Swift Flyer: September 26, 2014

Parent Retreat Survey

The parent retreat is a chance for Swift House teachers and parents to talk about our programs in a casual setting. It's also a great social occasion, starting with a potluck dinner and then moving on to discussion. In the past we have started with dinner at 6:00 pm followed by discussion until 8:30 or 9:00. We'd like to have as many parents involved as possible so please take a minute to complete the three question survey before Monday, Sept 29 at 3:00 pm.

Fun Night

Swift House-Sponsored Fun Night: 6:00-8:30 PM

Our October 3rd Fun Night is quickly approaching and we still need volunteers!!

This is a very successful fundraiser. We need volunteers to help facilitate a fun evening for the kids. Please go to the sign-up form and look at the many areas in which you and your student can volunteer. Add your name(s) in the designated spot to sign on. We could not pull this off without the wonderful support from all of the families.

We ask that each person (students and parents) going on the DC trip volunteer your time for two fundraising events!! Thank You!!

Polar Express

Saturday evening, December 13, 2014 - 3:30-8:00 pm

Swift House has a long tradition in helping with The Polar Express, which raises over $100,000 each year for the Vermont Children's Trust Foundation. Last year we brought 77 elves to the event!

We will meet around 3:15 at the downtown Burlington train station. Shirts and elf hats are provided if needed. Gary Howard, our beloved retired Swift Facilitator, will be the "Santa" on this day and we will get our traditional Swift House photo with him. For more details see the "Polar Express Information Sheet." Please note that we need all elves to stay for the final train.

Please complete the form here for each elf in your family so we get the proper head count. Once you have entered one name you will be provided a link to submit another response. Friends from outside Swift are welcome to come along. Parents, we need you as adult elf/chaperones, too!

For more details on the evening, see the volunteer page from Vermont Children's Trust here.

Elves greeting the train

Theater Festival

The Swift House Theater Unit is set to begin on October 6th. The unit begins with students choosing which play they'd like to be involved in (Romeo and Juliet or TBD). Students interested in a speaking part then audition for the directors. All who are interested will have lines on stage! Those interested in leadership parts submit an essay about why they are a good candidate for costuming, technical work or stage managing.

Once all student roles are established rehearsals begin. Students with large roles will rehearse each day while those in the supporting casts will spend the time reading the scripts and related literature until full cast rehearsals begin. All rehearsals take place during our literacy block right up until our final production week.

Please mark your calendars for our productions on the evening on Thursday, November 6th!