“There is always light, if only we’re brave enough to see it. If only we are brave enough to be it.” -Amanda Gorman

January 22, 2021

Semester two is underway. Students have adjusted well to the start of brand new classes, new teachers, and new schedules. This week we also piloted meetings with advisories in-person. Our focus was honoring Martin Luther King, Jr. Since students did not attend school on Monday and teachers were engaged in professional development learning, we felt it was necessary to make time and take time to celebrate Martin Luther King, his work, and discuss what we can do to bring light and love in our school community. Our circle dialogues were centered around one of King’s many quotes: “Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.” MLK Jr. During a circle dialogue, we follow specific guidelines which provide each person time to think, reflect, and share their thoughts without interruption. Our guidelines ask each person to speak for your heart, listen with your heart, speak with respect, listen with respect, remain in the circle, and honor confidentiality. Each person can at any time respectfully pass if they do not want to share. Circles also have a talking piece that is passed around, however, due to COVID, we did not use a talking piece and instead allowed one person to start and choose a direction around the circle we would follow. The students were engaged, shared thoughtful and insightful ideas, and ended with sharing how they will bring light and love to our school and community by writing their ideas on yellow pieces of paper that represent rays of light. We will be working to create a paper mural to display in the school’s main lobby.

SHS 9th/10th Grade Family Meeting - How can school counselors support your student with...

• Personal/social well-being

• Academics

• Career exploration and development

Many SHS families and students are not aware of the support that school counselors provide for our students and families. We'd like to share with you what we offer and how we facilitate those services. We'll also share a 9th and 10th grade checklist for preparing for each high school grade level and post-secondary aspirations. We look forward to seeing you!

When: January 27, Wednesday, 7:00 PM

Where: Google virtual meeting

Why: To learn how best to use the SHS school counseling services

Who: Students in grades 9/10, All parents/guardians of 9th and 10th grade students

RSVP to: Anna Vasseur through email or in person by Jan. 25 (anna.vasseur@lsuu.org)

We will send a meeting link on Jan. 26 to all that RSVP'ed

Thank you,

Abbey Allen and Patti Tomashot

Family Resources:

The United Way of Lamoille County maintains an uber-comprehensive list of all the resources around the area: food, mental health, housing, employment, substance misuse and recovery, domestic violence, and much more. If you have any questions about what is available locally and on a state level, head to the UWLC website first.

Youth Vaping Prevention

Lamoille Area Youth Council Kickoff Event

Live Your Why- Healthy Lamoille Valley

Snow Days will be School Days:

As the colder weather approaches and we already saw snow this week, we need to plan for the possibility of school closings due to inclement weather and unsafe road conditions. In the event we need to call for a snow day, we have developed a remote learning plan so that students can continue with their coursework. When we have a snow day, we will follow our current schedule . For example, if we need to call a snow day on a Tuesday, the students that were scheduled for in-person will have their classes remotely via Google Meet. Students who were already scheduled for a remote day will continue with the plan that was outlined by their teachers for remote learning.

Technology News:

Schoology: The Parent View in Schoology presentation is designed to help families understand and navigate Schoology.