Millers Run School, Sheffield VT

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Newsletter
Location
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Students
Faculty
Governance
Curriculum & Assessment

Class Pages: PreK K 1 2 3 4 5 Sci. Lang. Arts Math.

October 31, 2008

Dear Parents, Students and Members of the Community,

It is unbelievable that the first marking period ends today. The time has passed very quickly and yet we can certainly see progress in learning. I see it in each grade as I visit classrooms and I am sure you see it as you listen to your child read.

Fluency is still a major focus for all grade levels. As your child reads with you, listen to see if that reading “sounds like talking”. We are looking for attention to punctuation, and using a voice that mirrors everyday speaking. This is always an area where we can use your help.

Snow has begun to descend upon us and we are hoping children will come to school dressed appropriately. In the mornings and at recess, students are expected to be outside for exercise and fresh air. Physical education often occurs outside and we all enjoy taking students out for a brisk walk. Please be sure they have a hat, coat and mittens.

The After School Program has begun. It is every afternoon and it is a great opportunity for students to access homework help, as well as enrichment. If you have specific questions, please call and speak with Rachel Bickford.

So you can plan ahead, the Winter Concert will be on Monday, December 15th. It will be at 6 PM and performances will be from pre-school through grade 6. In the meantime, we know we will see you at other times, especially during Parent/Teacher Conferences in two weeks.

Have a safe Halloween.

Sincerely, Nancy Croteau

NOTE FROM THE NURSE

Spring came like a flash, can summer be far behind? Just a few words about summer safety: 1) We hear a lot about skin protection from UV rays…as a reminder SPF lotions should be at least a 15 and should be applied 30 minutes before going out and reapplied every 2 hours. Children get 80% of their lifetime sun intake by 18 years old so most of the damage is done in these early years. 2) Mosquitoes and ticks in “the Kingdom” are voracious so use insect repellents wisely to prevent illnesses that can be transmitted by these bugs. DEET is very effect at repelling a variety of biting insects (higher percentage does not mean better protection – just longer acting). Oil of lemon eucalyptus provides protection from mosquito bites. Both are safe when used as directed. Choose a repellent that you will use consistently and follow directions – creams, lotions and sticks are best for applying to areas of exposed skin (avoid face and hands of young children). 3) Can’t say enough about bicycle and water safety. Bicyclists should ride single file on the right, should not be listening on headphones, and should always wear a proper fitting helmet. Swimmers should never swim alone and swim only in designated areas. A personal flotation device (life jacket) is required when boating and/or participating in water sports.

The FDA has a good site for a primer on summer safety at www.fda.gov/fdac/features. By following basic health and safety precautions, we can all have a happy, fun-filled summer vacation. And we’ll see you all back in the Fall!

Thanks Lorraine Matteis

Description

LOCATION

Miller's Run School (Unified School District #37) is located in the Northeast Kingdom (see map) of Vermont. Sheffield and Wheelock form the district. During 2000-2001, the school underwent a major building/reconstruction project increasing the size of the school from 8,000 square feet to 30,000 square feet. We are enjoying our new facility, and sharing our space with community happiness, while students develop their physical skills.

DIRECTIONS

From the South: Interstate 91 North to Exit 24. Turn right onto Route 122. Drive north for 6 miles. The school is on the left, across from the Federated Church.
From the North: Interstate 91 South to Exit 25. Take a right onto Route 16. Drive through Glover, (about 3-4 miles). Take a left onto Route 122 at the cemetery. Drive 6 miles to Sheffield. The school is on the right. (If you drive into downtown Sheffield, you went by the school.)

Sheffield and Wheelock residents are employed in towns in the surrounding community, from St. Johnsbury to Newport. Other than the school, store and a few self-employed mechanics, there are no businesses in the two towns. A few farms and logging operations exit.

STUDENTS

The school enrolls 155 students in pre-kindergarten through grade 8. After-School programs have blossomed, as a result of having more space and an excellent program coordinator. We have a wealth of programs for children and the highest percentage of student involvement in the district. Most high school students enroll at Lyndon Institute in Lyndon Center, VT.

FACULTY

The school is served by twelve full-time teachers. We have one full time special educator, a full time Title I/Reading Recovery teacher, and a full time media specialist/librarian. Part time staff includes physical education (50%), guidance counselor (50%),nurse (50%), choral music (30%), instrumental music (10%) and art (30%). There are two full time and two part time educational support aides, two kitchen staff, two custodians and two bus drivers. One of the part time aides delivers student support. There is a full time principal and a full time secretary.

GOVERNANCE

Miller's Run belongs to the Caledonia North Supervisory Union. Three board members from each of the two communities are School Board members. Meetings are the third Tuesday of each month. The Board, administration, faculty and staff enjoy a supportive, collaborative relationship.

CURRICULUM and ASSESSMENTS

Miller's Run adheres to the Vermont Framework of Standards and Learning Opportunities. As a Significant Improvement Grant (SIG) recipient, the primary staff works closely with a mentor from the State Department of Education. Selected as a "Strand One" pilot site during the summer of 2002, Miller's Run has drafted a plan to address "Comprehension, Analysis & Interpretation" in grades 3-8. Most full time staff members did attend the Summer Literacy Institute in Killington during August 2003.

Methods of student assessment include: teacher observations, teacher developed standard based tests, Kindergarten Observation Assessment (KOA), Primary Observation Assessment (POA), Developmental Reading Assessment (DRA), Degrees of Reading Power (DRP), Elementary Spelling Inventory (ESI), New Standards Reference Exams (NSRE), Terra Novas and the Vermont Portfolio process.

Class Pages: PreK K 1 2 3 4 5 Sci. Lang. Arts Math.