November 2021

Principals' Post

We would like to express our gratitude to students, staff and families as we have all weathered some incredible logistics these past few months. After a very challenging reopening last fall, we thought everything moving forward would feel easier. Turns out this fall’s reopening has continued to be challenging! Continued Covid logistics, staffing shortages and construction have all taxed our community. It is important to note that schools across the country are experiencing similar levels of stress and anxiety. That being said, the caring relationships between our staff and students continues to move us through these tough times. Please continue to reach out to teachers, your student’s advisor, school counselors, and our administration to maintain our partnership on behalf of your child. We are deeply appreciative of how thoughtful, supportive, and caring this community is.

Co-Principals Kate & Jean

Welcome, Baudouin!

Baudouin (pronounced bow-dwan) Mulolo Mandaba is our new Swahili Multilingual Liaison. Fun tip: the name Baudouin means "bold/brave winner/friend".

Baudouin is originally from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), from the South Kivu province.

He and his family moved to Vermont in 2018, and instantly felt relief. "We come from a very troubled country with many wars and conflict and killings. When we arrived in a place like this one, where we can sleep easily and leave our doors open, it felt like a miracle. We love the safety," said Baudouin.

In the DRC, Baudouin was a pastor and worked as an interpreter for many organizations. He speaks five languages, English, French, Swahili, Lingala, Kikongo, and he can also understand two additional languages but doesn't consider himself fluent. More recently, he was the staff interpreter for the Vermont office of USCRI for several years.

He lives with his wife and four children in Colchester. His oldest daughter is earning her Bachelor's Degree from Champlain College, and his other children attend schools in the Colchester district.

Baudouin is happy to be in the Winooski School District, and already considers the community like one big family. "I like socializing with everyone. I am open-minded and like everyone!" So, stop by the ML Liaisons offices to say hello anytime!

Winter Sports Season Information

The following agreements have been established for many of the schools in northern Vermont:


To be read before all games/events:

Welcome to the game! We are so excited to have you gathered here for this event. For everyone’s safety, we ask that you remain masked throughout the game and that you only eat and drink in the designated concession areas. We are all here to celebrate and support our students. Thanks for doing so safely!

Masks

  • Agreement--Everyone must be masked for indoors sports

Agreement-- Masks will be worn by all student athletes, coaching staff, referees and spectators during indoor practices, competitions and games, regardless of individual vaccination status, except for the following limited circumstances:

  • Athletes participating in running events – both practice sessions and meets/competitions – so long as physical distancing is maintained between individuals using staggered starts or other means.

  • Athletes participating in wrestling, gymnastics, cheer and dance skills and events that require inversion (i.e., wrestling, tumbling, vaulting, bars, etc.)


Participants

  • Agreement --Will allow participants to use locker rooms

  • Agreement --Masking is required for practices and games for indoor sports

Agreement-- We strongly recommend all eligible student athletes get vaccinated. Vaccination is a proven mitigation strategy and will ultimately ensure athletes can stay in school and compete safely throughout the season. It may be helpful to remind athletes and their families that vaccinated individuals will not need to quarantine should an exposure occur.


While participation in a “Test to Stay” program will allow unvaccinated athletes to continue to participate in team-based practices during their quarantine, it will not enable involvement in interscholastic competition (i.e., games, meets or competitions).


Spectators

  • Agreement-We will allow spectators. No limits now but if compliance with expectations not followed will need to limit spectators.

  • Agreement --Needs to be consistent between all Winter co-curricular activities

  • Agreement --Clear and simple rules: Must eat and drink in designated area only.

  • Agreement --We will put up signs in the gym identifying section and ask people to note what section they are in

  • Agreement - Be respectful and leave space between your family and others

Welcome Ben Patrick- Long Term Substitute Art Teacher

I was born in Burlington, VT but grew up on the shores of Lake Superior in Northern Michigan. I graduated from Saint Michael’s College in 1998 with a BA in Fine Arts and from Pratt Institute in 2004 with an MS in Art Education of Art and Design.

My wife, Heather, and I enjoy exploring and studying paleolithic art in caves around the world and tending to our four year old daughter, Rosie. I have taught at various independent schools and colleges for twenty years including Vermont Commons School and Saint Michael's College. I enjoy installing digital installations in large hotels across the country. You can read about my work on my website: illuminatedpresses.com

Teaching has always been closest to my heart, and I am constantly inspired by the art and the creative process of the students in the classroom. It is a privilege to be a substitute teacher at Winooski High School.



Global Explorations Students Present Solutions to Climate Change in Somalia!

On Wednesday November 17 students in Global Explorations class focused on studying the history of colonialism, the legacies of conflict, and current issues in the major countries where many of our students come from: Democratic Republic of Congo, Somalia, and Nepal. In their current unit of study, students studied the history of Somalia and then turned their attention to how climate change is disproportionately affecting developing nations, including Somalia.

Students presented how climate change is impacting Somalia, as well as what they think is the best solution to help Somalia adapt to climate change or mitigate climate change. Students presented in from of a panel which included our cultural liaison, curriculum director, teacher, principal, and community member. The panel "judged" their presentations and award the winner with "1 million dollars" for the best solution. (This is of course fictional, but motivational nevertheless!)

Winooski Student-Athletes Participate in the VPA/VSADA Athlete Leadership Conference

Three of our high school student athletes attended a great Athletics Leadership Conference last week. We are proud of these athletes who want to be ambassadors here at our school on and off the playing fields. They represented Spartan country with great pride!

Below is a quick summary about the Conference.

VPA/VSADA Athlete Leadership Conference. We have planned a great day for you. Our theme is "Educate to Motivate"-Coach Jackson. Our intention is that you bring your best self, ready to actively pursue a leadership education rather than to just be part of a leadership experience. Once you return back to your schools we expect that you will take the lead beyond just the teams you play on and become one of the culture keepers in your school.

Middle School Spartan Games make a come back!

It was joyous to see and to hear our middle schoolers being goofy, competitive and appropriately LOUD! Advisories played games like “knock out” and “revenge”. Then we had a “Candy Land” tournament. It was energizing!