Yesterday, we presented our second round of FWSU Educator Recognition certificates and awards. It’s great to pop into a classroom and surprise the educator (and their students) with some kind words from our community, a gift certificate from their school’s parent group (many thanks to BFA’s PTSA, FES’s FOFE and GEMS PTCO), and the highly … Continue reading November Educator Recognition
Anna Sargent Selected as VSADA and NIAAA Top Scholar-Athlete
Each year the Vermont State Athletic Directors Association (VSADA), in coordination with the National Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association (NIAAA), awards ten scholarships to senior student-athletes in Vermont. These scholarships “recognize the distinguished scholastic, leadership and sportsmanship attributes of high school student-athletes, and the importance of high school athletics in each student’s life” (NIAAA, 2021). BFA … Continue reading Anna Sargent Selected as VSADA and NIAAA Top Scholar-Athlete
Vermont & FWSU Welcome a New State Assessment this Spring
Since 2015, Vermont has participated in a state summative assessment known as the SBAC, Smarter Balanced Assessment Consortium. This year our students will sit for a new spring assessment, Cognia. The spring of 2022 is the last hosting of SBAC in Vermont. If you would like to know more about the State’s procurement process and … Continue reading Vermont & FWSU Welcome a New State Assessment this Spring
A Time to Say “Thank You”
“As we express our gratitude we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words but to live by them.” - John F. Kennedy - At the November monthly assemblies, the Georgia Elementary and Middle School students and staff took time to express appreciation for our past and current Veterans. The Middle … Continue reading A Time to Say “Thank You”
BFA Fairfax Elementary Implements Art Integration Opportunities
Addresses all FWSU Action Plan Targets: Proficiency-Based, Personalized Learning Distributed Leadership and Student Agency Safe, Equitable, Healthy, Flexible Learning Environments Engaged Partners: Parents and Community Contributions by Kim Desjardins and Julie Wasilewski We are so excited at BFA Fairfax Elementary to re-engage our students in a learning opportunity that integrates art and core curriculum. This … Continue reading BFA Fairfax Elementary Implements Art Integration Opportunities
October Educator Recognition
Last month, we shared a link with the Franklin West community that provided an opportunity to recognize our educators. We typically recognize two educators each year through the University of Vermont’s Outstanding Educator program and want to show our appreciation for more of our educators throughout the year. Over 90 nominations were received across all … Continue reading October Educator Recognition
Enjoying Fall & Connecting as a Class
Earlier this month, the seventh grade celebrated the beginning of their new, two-year loop at the picturesque Hosmer Point in Craftsbury, VT. The field trip to Hosmer Point is considered a right of passage for BFA middle schoolers as it is a day dedicated to focusing on coming together as a team, reflecting on our … Continue reading Enjoying Fall & Connecting as a Class
Women Can Do
Women Can Do! This was the message heard and seen at the annual career exploration conference ‘Women Can Do’, organized by Vermont Works for Women. On October 6th, a group of 9th and 10th graders from BFA joined hundreds of other high school girls and gender-expansive youth from around the state to attend this event … Continue reading Women Can Do
Welcome Hannah Welburn to FWSU’s Central Office!
Hannah has recently joined our office on October 10th and she graciously sat down for a quick interview. We are excited to introduce Hannah Welburn, our new Executive Assistant to the Superintendent and Director of Curriculum! What are some details about your role at FWSU? Right now I’m learning the ropes and everyone has been … Continue reading Welcome Hannah Welburn to FWSU’s Central Office!
Accepting A “Different” Normal
Thomas WalshBFA Principal, PreK-4 Addresses all FWSU Action Plan Targets:1. Proficiency-Based, Personalized Learning2. Distributed Leadership and Student Agency3. Safe, Equitable, Healthy, Flexible Learning Environments4. Engaged Partners: Parents and Community We have experienced a positive start to our school year at BFA Fairfax. It has been wonderful to return back to school and re-engage with our … Continue reading Accepting A “Different” Normal
Proud Principal: A GEMS Tradition
It has been a long standing tradition in Grades K-4 for students to be recognized by their teachers and Principal Emery. On Tuesday, October 11th several students were recognized for their respectful behavior they demonstrated during the month of September. Awards are given out by Principal Emery (and Mrs. Fisher, Dean of Students) during their … Continue reading Proud Principal: A GEMS Tradition
Fletcher Students Hit the Trails
"Keep putting one foot in front of the other and then one day you look back, and you've climbed a mountain." – Tom Hiddleston Life can be like that. Grit, determination, persistence, dedication... and then, at some point, the mountain peak... with a thought-stopping view. The kids of Fletcher Elementary experienced that this September. Fourth, fifth, and … Continue reading Fletcher Students Hit the Trails
Petit Déjeuner
Students in the French World Languages classes are cooking up a storm! Under the direction of Madame Alana Torraca, students worked together to make a huge breakfast to celebrate the end of their first thematic unit on breakfasts around the world. Now that they have reviewed some familiar structures and vocabulary from last year, they … Continue reading Petit Déjeuner
Mandarin in Fairfax!
Beginning last year, Principal Noonan and I, in partnership with Spiral International, began a grant application process to fund and bring a native-speaking Mandarin-Chinese Language instructor to Fairfax. You may remember our announcement that we had won the grant late in the spring of 2021. After an extensive vetting process and working through logistics, we … Continue reading Mandarin in Fairfax!
Tod Granger – FWSU Director of Buildings and Grounds
Keeping every aspect of all three of our schools in working order is no easy feat. It requires a vast amount of knowledge (about plumbing, carpentry, air quality, water quality, playgrounds, and routine maintenance…), dedication, and connection to resources when they are needed. FWSU is fortunate to have Tod Granger as our Director of Buildings … Continue reading Tod Granger – FWSU Director of Buildings and Grounds
Morning Meetings and Advisories: Creating Connections and Community
The first 30 minutes of the day at GEMS are spent sitting in a circle with classmates. Why a circle? A circle allows for everyone to feel included in their classroom community as they are face to face. We call this circle, “morning meeting.” The purpose of morning meetings is to: Promote opportunities for social … Continue reading Morning Meetings and Advisories: Creating Connections and Community
BFA Fairfax Homecoming Week 2022 – A Celebration Of Senior Athletes, Tradition, and Community
The BFA Fairfax school community would like to welcome all alumni, friends, and families to BFA Fairfax Homecoming events being held October 7-15, 2022. Whether taking in the talents of our students and staff at Coffee House, viewing creative costumes at the ever-popular Fairfax cross country relays, or cheering on our high school soccer and … Continue reading BFA Fairfax Homecoming Week 2022 – A Celebration Of Senior Athletes, Tradition, and Community
Inspiring and Encouraging the Growth of Each Student
In early August, principals, superintendents, curriculum directors, and other central office leadership attended the Vermont Principals Association Retreat in Killington. There were many inspiring keynote speakers, but one that made a particular impact on Franklin West's leadership was Principal Kafele. “As a middle and high school principal, Principal Kafele led the transformation of four New … Continue reading Inspiring and Encouraging the Growth of Each Student
BFA Bond Update
Dear Members of the Fairfax Community, We are thrilled to welcome our students back for the 2022-2023 school year. The year is off to a great start and everyone seems to be settling into a positive routine. Fairfax is truly an amazing community, and the knowledge of that appears to be spreading, evidenced by PK-12 … Continue reading BFA Bond Update
A Falcon Visits the Falcons
Franklin West Community, On September 9th, an actual Falcon visited the Fletcher Elementary School--along with some of her friends. The Falcon is our School Mascot. Many of us had never seen an actual Falcon, especially up close. Starting the school year with a visit from VINS, to connect our School Mascot with the Real Deal, … Continue reading A Falcon Visits the Falcons
Signs of a New School Year
The start of another school year is upon us, and GEMS is buzzing with excitement. Teachers and students are eagerly beginning a new year of learning and growing together. Building a culture of learning is something all of us at GEMS focus on, even before the first day of school each fall. Teachers spent time … Continue reading Signs of a New School Year
Meet Our New Hires!
In addition to welcoming our students back on the “best day of the year,” we also welcomed new faculty and staff from all three schools. During our convocation ceremony, on August 25th, I shared that it takes a village for our school to function and be successful. Every employee directly contributes to our schools being … Continue reading Meet Our New Hires!
After a 3 year Hiatus BFA HS Students Return to Alaska
Early last week six BFA high school students and HS science teacher Mr. Lane returned from doing fieldwork in Alaska. 3 years ago six students and Mr. Lane had traveled to Alaska to complete the same study of tundra vegetation. That trip was so successful a repeat of the field study with different students was … Continue reading After a 3 year Hiatus BFA HS Students Return to Alaska
A “thousand” pictures to end the year
They say a picture is worth a thousand words, so to wrap up the 2021-22 school year at FWSU, we are sharing pictures of the celebrations and joy happening at all of our schools this week. From a bike rodeo, pirates, and 8th grade graduation at Georgia Elementary and Middle School (GEMS) to Fields Days, … Continue reading A “thousand” pictures to end the year
Thank You Genuine Foods
Thank you Genuine Foods! 🥗🌞 #BFAirfax #FWSUbelieves #FWSU #Schoolfoodservice #VTED #VTStudents #thankyou @GenuineFoods
Fletcher Falcons
What does it mean to be a Fletcher Falcon? It means that you belong to the Fletcher Elementary School community. Our community is made up of students, teachers, staff, and townspeople. It also means that when you walk down the long hallway everyone knows you by name. Being a Falcon means that you have … Continue reading Fletcher Falcons
StarBase Lift Off!
During the month of May, BFA Fairfax 5th graders traveled to the Vermont Air National Guard base to participate in a science program known as STARBASE. During their 4 days at STARBASE students participated in a variety of hands-on STEM activities that incorporated science and engineering practices. Students conducted several experiments and investigations that required … Continue reading StarBase Lift Off!
Our Transporation Team Goes the Extra Mile
On my way into Fletcher this morning I was behind one of our school buses and began to wonder how they map all of the routes? Now, to get to Fletcher from my house involves a series of turns on windy dirt roads. The first time I drove that route I was questioning where my … Continue reading Our Transporation Team Goes the Extra Mile
Green Thumbs & GreenHouses: Growing New Ideas at GEMS
It’s that time of year, our gardens are coming to life! GEMS students have been redesigning and reimagining our garden spaces. Throughout May and June, our flower and vegetable gardens will be undergoing major transformations. During our Wonderful Wednesday time, GEMS 1st grade students spent time planting sunflowers with Mrs. Edgerly. Students planted seeds in … Continue reading Green Thumbs & GreenHouses: Growing New Ideas at GEMS
A belief in what is possible
When Ned Kirsch was Superintendent of Franklin West, he developed the FWSU vision- “A belief in what is possible” which guided our work during his tenure. The vision remains as part of our culture, and along with our Action Plan, informs our work. As I have gone through this year as Interim Superintendent and am … Continue reading A belief in what is possible
Fletcher 3rd Graders take the SBAC Test
This month, third grade students at Fletcher Elementary School took the SBAC test for the first time! While this test can induce some anxiety and worries for some, all of our students approached this experience with grit and perseverance. The SBAC test consists of four separate tests, a math and literacy computer adaptive test, as … Continue reading Fletcher 3rd Graders take the SBAC Test
Vermont All State Music Festival Returns!
After a two-year Covid hiatus, the Vermont All State Music Festival was back in full swing this year. Put on by the Vermont Music Educators Association and hosted this year by Colchester High School, this three-day festival brings together the best high school musicians the state has to offer, from Rutland to Newport. Auditions are … Continue reading Vermont All State Music Festival Returns!
Georgia Administrative Team 22-23
For the school year 2022-2023, the Georgia Elementary and Middle School will be implementing a new administrative approach with the goal of unifying the school. By physical design, the school is set up as two buildings, but the new team's mission is to bring the schools together as one PK-8 school. The resources in each … Continue reading Georgia Administrative Team 22-23
WE ARE BFA FAIRFAX!
On March 17, 2020, our experience at BFA Fairfax and in our greater world changed. Little did we know that the duration and magnitude of our pandemic-altered world would extend for so long, and impact our lives even to this day. As I reflect on the time that has passed since that March day, one … Continue reading WE ARE BFA FAIRFAX!
Puppets in Education
On Tuesday, May 3rd, for the first time since the COVID-19 Pandemic began, our elementary school community came together to participate in a school assembly. It seems like a rather small development, but it marks another positive step forward as we continue to emerge from the health and safety restrictions that have been required over … Continue reading Puppets in Education
GEMS 7th & 8th Grade Spanish Class Field Trip
The 7th and 8th grade Spanish class at Georgia took its first field trip since before COVID and had a blast! Students toured the VT Tortilla Company with the owner Azur Moulaert. A forestry engineer turned entrepreneur, Mr. Moulaert was born in Belgium, grew up in Costa Rica, speaks three languages, and gave a tour … Continue reading GEMS 7th & 8th Grade Spanish Class Field Trip
Highlighting Our Students in Flexible Pathways!
Learning can be most powerful when it is driven by the learner. The personal growth that is experienced through self-directed learning expands confidence, skills, and executive functioning capacities. At FWSU our high school students explore learner-driven learning both within and outside of our classrooms, with many seeking additional experiential environments called flexible pathways. Flexible pathways … Continue reading Highlighting Our Students in Flexible Pathways!
Fletcher Elementary School Preschool
We read books every day. We love it when Mr. Tague visits with us. Sometimes he even stays to read with us. Thanks for reading books to us Mr. Tague! Everyday we play during Explorer Time. After reading Chicka Chicka Boom Boom, we did an alphabet sort in water beads. We play fire station! Maybe … Continue reading Fletcher Elementary School Preschool
Manie Musicale 2022!
What is Manie Musicale? It’s a competition that was created by two French teachers in Maine to coincide with the March Madness basketball tournament. Sixteen French songs are selected and students fill in their brackets after listening to all them, trying to predict which songs will move on to the next round and which one … Continue reading Manie Musicale 2022!
BFA FAIRFAX STUDENT’S ORIGINAL COMPOSITION TO PREMIERE ON THE PROFESSIONAL STAGE
This winter, BFA Fairfax participated in the Music-COMP Opus 36 music composition program for the first time. Through this program, students try their hand at composing with guidance from a mentor composer. Student composers are required to follow guidelines regarding what instruments they may use, length of the piece, and number of revisions they must … Continue reading BFA FAIRFAX STUDENT’S ORIGINAL COMPOSITION TO PREMIERE ON THE PROFESSIONAL STAGE
Pre-Kindergarten Secures A Grant
In November of 2021, Franklin West Supervisory Union Preschool Teams were notified by Diana Langston, the Act 166 coordinator, of the opportunity to apply for a grant awarded by the Vermont Department of Children and Families and the Federal Government. The grant was designed to help support child care providers and the social and emotional … Continue reading Pre-Kindergarten Secures A Grant
Acting Locally and Thinking Globally in Grades 5-8
At BFA Fairfax, amidst all of our teaching and learning, our hearts (and, at times, classroom discussions) return to the situation in Ukraine. In support of persons impacted by the conflict, the Fifth Grade Team, in conjunction with the 8th Grade Student Council, is organizing a school-wide fundraiser to benefit the people of Ukraine through … Continue reading Acting Locally and Thinking Globally in Grades 5-8
Our School Board Members
Dear School Board Members, Today’s blog post is a message of appreciation to past, present, and future board members! School boards are an essential component of our educational system. As elected members, you work hard and devote many late evenings and weekends to providing the support and guidance needed to carry out the FWSU mission … Continue reading Our School Board Members
GEMS Students Make Community Connections to Global Issues
As part of a year-long project-based learning unit, students have been exploring issues that impact our town and region. Working independently and in groups, they were able to meet, virtually, with a group of local partners to learn more about how these organizations support our community and work to address critical issues such as food … Continue reading GEMS Students Make Community Connections to Global Issues
Fletcher Falcons Soar!
Fletcher Falcons soared this year! Fifth and sixth graders attended Starbase this February. Students were on the airbase, in South Burlington, as part of this exciting five-day program. Starbase is an affiliate of the U.S. Department of Defense. Fletcher fifth and sixth graders spent about 25 hours in the Starbase facility and the instructors also … Continue reading Fletcher Falcons Soar!
Bernie Sanders State of the Union Essay Contest
Pictured: Samantha Haselman Senior Samantha Haselman was named a finalist in the Bernie Sanders State of the Union essay contest. Each year students are asked to write about the major issues facing our country. Haselman wrote about the impact of the opioid crisis’ on Vermont citizens and offered suggestions to help navigate addiction. Her piece … Continue reading Bernie Sanders State of the Union Essay Contest
Poetry Outloud
Pictured: Alden Kalbfleisch, Kaden Labor, Janaya Parsons, Victoria McQuillen Slocombe, Jaidyn Morrill, Ella Stafford, Laurel Coleman, Charlotte Wood, Madeline King Poetry Outloud is an annual competition for students looking to take their love of poetry and public speaking to the stage. Nine students competed at the school level this year. The panel of judges were … Continue reading Poetry Outloud
Championship Dreams Fulfilled For BFA Fairfax Ice Hockey Players
On Friday, March 11, at the University of Vermont’s Gutterson Field House, the Milton High School boys ice hockey team made history by winning their first state championship in 40 years! BFA Fairfax ice hockey players Teddy Munson, Zorion Seaman, and Braden Mathieu are members of this history-making team through the Vermont Principals Association Member … Continue reading Championship Dreams Fulfilled For BFA Fairfax Ice Hockey Players
Service learning at BFA Fairfax
BFA Fairfax third and fourth-grade students in Mrs. Farrar’s and Mrs. Myers’ classrooms have recently been learning about energy and the transfer of energy. As the classes explored ways to demonstrate this science concept, our students inquired about doing something that would also give back to our community after the past two years of challenges. … Continue reading Service learning at BFA Fairfax
BFA 8th Graders learn about the powerful and precious right
John F. Kennedy Presidental Library, Boston, Massachusetts On March 10 8th grade students in Jennifer Skerrett’s US History class participated in a virtual program with the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library. The program, “The Most Powerful and Precious Right”: Ensuring Voting Rights Past and Present was the culmination of a unit on voting rights in … Continue reading BFA 8th Graders learn about the powerful and precious right
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