Friday Flash
March 20th 2026
We're all questioning when spring is finally going to get here, sadly it looks like winter is lingering a bit longer. This extended cold and snow has brought about a bout of cabin fever or possible the winter doldrums. We've seen an increase in behavior referrals across the building over the last several weeks. Using the behavior matrix in the student handbook we have attempted to deliver consequences in a more systematic way. Below is an outline for behavior consequences. Redirection and restorative practices are the first methods of corrective action taken in the classroom.
First minor: 10 minutes of recess
Second minor: 15 minute in the principal's office & letter home
Third minor: Lunch detention with principal
Three minors become a major. Parent meeting requested to discuss next steps.
The board has adopted a budget to bring forward to the voters at the end of April. The board will be scheduling community forums in the coming weeks please consider attending one so that you can ask questions, share ideas and concerns and become more familiar with the budget numbers before the annual meeting and budget vote. Be on the lookout for the annual report which will be arriving to mailboxes in the coming weeks.
I want to thank all the teachers and staff that made our math and literacy night a success. We had a wonderful turn out of families to participate in a wide variety of activities and events. A special thank you to 302 Cares for providing families with an opportunity to converse and connect over hardy finger foods. Also, to CLIF for sponsoring an author presentation and a free book for every child in attendance as part of our Year of the Book.
State testing called the VTCAP (grades 3-6) is underway. Fifth and sixth grade students finished the math section and began the English Language Arts portion this week. To help all students be at their best over the next two weeks please help your child maintain a bedtime routine and limit screen time before bed. We will ensure that students eat a good breakfast here at school. We want students to do their best, but as a reminder this assessment is a snapshot of what students are able to do. Newbury does thorough local assessments three times a year, that provides a vast amount of data about student progress and instructional practices. If you have questions about your child's current achievement levels and academic progress please reach out to their teacher and plan on attending our spring conferences in April.
~Loretta Cruz
PS: Please find below the 2026-2027 School Year Calendar
Dear Families,
This week, our school community will focus on the character strength of Fairness. Fairness means treating everyone with respect and recognizing that all people have value. It also means being open-minded and fair in how we approach situations.
By teaching fairness, we help students develop into responsible, trustworthy, and kind individuals who care about others. Fairness builds the foundation for strong friendships and a positive community.
To practice and encourage the character strength of fairness at home, please visit The Positivity Project’s mobile-friendly P2 for Families (available in English and Spanish), where you will watch a video together and discuss a quote and three questions. Below are links to this week’s P2 for Families lessons. Click on the grade level that best meets your child’s needs.
Thank you for your support!
Principal Loretta Cruz
Email: loretta.cruz@oesu.org
Website: https://www.nesvt.org/
Location: 214 Pulaski Street, Newbury, VT, USA
Phone: 802-866-5621
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/newburyelementaryVT