Saturday, September 21, 2019

September 20, 2019


Upcoming Events

  • Thursday, October 3rd @ 6:30~ Middle School Curriculum Night
  • Wednesday, October 9th~ No School 
  • Thursday, October 17th~ Dine for a Cause at Agave~ Benefits NYC Trip
  • Friday, October 18th~ No School 
  • Friday, October 25th~ Swift-Sponsored Fun Night *
  • Friday, December 6th~ Swift Hosts WCS Dance
  • Saturday, December 7th~ Bottle Drive~ Benefits NYC Trip*
  • Saturday, Dec 14th OR Sunday, December 15th~ Polar Express, Shift TBD*

*We will be sending home sign-up forms for Fun Night and bottle drive volunteers soon!  There will be a total of two "Fun Nights" and two bottle drives this year.  We ask that students and parents of students attending the NYC trip volunteer for 3 out of the 4 events.     We will send home the NYC Information and Permission Slip at the Curriculum Night with many more details.  


Parent and Student Volunteer Requests

We will be asking for volunteers for a number of purposes over the next three months.  Please know that the numbers needed and the purpose of the events vary greatly and are as follows:
  • Dine for a Cause~ We will need help in spreading the word to get as many people to Agave on Thursday, October 17th.  No volunteers needed the night of the event.

  • Fun Night~ "All Hands on Deck!"  Students and parents interested in the NYC trip should plan on volunteering the night of October 25th if available.   There will be one other Fun Night in March as well.

  • WCS Dance~ We will be looking for 10-12 parents to chaperone the dance on Friday, December 6th.  Proceeds from the dance are split among hosting teams for our general field trip funds.  Fifth-grade parents, this is a great opportunity to preview the dance scene!  Please note- the dance is happening the night before the Bottle Drive.

  • Bottle Drive~ Students and parents interested in the NYC trip should plan on volunteering for the bottle drive on Saturday, December 7th, if available.  There will be one more bottle drive in March.

  • Polar Express~ This event is a true community service opportunity.  Each year we bring at least 60 Swift students to the Polar Express event in Burlington to volunteer as elves.  The event raises over $100,000 a year for the Vermont Children's Foundation, as we have a ton of fun!  All students welcome and encouraged.  Parents, you make fabulous elves, too, if you're interested.

As you can see, we do look for your support for a variety of reasons.  Please volunteer when you can and know that we understand that you have very busy, enriching lives outside of school, too.  The events listed above represent all of our big "asks," aside from those of you who will join us in NYC of course.  Other Swift events outside of the school day will include an Open House around the end of January and the middle of June.  


Links to Student Opportunities and Enrichment

These events are starting soon!

Swift Facilitators 2019-2020

Swift House Facilitators, 2019-2020
Left to Right: Elena Lloyd, Tessa Bukowiec. Ben Lovelette, Kyra Whalen, Abby Granoff,
Lisa Barland, Lisa Bisbee, Debbie Donnelly, Amanda Laberge, Amy Skapof, Kevin Hunt

Climate Strike

Swift students attended the Climate Strike in Burlington and organized their own strike at WCS on Friday.  The global strike was initiated by the Swedish youth activist, Greta Thunberg, who was speaking with the US Congress this week imploring for swifter action to address climate change.  



Social Studies

WCS students studied youth activists and shared their work school-wide.  You'll see it in the hallways this week if you're coming through school


Leadership Opportunities

Each year the WCS guidance counselors organize school-wide student leadership groups.  These groups are an excellent opportunity for students to find formal leadership opportunities in a supportive environment.  We asked Swifties to respond to their core teacher on Google Classroom if they are interested.  The groups include:

LEAD
The LEAD group will be focusing on developing leadership skills while also educating ourselves, peers, and the greater community about the dangers of youth use of tobacco, drugs and alcohol.  The group will be fun, interactive, and engaging with opportunities for students to experience team building, create videos and games, develop and share presentations, and do some community outreach. We will also follow the natural energy and talents of a particular group of students.

AWOD
The AWOD program is a part of the Anti-defamation League and provides students with the training and resources to better understand and combat prejudice, stereotyping, bullying, harassment, and all forms of discrimination in schools.  In addition, students will learn skills to facilitate interactive anti-bias classes with 5th grade students in the springtime.  This program provides an opportunity for students to be leaders and positive role models in our school.



How to Help Your Child Succeed at School

This article from last Sunday's New York Times Magazines aligns well with our approach to goal-setting reflecting on learning within the Champlain Valley School District.   The message about the focus on process over products, goals over grades and the importance of finding balance in our lives.  It's worth a read!
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