SCS Community Newsletter

Dear SCS Families, Caregivers, and Shelburne Community,

One of our most important shared goals is to ensure that every student feels a deep sense of safety, belonging, and connection at Shelburne Community School. This work involves fostering not only physical safety but also the emotional and social well-being that allows our students to thrive as learners and community members.

We are constantly working to understand and support your child's experience at school, and that takes place in many ways. By the end of October, students in grades K-8 will complete the CVSD Student Engagement Survey. This self-assessment gives our educators valuable insight into how students are feeling in terms of their Identity, Connection, Direction, and Proficiency. We use these results to connect with students, reinforce relationships, and ensure everyone has an opportunity to feel engaged in our community.

Our proactive work also includes direct instruction on how we expect kids to interact respectfully while under our care. Our student support teams are currently conducting our annual Hazing, Harassment, and Bullying (HHB) presentations for students in grades 3-8. This week, our middle schoolers participated in sessions led by impressive student leaders from CVU. Our younger grades will have similar presentations later this month. These conversations are designed to empower students with the knowledge that there are robust policies and, more importantly, many trusted adults here to support them. We encourage you to ask your students about them! If it’s helpful to review the “Cliffs Notes” version of what we talked about, please see this HHB 1-Pager.

This proactive work is essential in building a strong community, especially when we face challenges that test our values. So far this year, we have had to address instances of harmful and, in some cases, racist or homophobic language between students. We want to be unequivocally clear: this language has no place at SCS. It is unacceptable and runs counter to the inclusive community we are committed to building.

When we become aware of such an incident, we respond with the seriousness it deserves. Our process involves investigating the situation, holding students accountable for their actions through restorative conversations and disciplinary measures, and providing support to any student who has been harmed. Our goal is always to use these moments as opportunities for education and to reinforce our community expectations.

It truly takes a village to raise children who are kind, responsible, and respectful. We are grateful for your partnership in this effort. Here are a few ways you can support this work at home:

• Talk with your child about the impact of their words. Encourage them to be an upstander and to speak with a trusted adult if they witness or experience something that doesn't feel right.

• Monitor your child’s social media use and discuss responsible digital citizenship. Many issues that surface at school originate online.

• Use available resources to guide these conversations.

• This article on talking to kids about slurs can be a helpful starting point.

• PBS has a video with some suggestions for talking with kids about race.

• UNICEF’s bullying guidance and advice is another resource to help build understanding.

To continue this important dialogue, we would like to invite you to our first Community Engagement event of the year. We will focus on our school-wide behavior systems and restorative justice practices, which are usually topics of high interest to our families and caregivers. Please join us in the SCS Library on Monday, October 27th from 8:00-9:00 am if you’re available. We’ll share a reminder as the date approaches.

Thank you for your partnership in making Shelburne Community School a place where every child feels secure, respected, and ready to learn every single day.

In partnership,

Jen, Brett, and Antonia

10/14 - PTO Meeting (6:00 pm, Green Team)

10/15 - Yellow 7th grade Field Trip (11:40-1:40, Meach Cove)

10/16 - PTO Social Mixer, adults only (5:30 - 7:30 pm, Shelburne Tap House)

10/18 - PTO Fall Cornhole Tournament (see details below)

10/22 - Red 8th grade Field Trip (11:40-1:40, Meach Cove)

10/23 - No School - Diwali

10/24 - No School - Conferences

10/21 - CVSD School Board Meeting (6:00 pm, CVU Library)

10/28 - CVSD Community Budget Forum (6:00 pm, CVU Library)

11/9 - Sibling Photo Day (9:00 - 10:30 am, SCS Breezeway)

CVSD 2025-2026 Calendar

On Wednesday evening, at Open House, a vehicle was hit and left with substantial damage without a notification from the car that made impact. If you were parked on the edge of the parking lot by the basketball court, please check your vehicle for damage and reach out to Corporal Matt Denis with the Shelburne Police Department (802) 985-8051. Anyone who may have additional information about this is also encouraged to reach out.

Please sign up by 9:00 am Monday if you would like your student(s) to ride the late bus next week on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, &/or Thursday.

THIS IS THE ONLY WAY TO SIGN UP FOR THE LATE BUS.

If your student is signed up for the late bus, we expect they will be on the bus. Please notify the front office if there is an unexpected change in plans.

If you have a student in 6th - 8th grade who would like to participate in our basketball program, you will need to complete our registration for SCS athletics. The registration link is located at the top of the athletics website.

Winter sports (Boys Basketball - grades 7-8 and Girls Basketball - grades 6-8) will begin on November 17.

In addition, you will need to submit a Wellness Exam - Sports Participation Form if your student athlete did not participate in a Fall sport.

Student-athletes WILL NOT be allowed to participate until their registration and wellness forms have been completed and submitted.

If you have any questions, please reach out to Leigh Petrucelli, SCS Athletic Director.

Sibling Photo day will take place on Sunday, November 9th from 9:00 - 10:30 in the SCS Breezeway.

No signup necessary.

Fortunately, if you are unable to make this date, you can check the AMV website for alternative days.

Questions? Contact Jen Marx (jmarx@cvsdvt.org, 383-1102)

Does your student have the purr-fect idea for this year’s SCS Directory cover? Now’s their chance to show off their artistic talents and represent the Catamount spirit in a big way!

Download the Design Template Here!

All submissions due by October 20.

Come meet, mingle, and connect with other parents, caregivers, and SCS community at our upcoming PTO Social Mixer! This is a casual, fun opportunity to build community, share ideas, and learn more about how the PTO supports our school. Light appetizers will be provided.

Thursday, October 16th at 5:30-7:30pm

Shelburne Tap House

Please RSVP here: https://forms.gle/WrdhC8w2tPVRxWFCA

There’s just one week left until the 2nd Annual Fall Cornhole Tournament on Saturday, 10/18! Grab a friend, family member, or classmate and sign up your team today. Open to all ages and skill levels—from students K–12 to adults—this event is all about friendly competition and supporting our school community. Prizes will be awarded to the top teams, but the real win is coming together for a great cause! Learn more and register your team here: https://www.shelburnepto.org/cornhole

We also need your help! We’re looking for homemade baked goods, volunteers, and cornhole boards/bags to make this event a success. If you can lend a hand (or your oven!), please sign up here!

Shop from 150 local artists and crafters, and enjoy lunch and treats from our local food vendors.

The CVU Craft Fair was voted a finalist in the Seven Daysie Awards again this year! Mark your calendars, and come experience the heart and excitement of this family-friendly fall event!

Free Parking and Free Entry!

See you at at CVU High School in Hinesburg- rain or shine!

Are you interested in having some fun learning alongside our students as a guest teacher (aka sub)? If so, please reach out to CVSDHR@cvsdvt.org or Louise Michaels.

Click here for more information on becoming a sub!

Shelburne Community School Administrative Team

Jen Roth, PreK-4 Principal

Brett Cluff, 5-8 Principal

Antonia Trono, Director of Special Services