Dear Families,

Back in early November a couple of local folks shared that we may have a mild winter season. I thought this was good news as I could do without the freezing cold temperatures and bundling up with many layers to keep warm. However, I still had snow tires put o­n my car by the end of November as was suggested to me my first year here and waited to see what happened. During the month of December I missed seeing white caps of snow covering the scenic mountain ranges that Vermont has to offer us and wished for even the smallest snowstorm. I am thrilled with the recent snow fall as we are finally able to enjoy all the outdoor activities that come with winter. Perhaps it will be a long winter after all.

Do you remember your school library as a child? It was often a separate place reserved for quiet study and reading. Things have certainly changed for your children! Our school library still supports and expands literacy skills. We still see students reading and listening to quality children’s books being read aloud each and every day. In addition, our school library is now a collaborative space. O­n any given day, we can see students researching, creating their own digital content, and collaborating. They are active learners in a space that is no longer contained within brick and mortar walls. The library now has a presence in classrooms and in your homes. Follow the library link o­n the CCS homepage to explore resources available to your children. To get a weekly update o­n the learning that happens in our school library, visit Mrs. Huestis’ library blog at http://booksliveon.wordpress.com. O­ne of our favorite blog highlights from the fall is a collaborative unit in which 6th graders developed and delivered their own book talks! Take some time to explore the blog and see how things have changed.

We are pleased to inform you that we have linked the following anti-bullying website, http://www.stopbullying.gov/ , to our CCS website in our o­n-going efforts to educate students, teachers and parents about bullying prevention. This link is now posted o­n CCSNEWS o­n the homepage and also o­n Mike DiNicola’s Opportunity Room page which contains other bullying information. Please take a moment to check out this informative website.

Last but not least, I would like to congratulate the CCS Early Education Program for its recent recognition from the Department for Children and Families. Hats off to the Early Education staff comprised of Anne Mason, Nancy Wood, Miriam Learner and Terri Thibault for their five stars award. To learn more about this special honor, please see the article o­n page three of this week’s newsletter.

As always, Greg and I thank you for your o­ngoing support and collaboration towards your child’s continued success at CCS.

Sincerely,
Audrey Boutaugh