Newsletter #13

Dear RES Community,

I hope this newsletter finds you well. As the weather bounces back and forth from warm to wintry, having kiddos set with winter gear will be important so they can play outside safely and comfortably.

It is such a special sight looking out at our playground and seeing our kiddos engaged in all sorts of fun together. On the playground, in the lunchroom, and in the hallways, there is a genuine camaraderie and care between our younger and older students.

I am so grateful for this sense of responsibility and kindness that our older students model and share with the younger members of our community. It is one of the many reasons why our school is a special and wonderful community.

Wishing you a wonderful and healthy week ahead!

With gratitude,

Meg

Nuts n'Bolts:

Thursday 12/14 Band and Chorus concert (2:15)

Family fun Night (6:00 - 7:30)

Friday 12/22 Start of Winter Break

Tuesday 1/2 First Day back after break

Volunteers Needed: We are in need of volunteers to help out with Craft Day (12/20) and Cross Country skiing (January and February). If you are interested, please let Meg or Erin know! (no volunteer form needed for this event)

Mark your calendars! We’re having a game-filled Family Fun Night on Thursday, December 14th. Bring your favorite game to play with others and try out some new games as well! Families will be able to decorate cookies and enjoy hot chocolate while they play games, as well as have fun crafting at a puzzle-making station!

Ms. O'Neill will also be holding an information session about RES Title 1 right before the event, and will have some fun literacy games to share as well!

Title 1 Session: 5:45 - 6:00

Family Fun Night: 6:00 - 7:30

On Monday, we had the privilege of hosting Firefighter Chris from the Ripton Fire Department. He shared helpful safety tips, let us hear what a smoke alarm sounded like, and then showed us all of the many layers and gear that firefighters wear to keep them safe when they keep us safe. His message was an important one- even if he has a mask, tank, and full gear on her is still firefighter Chris; he hasn’t changed and is there to help. Students also had the opportunity to explore two of Ripton's fire trucks. A big thank you to the Ripton Fire Department for their commitment to keeping our community safe.

If you are looking for help with gifts for your children for the holidays there is a HOPE Holiday Shop in Middlebury where parents can shop for free for new gift items for their children. Parents can stop by the HOPE office on 282 Boardman Street in Middlebury to fill out a short form and set up an appointment for that same day to shop. The Holiday Shop will be open until December 22nd, 2023. If you have any questions feel free to contact Tammie Johnson at tammiejohnson@acsdvt.org or call HOPE at 388-3608.

With flu season upon us, it's important that we pay close attention to health and wellness. Please remind your children to wash their hands regularly, cover their mouths when coughing or sneezing, and stay home if they're feeling unwell, and if a kiddo has a fever, they should be fever-free (without medication) for 24 hours before returning to school. Thank you, everyone, for your help keeping our school community healthy.

Mondays: January 8th, 22nd, 29th, February 5th, 12th and March 4th.

Rikert will be providing students with all necessary ski equipment.

Students need to come to school with proper outerwear for skiing including snow pants, winter coat, hat, mittens, buff, and wool or wool-blend socks (important!)

We are in need of parents/guardians to drive students to and from Rikert. If you are able to help, please let us know! Email us at riptonoffice@acsdvt.org or call at 388-2208.

For those who have already gone through the volunteer process, there is just the Volunteer Driver Checklist to fill out. The process is a bit more lengthy otherwise - it involves a Volunteer Form and fingerprinting, but can help walk you through the process and are so grateful for your help!