Principal's Newsletter

Hello and happy Friday!

It was a full week at SCS! Students are full of Valentine's day cheer today as we wrap up the week and look forward to our Ice Cream Social at 2PM. This is just one of the many fun things students did this week, with many continuing on into next week. The Band and Chorus concert with Shoreham, Weybridge and Salisbury students was postponed due to the snow, but will be this coming Tuesday the 17th starting at 6:30PM.

I enjoyed joining the FOSCS parents last night for their monthly meeting and we went over the fundraisers and events they have planned for the rest of the year. We acknowledged that there are multiple solicitations out there right now (Read-a-thon sponsor forms, High Mowing Seed sales) and I want to assure families these are all optional and no one should feel pressured to make financial contributions to our school programs. The important contributions are already being made as you parent your kids every day and help them come to school prepared to learn and discover new things. Thank you for all you do!

There's one more week until February vacation. I know next week will be another busy one where we'll continue learning, working and exploring together.

Thanks for reading and have a great weekend,

Tracey

Thanks to the coordination by Ms. J and the College, we welcomed a group of Midd College Ice Hockey players for recess and lunch on Wednesday. They played with the students at recess, chatted with them during lunch and even read multiple stories to the kindergarten class. The kids loved seeing these impressive young men and women and connecting with them. We look forward to welcoming them back this Wednesday as well. Go, Panthers!

We kicked off the Read-a-thon this Wednesday with a Great Book Give Away! Kids received their very own bags to put their books in and had a great time "shopping."

Tuesday was the 100th day of school! This is always a special day for our primary grades students, as they keep track all year long and 100 is a real milestone!

The third and last day of skiing for 3rd - 5th was very fun --with an Olympics theme including a parade around the field. So many students commented on how much fun they had, and how much more comfortable they felt on skis. A big thanks to Rikert for their amazing instructors and equipment.

Friday we welcomed graphic novelist, Dan Abdo, to SCS. He shared some of his stories with us, drew his book characters and explained the steps to writing a story. He even signed copies of his books for us to have in the library!

The SCS Read-a-thon is underway! We have a school-wide goal of over 19,700 minutes of reading between 2/11 and 3/2. Thanks for helping encourage your child to read at home and reach for their goals!

We are excited to announce the district has allocated Title funds for an after school science club at SCS led by a local science teacher.

Description: This is a club for anyone who likes to design, build, and explore. We’ll have a different science activity each week that will spark curiosity! Older students will work with design engineering challenges and explorations such as building a geodesic dome, making and launching hot air balloons, or identifying skulls from special features. Younger students will explore the chemistry of a non Newtonian fluid (GAK), color and light, and rollercoaster design. Activities are aligned with NGSS.

Dates & Times

3rd - 5th graders, 2:40 - 3:40PM (Thursdays in March: 12th, 19th, 26th and April 2nd)

1st & 2nd graders, 2:40 - 3:40PM (Thursdays in April: 9th, 16th and 30th)

No cost. More information to come.

Snow Date! Combined School Band and Chorus Concert @ SCS --Tuesday, February 17th, Students arrive at 6:00, Concert starts at 6:30PM

Read-a-thon Wednesday, February 11th - Tuesday, March 3rd

February Vacation --February 23rd - 27th

SCS Bingo Night & Potluck Friday, March 13th 6:00 PM

Get Involved at Salisbury Community School!

Meetings are (generally) the first Thursday of every month, 6:30 - 8 PM in the library.

Feel free to contact us at: foscsvt@gmail.com with any questions or ideas.

Students were sent home with an order form this week for High Mowing's most popular seeds and seed combinations. Students are encouraged to ask family members, neighbors and friends to purchase seeds for the coming spring & summer between now and February 18th.

Seeds will arrive in plenty of time (March) to start indoors on window sills or will keep just fine until the snow melts and gardens are ready for planting.

Gardening’s not your thing? Consider purchasing some seeds as a gift for the special gardener in your life. Mother’s Day, perhaps? High Mowing seeds are certified organic and non-GMO, so while you’re helping FOSCS, you’re also growing delicious, home-grown organic produce and beautiful gardens!

Order forms are due back at school on Wednesday, February 18th.

Time: Tuesdays 3:00-5:15 ( or when bus arrives)

Date: March 10th- June 13th ( 13 sessions)

Location: Salisbury Mills Preserve

We are very excited to share more outdoor education into the Salisbury/Ripton community!

Click here to find out more and register: https://www.maltvt.org/school-programs

Click here to learn more about Camp Terrahana and how students from SCS could participate.

The ACSD Board recently revised Board Policy C30, School Assignment and Intra-District Transfer, to offer more flexibility to ACSD families when choosing an elementary school for their child(ren). If you are interested in having your child attend a different K-5 elementary school, please read more about the policy and the application process here. To apply, use this form or visit your school’s front office or the ACSD District Office for a paper application. The application window opened January 30th, and all applications must be received by March 2nd, 2026.

• There will be a second information session to learn more, ask questions, and get support filling out the application: Weds, February 18: 8:30-9:30am: at the Superintendent's Office (49 Charles Ave, Middlebury)

• Schools have scheduled open houses for all interested families.

• Tues, Feb 10, 5:30-6:30: Mary Hogan

• Thurs, Feb 12, 5:30-6:30: Salisbury Community

• Mon, Feb 16, 5:30-6:30: Cornwall Elementary

• Tues, Feb 17, 5:30-6:30: Bridport Elementary

Weds, Feb 18 5:30-6:30: Weybridge Elementary

Do you have young children birth to 5? We are expanding our early childhood offerings and want to hear from you! Share your hopes, needs, and ideas for building strong childhood care and education for our community. Find the survey link here. Survey is open 2/6-2/20.