Mary Hogan Family Newsletter
September 8, 2023
Dear Mary Hogan Families,
It was a hot and steamy week all over Vermont, and I am glad to see that we are nearly on the other side of it. The students and staff at Mary Hogan were awesome and weathered the weather with grace and humor.
I had some amazing conversations with students this week and thought you all might enjoy hearing how open-minded, creative, and flexible our students are.
One of my favorite conversations of the week happened today with a student who was waiting to get their picture taken. They asked if I liked their hair, and I noticed that they had used some water to get it looking spiffy and neat. The student responded proudly, "That's not water, Ms. Kravitz. That's sweat!" Yes, it did get pretty hot, but the student wasn't bothered but excited they had used what they had to make the best of it. I bet the photo they get looks pretty great - and if it isn't, don't worry there is a retake day later this fall.
The other favorite conversation came with a student who asked me "Ms. Kravitz, who is the real principal here?" I responded that I was the principal. They looked questioningly at me and said again, "But, who is the real real principal?" I just said, "who do you think it is?" to which they responded, "Isn't it her?" while pointing towards the amazing Lorrie Fundis.
Sometimes, we think things are so clear to students, but how they make sense of the world is just different in a silly, beautiful way.
I bet you also heard some great things this week from your child(ren)!
Be well,
Jen
As parents, teachers, and caregivers, we know that social emotional learning (SEL) is crucial for our students’ success in school and in life. To support this learning, we first need to understand how students are doing. Last year, a group of teachers and administrators identified research-backed SEL measurement tools and selected the Panorama surveys. This year, we will again be using Panorama as a tool. The survey will be given a total of three times (fall, winter, spring), and it takes students about 10-15 minutes to complete. We will use the data we collect to reflect on student learning and strengthen our programs and instruction to help all students succeed.
In the next month, we will provide a survey to our K-12 students. Students in 3rd-12th grades will self-reflect on skills related to self-management, self-awareness, responsible decision-making, relationship skills, and social awareness. For grades K-2, teachers will complete a much shorter survey on the same topics about each student in their class. We ask that all students participate, because their feedback will provide valuable insights to help us improve and adapt our district to support all students.
Please notify us if you wish to opt your child out of taking the survey by emailing Jill Laberge (jlaberge@acsdvt.org) with your child’s name, grade, and class by September 15, 2023.
Thank you in advance for supporting this important work. If you have any questions please contact your school principal or Courtney Krahn, Director of Teaching and Learning (ckrahn@acsdvt.org; 820-382-1276).
Please join us for our first MESA fundraiser of the year on Saturday, September 30th at Elmer Farm, 855 Case Street in Middlebury !
We’re honored to host the this photography fundraiser, featuring the wonderful photographer Cyndi Palmer! The direct link for photoshoot opportunity is here and below.
A flyer will also be sent home with your child(ren) so please be on the lookout!
The Green Mountain Book Festival will take place in Burlington from September 29 through October 1.
On Saturday from 11-12, kids will have an opportunity to participate in our kids' parade on Church Street. (It is very likely that Champ will be joining us, too!) For the parade kids can dress up as a favorite book character, bring noise makers and colorful streamers, or wear colorful hats.
Sunday programming (10:30-3:45) is designed for kids and families with a great lineup of authors such as Jason Chin, Kate Messner, Joseph Bruchac, Kyle Lukoff.
