Bobcat Bulletin

Our hallways are once again vibrant and humming with excited children ready to learn. Our staff worked their magic to create warm, inviting spaces that encourage curiosity and growth.

I want to start by saying thank you to everyone who joined us for Open House and the PTO Ice Cream Social on Monday. Events like these remind me each year how supportive this community is. An extra "thanks" goes to our PTO for their hospitality, organization, and the countless ways they support our staff and students.

The first six weeks of school serve as a crucial foundation for a successful academic year by prioritizing the intentional creation of a safe, joyful, caring, curious, and inclusive classroom community. Our teachers are already hard at work establishing clear routines, co-creating classroom hopes and dreams, and fostering authentic connections among their students. Please make every effort to get your children to school on time so they don't miss out on these essential morning connection routines. Students should arrive by 7:30 AM so they can settle into their classrooms before our 7:40 AM start.

While our first day was filled with all the joy and excitement one could hope for, we also experienced a "Secure the Perimeter" emergency response. This serves as a helpful reminder that we remain vigilant and regularly practice our protocols so we are prepared for any situation. We will continue conducting monthly safety drills this year, including one next week. While we keep these drills developmentally appropriate for our elementary students, regular practice is essential for safety. Please feel free to check out this great resource from Johns Hopkins for age-appropriate ways to discuss school safety with your children.

Please note that there is no school on Monday, September 7th in observance of Labor Day.

I look forward to welcoming our students back next week for our first full week of learning. Wishing you all a wonderful weekend!

Ms. Kate

• September 7- NO SCHOOL, Labor Day
• 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

• Welcome back Moretown families! The PTO raises funds for supplemental student activities, like the winter sports program, field trips, and artist-in-residencies, along with teacher/staff appreciation activities and community engagement events. The PTO is only able to do this work because we have volunteer support, and we need more volunteers! Our first PTO meeting of the year is taking place on Thursday, September 10th at 7pm, via GoogleMeet. Please reach out to us at moretownpto@gmail.com if you are interested in attending, and we will send you a meeting invitation.

• Morefest is on Saturday, September 19th at 4pm: If you haven't gone to Morefest before, it's an incredible annual event that brings the whole town together. Live music, food, games, community booths, fireworks, and more! The PTO is seeking volunteer exit/entrance monitors for Morefest (1 hour shifts) - it's an easy way to be a big help! Contact us at moretownpto@gmail.com
• Fall Plant Sale Ends September 1: The PTO’s fall plant sale includes chrysanthemums and asters in various sizes and colors, along with ornamental kale. All proceeds benefit the Moretown PTO. The deadline for ordering is September 1st. Plants will be available for pickup at Moretown School the week of September 7th...the specific date coming soon. Order online here: https://claussens-fall-flowers.square.site/
• Backpack Program Fundraiser: There are children in our very own community who struggle with food insecurity. The Backpack Program helps meet this need. 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

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.

Check out the great offerings that Blockhouse Studio is offering on Early Release Wednesdays.

Website: moretownschool.org

Instagram: Moretownschoolvt

Facebook: HUUSD

Phone: 802-496-3742

Location: 940 Route 100B, Moretown, VT