T-BIRD NOTES

www.mvuschool.org August/September 2008

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Principal’s Message

Letter from the H.S. Asst. Principal

Letter from the M.S. Asst. Principal

Letter from Director of Student Affairs

Fall Crossroads Information

Back to School Special Events

2008-2009 Faculty and Staff Updates

Free and Reduced Meal Application

Special Events Calendar 2008 - 2009

2008 - 2009 School Calendar

A Day – B Day Rotation Schedule

HS & MS Bell Schedules for 2008 – 2009

Upcoming Events August/September

FROM THE PRINCIPAL’S DESK

Dear Parents and Community Members of MVU Sending Communities:

I would like to take this opportunity to introduce myself as the new Principal of Missisquoi Valley Union Middle/High School. I live with my wife Marilyn in Alburgh and have four grown children. My youngest is a junior at our “rival” Bellows Free Academy in St. Albans.

I am happy, excited and honored to serve you and your children as Principal of M.V.U. and look forward with great optimism to the challenges we face as we forge a new, more positive direction for M.V.U. I want to assure you that I will serve you well as an advocate focusing on success and learning for your children.

I look forward to working with you and your students through collaboration, open, honest communications and respect. Please do not hesitate to call or stop by should you require information, if problems arise or you just wish to communicate. My door is always open and I will return all telephone calls.

Many groups of the M.V.U. community have been working during these brief weeks of summer. Some of the changes that have been implemented since my arrival in early July are as follows:

1. Revisions of the 7^th and 8^th grade schedule to allow all core subjects to be taught every day for 1 hour.

2. The revamping of elective and exploratory blocks to allow additional math, language, and science offerings for both 7^th and 8^th grade students.

3. The return of computerized letter grades for grades 7 and 8.

4. A clear layout of our school-wide Common Local Assessments for the year.

5. The introduction of Teacher Student Advisory (TSA) and beginning clarity regarding the TSA functions.

6. Clearly defined discipline procedures, expectations and follow-up for grades

7 – 12.

7. Clearly defined attendance process to address absences, tardiness and follow – through for

grades 7 – 12.

8. Development of various curriculum to include power standards and all 7 – 12 grade level expectations.

9. An Action Plan in the area of climate and school culture grades 7 – 12.

10. The development of a 3-Year Strategic Plan setting school-wide goals and direction.

11. The hiring of an interim middle school assistant principal, 4 language arts teachers, 2 science teachers, an interim social studies teacher, a new student assistance program counselor, an employment specialist, a new Latin teacher, a new math teacher, a new math department leader, an interim social studies department leader, and a special educator. (A special welcome to all MVU Rookies!)

12. The commitment to study the high school schedule during the fall of 2008.

13. The rewriting of handbooks to reflect the above changes.

14. The revision of our School Safety Plan and an Action Plan for training staff and students during the 2008 – 2009 school year.

15. The formation of and discussions with a student leadership team leading to a student voice at MVU.

16. Many discussions around the future direction of assessment and instruction with additional discussion at our August in-service.

17. A complete look at the school day with several changes allowing us to be more intentionally focused and accountable at all levels of the school community.

In closing, I would like to thank the large number of staff, parents, community members and the School Board for their kind, supportive and caring welcome.

I have met with the Board on several occasions and the work of establishing goals, developing a long-range strategic plan, as well as looking at the many challenges of our future at M.V.U. has been exciting. There is a great capacity and enthusiasm from all of the school community as we move forward.

If you or any organization would like to meet with me or speak with me I can be reached at 868-7311 ext. 125 or bpequignot@mvuschool.org. Please feel free to contact me.

Educationally yours,

Robert Pequignot

Principal

Dear MVU Parents and Students:

As the new school year approaches, we’d like to take this opportunity to encourage all students and families to familiarize themselves with expectations for behavior and conduct. In keeping with our focus on creating and sustaining a positive climate and culture here at Missisquoi, a team of people worked this summer with our new Principal, Bob Pequignot, to clarify expectations of students, parents and staff alike.

Many of these expectations are spelled out in the revised edition of our Parent/Student Handbook which will be distributed to and discussed with all students in grades 7-12 within the first week of school. Central to the new handbook are three basic tenets, better known as SR²: SAFETY, RESPECT, and RESPONSIBILITY for LEARNING. Essentially, all school rules can now be linked to one or more of these three ways of thinking. Please be sure to review the handbook with your children after they receive it. There are three forms in the front of the book. We ask that all parents sign the first one indicating that you (and your child) have read and understand what is expected. This should be returned by Thursday, September 25^th, to your child’s Teacher/Student Advisor. The other two have to do with directory information and internet access. You only need to sign and return these if you want to “opt out” of either. If this is the case, please read and follow the directions in the handbook or you may call either the middle or high school office for more information. In either event, please pay close attention to the following areas: CODE of CONDUCT, ATTENDANCE, TARDIES, SAFETY & SECURITY, PARKING, DRESS CODE, and PROHIBITED ITEMS.

Beyond expectations regarding behavior and conduct, we’ve also restructured how we plan to deliver administrative service and support to our students. This is particularly true in the high school. While Mr. Pequignot has dedicated much space in the newsletter to changes for the upcoming year, some of them bear repeating here. For reasons of safety, security and increased visibility for the front desk, the front lobby will be off limits during the day except for early dismissal, SRO, health office, or Ag class traffic. The doors to the front lobby will close at the final bell for block 1 and will remain so until dismissal. This will shift pass time and other traffic through the lobby by the doors to J-Pod. The high school office has been reunited under one roof in the old guidance area and will thus provide easier, “one-stop shop” access for students in grades 9-12 with an issue or question. This will include an in-school suspension room, a separate (short-term) planning room, and the student government office as well as Mr. Hartman, Mr. Bushey, administrative assistants and support staff. Guidance is moving to the old Fiscal Service area and will inhabit that region of the administrative offices. Now, whether students wish to see someone in the middle school office, the high school office, the guidance department, the special education office or the athletic director’s office, it’s as easy as a walk down the new “main street.” We hope these significant changes in where we do business will help us to be more effective in how we do business.

As always, we look forward to the year ahead. It is our hope that by working together we can truly have a successful year. Not only in the area of academics, but perhaps our combined efforts will produce a more lasting impact by creating the positive climate and culture this school and its children, the staff and the greater community deserve and are capable of.

Respectfully,

Erik D. Bushey

Director of Student Affairs

CROSSROADS THIS FALL

The fall session of the Crossroads After-School Program is just around the corner! All 7th, 8th and 9th grade students are invited to join in the fun for 8 weeks beginning September 15, 2008. While participating in the program, students will be provided a variety of snacks before partaking in activities ranging from engineering challenges to Turbo-Jam aerobic kickboxing. Also included in the program is daily homework help and one-on-one tutoring lead by MVU teachers. Crossroads After-School classes are held every day directly after school until 4:45 when students are bussed home to their regular school bus stop. Keep your eye on the mail as registration forms will be mailed to you soon. Classes fill up quickly so it is important to mail yours in quickly! Any questions or concerns about the program should be directed to Julie Chiappinelli, Coordinator for the Crossroads After-School Program at MVU: 868-7311, extension 174. We're looking forward to another great year of Crossroads fun and hope your child will join us!

BACK TO SCHOOL SPECIAL EVENTS

7^TH Grade students and families are invited to our annual informal drop-in on Tuesday, August 19 from 5:30 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. Meet your new teachers and tour the school.

9^th Grade students and families are invited to our 9^th Grade Orientation Program on Thursday, August 21 from 5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. Familiarize yourself with the 9^th Grade Program and faculty.

7^th Grade 1^st Day is Friday, August 22, 2008!

Monday, August 25, 2008 is the 1^st Day of School!

Open House Nights will be held in September. Please mark you calendar and plan to come hear about our academic and student expectations for 2008-2009.

High School Open House – Wednesday, September 10 from 6:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

Middle School Open House – Wednesday, September 17 from 6:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

2008 – 2009 FACULTY AND STAFF UPDATES

Please join us in welcoming the following faculty and staff:

Jennifer Aldrich Special Educator

Stephanie Barkyoumb Instructional Assistant

Jessica Boldoser Student Assistance Program Counselor

Maria Dezotell High School Science

Paul Fassler Director of Special Education

Adrienne Fortune MS English

Sarah Hohmann HS Science

Jamie Olson HS English

Jeri Patterson Instructional Assistant

Kim Pepin Employment Specialist

Robert Pequignot Principal

Andrea Salgado Latin

Roy Sargeant Special Educator

Brooks Sturtevant Interim Social Studies

Karen Vincilette HS Mathematics

Eric Woods MS English

We would also like to congratulate faculty and staff taking on new roles for the 2008 - 2009 school year:

Patricia Casey-Rafter Mathematics Department Leader

Eric Gildemeister Interim Social Studies Department Leader

Dan Palmer Interim MS Assistant Principal

SPECIAL EVENTS CURRENTLY IDENTIFIED ON THE MVU 2008-2009 CALENDAR

August 19, 2008 7^th Grade Parent Drop-In Night 5:30 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.

August 20, 2008 Parent Driver Education Meeting 6:30 p.m. in the Theater (Cook)

August 21, 2008 9^th Grade Orientation Night 5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.

August 21, 2008 Parent Driver Education Meeting 6:30 p.m. in the Commons (Veren)

August 22, 2008 7^th Grade 1^st Day of School

August 25, 2008 First Day of School

September 10, 2008 HS Open House 6:30 p.m.

September 17, 2008 MS Open House 6:30 p.m.

September 19, 2008 College Fair @ St. Michael’s College

September 19, 2008 HS Outdoor Dance 7:30 p.m. – 10:30 p.m.

September 26, 2008 ½ Day of School & ½ Day In-Service

September 29, 2008 VSAC “Paying for College” 6:30 p.m. in the Library

October 1 – October 23, 2008 NECAP Testing Window

October 15, 2008 PSAT 7:45 a.m. in the Library

October 17, 2008 MS Dance 7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.

October 21, 2008 MS Sports Awards 6:00 p.m. in Commons

October 23 & 24, 2008 No School

October 27 – 30, 2008 STUDENT PHOTOS

October 28, 2008 Choral Concerts 7:00 p.m.

October 29, 2008 Instrumental Concerts 6:30 p.m.

October 30, 2008 HS Sports Awards 6:00 p.m. in Commons

October 31, 2008 HS Dance 7:30 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.

November 1, 2008 SAT 7:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

November 10, 2008 MS Fun & Frolics 6:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

November 12, 2008 ASVAB 8:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. in the Library

November 13 & 14, 2008 Skit Night 7:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.

November 24 & 25, 2008 Parent/Teacher Conferences

November 26 – 28, 2008 No School

December 12, 2008 MS Dance 7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.

December 17, 2008 MS Concert 7:00 p.m.

December 22, 2008 HS Concert 7:00 p.m.

December 23, 2008 ½ Day of School

December 24 –31, 2008 No School

January 1 & 2, 2009 No School

January 13 – 16, 2009 Mid-Term Exams

January 19, 2009 No School

February 6, 2009 ½ Day of School & ½ Day In-Service

February 13, 2009 MS Dance 7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.

February 14, 2009 Semi-Formal 8:00 p.m. – Midnight @ the Sheldon Casino

February 18, 2009 MS Sports Awards 6:00 p.m. in Commons

February 23 – 27, 2009 No School

March 2 & 3, 2009 No School

March 5, 2009 HS Sports Awards 6:00 p.m. in Commons

March 9, 2009 6^th Grade Registration 6:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

March 12, 2009 MS Fun & Frolics 6:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

March 13, 2009 Mr. Thunderbird 7:00 p.m.

March 17, 2009 Choral Concerts 7:00 p.m.

March 18, 2009 Instrumental Concerts 6:30 p.m.

March 18, 2009 MVU Annual Blood Drive 9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. (Tentative)

March 27, 2009 ½ Day of School & ½ Day of In-Service

March 27, 2009 HS Dance 7:30 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.

April 3, 2009 MS Dance 7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.

April 3, 2009 MS District Festival 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

April 4, 2009 MS District Festival Concert 2:00 p.m.

April 16 – 20, 2009 Musical (Times to be Determined)

April 20 – 24, 2009 No School

May 1, 2009 HS Dance 7:30 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.

May 6 – 9, 2009 All State Music Festival @ Essex

May 11 – May 29, 2009 Science NECAP Testing Window

May 12, 2009 VT Symphony Orchestra All Day in the Theater

May 13, 2009 NHS Induction 7:00 p.m.

May 16, 2009 Prom at the Windham 8:00 p.m. – Midnight

May 18, 2009 HS Awards Night 7:00 p.m.

May 20, 2009 Fine Arts Recital Night 7:00 p.m.

May 22, 2009 6^th Grade “Step-Up” Day

May 25, 2009 No School

May 29, 2009 MS “Thank You” Dance 7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.

May 30, 2009 Senior Banquet

June 1, 2009 Senior Awards Night 7:00 p.m.

June 2, 2009 MS Concert 7:00 p.m.

June 3, 2009 HS Concert 7:00 p.m.

June 6, 2009 SAT 7:45 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

June 10, 2009 MS Celebration 6:00 p.m.

June 12, 2009 Anticipated HS Graduation 7:00 p.m.

2008-2009 HIGH SCHOOL BELL SCHEDULE

Schedule A: Regular School Day

7:57 - All Students Proceed to Period 1

Period 1 8:00 - 9:30 (Include Pledge and room change announcements)

Period 2 9:33 - 10:15

Period 3 10:15 - 10:58

Period 4 11:01 - 11:21 (Teacher Student Advisory)

Period 5 & 6 11:24 - 1:09

1^st Lunch 11:24 - 11:45

2^nd Lunch 11:45 - 12:06

3^rd Lunch 12:06 - 12:27

4^th Lunch 12:27 - 12:48

5^th Lunch 12:48 - 1:09

Period 7 1:12 - 2:37

Schedule B: Two (2) Hour Delay

9:57 - All Students Proceed to Period 1

Period 1 10:00 - 11:05 (Include Pledge and room change announcements)

Period 2 11:08 - 11:38

Period 3 11:38 - 12:08

Period 5 & 6 12:11 - 1:36

1^st Lunch 12:11 - 12:28

2^nd Lunch 12:28 - 12:45

3^rd Lunch 12:45 - 1:02

4^th Lunch 1:02 - 1:19

5^th Lunch 1:19 - 1:36

Period 7 1:39 - 2:37

Schedule C: ½ Day – Solid Session

7:57 - All Students Proceed to Period 1

Period 1 8:00 - 8:46 (Include Pledge and room change announcements)

Period 2 8:49 - 9:11

Period 3 9:11 - 9:33

Period 5 9:36 - 9:58

Period 6 9:58 - 10:20

Period 7 10:23 - 11:07

Please note that High School Teacher Student Advisory (Period 4) will only occur on regular school days.

2008-2009 MIDDLE SCHOOL BELL SCHEDULE

Schedule A: Regular School Day

7:57 - All Students Proceed to Prime/Breakfast

Prime Group 8:00

Breakfast 8:00 - 8:10

Core 1 8:13 - 9:13

Core 2 9:16 - 10:16

Core 3 10:19 - 11:21

7^th Grade T.S.A. 11:24 - 11:45

8^th Grade Lunch 11:24 - 11:45

7^th Grade Lunch 11:45 - 12:06

8^th Grade T.S.A. 11:45 - 12:06

Elective #1/Exploratory 12:09 - 12:39

Elective #2/Exploratory 12:39 - 1:09

Core 4 (7^th Grade) 1:12 - 2:12

Prime Group Support (8^th) 1:12 - 1:34

Prime Group Support (7^th) 2:15 - 2:37

Core 4 (8^th) 1:37 - 2:37

Schedule B: Two (2) Hour Delay

9:57 - All Students Proceed to Core 1

Core 1 10:02 - 10:42

Core 2 10:45 - 11:25

Core 3 11:28 - 12:08

7^th Grade T.S.A. 12:11 - 12:28

8^th Grade Lunch 12:11 - 12:28

7^th Grade Lunch 12:28 - 12:45

8^th Grade T.S.A. 12:28 - 12:45

Elective #1/Exploratory 12:45 - 1:09

Elective # 2/Exploratory 1:12 - 1:36

Core 4 (7^th) 1:39 - 2:19

Prime Group Support (8^th) 1:39 - 1:54

Prime Group Support (7^th) 2:22 - 2:37

Core 4 (8^th) 1:57 - 2:37

Schedule C: ½ Day – Solid Session

7:57 - All Students Proceed to Core 1

Core 1 8:00 - 8:46

Core 2 8:49 - 9:33

Core 3 9:36 - 10:20

Core 4 10:23 - 11:07

UPCOMING EVENTS AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2008

August 7, 2008 MVU School Board 7:00 p.m. in the Library

August 19, 2008 7^th Grade Parent Drop-In Night 5:30 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.

August 20, 2008 Parent Driver Education Meeting 6:30 p.m. in the Theater (Cook)

August 21, 2008 MVU School Board 7:00 p.m. in the Library

August 21, 2008 9^th Grade Orientation Night 5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.

August 21, 2008 Parent Driver Education Meeting 6:30 p.m. in the Commons (Veren)

August 22, 2008 7^th Grade 1^st Day of School

August 25, 2008 First Day of School

September 4, 2008 MVU School Board 7:00 p.m. in the Library

September 10, 2008 HS Open House 6:30 p.m.

September 17, 2008 MS Open House 6:30 p.m.

September 18, 2008 MVU School Board 7:00 p.m. in the Library

September 19, 2008 College Fair @ St. Michael’s College

September 19, 2008 HS Outdoor Dance 7:30 p.m. – 10:30 p.m.

September 26, 2008 ½ Day of School & ½ Day In-Service

September 29, 2008 VSAC “Paying for College” 6:30 p.m. in the Library

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