Fletcher Elementary held its annual STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math) Night last night. Each classroom focused on a United Nations Sustainable Development Goal. Below is a description of each group’s work, along with the specific goal of focus. In addition to the many great displays, students participated in hands-on instrument-making and received free STEAM-related books to take home.

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Preschool:

Our preschoolers were proud to showcase their learning related to Sustainable Development Goal #12, Responsible Consumption and Production. They have learned ways to take care of the earth by focusing on the three R’s: Reduce, Reuse and Recycle. Through stories, songs and projects such as making earth-friendly citrus cleaner and reusable fabric snack bags, preschoolers have learned that each person can make a difference and that our actions can help protect our planet.

Kindergarten:

Life on Land is very important to our kindergarteners, who have been learning about Sustainable Development Goal #15, by the same name. Kindergarteners have worked in small groups to research and learn about four Vermont animals: moose, coyote, muskrat and black bear. Students used the Engineering Design Process to create a habitat for their animals and then again to design a sled that their animal could push or pull through an obstacle in the habitat so that they could get food.

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First and Second Grade (Ms. Pellegrino):

Ms. Pellegrino’s first and second graders are well aware of the dangers our earth’s bodies of water are facing. By studying ocean pollution, overfishing and strategies for protecting marine wildlife, they are experts in Sustainable Development Goal #14, Life Under Water. Small groups will display their research and accompanying artwork about each topic.

First and Second Grade (Ms. Michalski):

Ms. Michalski’s students have turned trash into treasure by taking recyclable items and repurposing them into new useful items. Focusing on Sustainable Development Goal #13, Climate Action, students will be able to talk about their newly created items and their purpose, all while keeping trash out of the landfill and protecting our climate!

Art Classes:

Be certain to check out the many art displays in the main lobby and the corridor leading to the Studio. Some of the work represents the power of positive thinking and having a growth mindset. Other work is inspired by artists like Gustav Klimt (literacy and math connections through patterning) and Keith Haring (learning how art makes us happy.)

Third Grade (in the gym):

There are budding geneticists in third grade! By studying inheritance variability and traits, third graders learned how some traits are passed down from their parents while other traits are influenced by the environment. Many students even tested their blood type and, using a small test strip on the tongue, investigated whether or not they have the gene receptor to taste bitterness. Students discussed how knowing certain information can support Sustainable Development Goal #3, Good Health and Well-Being.

Fourth and Fifth Grade:

Students in 4th and 5th grade created posters for Vermont’s Drinking Water Week poster contest. The theme of this year’s contest is, Water Works for Vermont!  Students were tasked with creating a poster which depicts this theme and the importance of water to life in Vermont.  In Literacy Workshop, students explored Sustainable Development Goal #6, Clean Water and Sanitation, through research and writing.  After reading and viewing various resources about the importance of access to clean and safe drinking water, students wrote an opinion paragraph addressing the question: Should access to safe and clean drinking water be a basic human right?

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Fourth, Fifth and Sixth Grades:

Students in grades four, five and six have spent the last several weeks designing, testing and building bridges to compete with over seventy other teams from around the state at Vermont Technical College on April 4th. Teams were challenged to consider aesthetic and efficiency in addition to building a bridge that would hold the largest load possible, previewing future design work in civil engineering which aims towards the global goals of innovation, industry and infrastructure. Sustainable Development Goal #9, Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure has been key to this learning.

Library Classes:In the library, students have heard the story, Before We Eat: From Farm to Table, by Pat Brisson. Students made connections and discussed how to grow their own food. Then students were asked,  how can you be a responsible consumer and producer? We brainstormed lots of ideas ranging from what we buy when we go to the store, and the packaging, to how to grow and share food with others. In addition, Sustainable Development Goal #12, Responsible Consumption and Production, will be on display in the gym. One of the displays will be the recycling of the Crayola Markers.

Christopher Dodge is the Principal of Fletcher Elementary School and is a regular contributor to THE FWSU STORY. You can follow him on Twitter @FletcherFalcon

The adage, “One person’s trash is another person’s treasure” rang true this year at BFA Elementary as third-through-fifth grade students in art class created colorful, collaborative, permanent art works. Three large-scale murals were recently completed using re-used colorful plastic caps collected throughout the year by our community. The project was spearheaded by a group of current fourth graders when they started collecting caps with this idea in mind last year. Sam, one of the original collectors said, “This has been going on for two years. We started in third grade collecting caps and now it’s done!”

“I think when you walk through the hall, it makes everything in the school have color, pop and feel very special.” – AUSTIN, GRADE 4

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The recycled art project focused on collaborative creativity and school pride, and was a meaningful way for students to learn United Nations’ Global Goals for Sustainable Development. Through art, students explored goals ‘Responsible Consumption’ and ‘Life Below Water.’ Classes learned about plastic pollution and the permanence of plastic in our environment, along with ways we can reduce our consumption of plastic.

“We learned about plastic and how it can affect animals. How around the world there are five main trash deposits in the oceans. So what we used will stay out of the ocean and help save the world just a little bit. A little bit can go a long way.” – TEDDY, GRADE 4

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Students investigated how art can improve a space and brainstormed multiple approaches to a creative art or design problem. They combined ideas to generate an innovative idea and collaboratively set goals and create artwork that is meaningful and has purpose to our school. One student exclaimed, “I don’t think I would ever think to do this type of art, but I feel proud!”

“We learned about plastic, which just stays on the earth forever- it doesn’t go away. So using the caps makes it so we are keeping it from the earth and making something beautiful out of it!” –VANESSA, GRADE 4

The pieces feature themes relating to our community, which students submitted and art teacher Kim Desjardins helped combine with underpainting on the 7’ tall panels. Over months, students worked together sorting caps by color, excitedly crafting cheerful imagery with the plastic circles, and used power drills to screw the some 700 caps into place. Tatum shared that, “I think it’s really cool because if you think about it, it will be here for a long time, like if its still there in twenty years, I can be like, ‘I made that!'”

The art made is now a treasure for the school community to enjoy for years to come.

The mural will be on view at our 1st Annual K-12 Art Show, May 6-10, with an Opening Reception on May 7th from 5:30-7:00. We hope to see you there!

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Kimberley Desjardins is the Art Teacher at BFA Fairfax Elementary. You can follow her on Twitter @KimberleyDesja2 and Instagram @bfacreativekids

On Saturday, seven students and a teacher from La Rochelle, France arrived at BFA as part of a cultural exchange. The students are in “seconde,” which is the equivalent of grade 11 and hope to gain perspective on American education and practice their English language skills.

The exchange has been coordinated by World Language teacher Alana Torraca, who connected with François Tellier from Fénélon Notre Dame school late last year. Earlier this year, Monsieur Tellier met with Alana, Principal Tague, and Superintendent Kirsch to explore the possibility of an exchange.

“Everyone arrived safe and sound and jet lagged and have gone home with their host families. We are looking forward to seeing them at school on Monday.”

– Alana Torraca, World Language Teacher

Since that conversation Madame Torraca has found home stays for the students, arranged for student shadows and began communication efforts between both groups of students. Students met their host families on Saturday and spent the weekend with them.

“We exhausted her yesterday. We took her shopping. She showed us where she lived on Google maps. It’s great to have this opportunity to connect.”

– Sally Billado, host parent

Students will visit the State House with our Seniors this week and take in the Coffee House on Friday evening. We look forward to this experience for our students and school, and will provide further details about the adventure in a future blog post.

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John Tague is the Principal of BFA Fairfax Middle/High School and is a regular contributor to THE FWSU STORY. You can follow him @jtague252

Child abuse and neglect take on many forms. In 2017, a record 21,201 calls were received by the Vermont Department for Children and Families Child Protection Line. More than two-thirds of those calls were made by mandated reporters, such as school employees. Of the total reports, 5,527 investigations were opened and 876 cases of abuse or neglect were substantiated in Vermont. Physical abuse, sexual abuse, risk of harm, risk of sexual abuse, emotional maltreatment and/or neglect top the list of substantiated behaviors.

Reports of suspected abuse or neglect in Vermont have increased annually since 2013. Of the 10 DCF field offices in Vermont, our own St. Albans office received the greatest number of reports of alleged abuse or neglect, with 686 in 2017, second only to Burlington, who had 976 reports in the same year. The St. Albans DCF office also had the second greatest number of substantiated reports in 2017, and the greatest number of cases opened for ongoing services statewide.

Each year, more than 3.6 million referrals are made to child protection agencies across the United States. These reports involve more than 6.6 million children. The United States has one of the worst records among industrialized nations, losing an average of between four and seven children every day to child abuse and neglect. Across the US, a report of abuse or neglect is made every 10 seconds.

While child abuse and neglect are complex problems, research shows that there are many simple and cost-free ways that families and communities can work to combat this epidemic. Shared here is a calendar produced by Prevent Child Abuse Vermont and the Vermont Department for Children and Families. The calendar suggests several ways to build a caring, safe community that is resistant and resilient to abuse and neglect. Please take a look and decide if some of these suggested activities are right for your family.

Since 1983, April has been designated Child Abuse Prevention Month in the US, with a goal of promoting an awareness of the problem and suggesting strategies for intervention. Prevent Child Abuse America has established the pinwheel as a happy and uplifting symbol of childhood and to draw attention to the prevention of child abuse and neglect. Also shared here is a pinwheel coloring sheet and a pattern and instructions for creating your own pinwheel. I hope your family will consider enjoying these activities together.

Act 1 is a legal mandate that requires Vermont schools to train employees to recognize and report the signs of child sexual abuse. Additionally, schools must provide developmentally appropriate instruction to students on how to recognize and prevent sexual abuse and violence, how to promote healthy and respectful relationships, developing and maintaining effective communication with trusted adults, recognizing sexually offending behaviors, and gaining an awareness of community resources.

In Fletcher, School Counselor Lisa Coale uses the Second Step Child Protection materials to fulfill these requirements in a way that is developmentally appropriate, understandable and non-frightening to students. In the younger grades, the skills and concepts taught include identifying safety rules, recognizing safe and unsafe situations, demonstrating ways to stay safe and applying assertiveness to unsafe situations. As the curriculum progresses in duration and advances in grade level, students learn about identifying safe and unsafe touches, refusing unwanted physical contact and how to alert an adult when assistance is needed. Families are informed of specific content as it is taught.

At Fletcher, we work hard to teach children the skills to proactively prevent abusive situations. Together with families and the community, we can dramatically reduce the incidence of these traumatic events.

Sources:

2017 Report on Child Protection in Vermont (Vermont Department for Children and Families)

Childhelp.org

Christopher Dodge is the Principal of Fletcher Elementary School and is a regular contributor to THE FWSU STORY. You can follow him on Twitter @FletcherFalcon

Today we’re featuring stories from two contributors at BFA Elementary! Principal Tom Walsh writes about the spring 4/5 Grade Dramatic Club presentation, and Sarah Wolff, our General Music Teacher, shares about the VMEA Choral Festival.

BFA Fairfax Elementary 4/5 Drama Club Continues to Entertain

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Dramatic Arts at BFA Fairfax continue to grow and thrive. This year our school has offered four performances that have provided opportunities for over one hundred students in grades 3-12. This past Tuesday, our grades Four/Five Drama Club put on two highly entertaining performances of Kid Frankenstein for students, parents and staff members.  

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I always appreciate the opportunity to watch the expressions and reactions of audience members as they see their friend, sibling, or family member shine during the performance. The smiles, laughter and pride are contagious. It never gets old watching our students take a risk and discover the enjoyment of performing for others. Most importantly, students have fun, build positive memories, and foster the continued desire to participate in theater.  

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I want to extend a big thank you to Katie Haddock, Juliet King, and Jennifer, Mark, and Nevan Kalbfleisch for continuing to provide this opportunity for our students. We are so fortunate to have a dedicated and committed group of people that value dramatic arts, and offer these engaging opportunities annually for our students. I appreciate that our community continues to support local theater and I look forward to next year’s performances.

Twelve BFA 5th Graders Participate in Choral Festival as Part of Music in Our Schools Month

On March 19, 12 BFA Fairfax 5th graders attended the 2019 VMEA 4th & 5th Grade Choral Festival in St. Johnsbury, VT. These 12 students, along with 11 other elementary schools from across the state made up the 175+ choral ensemble. Students spent the day working with a special guest conductor rehearsing music in preparation for a concert the same evening. In between rehearsal time, students had the chance to meet other kids from across the state of Vermont who share their interest in singing. They also had the opportunity to listen to an outstanding performance by the Mill River Union High School Chamber Singers of North Clarendon, VT.

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After the performance, students were able to participate in a Q+A session with the high school singers. This special performance was a true inspiration for these young singers and it showed them that hard work and dedication can really go a long way. 

This festival is held in March to help celebrate MIOSM (Music in Our Schools Month). The purpose of MIOSM is to raise awareness of the importance of music education for all children – and to remind citizens that school is where all children should have access to music. MIOSM is an opportunity for music teachers to bring their music programs to the attention of the school and the community, and to display the benefits that school music brings to students of all ages. 

Congratulations to the twelve 5th grade students who represented BFA Fairfax at this festival! Music education is certainly alive and flourishing in the state of Vermont!

Thomas Walsh is currently Principal of BFA Fairfax Elementary School and is a regular contributor to THE FWSU STORY. You can follow him on Twitter @educatamount

Sarah Wolff is the K-5 General Music Teacher at BFA Fairfax.

We would like to take this opportunity to recognize the dedication and hard word, and thank all of our wonderful Special Educators & Speech and Language Pathologists!

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They go above and beyond to provide support for all of our students!

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Our Special Educators and SLP’s provide individualized instruction to students in need and are essential to the educational team. The extra efforts they put forth in supporting students with special needs are one of the things that contribute to making our schools a wonderful place to be every day.

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Their instruction, modifications, and accommodations make learning possible for all students. They provide encouragement and support, and celebrate accomplishments along the way.

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Thank you to the Special Education teachers who go the extra mile to make sure our kids become the best they can be!  We appreciate you and value the support you provide to our school community. We recognize the difference they’re making!

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“People don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care.”

Timeless words from John C. Maxwell

Rachel McIntyre is the Director of Student Support Services at Franklin West Supervisory Union. She is a regular contributor to THE FWSU STORY.