoom link to access the meeting virtually can be found here.

School Board Net Zero Ad-Hoc Committee - Request for Applicants

“"The MRPS School Board is seeking community members with relevant experience and knowledge to join a newly formed Net Zero Ad-Hoc Committee that will guide the board in developing a decarbonization plan and net zero evaluation tool for future facilities and operations decisions. The Ad-Hoc committee will meet for 2 hours every month from November through June. These efforts are being launched in accordance with the board’s net zero and decarbonization resolution passed in May 2023. If you are interested in joining the Ad-Hoc committee, please visit www.mrpsvt.org/net-zero-ad-hoc-committee, review the Request for Applicants, and email Kristen Getler (kristengetler@mpsvt.org) detailing your interest and qualifications to join this effort by October 19th, 2023."

Caregiver Council: We had our first meeting and the 3 members in attendance (total of 4 members signed up) highlighted that this did not make it into all school newsletters and asked what we could do to better advertise this opportunity. See Libby’s 9/11 email and the 9/15 and 9/22 notes. Please (all schools) re-include the call to join as follows - image to use if you’d like:

“The MRPS Caregiver Council met for the 1st time on Thursday, 10/19 and are looking for additional members! Please review the Caregiver Council purpose document and this rolling meeting agenda to learn more about the work of the Council and fill out this form if you’re interested in joining! The Council will meet on the third Thursday of each month from noon-1:00 pm.

MRPS PIE (Montpelier Roxbury Partners in Education) is excited to announce that we have hired our first Executive Director! Vic Guadagno is our new Executive Director. He will work to better build the organization's day to day operations, support the MRPS PIE Caregiver groups, build and support the MRPS PIE Board, be a strong advocate for our students and develop a strong fundraising strategy.

Here's a bit about Vic:

Victor Guadagno is an Emmy-award winning producer and founder/managing director of the media non-profit, Bright Blue Ecomedia. He holds a BS in industrial engineering from Northeastern University and an MS in leadership for sustainability from the University of Vermont. He produces the Bordertown podcast, which recently turned its attention to stories of the Central Vt. flood and the rebuilding effort. The father of a MSMS 8th grader, he is excited about contributing to the wellbeing of our community and school district, with a particular focus on storytelling and ecological design.

To learn more about MRPS PIE check out the following website:

https://www.mrpspie.org/

Or email Vic at ed@mrpspie.org

Every year, the MRPS PIE community raises money to directly support families in the Montpelier Roxbury School District. This is a meaningful way for neighbors to support neighbors and to share the love during the cold days ahead.

Our goal this year is to raise $10,000 by December 8th! If you can help, please donate here. And consider sharing this page - on social media, email, or any way you can! You might share with friends and family who live out of state, as our community has been supporting one another throughout the flood recovery, and while the need is greater, the resources may be depleting.

On Tuesday, October 31st, the RFL will host the 9th Annual Roxbury Trunk or Treat here in the RVS parking lot. Trunk-or-treating will happen from 4:30 - 5:15, followed by a costume contest and parade. Email librarian@roxburyfreelibrary.org to RSVP.

Email: shannonm@mpsvt.org
Website: https://www.mrpsvt.org/rvs
Location: 1559 Roxbury Road, Roxbury, VT, USA
Phone: 802.262.1506

Instagram: @rvshoneybees