APRIL 17, 2026
Embedded Files
CAMELS HUMP MIDDLE SCHOOL MOUNTAINEERS
NEWSLETTER
I have found that among its other benefits, giving liberates the soul of the giver. - Maya Angelou
Message From the PrincipalGretchen Muller | Principal
Milestones: Heading Into Spring Break
Milestones: Heading Into Spring Break
The halfway mark of April has come and gone, and spring break is upon us. Our Mountaineers are doing a great job navigating the spring season. Our spring clubs are fully up and running and off to a great start! We are always excited to see so many students engaged and taking advantage of the opportunities to explore their interests and build new connections with peers and club advisors. Our spring sports teams are also off to a strong start; while the rainy weather has required some flexibility, we appreciate everyone’s adaptability, creativity, and positive attitude.
We also want to share a big “job well done” to our students for their focus and perseverance during state testing over the past two weeks. They’ve done an excellent job demonstrating their learning, working through tough questions, and remaining patient.
When we return from spring break, we are excited for our upcoming drama production, “When Bad Things Happen to Good Actors.” Our students and many parent volunteers have been working hard during the week and on weekends, and we can’t wait to see their efforts come to life on stage. It is going to be fantastic!
Lastly, we want to take a moment to recognize and thank our two administrative assistants, Judith Bergeron and Kirsten Thompson, in honor of Administrative Professionals Day. Their organization, care, and behind-the-scenes work keep our school running smoothly every day. They have created such a positive and welcoming environment in our main office and beyond, and we are so appreciative of all they do. They are the heartbeats of CHMS. THANK YOU!
We wish all of our students, families, and staff a safe, restful, and enjoyable spring break!
Gretchen Muller
Important Dates
Important Dates
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Field Trip - Pride
(Barnett, Zagursky)
Field Trip - Pride
(Barnett, Zagursky)
Fri., MAY 1
Stream Monitoring
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Spring Drama Production
Spring Drama Production
Fri., MAY 1
6:00 pm
Sat, MAY 2
2:00 pm and 6:00 pm
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Early Release
Early Release
Wed., MAY 6
12:45 for Students
Team Mosaic NewsSandra Fary | Science Teacher Grade 7-8 | Vermont Master Naturalist | Member of the Vermont Biodiversity Alliance
Thank You for a Sucessful First Annual Battery Bonanza
Thank You for a Sucessful First Annual Battery Bonanza
Team Mosaic Sends Final Batch of Used Batteries in Recycling Drive
Team Mosaic Sends Final Batch of Used Batteries in Recycling Drive
Final batch of recyled batteries ready for pick up (those boxes are heavy!)
The results are in, and they are heavy! Thanks to the incredible participation of our community during the Bonanza event, Team Mosaic has officially wrapped up our inaugural battery recycling drive.
The 300-lb Impact
The 300-lb Impact
We are proud to announce that we collected a staggering 300 lbs of batteries. By choosing to recycle rather than toss, you have helped divert hazardous materials—including lithium, nickel, and cobalt—from Vermont landfills. From standard household AAs to high-capacity e-bike and power tool cells, every contribution helped protect our local soil and water.
Student Leadership in Action
Student Leadership in Action
Our 7th-grade Team Mosaic Ambassadors were the engine behind this initiative. These students led the sustainability charge by:
Managing collection bins across the Main Office and Team Areas.
Carefully sorting, taping, and packing the final batch for safe shipment.
Ensuring all safety protocols were met for a successful recycling process.
A Greener Future
A Greener Future
By participating in this drive, you are helping Team Mosaic keep our local environment clean and our landfills safe. We are thrilled with the success of this "First Annual" event and look forward to continuing this tradition of conservation.
Thank you for your support in powering a greener future!
Young Birders ClubSandra Fary | Young Birders Club Advisor
Young Birders Secure $2,000 Grant for Campus Conservation
Young Birders Secure $2,000 Grant for Campus Conservation
Team Mosaic’s Young Birders Club to install high-performance window deterrents at CHMS
Team Mosaic’s Young Birders Club to install high-performance window deterrents at CHMS
Young Birders Club received a $2,000 check from Green Mountain Bird Alliance on Tuesday, April 14, 2026
In the fall and winter sessions, the Young Birders Club visited classrooms to identify areas with the highest number of bird-window collisions. Based on data collected from teachers, the students determined the highest priority windows at CHMS to protect. Throughout the process, students researched why collisions happen and their impact on wild bird populations, noting which species are most affected.
After reviewing several affordable and effective deterrent options, the group selected the Feather Friendly® Pro product from Feather Friendly Technologies in Ontario, Canada.
Ms. Fary, the club advisor, successfully applied for and received a $2,000 grant from the Green Mountain Bird Alliance (formerly Green Mountain Audubon) and $350 from the Cornell Lab of Ornithology to purchase the high-performance film. Additionally, Feather Friendly Technologies provided sponsorship funds to further support the project.
As a recipient of these grants, the Young Birders Club will participate in the Project Recognition Program to promote their success and raise public awareness. Their work will be featured in the Green Mountain Bird Alliance newsletter this summer.
This spring, their mission is to cover all high-priority, first-floor windows at CHMS to make them truly feather-friendly!
Additional Clubs Start When We Return from Break
Additional Clubs Start When We Return from Break
Softball and 7/8th Grade Ultimate Frisbee Begin The week of Monday, April 27
Softball and 7/8th Grade Ultimate Frisbee Begin The week of Monday, April 27
Mondays
Mondays
Drama*
Crafting
Anime
Softball**
Tuesdays
Tuesdays
Young Birders
Artistic Inc.
Dungeons & Dragons
Games Unplugged
Minecraft
Empower
7/8th Grade Ultimate Frisbee **
Wednesdays
Wednesdays
Drama*
Reading
Minecraft
Yearbook
Softball**
Thursdays
Thursdays
Mural Art
GLOW*
Lawn Games
7/8th Grade Ultimate Frisbee**
*This club runs all year **Starts the week of 4/27
Sports NewsJoe O'Brien | Vice Principal and Athletic Director
First Games and Meets When We Return from Spring Recess
First Games and Meets When We Return from Spring Recess
Track & Field
Track & Field
Apr 6 - May 30
First Meet @ Burlington High School @ 3:00 on Monday, March 27. First day back from Spring Recess.
See schedule below and on the CHMS School website.
Softball
Softball
Mar 31 - May 29
First games begin after the April Break. See schedule below and on the CHMS School website.
Baseball
Baseball
Mar 31 - May 29
First games begin after the April Break. See schedule below and on the CHMS School website.
Spring Sports Schedule
Spring Sports Schedule
Sports schedule subject to change. Check back on the School/Team Websites: Live Google sheet for automatic updates. TO PRINT: Click box in upper right hand corner to open Google sheet
Participation Expectations
Participation Expectations
Being a student-athlete at CHMS is a privilege. We expect all involved in sports to understand that they are students first, and athletes second. As a student athlete, you are representing our school and the greater community. Considering this, we expect all our student-athletes to give their best effort academically, behaviorally, and in terms of sportsmanship. Failure to do so can result in time away from their team as determined by the school Administration and coaching staff.
Families also play a pivotal role in our athletics community. We expect that families conduct themselves in a way that sets a positive example for our student-athletes. This includes respecting our coaches, opponents, and officials. Please remember to let the players play, the coaches coach, and the officials officiate.
The goal of athletics at CHMS is to foster a passion for teamwork, sportsmanship, hard work, and joy. Another goal is to offer everyone meaningful playing time, however this is not guaranteed. Please respect that many decisions go into determining playing time, many of which are not apparent to spectators. Please keep this in mind when supporting our athletic competitions. Thank you in advance for your support of athletics at CHMS.
Arbiter Sports
Arbiter Sports
CHMS Athletics uses the Arbiter Sports platform to communicate on a regular basis with families. Parents/guardians will only receive these communications if their email addresses are listed under "Parent 1" or "Parent 2" during the registration process. If you only want one parent/guardian to receive email correspondence, then only fill in "Parent 1." If you want a second parent/guardian to also receive email correspondence, you will need to additionally add an email address under "Parent 2."
NOTE - Many families have reported emails that are sent by CHMS athletics via Arbiter are ending up in SPAM folders. Please be aware of this and, as needed, mark these emails as "not spam.
Physical Examination Requirements
Physical Examination Requirements
Families are required to upload to Arbiter a copy of a physical examination that is no more than two years old. If your student’s last physical is set to reach the two-year point during the season in which they are registering, there will need to be a new examination conducted before the two-year mark. Failure to have an up-to-date physical on file will result in your student not being able to participate in practices or games. You will be prompted to upload a copy of a physical into Arbiter during the registration process. Alternatively a Camels Hump Middle School Athletic Participation Form can be completed by your child's primary care provider and submitted. Using this specific form ensures all the required medical language is included for a smooth registration process.
NOTE - The sports physical on file has to clearly state that your student is "cleared for sports."
Thank you again for your support of athletics at CHMS!
Drama Club NewsNora Pemberton | Drama Club Advisor
Save the Date: Curtains up at CHMS
Save the Date: Curtains up at CHMS
The CHMS Drama Club is thrilled to invite the community to our upcoming production of When Bad Things Happen to Good Actors.
Our dedicated cast and crew have been working tirelessly since October, and they are finally ready to bring this hilarious, high-energy performance to the stage. Prepare yourselves for a night where the spotlight meets a bit of chaos—the show promises to have audiences easing (or, more likely, tripping) on down the yellow brick road. From unexpected musical numbers to marvelous missteps, this is a night of mayhem and magic you won't want to miss!
Come out and support our talented students
as they prove that even when things go "wrong,"
the show must go on!
Come out and support our talented students
as they prove that even when things go "wrong,"
the show must go on!
Show Details
Show Details
Dates: Friday, May 1- 6:00 pm, Saturday, May 2 - 2:00 pm and 6:00 pm
Tickets: $7.00 per person at the door
Payment: Cash or check only, please!
Misc. School News
Reserve Your Yearbook
Reserve Your Yearbook
Starting at 25$
Starting at 25$
There's nothing else like your school yearbook. Get your hands on the limited edition collection of our stories from the year. Share it with your friends today and hang on to it for years to come!
Shipping Information
Spring delivery to Camels Hump Middle School.
P.I.E. (Partners in Education) News
Be Part of P.I.E.
Be Part of P.I.E.
Join CHMS P.I.E.
Join CHMS P.I.E.
Camels Hump Middle School’s parent group welcomes you to get involved and stay connected. Watch the CHMS Mountaineer Newsletter for upcoming events and announcements.
Meeting Time
Meeting Time
(Second Tuesday of each month)
7:00–8:00 pm
Join us virtually
Join us virtually
Here is the link to join our virtual meeting!
Nutrition NewsKaryl Kent | MMUUSD Nutrition DirectorEli Fortney | CHMS Nutrition Chef/Manager
Local Food & VT Milk Highlight Lunch Program
Local Food & VT Milk Highlight Lunch Program
Bringing More VT-Grown Foods to Student Lunches
Bringing More VT-Grown Foods to Student Lunches
We are now partnering with many local producers to bring fresh Vermont food to our lunch trays including: Maple Meadow Eggs, VT Beef from Ferrisburgh, Misty Knoll Farms Chicken, Cabot Creamery Cheese and Yogurt, produce from Burnt Rock Farm, The Farm Upstream and Jericho Settlers Farm, Cold Hollow Cider, Chapin Orchard apples, and more...
Grant-Funded Upgrade to School Milk
Grant-Funded Upgrade to School Milk
CHMS recently received a generous grant from Tampa Bay Buccaneers player Evan Deckers, who has ties to Huntington, Vermont, through the NFL’s My Cause, My Cleats program. Thanks to this grant, we added a bulk milk dispenser at the start of the school year.
We’re excited to now partner with Monument Farms Dairy in Weybridge, VT, to offer 100% Vermont milk to our students. With schools now allowed to serve whole milk at lunch, we will begin a pilot of Monument Farms whole milk in our dispenser starting February 10. Hood 1% and skim milk will continue to be available in cartons at both lunch and breakfast.
We continue to respond to the feedback from our students and families and are grateful for the support of our community.
Online Safety Alert: Rage Baiting Explained
Online Safety Alert: Rage Baiting Explained
Over the past few weeks, a concerning behavior known as “Rage Baiting” has been gaining traction both online and in person, particularly in student and fan culture. I want to take a moment to define what it is, why it’s harmful, and what we as adults can do when we notice the signs.
What Is Rage Baiting?
What Is Rage Baiting?
Rage baiting is the intentional act of provoking or antagonizing others to elicit an emotional response: most commonly anger, outrage, or humiliation. It can occur through social media posts, group chats, or even during athletic events (chants, signs, or taunts aimed at opponents, officials, or fans). The goal is not genuine dialogue or competition, but rather to “get a reaction” and often to record or publicize it.
Is It a Trend?
Is It a Trend?
Unfortunately, yes. This behavior has grown in visibility with the rise of short-form content and viral moments. Platforms like TikTok and Instagram often reward engagement of any kind—meaning posts that spark outrage can spread faster than those that model good behavior. This “attention economy” has trickled into in-person environments, including student group chats, our stands and sidelines, where students may seek attention by provoking reactions from peers, adults, coaches, or opposing fans.
The Goal of Rage Baiting
The intent is simple but dangerous: to create chaos and control the narrative. Those engaging in rage baiting are often trying to film or witness an emotional overreaction that can be shared, mocked, or used as “proof” that their target was in the wrong. It feeds off escalation and thrives when adults or authority figures or even peers take the bait.
What Adults Can Do
What Adults Can Do
Recognize the Signs: Look for behaviors designed to provoke—mocking, filming others, instigating verbal exchanges, or exaggerated reactions.
Avoid Immediate Confrontation: Stay calm and avoid engaging emotionally. Responding in anger only validates the bait.
Redirect and Document: Use calm, clear directives (“That’s not appropriate. Let’s step outside and talk.”) and, if needed, document the behavior for follow-up.
Model Regulation: When students see adults remain steady and composed, it removes the power from the provocation.
Educate Early: Incorporate discussions about digital citizenship, sportsmanship, and emotional regulation into home conversations, advisory periods, team meetings, and pre-season assemblies.
Set Clear Expectations: Make sure your student, fan, athlete, and coach codes of conduct explicitly reference online and in-person behavior that targets others for reaction or humiliation.
In Short
In Short
Rage baiting only works when people engage. Our best defense is composure, consistency, and community expectations that center respect and safety. When adults recognize the tactic, refuse to feed into it, and address it calmly, we disrupt the very cycle that gives it power. If your student is the receiver of messages, pictures, etc that appear to be used as rage Bait, please interrupt the behavior, help your student by ensuring they do not respond, report the behavior.
Thank you for continuing to lead by example and for helping our students learn that true strength is shown not through reaction but through restraint.
Health News from Nurse's Office
When to Keep Your Child Home Sick
When to Keep Your Child Home Sick
District guidelines remain in place. If you are sick, please stay home. If your child requires cold medicine, ibuprofen, or acetaminophen for an illness, they are not well enough to attend school. Please keep them at home and then call the attendance line (802-434-2188) to update the school. Please read this link District Illness Guidelines
Please also take a few minutes to review these guidelines for
The Management and Treatment of Head Lice.
Annual Student Health Forms
Annual Student Health Forms
If you still have to review and submit your student's 2025-2026 Annual Health Update Form in the PowerSchool parent portal, please do so as soon as possible.
If you need support accessing the powerschool parent portal, Wendy Garrapy is MMUUSD powerschool parent portal resource person, and Wendy can be reached at wendy.garrapy@mmuusd.org
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