Cougar Chronicle
March 7th, 2025
3/7 - Spring Fling Dance
3/8 - Calais Basketball Social
3/8 - Revived Curious Calais Nature Walk at Robinson Hill Trail
3/8 - Baseball and Softball Registration Closes
3/10 - Caregivings & Allies of LGBTQ++ kids
3/10 - 5th and 6th Grade - Cross Country Skiing
3/13 - Friends of Calais meeting
3/17 - Coffee and Conversation with the Superintendent
3/29 - 38th Annual State Scholastic Chess Championships – Vermont Chess
Dear Calais Families, Students and Staff,
Throughout the month of March, students will have the opportunity to explore college and careers in Guidance class. Students will learn more about different professions, college and skill requirements needed and a general description of the work entailed in each profession presented.
If anyone is interested in coming in to talk with students during Guidance class about their college or career, please complete the response form below. Presentations can be anywhere from 5-15 minutes in length. You may drop it off at the Calais Elementary Office or in the Counselor's room in the Learning Center.
I look forward to hearing from you and feel free to stop by or call if you have any questions at 802-454-7777 ext 105.
Kind Regards,
Ruth Frisenda
Calais is home to an incredible Preschool program and we want all of our parents of 3-4 year olds to consider enrolling their children in our program for the 2025-2026 school year. The more children we have sign up for Preschool the more we might be able to offer.
Please check out the website below for more information and if you have any questions, don’t hesitate to reach out.
We have been made aware that several of our sinks in classrooms have tested at higher levels of lead than is allowable. At this time, those sinks have been restricted from use out of precaution. As of today, we are working with the Director of Facilities for WCUUSD on a remedy as soon as possible.
If you have any concerns, please do not hesitate to contact Mr. Weiss.
We’ve asked staff to start sharing positive stories each week and this week there has been so much to share.
Students: Student is a kind friend and always willing to look at the bright side.
Student works hard everyday and truly enjoys being at school.
Student has worked incredibly hard on his writing and drawing for our Community Book about Calais. Their picture of the Adamant Co-Op is amazing!
Student has the best sense of humor. They genuinely make me laugh each time we work together. They are a hard worker and often challenge themselves to learn and do more.
Student has been on the ball this week! They are super focused, getting their work done and learning SO MUCH!! I am so proud of their perseverance!
Student has done a tremendous job working through small problems by trying to move on quickly, taking a deep breath, and finding something else to do that will help them feel better. WAY TO GO!
Student jumped in to help a friend who needed it when tying their shoes. They regularly offer to help others which is an awesome model for everyone around them.
Student comes to school with a positive attitude each day! They are always kind to others, and we are so happy that they has joined us here at Calais.
Staff: Mrs. Curavoo has a passion for teaching and helping others and it shows every single day. She is dedicated to her student's success and it goes beyond the classroom. She consistently is working with others to look for ways to improve the learning and the lives of her students and it is truly inspiring.
Jamie works so hard to prepare for her many IEP meetings and is so dedicated to her students. I also appreciate her calm voice and presence during these meetings. She makes everyone feel more at ease!
I heard Callie welcoming her new student in such a friendly and kind way.
Rod is always reflecting on how he can best support his student and is open to new strategies and ideas! He is always flexible and open minded.
As part of our commitment to supporting students’ social and emotional growth, we will be using the DESSA (Devereux Student Strengths Assessment) SEL screener. This research-based tool helps us understand and nurture key social-emotional skills such as self-awareness, responsible decision-making, and relationship-building.
The screener is strength-based and designed to identify areas where students excel, as well as areas where they may need additional support. Based on the results, our school will provide targeted support through classroom activities, small group interventions, and individualized strategies to help students develop essential life skills. Our goal is to create a positive, inclusive, and supportive learning environment where every student can thrive.
If you have any questions or would like more information, please feel free to reach out. Thank you for your partnership in fostering your child’s well-being!
Act 139, Vermont's new literacy bill, was passed by the Legislature late last spring and went into effect on July 1.
Act 139 is intended to support strong literacy achievement for all students by focusing on young learners. Specifically, Act 139 focuses on K-3 learners and requires assessment to identify students who might need support, the provision of student support, professional learning for teachers, and caregiver notification when student assessment results are substantially below expectations.
The shifts we've made in our district to the Acadience reading assessment and the Fundations program in recent years are in alignment with Act 139.
We are in the middle of our winter assessment window right now, which means students are taking the Acadience reading assessment again. If your K-3 child scores well below the winter expectations, your principal will send a letter home as required by Act 139. The letter will let you know your child's current strengths and areas for growth along with the supports that are or will be put in place to support your child's continued growth in reading.
In future years we will send the family notification letter after the fall assessment window.
Please reach out to your principal if you have any questions about Act 139.
The 5/6ers are working on projects that help out both CES and the Calais community. This week they decided to start with creating a mini food shelf at CES.
6th grader, Katie is taking the lead with a large donation from her family. If you would like to participate please drop of non-perishables at CES during school hours.
Hi Calais Cougars
Today we are interviewing Bradley - yay!
His favorite color is red.
His least favorite color is orange.
His favorite animals are fish (cool).
His least favorite is a rat.
His favorite food is fish (again?).
His least favorite food is an artichoke.
His favorite sweet food is pumpkin pie.
His least favorite sweet food is pistachio ice cream.
His favorite sport is baseball.
Bye for now!
Ms. Scoop
Are you in need of some time outdoors? Do you want to check out a trail with your fellow Calais neighbors? Well, look no further and join us this Saturday, March 8th, 9AM at the Robinson Hill Trail Network Parking area (top of the hill) for a hike and enjoy some sunshine and fresh air.
The Calais Trails Committee and the Friends of Calais have partnered for a fun, family-friendly hike led by Holly Weiss that begins at the top of Robinson Hill parking area and heads through the fairy woods to Robinson Ridge Trail. Depending on trail conditions and the weather, we may stay on the Robinson Ridge trail to Long Meadow Hill Road or we may loop around on the Upper Beaver Pond Trail.
As of right now, the trails are snow-covered and have a packed single pathway. However, as the temperatures warm and rain sets in, it may become more slick, so plan accordingly.
We hope to see you out on the trails!
Starting later this month, Calais will be starting the formation of our own “Humanity & Justice Coalition” in alignment with the strategic goals and vision of the WCUUSD. Simply put, the HJC is a group working to ensure all people feel heard, welcome, and safe at Calais Elementary and in our community. It is a celebration of all that makes us who we are and will work to ensure we will always be a community that welcomes and respects all people.
Our first step is to work with our students to better understand what it means for an HJC to exist at Calais. If you ever have any questions, please feel free to reach out to me and be sure to talk with your students - those conversations are going to be critical. This is something we believe is important and I personally want to ensure that all viewpoints are heard and all people have a stake in this work. Do not hesitate to reach out to me personally with any questions.
Additionally, we will be planning a Parent/Community Humanity and Justice Information Session in the Spring. Be on the lookout for more information in the future.
Invitation for March 10, 2025
Hi Parents, Friends, & Caring Community-
Thank you to those who joined our inaugural meeting on February 10th. It was wonderful to meet you all and start our group for sharing and thinking together.
Our next meeting for Caregivers & Allies of LGBTQ++ kids will be March 10th at 5-6:30pm. We will meet in the U-32 Library classroom.
Let me know if you have a short article for us to discuss and I'll send it to our email list this weekend. I just found this bit of hope: https://www.erininthemorning.com/p/judge-blocks-trump-trans-ban-nationwide?utm_source=post-email-title&publication_id=994764&post_id=158451851&utm_campaign=email-post-title&isFreemail=true&r=4ajmc&triedRedirect=true&utm_medium=email
Please share this invitation with anyone you know who would like to join our gathering.
Looking forward to seeing you--
Shelley, District Equity Scholar-in-Residence
Last week our staff spent time with Sally Russell from Youth First Mentoring. There are some incredible opportunities for our young people through mentoring and this is something we hope you explore if your child would be interested. We are happy to help connect you and help with the process if this is something you want to explore for your child. Check out this local organization at → https://youthfirstmentoring.org/
Dear Calais Families,
We will be starting the Backpack program soon here at Calais Elementary School for families. The program is designed to provide families with children who attend Calais, the necessary food and clothing that they may need throughout the school year. Food and Gift bags will be dispensed in a discreet and caring manner. This program runs the full school year on a weekly basis with exception to student breaks and summer. This includes winter clothing, Thanksgiving and Christmas presents, in addition. There is no cost associated with this program. If you wish for your child to participate in the program, please sign below and return this letter to the school in your child's folder or drop it off at the Main Office by next Friday. Thank you and please let us know if you have any questions or any needs for your child at any time.
Feel free to email me at rfrisenda@u32.org or call 802-454-7777 ext 105 at any time.
Sincerely,
Ruth Frisenda
School Counselor
Calais Elementary School
Central Vermont Little League offers programs for boys and girls between the age of 4 and 12. The league serves the communities of Berlin, Cabot, Calais, East Montpelier, Marshfield, Middlesex, Montpelier, Plainfield, and Worcester.
On Time Baseball and Softball Registration Closes on March 8, 2025
**For 2025**! Central Vermont Little League (CVTLL) is offering spring clinics for league ages 8 to 12 (please see the league age calculator link below). Your registration for the 2025 spring season includes winter clinics at Norwich University Jacob Shapiro Fieldhouse. The clinics are scheduled for Sunday, March 2nd, Sunday March 16th, Sunday March 23rd, and Sunday, March 30th from 4:30 pm to 7:00 pm. Please look for the spring clinic RSVP link in the registration confirmation email. Clinic spots are limited, please only sign up for the days you plan to attend.
Visit our website at https://www.cvtll.org/ for more information or to register.
Thank you,
Central Vermont Little League
In the autumn of 2024, the Calais Selectboard voted to create a new volunteer "Ordinance Advisory Committee" to recommend changes to current Town ordinances. This advisory committee has begun to review current Calais laws so that they more accurately reflect how the town functions at present, or how it would like to going forward.
If you are interested in serving on the Calais Ordinance Advisory Committee, please let us know. Service on this Committee will allow Calais citizens an opportunity to participate in the review and development of specific recommendations that will go before the Selectboard.
This Ordinance Advisory Committee is presently comprised of two Selectboard members, the Town Clerk, and one Calais citizen. The Committee would like to add one or two more citizens to the group. The ability to interpret state laws and how they affect related Town ordinances, the direction of the Town Plan currently under revision, research skills, and the ability to understand state statutes and regulatory guidelines are preferred.
Up next, the Selectboard has charged the group to start investigating the "Use of Town Highway Right of Way Ordinance". Due to that Ordinance's connection to other Town ordinances, policies, plans, and standards, the Committee is beginning a deep dive into all things Calais roads-related, in order to bring alignment and clarity to our documentation. Calais residents who apply should be knowledgeable or strongly curious about such topics as curb cuts, rights of way, road widths, and other road standards.
Per Vermont law, all meetings are open to the public. For more information and additional details on the scope of work for this Committee, please go to https://www.calaisvermont.gov/ordinanceadvisory.
HOW TO APPLY
If you are interested in serving on a volunteer basis with this Calais Ordinance Advisory Committee, please submit a letter of interest to SBadmin@calaisvermont.gov no later than Friday, March 21, 2025 to include your skills, qualifications, and the contributions you feel you would bring to this important task. Please save the date of Monday, March 24, 2025, 6:00 pm to interview with the Selectboard for this appointment.
Get some before Town Meeting!
Dear Colleagues and Neighbors - The Town of Calais has received hundreds and hundreds of at-home Covid-19 antigen rapid tests; plenty to share!
Expiration Date: July 2, 2025
Please reply via email to let us know if you would like some, and when you would like to come pick them up from the Calais Town Office (sorry, no deliveries). See our business hours below.
Let's keep everyone healthy and safe!
Barbara Butler, Calais Assistant Town Clerk
Teegan Dykeman-Brown, Town Clerk
Barbara Butler, Assistant Town Clerk / Assistant Treasurer
Town of Calais, VT
3120 Pekin Brook Road, East Calais, VT 05650
802.456.8720
Hours of Operation: Monday-Thursday, 9:00am to 4:00pm; Closed Fridays.
All Land/Title/Deed research or vault time is by appointment only.
No cash transactions.
Posted by Ashley Bartley, M.Ed., NCC, School Counselor and Boys Town Press Author on Mar 4th 2025
Most of us can remember feeling dread in the moments before taking a test, and the fears, self-doubts, and what ifs that flourish in those moments:
- What if I get stuck on a question?
- What if I don’t know the answer?
- What if I freeze and forget everything?
Today’s students have the same fears and doubts. But they also experience those emotions more frequently and sometimes more intensely. Why?
Because in addition to their classroom tests, there has been a steady rise in the number of standardized exams and assessments they must take. Kids worry about what a low score might mean. They worry about disappointing their teachers and their parents. They worry about keeping pace with their peers.
For many, especially in the upper-elementary grades, managing test anxiety is a constant challenge. As a mother and school counselor, I have seen just how big the fear of failure and the pressure to perform can get. In fact, it motivated me to write a children’s storybook specifically about test anxiety.
In Bravo, Jalen!, the main character learns how to tame his fears and doubts through preparation, a positive mindset, and taking a series of steps to make himself SHARP. Along the way, he has support from a caring friend and encouragement from an empathetic teacher.
Providing support, offering encouragement, AND teaching practical strategies are how school counselors, educators, and parents can work as a team to equip students with the tools and confidence they need to handle every type of school-related anxiety.
Here are five key areas where collaboration and focus can make an immediate and positive difference:
Communication: Build and reinforce consistent communication between school and home by using varied communication tools: email, apps, notes home, conferences, and shared observations. Teachers, specifically, can share with students and their families test dates, the content that will be covered, any materials students need on testing day, and guidance on how to prep for the exam (what chapters to read, what lessons to review, what formulas to practice, etc.).
Parents, too, should share with the school what they’re seeing at home, such as academic frustrations or motivation issues. When coupled with classroom observations, a more complete and reliable picture develops, making it easier to identify underlying issues and implement targeted interventions. School counselors also should be available to participate in conferences or student strategy meetings.
Confidence building: Everyone has a role when it comes to helping students feel more prepared and less anxious before exams, presentations, or performances. Let kids know what to expect (test format, time limits, content covered, materials needed, etc.). Emphasize the things they can control (making sure their devices are charged, sharpening their pencils, wearing comfortable clothes, getting enough sleep, eating a healthy breakfast, being hydrated, etc.). This creates a sense of purpose and empowerment.
Time management and organization: Students who are disorganized can easily become overwhelmed and feel unprepared on test days. School counselors can address these issues in small-group sessions or with classroom lessons that emphasize specific strategies (creating daily schedules and routines, prioritizing, setting goals, etc.).
Study skills and test-taking strategies: During counselor-led lessons on academic development, study skills, or test preparation techniques, school counselors should invite classroom teachers to participate so the language and terms students hear are consistent. For example, the counselor and teacher both using the phrase “slash the trash” to explain a testing strategy that involves eliminating obviously wrong answers first, then carefully considering the remaining choices. Go a step further by offering parent workshops on study skills, testing strategies, organization, time management, and other techniques for managing homework and test anxiety. Provide handouts with techniques, strategies, and definitions that can be used at home.
Emotional regulation: Once students can recognize and identify the physical symptoms of their anxiety, they must be able to manage them. Strategies may involve positive affirmations, deep breathing, counting, stretching, or drinking water. Students can practice these skills in individual and group counseling sessions or classroom counseling lessons. This is another opportunity to reinforce consistent language between the school and the home by involving classroom teachers and parents.
Teachers can help students prioritize tasks and focus on what material to study. Parents and caregivers can help designate a time and place for studying and establish routines at home for completing homework, managing assignments, and studying for tests. Together, counselors, teachers, and parents can reinforce the importance of preparing for tests well in advance as a way to minimize anxiety and boost confidence on test days.
By increasing collaboration and using more effective communication, we can ensure our students receive the support and strategies they need to overcome their fears and find success!
Ashley Bartley is a popular children’s author and school counselor whose newest storybook, Bravo, Jalen! can be ordered for your classroom, school, or home library. Five companion activities to help students master their test anxieties are also available for download.
