EMS Newsletter

Dear EMS Families,

On Wednesday, Engage EMS (our school's PTO; all are invited) met. During the meeting, we discussed comments that are being made regarding the timing for a full return to school. At this time, it is unclear if it will be in the fall or later this school year.

Vermont guidelines remain consistent regarding not permitting assemblies and for maintaining 6-foot physical distance. All such decisions are being made at the state/regional level. For the time being, we are moving forward with the current guidelines, and we are focusing on things that are under our control. If the guidelines change, I will absolutely notify families immediately.

During the Engage EMS meeting, I also shared that guidance has not been released regarding spring sports. We are confident that we will have a spring sports season, but we don't have anything concrete to share until the guidance is released. We will notify families when we receive the guidelines.

At the Engage EMS meeting, I also shared the results from the January/February Student Climate survey. Those results will be linked to the Engage EMS notes that will be distributed. The survey results were incredibly positive.

The end of the third quarter (April 2) is rapidly approaching. Please consider two things as we finish the third quarter:

• Check on your child's progress. I always hope that we can catch concerns well in advance of the end of the quarter.
• If you would like to change your child from remote to hybrid, please contact us as soon as possible. Change in student enrollment occurs at quarter breaks.

I hope that you are enjoying these sunny days. The kids have been doing great. We are so incredibly grateful for them and the positive energy that they bring to school every day.

Take care,

James Kiefer

• We are following up regarding proficiency-based learning in 7th and 8th grade exploratory classes. Exploratory teachers have adopted proficiency-based learning strategies in the classroom and will be reporting to families both traditional grades and proficiency scores. This gives everyone more information on student learning as well as the well-known A-F.

• In addition to the quarter grade, students and families will be able to see progress on proficiencies and habits of work in exploratory classes. Our teachers are working to align their work with the work of the district. The district will continue to communicate with families regarding proficiency-based practices as we move ahead. Please note that there is no current plan to get rid of traditional grades.

The Burlington School Food Project will be distributing Meal Kits as usual on Friday March 19th.

MathCounts will reconvene on Thursday mornings at 7:10 a.m. We are so grateful to Mr. Matson for volunteering to provide this opportunity to our kids.

Thank you to everyone who donated to our toilet paper/paper towel tube art project! We got so many and had more than enough.

Here's a sneak peek at step one - cardboard mandalas using slices of those cardboard tubes. The next step is to add color!

EMS art students are the best!

Judy Klima

Art Teacher

Camp Kesem is a Summer Camp opportunity for children who have a loved one who has or has had cancer. The following links provide more information about this heartwarming opportunity. If you would like to connect with someone from Edmunds first, please feel free to reach out. I am happy to answer any questions or find out more information for you.

Take Special Care,

Angela Halsted, SAP Counselor, Edmunds Middle School, ahalsted@bsdvt.org.

Website Link: https://www.campkesem.org/find-a-camp/camp-kesem-at-university-of-vermont (if you search Camp Kesem at UVM it's the first thing to show up)

Facebook Name: Camp Kesem at the University of Vermont

Instagram Name: Camp Kesem at UVM or @campkesemuvm

Contact Emails: vermont.outreach@.campkesem.org or vermont@campkesem.org

Phone Number: 802-489-6063

Parents and Friends,

Burlington Youth Lacrosse is a nonprofit committed to providing kids the opportunity to be a great teammate, have fun, and learn a healthy/fast-growing sport. We are planning - with safety precautions in place - to start our season as usual on April 1.

REGISTRATION IS OPEN
Please sign up today for boys and girls in grades 3rd-8th at Burlington Youth Lacrosse. Full scholarships are available for families who need them.

WE NEED NEED COACHES AND NONPROFIT BOARD MEMBERS
Our coaches and board members are positive, supportive, and makes things fun. If that's you or sounds like someone you know, please email me at btvlax@yahoo.com to inquire about becoming a coach or board member.

Please help us spread the word about this great experience for our kids.

Thank you and stay safe!
Bill Carter
Burlington Parent and Coach of Girls 10U

Our mailing address is 110 Main Street, Burlington, VT 05401.