THETFORD ELEMENTARY SCHOOL NEWS


DECEMBER 1, 2023

UPCOMING DATES TO REMEMBER


Holiday Concert - Dec 14, Thursday - 5:30pm


Winter Break

Early Release at 12:00pm - Dec 21, Thursday

NO SCHOOL - Dec 22 - January 2

BACK TO SCHOOL Wednesday, January 3


Ski Fridays - Early Release 12:00pm

January 12, 19, 26

February 2, 9, 16

Message from Principal Mills


Greetings TES Families,


Warm greetings as we usher in the enchanting month of December! As the weather turns colder and snow graces our surroundings, let us collectively embrace the warmth and joy that this festive season brings. December is more than just a month; it is a magical time filled with the spirit of giving, gratitude, and togetherness.


In the spirit of unity, TES is thrilled to announce our first traditional concert on Thursday, December 14, starting at 5:30 PM. This promises to be a delightful event, showcasing the talents and efforts of our students. However, please note that in the event of school cancellation on that day, the concert will be rescheduled to December 19, 2023, at 5:30 PM.


We look forward to seeing you and your families come together to celebrate the season and support our students. Let the joy of music and community lift your spirits during this special time of the year.


Wishing you all a festive and joyous start to December!



Best,


Principal Mills

T.E.S. Holiday Concert


Thursday, December 14th 


5:30PM


(RAIN/SNOW MAKE UP DATE - DECEMBER 19TH - 5:30PM)



This year we are having a whole-school Holiday Concert in the Gym. Please arrive between 5:10 and 5:20. Students should report to their classrooms first, and then come down to the gym together at 5:20. This is a special event, so dressing up is encouraged, but not required. 


Some suggestions for concert attire:

Festive Dresses

Skirt and Blouse

Dress Pants and an “Ugly” Sweater

Dress Pants and a Button Down Shirt


Try to avoid clothing with rips and tears. Also, try to avoid clothing with writing on them.


If you have questions or concerns, please reach out to Mrs. Hollander: katherine.hollander@oesu.org


News from the Health Office with Nurse Kate


Happy Friday, TES! I hope everyone had a restful break. I am so glad the kids are back for the last push before the end of 2023! I look forward to the opportunities that we have to reflect on the growth that our kids and adults have made over the fall!


Many people don’t know that in addition to helping kids who come down with a cold or illness or injury, school nurses spend a lot of time helping kids to stay healthy. School Nurses take away health related barriers to education that may pop up. One way that we do that is by doing annual vision and hearing screenings. Being able to hear and see well is a huge part of the educational process, and I’m so glad that we do these screenings!

  • In Vermont, we do hearing and vision screenings every year for students in Kindergarten, and Grades 1, 3, and 5.  
  • These are very simple screenings. They help make recommendations for kids that need a better assessment with their pediatrician, eye doctor or audiologist.  
  • The screenings do not diagnose hearing or vision problems, and don’t mean that your child needs glasses or hearing aids. They only tell us if a student needs a better assessment.  
  • Children that already wear glasses should wear them for their vision screening.
  • Families with children that need further follow up will be notified by letter.  
  • It is my hope to have all the screenings done by the end of December.  
  • If you have any specific questions about vision and hearing screenings, please reach out to me at kathryn.dalpra@oesu.org.  


In addition to hearing and vision screenings, next week some of our students will be visiting the dentist at the Ronald McDonald Care Mobile when it comes to Thetford. Routine dental care helps students in their overall health now and in the future, and it’s so exciting to be able to offer this service. The RMCM helps students that do not have dental homes access dental care. If you are interested in your student seeing the dental professionals at the RMCM and we haven’t been in contact, please reach out to me as soon as possible so we can set that up!


As always, if I can help with anything, please feel free to reach out at kathryn.dalpra@oesu.org!


Be well, 

Nurse Kate

MINUTE TO WIN IT

AT THE ALL SCHOOL ASSEMBLY

THETFORD RECREATION


If you are planning on registering your child/ren for the Thetford Recreation Ski Program, please do so as soon as possible.


Registrations must be done by December 16.


Click here for the link to Thetford Recreation page.

BASKETBALL COACH NEEDED


Thetford Rec is looking for a coach for the 3/4 Girls Basketball team. Please reach out to Rec Director Rachael Cook at recreation@thetfordvt.gov.

P2 Character Strength Shout Outs!


ENTHUSIASM AND BRAVERY

Emma Dunn


Emma is excited to get to work and to figure out how to solve problems. She is always excited at school and makes people around her happy and energized. Emma has a love for the learning process and sees every challenge as an opportunity for growth and approaches her work with optimism.



Parker Strew


Parker is enthusiastic in many ways. His motivation and way about him can sway others. A couple of examples are getting others to step up their game in sports and getting others dancing at the Echo dance performance at school. Parker, thanks for showing others how to be enthusiastic without going overboard.



Gabriel Munday


Gabriel brings a spirit of energy and excitement to learning. He has a zest for life and displays enthusiasm every day at school. He is a kid who wants to do, see, learn and experience everything, and this energy helps motivate others around him.



Levi Howard


I nominate Levi Howard for the character trait of bravery. Levi leans into learning opportunities with strength, confidence and so much bravery! Learning is challenging, yet Levi embraces all learning opportunities, even the very difficult ones, with mental strength. Levi also possesses a great deal of moral bravery, always standing up for friends when needed.



Giuseppe Jamele


I nominate Giuseppe Jamele for the character trait of enthusiasm. Giuseppe's excitement and energy is contagious and it surrounds almost everything he does! His enthusiasm shines brightest when he has a creation in mind and has the materials and time to complete it - from electronics to sewing!



Jackson Snider


Jackson's enthusiasm is very contagious! Jackson is great at tackling things with a positive attitude and is really good at energizing the people around him. His enthusiasm for things makes him really fun to be around!



Elly Emery


Elly is someone who shows quiet bravery every day! I have noticed her pushing herself this year to do her best, even when things are difficult or hard. She's also doing great at asking for help when she needs it, which can be a very brave act!




Jaxon LaMotte


Jaxon shows enthusiasm in the classroom each day. When he is excited about something it is contagious. His laughter and energy spreads throughout the classroom. He is able to look at the bright side of things even when it is challenging.



Zephyr Riegler


Zephyr shows bravery by being an upstander and looking out for his friends. He speaks up for what is right even if others do not. He isn't afraid to take on a challenge in the classroom.



Bodhi Arnold


Bodhi's excitement for topics that interest him is contagious! He shares his joy and enthusiasm with others, and his energy spreads to everyone in the room. You can see, hear, and feel Bodhi's enthusiasm, which makes him a very enjoyable third grader to teach!



Samarth Patel


Each morning when Samarth enters the classroom he lights up the room with his excitement and enthusiasm! Learning new things and being with his friends is exciting for Samarth. His classmates enjoy listening to him talk about all the different things he has done.


Dawson LaMotte-Kendall


Dawson has shown a lot of bravery this school year in different ways. Even though some things may be hard, he tries and keeps trying until he is able to do them! He is always there to help friends, too. He showed how brave he was when a classmate needed help getting down from the play structure. Dawson reached out his hands to her and let her know that he was there to help her then he bravely helped her get down safely


Brycen Crossett


Brycen displays enthusiasm in his love of learning. He loves ALL aspects of our school day and his enthusiasm for learning is contagious to his peers and teachers who work with him. His enthusiasm makes everyday better in our classroom and we all appreciate Brycen's enthusiasm and zest for life!



Darius Griggs


Darius has shown bravery this year in being willing to branch out and make new friends. This year he was in a different classroom with peers he has not been with before and has been brave to branch out and form new friendships and connections. Great job being Brave, Darius!



Zander Atherton


Zander regularly approaches his daily school routines with joy, excitement, and overall exuberance. He loves learning and trying new things, interacting with people of all ages, and being active. He has a great sense of humor and loves to laugh. Zander often shares his excitement with others and gets them to feel enthusiastic too about what's happening around them.



Henry Bragg


Henry displays bravery across his school day and throughout his personal activities. At school he tackles academic work even when it means putting himself out there to take a learning risk. He has a love of nature and the outdoors, which often leads him on adventures that take strength and personal courage. And he's often up for the challenge of trying something different - like climbing up a tall fire truck or riding a homemade cardboard sled down a steep hill.


Ogden Houk


Ogden displayed so much bravery recently when his finger was in a cast. He faced each day with positivity and never let his cast deter him. His bravery in the face of a challenging situation was commendable!



Hudson Cook


Hudson is always excited to learn new content, and keeps an open mind to learning new material. Hudson also stands up for her peers, which is very brave



Aksel Hugget


Aksel comes to school everyday excited and eager to learn. His enthusiasm is contagious throughout the day and his energy keeps things fun. He is so excited to learn new things and work on projects all the time!



Zachary Martin


Zachary Martin greets every new project with curiosity, interest, and excitement. He pursues his artwork with joyful determination, and his enthusiasm and engagement during classes helps motivate and inspire others.