Waitsfield Elementary

Last Thursday, 25 Harwood juniors spent a good portion of their day at WES as part of Harwood's Day of Service/ Harvest Fest. They joined classrooms in the morning, playing math games, modeling good sportsmanship in flag football and remembering what instruction looks like in elementary school. After enjoying lunch and recess with us, they tackled a variety of tasks around the school from cleaning up the school gardens for the winter to labeling items for the upcoming ski and skate sale. These students were not only modeling community service, they were also helping to build community by fostering connections between our elementary and high schools. There are many elements that I appreciate about where we live; the active investment so many make in tending to community is one I value the most.

Dear friends and families,

A drawing in the WES lobby, sketched by a former Harwood student, is accompanied by the following statement:

“For thousands of years, Indigenous people have cared for the lands we call home in the United States. What is now known as ‘Vermont’ is the homeland of the Abenaki and Wabanaki peoples. We honor and acknowledge the complex history of Indigenous peoples in the United States and recognize that we live on land that has long been—and continues to be—stewarded by the Abenaki people.”

On Monday, we observed Indigenous Peoples’ Day, a time to intentionally pause and recognize the history, culture, and ongoing contributions of Indigenous peoples across the United States. Through the stories we read and the history we study, our students explore the diverse experiences of the people who live—and who have lived—on this land and in our country.

We will hold family/student/teacher conferences on Wednesday November 12 and Thursday November 13, after school hours. Families, look for further information about scheduling these conferences in your email next week. Meanwhile, please mark your calendars to make sure you keep some time free.

Respectfully, Kaiya

“Butterflies, Parsley, and Cookies… Oh My!”

Gathering Around the Table

Lunchtime isn’t just about eating, it’s about connecting. When we sit down together and ask questions like “What’s for lunch today?” or “What did you try?”, we open the door to conversations that go beyond the food. Kids love sharing their discoveries, and recently those discoveries have been all about a little green herb: parsley.

Parsley Taste Test Adventures

A couple of weeks ago, we were getting to know parsley in fun new ways. Students had the chance to taste parsley on its own, identify which dishes it showed up in, and even keep track of our little parsley “guys” on a poster. The guessing game quickly became a hit ,one student even asked, “Is there parsley in the tomato soup?” (and yes, there was!).

Parsley popped up in all sorts of foods, from hummus to tomato soup, and students even got to try lemon shortbread cookies baked with parsley. These experiences help kids see that familiar foods can taste a little different, and sometimes a little surprising, with just one added ingredient.

Students had to chance to plant parsley seeds! We’ll watch them sprout and grow over the next few weeks, then use our home grown parsley in future meals. Its a fun way to connect the garden into our kitchen.

Butterflies and Parsley

Our parsley adventures didn’t stop at the kitchen door. At home, Chef Joslin spotted some black swallowtail catapillars in the garden. These catapillars are beautiful to watch, but what makes them especially exciting is that they rely on parsley plants as a host. Suddenly, parsley isn’t just food, it’s part of a bigger story about nature and how our plants and pollinators depend on each other.

Continuing the Conversation

Asking children what they had for lunch or what they noticed about their food is such a simple way to spark curiosity. Their answers might include catapillars, posters, or cookies with a secret green ingredient. Around the table, those conversations turn lunchtime into more than a meal, they make it a chance to learn, laugh, and explore together.

Open House Success

We also want to thank everyone who came to our Open House, it was wonderful to see so many families together. Guests joined in the parsley taste test with parsley hummus and also enjoyed a taste of comfort food favorites like Vermont mac and cheese and cheese ravioli. The smiles and conversations made the evening extra special.

On October 6, schools, families, and communities across the country will wear BLUE for World Day of Bullying Prevention.

Bullying and cyberbullying affect millions of young people every year. By wearing blue, we send a clear message: kindness, inclusion, and respect matter — and bullying and hate have no place in our schools or communities. Please wear blue on 10/6 to support this cause!

Please note that the opportunities/events listed below are not specifically endorsed or screened by school staff. As always, families should use their own standards and review processes to determine appropriate activities.

Mad River Valley Soccer Players and Families,

Registration for our Mad River Valley Spring Soccer Tryouts will close on October 22nd! This is the only soccer program that MRVSA holds in the Spring for players with birth years 2010 through 2017. If your player would like the opportunity to play soccer in the spring, they will need to register HERE by the 22nd.

Please note that this is a more competitive program compared to our Fall Rec program and there is no guarantee of team placement as we are limiting the number of teams and players. Any player interested in playing spring soccer must register for and attend one tryout.

Please refer to this DOCUMENT for more information about our Spring 2026 program.

2026 Divisions by Birth Year

• U10 (2016-2017 Birth years)
• U12 (2014-2015 Birth years)
• U14 (2012-2013 Birth years)
• U16 (2010-2011 Birth years)

Timeline for Spring Tryouts:

• Registration for Tryouts will be open October 1st to October 22nd.
• Tryouts will be held on Sunday Oct 26th and Sunday Nov 2nd from 11am to 1pm, weather permitting.
• Invitations to play in the Spring League will be sent by Sunday Nov 16th
• Invitations must be accepted, and registration completed by November 23rd
• Store will be open for players to order their kits Dec 1st through January 16th

Registration process:

Please sign up your player for tryouts by October 22nd: MRVSA TRYOUT REGISTRATION

Dear Families, Schools and Communities,

Mariama Jones Science Educator from The Fairbanks Museum comes to Mad River Valley Arts on Oct.17, 5:30-7pm. Constellations & Cultures: Humanity's obsession with the stars is so ancient its been depicted in cave paintings. We have always looked up at the stars with wonder and curiosity which led us to create the patterns that we now call constellations. These constellations often come with stories meant to explain the existence of stars, tell epic tales or teach important lessons. Every culture has their own constellations and stories which we will explore in this presentation one story at a time.

Mad River Valley Soccer Players and Families,

MRVSA is holding tryouts for spring 2026 travel teams to be entered into the Vermont Soccer Association Spring League. This is the only soccer program that MRVSA holds in the Spring. If your player would like the opportunity to play soccer in the spring, they will need to register and participate in this tryout. Please note that this is a more competitive program compared to our Fall Rec program and there is no guarantee of team placement as we are limiting the number of teams and players. Any player interested in playing spring soccer must register for and attend one tryout. Spring teams and tryouts will be done by BIRTH YEAR. Registration is open October 1st through the 22nd HERE.

Please refer to this DOCUMENT for more information about our Spring 2026 program.

2026 Divisions by Birth Year

• U10 (2016-2017 Birth years)
• U12 (2014-2015 Birth years)
• U14 (2012-2013 Birth years)
• U16 (2010-2011 Birth years)

Timeline for Spring Tryouts:

• Registration for Tryouts will be open October 1st to October 22nd.
• Tryouts will be held on Sunday Oct 26th and Sunday Nov 2nd from 11am to 1pm, weather permitting.
• Invitations to play in the Spring League will be sent by Sunday Nov 16th
• Invitations must be accepted, and registration completed by November 23rd
• Store will be open for players to order their kits Dec 1st through January 16th

Registration process:

Please sign up your player for tryouts by October 22nd: MRVSA TRYOUT REGISTRATION

Chicks with Stix

Chicks with Stix is heading into our 8th season and would love to have GIRLS aged 6-13 join us to learn to play HOCKEY with some other girls or improve their skills. Please sign up for the fun Girls Hockey Club called “Chicks with Stix” (CWS) and come play with your friends or meet new friends.

CWS meets on Mondays between 5 -6 pm at the Stowe Arena. The first session is Monday, November 10th and continues until February 15th for a total of 10 sessions (NO sessions 11/24, 12/22, 12/29 and 1/19). We will be completing obstacle courses, learning to pass and skate with a variety of hockey drills and then playing “pink puck scrimmages”.

Only $120. Equipment and being able to skate unassisted (except for a stick) is required. Jerseys included.

Link to register:

https://forms.gle/7CYq4Ak5GNwbydCG7

Once Upon a Story returns this November 8th in the Mad River Valley!
Vermont Literacy Network is thrilled to partner once again with Inklings Children’s Books to bring back their beloved immersive fairy tale event at the Big Picture Theater in Waitsfield.
Watch your child’s face light up as they meet characters like Goldilocks, the Three Little Pigs, and Little Red Riding Hood! Led by community favorite organizations, kids can dive into interactive, hands-on activities inspired by timeless fairy tales.
Grab your tickets early and save 20%! LINK
Saturday, November 8, 2025 | 10:00-2:00PM | Big Picture Theater, Waitsfield

Wed. Oct. 29th: School Photo Make-Up Day

Wed. Nov. 12th: Family Conferences 2:45-7:00

Thurs. Nov. 13th: Family Conferences: 2:45-7:00

Sat. Nov. 15th: Ski & Skate Sale at WES

Nov. 24th - Nov. 28th: NO SCHOOL. Thanksgiving Break

2025-2026 School Calendar

Website: https://www.waitsfieldschool.org/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/waitsfieldschool/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/search/top?q=waitsfield%20elementary%20school

Phone: 802-496-3643

Location: 3951 Main Street, Waitsfield, VT