An Award Winning App for a CVU Student

Congratulations to Jaden Parker, this year's Vermont Congressional App Challenge winner!

 
Jaden, a senior at CVU from St. George, created an app called Hollow Valley using JavaScript and HTML programming languages. 

When asked about how it feels to have won this challenge for Vermont, Jaden said, 

"If I had to summarize my feelings about winning down to one word I'd choose empowering. Computer programming is a fiercely competitive sector. While the coding itself is difficult, creating something of your own design requires a different level of creativity than I'm used to. With my app, I put some of my best work forward and a lot of hours. Winning this award makes it all feel worth it. I'm incredibly thankful to my mentors who pushed me to submit my app to this challenge, without the guidance of people like Charlie MacFadyen I wouldn't have been able to have this opportunity."

Jaden provided the following information about his app and the development process.

Please briefly describe what your app does.
My app is a platforming game consisting of three levels. Each level operates on a canvas with platforms drawn using a series of intervals and functions. Each level is re-playable and is accessed through a level-select screen.

What inspired you to create this app?
I was introduced to HTML files and canvases during a computer programming class I took at CVU during the spring of 2022. For my final project I chose to create a simple game. The game I submitted for that class was used as a building off point for the app that I submitted for the contest.

What improvements would you make if you were to create a 2.0 version of your app?
I am currently working on the next version of the app. I will be adding more levels, improving the textures of the platforms, and adding a life-counting system that will make it possible to lose each level.

Where did you do most of the coding for your app?
I did most of the coding on the program VScode, with most of my time spent at home. However, I did spend some time at school in a CVU computer programming class where I am a Teacher’s Assistant, debugging with assistance from some of my students.

Did you create this app as part of a project for school, a coding club, or a similar organization?
The app began as a project for school, and is now a personal project that I hope to improve as I become a better programmer. One day I may even be able to publish the game as a playable app.

Jaden submitted this video describing his app as part of the application process and gave us permission to share it here. 

The Congressional App Challenge is an official initiative of the U.S. House of Representatives, where Members of Congress host contests in their districts for middle school and high school students, encouraging them to learn to code and inspiring them to pursue careers in computer science. Each participating Member of Congress selects a winning app from their district, and each winning team is invited to showcase their winning app to Congress during our annual #HouseOfCode festival. The program is a public-private partnership made possible through funding from Omidyar Network, AWS, theCoderSchool, Facebook, Replit, Accenture, and others.

We remain hopeful that Vermont students will continue to have this opportunity as Becca Balint joins the House as Vermont's representative. 

The 2021 Vermont winners of the Congressional App Challenge, Addison and Max, are also CVU students. We are very proud of the accomplishments of CVU students and are thrilled that their work is being recognized by others.

On a somewhat related note, Jaden was also one of three CVU students who visited Shelburne Community School recently to judge and provide feedback on 5th-graders' app concept presentations.

Congratulations to Jaden, and again to Addison and Max! 

CVSD Update December 2022

Dear CVSD Families and Caregivers,

We are happy to share this December update. It includes: 

• A letter from Superintendent Sanchez
• A reminder from our health offices
• Information about strategic planning
• Information about budget development
• and more!

Thank you for taking the time to read it and have a wonderful holiday season.

As always, let us know if you have questions, feedback, or compliments using our Let's Talk page on the district's website.

CVU's Math League's Historic Win

 Thank you to CVU educator, Charlie MacFadyen for sharing this exciting news. 

Yesterday, the CVU Math League team traveled to Colchester to compete against 14 other schools in our region and came away with the win! This is the first CVU 1st-place finish in Math League that anyone can remember (and most likely ever). South Burlington placed second and Essex third. Combined with their second-place finish in Meet 1, CVU now leads the league heading into Meet 3. There are five meets in all (ending in March) so there's still work to be done, but this is the best-ever start for the team.

Individual honors went to Elias Leventhal for top papers in Arithmetic and Advanced and Wylie Ricklefs for a top paper in Arithmetic. They were joined by Jacob Graham, Keaton St. Martin, and Sam Yager for a perfect team paper, sealing the win. It was a strong overall team effort, with contributions by Anna Dauerman, Patterson Frazier, Dan Knight, Thomas Garavelli, David Merchant, Veronica Miskavage, Clay Nicholson, Lily O’Brien, and Julia Shrier.

Even more important than winning is the camaraderie and enthusiasm in this fine group!

Thanks as always to Kiran McCormick for all his help with the team.

Math and Music Are Connected

The information for this post was shared by Lori Marino, music teacher at Shelburne Community School. 

A fourth grade class was learning musical notation. Specifically, the associated number of beats each note is “worth” in a 4/4 measure. I drew the diagram shown in the pictures below. The last student to leave class had left the class line and drawn a note with multiple flags with a number written beneath it in the first picture. The student knew to increase to the power of 2 each time a flag was added to the eighth note which is valued at 1/2 beat in a 4/4 measure.

Curious when I saw the large number written below the note the student had drawn, I called a colleague, Jodi Sanders, in to see if we could verify. Sure enough after we worked through each power of 2 (we did have to resort to a calculator!) we verified that the student (who did not have a calculator!) nailed the value!! 

This was a remarkable accomplishment! After acknowledging the student's achievement later this afternoon, they told me that they had memorized all of the powers of two through 300 something million and proceeded to rapidly rattle off all of the numbers Jodi had worked to figure out earlier in about 5 seconds!

I thought this was a great academic/artistic connection to share!

Note: The excitement spread to others and students continue to make these connections. Here's another photo of what they worked on 2 days later. 

Wow, thank you for sharing this with us, Lori!

CVU Graduate Selected for Art Recognition

 

One of Iain's pieces

We are very excited to announce that The 2022 AP Art and Design Digital Exhibit is now available online and that one of our students, Iain Mahaffey - CVU class of 2022, has been featured! Iain is from Charlotte, Vermont.

The exhibit features 50 high school artists from six countries selected from more than 62,000 portfolios who submitted work to the 2022 AP Art and Design Exam. The featured students represent outstanding examples from the Sustained Investigation and Selected Works portfolio components. The exhibit is designed not only to showcase the rigor and excellence of the AP Art and Design portfolio but also as an exemplary teaching tool shared with AP Art and Design students worldwide. In this capacity, high-achieving students' artwork and statements, teacher statements, and school leader statements help teach best practices and support arts advocacy.

Student participation in AP Art and Design requires that each student's work is informed and guided by observation, research, experimentation, discussion, critical analysis, and reflection, relating individual practices to the art world. Students document their artistic ideas and practices to demonstrate conceptual and technical development to create a portfolio of work. Portfolios include works of art and design, process documentation, and written information about the work presented. In May, students submit portfolios for evaluation based on specific criteria, which include skillful synthesis of materials, processes, and ideas and sustained investigation through practice, experimentation, and revision, guided by questions. In addition, the AP Art and Design Program supports students in becoming inventive artistic scholars who contribute to visual culture through art making—annually showcased through the AP Art and Design Exhibit.

"College Board is pleased to showcase the 2022 AP Art and Design Exhibit featuring student works, images, and statements, and teacher and school leader statements," said Rebecca Stone-Danahy, Director of AP Art and Design. "The exhibit provides insight into inquiry-based portfolio development in AP 3-D Art and Design, AP 2-D Art and Design, and AP Drawing. Through AP Art and Design, students define themselves as future art leaders, making visual connections based on honest explorations of internal and external worlds."

"AP Art and Design students consistently demonstrate innovation and creativity through the inquiry-based curriculum," said Trevor Packer, Head of the AP Program. "Their portfolio development based on personal experiences continues to impress and inspire viewers, and I commend them on their accomplishments."

The AP Art and Design program was founded in 1972, and as of 1978, about 4,500 students had completed portfolios for submission to the program. Today, over 62,000 students participate annually. Research shows that AP students are better prepared for college, and those who receive a score of three or higher (on a scale of one to five) are eligible to receive college credit. AP students are more likely to enroll in college, stay in college, do well in their classes, and graduate on time in four years. Following challenging coursework, success on AP Exams helps students save money on college tuition and potentially graduate with less student debt over the course of their education.

There are currently 30 students enrolled in AP Art and Design at CVU.

Congratulations, Iain!


To learn more about the AP Art and Design portfolio and exam requirements, please download and review the course and exam description by clicking here.

SCS Students Present to State Board of Education

 This guest post was provided by Lashawn Sells, DEI coach at the Shelburne Community School. 

Photo with newly-elected US House representative, Becca Balint

In late September, a group of 22 students from the Shelburne Community School went to Montpelier for the Day of Anti- Racial Equity and Education. The event was sponsored by Vermont Student Anti- Racism Network (VSARN). Students were chosen by teachers and some students self selected. Students from Charlotte Central School and Hinesburg Community School attended the event as well.

More recently, six SCS students presented virtually to a committee of the State Board of Education . These students shared about the day they went to Montpelier with other students across the state to learn more about Anti- Racial Equity and Education. The students discussed how much they enjoyed connecting with students from other districts and how they want to use this information to help make change in their school community. They also took this moment to share some things they feel we need to work on across the state such as hiring BIPOC teachers, diversification of curriculum, and opportunities for students to learn outside the traditional classroom. 

The committee was elated to hear from our students and are taking their suggestions into consideration.

Williston's Digital Learning Leader Wins Award

 

Williston’s Digital Learning Leader, Jessica Wilson, was presented with VitaLearn’s Frank Watson Award on Friday at their annual Vermont Fest conference in Killington.

The award is presented to a person whose many years of devoted service, vision, and leadership have significantly advanced educational technology at the local, regional, and state level. Jessica has not only served on the board of VitaLearn for many years, Vermont’s ISTE affiliate, but she also served on the board of RETN (now known as the Media Factory) and continues to serve on the board of the Vermont NEA.

Jessica has educated elementary and middle school students at both the Hinesburg Community School and the Williston schools with the state of the art technology through the rapidly changing eras of iPads and Chromebooks. She inspires students and adults to explore new ideas including video production, live-streaming school events, computer animation, coding and more.

Each year, she inspires teachers and their students to participate in the Doodle for Google contest. As a result, an Allen Brook School first grader was last year's Vermont winner.

She is enthusiastic and passionate about digital learning and how digital tools support and enhance learning. Jessica works with everyone in the Williston schools, supporting all efforts that pertain to educational technology. She also serves on Williston’s wellness and safety committees.

Greg Marino, lead principal for the Williston schools, had this to share, 

"The Williston Schools are so grateful for the years of dedicated and expert support of our Digital Learning Leader, Jessica Wilson. Jess is constantly stepping up and stepping in to whatever it takes to advance student learning, especially in areas of transformative and responsible use of digital-age tools in teaching and learning. She serves as a role model to students and adults - not just for what it means to be a good digital citizen, but also a good human being."

We are truly appreciative of all that Jessica does for Williston, CVSD, and others in Vermont.

Congratulations, Jessica!

CVSD Update, November 17, 2022

 

Dear CVSD Families and Caregivers,

This November community newsletter features many celebrations, upcoming events, and updates about work in the district.

Thank you for taking the time to read it and have a wonderful Thanksgiving week.



As always, let us know if you have questions, feedback, or compliments using our Let's Talk page on the district's website.

SCS Paraeducator Recognized!

We are thrilled to share that Gloria Mantagaris, a paraeducator at the Shelburne Community School (SCS), has been named the Vermont NEA's Education Support Professional of the Year! 

Gloria was honored at a surprise ceremony today at SCS, surrounded by colleagues. 

Gloria was surprised at todays' event!

Gloria and Stephanie Dupras, who nominated her for this award.

The VT-NEA shared this information in their press release announcing Gloria's award: 

On this national Education Support Professionals Day, we are pleased to announce that Gloria Mantagaris, an intensive needs paraeducator at the Shelburne Community School, has been named the Vermont-NEA ESP of the Year for 2023. A leader, negotiator, and active member of the Champlain Valley Education Association, Gloria was instrumental in forming her district’s Paraeducator Mentor Program. She has also helped secure extra sick time and an additional paid week during April break for ESP. In short, according to Stephanie Dupras, who is the co-coordinator of the ESP Peer Mentor Program, “Gloria’s passion for this profession is unparalleled. She is always an advocate for what is right and just for all ESP families. She is a peer that I look to in admiration for all she does for the ESP profession.”

As the Vermont-NEA ESP of the Year, Gloria will receive a $1,000 check, an all-expenses paid trip to the NEA ESP Conference in March, and will represent the state in the national ESP of the Year contest, which carries a top prize of $10,000.

“The core of my work is to foster trusting relationships with all students,” she said in her application. “Student success is driven by meeting them at their needs and this something I live and work by.” 

This marks the second year in a row that a CVSD education support professional has received this recognition. Jimmy Johnson, one of our valued bus drivers, was honored last year. We are so very proud! 

We encourage our communities to help to recognize and thank CVSD Education Support Professionals (ESPs) every day, but especially today, which is National ESP Day. ESPs include paraeducators like Gloria, food service staff, custodians and maintenance crew, bus drivers, and many more that not only support our programs, schools, and students, but also help to keep our schools safe, healthy, and welcoming for all. 

Congratulations Gloria!

 

Celebrating CVSD Leaders

We are excited to honor and recognize seven Champlain Valley School District educators who completed the Snelling Center for Government's Vermont School Leadership Project (VSLP) this past weekend. CVSD has a long history of encouraging leaders to participate in this 17-month professional development experience and the district and its schools has benefited as a result of engagement in this program.

The 2022 cohort includes 22 Vermont educators, seven of whom are leaders in CVSD.

Clockwise in the above image, from the top left:

• Courtney Krahn, assistant principal, Charlotte Central School
• Jensa Bushey, CVSD district literacy leader
• Angela Filion, principal, Allen Brook School
• Sarah Crum, CVSD director of learning and innovation
• Caitlin Bianchi, math coordinator, Williston Schools
• Arthur Chiaravalli, Fairbanks house director, Champlain Valley Union High School
• Jennifer Roth, principal, Charlotte Central School

Our district is fortunate to have motivated leaders who strive to learn, enhance their skills, and challenge themselves in order to best support our students.

Thank you and congratulations!

CVSD UVM Outstanding Educators 2022

We are proud to share that Hannah Carey and Heidi Huestis were recognized today at UVM's 42nd Outstanding Educator event. Hannah is a math teacher at CVU and Heidi is the librarian at Charlotte Central School. They were nominated by their peers and building administrators. 

The comments below were submitted with their nominations for this award.

Hannah Carey is a creative, connected, and collaborative teacher. She knows her students deeply, resulting in lasting relationships. Students name her as a favorite teacher for years after taking her class. Hannah is most passionate about creating opportunities to make learning more engaging and pursues innovations to meet this need. Her ideas use connections between math and other subjects to help students see the relevance of their learning in the world. We are grateful for Hannah’s work!

 

Heidi Huestis has touch-points with every staff member and student in our building sharing her love of literature with all. She uses her knowledge of students, their interests and their abilities to create access to rich books for all. She volunteered as a middle school advisor and spends every morning creating a safe space and fostering connections with our middle school students. Heidi is more than our CCS librarian, she is an asset to the whole CCS community.

Congratulations to Hannah and Heidi and thank you for all you do on behalf of CVSD students!

Stone Soup at SCS

 Here's a guest post from Shelburne Community School: 

We had lots of smiling faces last week as we collected ingredients and made stone soup. If you're not familiar with the story that sparked this activity, check it out in our library or see this short, animated video version. Hopefully, the kids will have taken the enthusiasm and some new skills home!

It was really impressive to see how attentive they listened, and how focused, and enthusiastic the kids were when peeling, chopping and cleaning up. With all the chatting, it really felt like friends preparing a meal together. They showed resourcefulness (how about using scissors for the herbs?) and flexibility (substituting tools if needed). They willingly shared and swapped stations to try something new. Many parent helpers and teachers commented on the value of these life skills.

Here is Stone Soup by the numbers; our recipe for success:

230 kids helped prep
150lbs of chopped vegetables
75 gallons of soup
40 adult helping hands (some multiple times)
23 different vegetables and herbs
12 classes and cohorts
4 days of fun
3 donated stones
2 visits to the nurses
1 amazing community

Thank you to the parent/caregiver community, teachers, our food service staff, and our wonderful students. 

Let's Talk and Engage in Conversation

Last March, the school district softly rolled out a new communication tool called Let's Talk. Let’s Talk makes it easy for parents, students, staff, and community members to ask questions, request information, and share feedback. Over the summer, we added topics for each of our schools. 

Anytime someone submits something to Let's Talk, it goes to the people who are most knowledgeable about the topic. There's often a team of people behind each topic, ready to engage with you on any inquiry.

“As a school district, we want to create a thriving school culture and climate, and that’s only possible by listening to community feedback,” says Superintendent Rene Sanchez. “Let’s Talk makes it easier for our stakeholders — including students, families, staff, and community members — to reach out with questions or concerns and provides the district with data needed to make informed decisions.”

Let’s Talk delivers dynamic features including:

• 24/7 accessibility from any device, including smartphones, tablets, and laptops; and will soon support texting
• We are working to add translation tools that can translate dialogues to a number of languages to meet community needs and manage multilingual communications
• Data collection to help education leaders make informed decisions

"Let’s Talk enables our district to accommodate the communication needs and preferences of our community members with a variety of channels and translation tools (soon!), and address issues and inequities experienced by students and families. This is directly tied to findings from our equity audit,” reports Superintendent Sanchez. “No matter how our community contacts us — we are able to provide a timely, accurate response through Let’s Talk within 3 business days, though it's typically less.”

Every voice deserves to be heard and every question deserves to be answered. Let’s Talk makes this all possible. We encourage everyone in our community to use Let’s Talk to share your feedback, questions, and ideas to help us deliver high quality customer experiences and make CVSD an even better place for our students, staff, and families.”

Here's a short how-to video to help you see how easy it is to share your thoughts.

We look forward to hearing from you!

CVSD's Let's Talk page

CVSD Update, October 27, 2022

 

Dear CVSD Families and Caregivers,

We write to you on the night of our last community forum for the strategic planning process. We hope to see many community members at our forum at 6:00 tonight.

Learn about this process and much more in this latest newsletter, including:

• A letter from Superintendent Sanchez
• A note about Learning Targets
• Celebrating the raising of the LGBTQIA+ flag at some of our schools
• Upcoming events, announcements, and more!

As always, let us know if you have questions, feedback, or compliments using our Let's Talk page on the district's website.

Abenaki Guest Speaker at WCS

This guest post was provided by Brie Healy, Williston Central School educator. 

On Friday, October 14, 2022, Clover and Summit House students welcomed Michael Descoteaux, a member of the Abenaki tribe, in recognition of Indigenous Peoples Day. 

In reflecting on the presentation, Summit 8th grader Reed Claro, shared, 

“Michael opened up a whole new world in our history. In his amazing presentation, we learned so much about the origins of many of the words we speak, as well as the uses and origins for our food. The Abenaki culture and language is a vital part of our history and cannot be taken away from us. Michael and so many others are working to restore and keep the language and culture alive, and by giving him an hour of our time, we can do the same.” 

In addition, Summit 8th grader, Kendall Batdorf shared, 

“I enjoyed hearing about how they built their houses, fought and defended themselves, caught their food, built their gardens, and preserved their food. Some people got grossed out about how they used all parts of the animal and didn’t waste almost anything, but I found it interesting and caring. It was important to the Abenaki to not waste anything that they killed, but to get the most use out of it. This makes so much sense! Nowadays we are killing whole sharks just for their fins!” 

What a valuable learning experience, thank you Michael!

Williston Candidates' Forum a Great Success

Last Friday, the middle school students at Williston Central School hosted their biennial Candidates' Forum. The teachers and their students invited the Republican and Democratic candidates for US Senate, US House of Representatives, Governor, Lt. Governor, and Attorney General.

Various candidates for federal and state offices were invited and nine were able to attend. This is a great opportunity to inform students and educate them about the political issues facing voters in the November elections. These are the offices our 7th and 8th students were busy researching and preparing questions for. The 5th and 6th grade students also studyed the candidates, political parties, and issues of the election. They created posters that lined the walls in the school and auditorium. Following the forum, students will use the evidence from the forum for a writing assignment.

“The Williston Candidate Forum is an authentic way for our students to learn about democracy. It encourages students to thoughtfully engage in the process of educating themselves about relevant issues and asking questions to further their understanding of the topics,” said Jackie Parks, Williston Central School Building Principal. “Ultimately we want students to become active in their communities and this learning experience provides them with the foundation to build on as they grow into responsible and involved citizens.”

The following candidates and the office they're running for attended this year's forum: 

• Gerald Malloy (R), US Senate
• Peter Welch (D), US Senate
• Becca Balint (D), US House of Representatives
• Phil Scott (R), Governor of Vermont
• Brenda Siegel (D), Governor of Vermont
• Joe Benning (R), Lt. Governor of Vermont
• David Zuckerman (D), Lt. Governor of Vermont
• Michael Tagliavia (R), Vermont Attorney General
• Charity Clark (D), Vermont Attorney General

In addition to posing challenging questions to the candidates, some students were behind the cameras livestreaming and recording the event. They had support from the Media Factory. The complete recording can be seen at this link, thanks to the Media Factory. 

This was the 12th candidate forum sponsored by the social studies committee at WCS. Thank you to this exemplary group of teachers for preparing your students so well!

Here's a small sampling of photos taken at the event.



View additional coverage of the event from local TV stations.
WPTZ: Vermont Students Meet with Candidates During Forum
WCAX: Students Questions Vermont Candidates on the Issues

WFFF: Vermont Candidates Discuss Major Issues in Middle School Hosted Forum

CVSD Update, October 6, 2022

Dear CVSD Families and Caregivers,

Happy Fall! We are eager to share this latest update with you as it contains important and timely information about upcoming events happening around the district and for the district. We hope you will get involved and share your voice. 

In this edition, you will find: 

• A letter from Superintendent Sanchez
• Information about our Strategic Planning process, including Community Forums and a survey
• An invitation to join us at the DEI Virtual Town Hall next week
• Celebrations throughout the month of October 
• and more
  

As always, let us know if you have questions, feedback, or compliments using our Let's Talk page on the district's website. 

RoboHawks Get to Work and Support the Community

Here's a guest post from the CVU Robohawks team. 

This week the RoboHawks and JV Redhawk Robotics teams met and started to dig deep into brainstorming, designing and prototyping this year's bot after the season's release on the 10th, as well as hosted a workshop to introduce the CVSD middle school students to robotics.

The workshop hosted at CVU by the RoboHawks this past Tuesday for students and parents in the CVSD district focused on the FIRST Lego League (FLL) robotics competition. The event marks the beginning of the program after months of behind-the-scenes work and makes their goal a reality of helping each district middle school start an FLL robotics team. The RoboHawks aim to strengthen and encourage participation in STEAM programs within the community by promoting and supporting opportunities for middle school students. The workshop was tremendously successful, with excellent attendance and representation from every CVU sending school! The RoboHawks worked with students to begin their coding adventure in FLL robotics and gave parents a great overview of why the program is valuable and fun! This year’s challenge is power themed and includes tons of fun challenges to tackle. We can't wait to see FIRST Core Values grow in each district school and see where the program goes!

RoboHawks will be hosting another FLL workshop in the near future. For more information or if you would like to learn more about our team, check out our website, or feel free to contact us at cvu_robohawks_2022@cvsdvt.org.

CVSD Update, September 15, 2022

 Dear CVSD Families and Caregivers,

We are happy to share the latest update from the district. We know that you also receive school newsletters and hope that you take the time to read both. They each provide you with important and timely information. 

In this CVSD update you will find: 

• A letter from Superintendent Sanchez
• Information about our strategic planning process (it's underway!)
• A reminder to fill out the school meal application (it's for everyone to fill out)
• Upcoming events
• Additional reminders
• and more!

Thank you for taking the time to read this newsletter. As always, reach out with questions, feedback, and compliments using Let's Talk.

The Champlain Valley School District

It's Time to Take An Access Course!

We are excited to pass along this announcement from our friends at Access CVU. If you haven't had a chance to take a course (or teach one!) please explore the many offerings. 

Greetings from Laura and Jen 

at Access CVU!

Fall/Winter 2022- Registration Is Now Open!

Access CVU, your Community Education Program, is back in action with another semester of amazing enrichment for both in-person and online learners. In-person classes take place at CVU High School and start after 4pm, Monday-Thursday. Online classes are offered through Zoom.

Over 200 classes (new classes added monthly!) 

and 89 local instructors.

Enroll today! Popular classes fill quickly and low enrollment leads to canceled classes. Invite your family and friends!

New classes and instructors are added every month! Don't miss out; sign-up for the weekly Access CVU Newsletter.

• Follow us on Instagram @accesscvu for class announcements and PROMOS!

• Looking to teach a course at Access CVU? Complete the New Instructor Form (also located on our Homepage)

• Visit us at https://cvsdvt.ce.eleyo.com/ or Google, Access CVU. Questions or to enroll via email or phone, contact us at access@cvsdvt.org / 802-482-7194.

Thank you for supporting Access CVU and keeping community education thriving in CVSD. We hope to see you soon!

CVSD Update, September 1, 2022

 Dear CVSD Families and Caregivers,

We have had a fantastic start to the new school year and we have you to thank for that, along with all CVSD employees. Welcoming everyone, whether new to our district, new to your school, or new to a grade or classroom, was a true pleasure over the past two days.

Through this message, we share the latest district newsletter. We publish these about every two weeks and try to make sure they don’t overlap with school newsletters. We appreciate you taking the time to read the newsletters.

In this edition, there is a letter from Superintendent Sanchez and below that, other updates, news, and events. Many of these are repeated from our last newsletter and that’s intentional. These are important and we encourage you to read them.

Some elements that you don’t want to miss:

• The superintendent’s letter
• A community-building welcome back event this Tuesday, in collaboration with the Flynn
• Many reasons why you should fill out the Free/Reduced Meals form, even though meals are free for all this year
• A hiring event taking place this Saturday
• And many other important and timely reminders

As always, please use Let’s Talk to provide feedback, ask questions, or share compliments.

Enjoy the long weekend ahead!

The Champlain Valley School District

Welcome Back CVSD Faculty

Today marked the official first day back for our faculty across CVSD. For the first time in three years, we gathered together at CVU for Convocation and professional development. With nearly 500 faculty members in CVU's auditorium and library (livestreamed), we started the day with speeches and a fabulous keynote. 

First, CVU's student co-presidents Asa and Kyle spoke to the whole group about their experiences in CVSD schools, with shout-outs to the many educators that had a direct impact on them. They reminded us that they have yet to experience a high school year not impacted by COVID-19 and are excited to embark on this final year of learning and connecting. 

Angela Arsenault, our School Board chair, shared an inspirational welcome message. She acknowledged the challenges we've all faced through the pandemic. She led us through an exercise to envision our dream school and district that is supportive and inclusive for all children. 

Superintendent Rene Sanchez told of the work that the district's leadership team engaged in this summer, helping to develop a focus for the year. With teaching and learning at the center of our work, we will emphasize growth and belonging for all. Incorporated into that are the more specific topics of identity, direction, connection, and proficiency. We'll be sharing more information about how we will define and incorporate those terms into our work with students and one another soon. 

Rene also recognized faculty and staff who had been in the field of education for longer than 30 years, culminating with CVU teacher, Norm McClure, who is starting his 50th year! (Yes, you read that number right!)

Our keynote today was Joelle van Lent, a licensed psychologist who focuses on resiliency. Her presentation was authentic, inspiring, and engaging. There are many things that resonated with everyone, especially after the last few years. She provided ideas and suggestions for how we can support our students and each other. 

After a short break, we shifted the focus to those four areas of identity, direction, connection, and proficiency. Everyone was offered the choice of reading an article, listening to a podcast, or watching a video (there were multiple options for each under each topic). Then we gathered in rooms by topic and discussed our experiences and ideas. 

Our final activities were community circles of about 10 in each group. There were 50 groups spread out in rooms around CVU. We responded to questions about identity, direction, connection, and proficiency. And then each group created a collaborative quilt square with some plans and intentions for the year. These squares were collected and displayed together for all to see and appreciate. It's an impressive collection of creative and thoughtful expression and ideas. Zoom in if you can!

It was a great welcome to a new school year with a positive tone, engaging speakers and activities, and inspiration for a fabulous school year. Thank you to everyone who helped plan, coordinate, and facilitate the day. We're excited to welcome students back next week!