Virtual Field Trip: Lake Champlain Maritime Museum

 

Lake Champlain is a treasure trove of history and most of us would never even know!  The Lake Champlain Maritime Museum (at Basin Harbor in Vergennes) is a wonderful place to discover the history of our lake and all of the mysteries hidden beneath the surface!

While you're staying socially distant this summer, try exploring underwater shipwrecks and learning even more about the history of our lake.  

Check out the website here: https://www.lcmm.org/

More Cartooning Resources!

Friends!  Fantastic news...Toon Books is providing a TON of valuable cartooning tools on their website.  You can now access:

• Comics: Easy as ABC --> This one of the books we used in class when making our graphic novels in the fall.
• Professor Garfield Toon Book Reader --> Read (or listen to) a variety of fun, comic books!  You can even listen in multiple languages...check it out!
• A couple of cartoon makers (there are options for one-panel & three panel)
• Crafts, puppets, and more!

Coming Soon: Family STEAM Night

RES Family S.T.E.A.M. Night

Friday, March 6th, 6-7:30 pm

The Enrichment Program invites families to come learn together at our annual STEAM night. Families will participate in science, technology, engineering, art & math related activities and workshops. The PTO will be providing a snack table. This event is free, but donations to the Enrichment Program will be graciously accepted.

Here are some of the activities that will be available for families to do together:

• Family Garden Planning with a local horticulturist, Hattie White from Apis Garden Coaching
• Robotics with parent and STEM educator, Darcie Rankin
• Make a kinetic sculpture mobile with a local artist, Keri Hess of Wabi Sabi Art Studio 
• Stop motion animation - make a short film with Librarian, Emily Wood
• Guided stargazing and telescope demo with the Vermont Astronomical Society
• Outdoor Education with Vermont Audubon 
• Cardboard Engineering Challenge with the Society of Women Engineers
• Sustainable Energy & Electricity with Vermont Energy Education Program
• Coding & math games - learn about & play logic and computer programing games.

Please email Enrichment Teacher, Harmony Roll at harmony.roll@mmuusd.org if you would like to help out with this event. Thank you in Advance!

Rescheduled: Global School Play Day 2020 #gspd2020

Due to the Snow Day, we have reschedule GSPD to Wednesday, February 12th!

RES Third Graders will be participating in Global School Play Day all day on Friday, February 7, 2020.   We'll be spending our entire day engaged in "unstructured" play -- board games, card games, building, making, creating, outdoors...you name it!  We won't be on technology!

Here's a quick TedX video on the decline of play:



So, on February 7th...students may bring (clearly labeled) board games, card games, dolls, blocks, trucks, cars, racetracks, empty boxes for building/creating, puzzles, blankets (for fort building!), and more!  If it doesn't use technology (computers/screens/apps), and it is appropriate for school, bring it!

We'll spend the day immersed in play...we can't wait!

Snow Motion -- Week #1

What a fantastic day to be on the mountain today...despite the cold temperatures!  We can't wait to return again next week! 

Just a reminder -- ski boots & helmets should come to school; ski & poles should be dropped off at Cochran's.  (It really does make it much faster for us to get off the bus and get onto the mountain!)

Awesome Opportunity

Starting today, we have Ben, Will and Finn from CHMS teaching a science lesson to our class about trees and forests.  They are participating in the TRY (Teens Reaching Youth for the Environment) Program, through UVM Extension and 4-H.  They will be in every week through February break to teach a lesson to our students.  We are so excited to see former RES students take on this leadership role and to help support them grow as leaders.  Below you will find the overview of today's lesson so that you can connect with your child at home:

Finn, Ben & Will

Lesson 1: Why are trees important? 

Today we had our first lesson in the TRY for the Environment—Forests and Trees Program. TRY stands for Teens Reaching Youth and it is an environmental leadership program where teens teach younger youth about environmental responsibility. There are 6 lessons in this program and each one will help your child become a better environmental steward for our forest and trees.

This first lesson focused on how we value forests and trees for their aesthetic, cultural, ecological, economic, educational and recreational benefits.

Fact: Trees improve air quality, mitigate stormwater, provide shade and enhance aesthetic beauty, provide wildlife habitat, and increase property value. Visit www.vtcommunityforestry.org to learn more about tree benefits.

Our Community Cares Camp

Our Community Cares Camp has spots open for campers who will be entering grades 2-5 next school year!  

OCCC is a free day camp that runs from July 9- August 1 from 8:00 AM to 12:30 PM.  The camp provides transportation and breakfast/lunch for all campers!  Activities at OCCC include music, art, sports, swimming, creative play, gardening and cooking.  

You can check out the camp webpage at http://www.ourcommunitycarescamp.org/.  

If you would like to register your child(ren) please contact Ms. Spaulding at RES (danielle.spaulding@cesuvt.org).

Postponed -- PTO Family Movie Night

Postponed due to Weather

Looking Ahead: Embryology in the Classroom!

WCAX's "Across the Fence" program just highlighted the UVM Extension's 4-H Embryology Program with Martha Manning. Third graders are proud participants in this program and it remains a highlight of the year for many.  Check it out:




We look forward to starting this program after we return from April vacation.

Thanks to WCAX and UVM Extension for providing the link to this video.

Supplies Needed for Artist-in-Residence

ARTIST IN RESIDENCE: Miriam Block 

 Coming to RES -- March 2019 

We are excited to announce that RES students will be working with Miriam Block, a textile artist and designer, during art classes. They will learn about the way textile designers use texture, color, and pattern to plan and create woven fabrics. This three week residency will be an amazing opportunity for students in pre-k - 4 grades to discover the many ways fabric is used in our lives. During this residency, students will have an opportunity to design and weave a fabric for a specific end use.

 In order to support this residency we are SEEKING A FEW DONATIONS of supplies. If you have any of these supplies, or are willing to collect them over the next few weeks, it would be REALLY appreciated!

1.  Recycled Netted Bags (from Lemons, Limes, Clementines, Potatoes, Oranges) The best bags will have small even openings on the top (see picture top). 
2. Yarn, plastic strips, rope, ribbon 
3. Old tablecloths or bed sheets (we will be cutting into strips) 

 This Artist in Residence was supported by many people, including:

•  Vermont Art Council 
• RES Artist in Residence Selection Group 
• RES Enrichment Program 
• RES Art Program 
• RES PTO 
• RES Circus Night 

THANK YOU! 

Donated items can be dropped off at the RES front office, ATTN: Darcie Rankin. 

If you have questions, please contact Darcie Rankin, Enrichment Teacher at darcie.rankin@cesuvt.org.

Third Grade Ninja Warriors!

Several of our third grade friends were highlighted last week for their participation in the Vermont Ninja Warrior Competition!!  We love seeing and celebrating successes in and out of the classroom. Way to go, friends!


Thank you to WCAX.com for the video and article!

Coming Soon: RES Author Visit with John Churchman

Coming Soon: RES Author Visit ~ John Churchman

John Churchman, author of the Sweet Pea & Friends books, will be at Richmond Elementary School on Monday February 4th and Wednesday February 6th. Students will get a chance to meet Mr. Churchman as a grade level AND small group sessions will be happening as well!  You can read more about Mr. Churchman on his website (www.sweetpeafriends.com).  Information about ordering Mr. Churchman's books is coming home with your student soon!

 This activity was funded and planned by the Richmond Parent Teacher Organization (PTO). Thanks to all those who contribute time and talent to this group to ensure great opportunities like this for RES students.

 If you have questions about the visit, please contact Emily Wood (emily.wood@cesuvt.org), RES Teacher Librarian, or Darcie Rankin (darcie.rankin@cesuvt.org), RES Enrichment Teacher.

RES Used Book Sale Tomorrow

Don't forget your quarters -- the annual RES Used Book Sale is tomorrow!

Students will have the opportunity to "shop" for new-to-them books collected from others in our community.

RES Cougar Cub Inventors' Workshop

We had approx 75 families in attendance and more than one hundred students making, creating and building.  Students made jitterbots, launched rockets, created spin art, shot scarfs through a giant (!) wind tunnel, played with PinBox3000, raced cars on a lego track, built wooden plant stands, made a giant marble maze, coded in Scratch, learned about 3D printing, and built with blocks and cardboard! I heard many families exclaiming that they were amazed at the diversity of activities.  I am so thankful for how much time and effort you all put into supporting this event and our school community. 

A HUGE thank you to Mrs. Rankin for planning, organizing and supporting makers and creators at RES!  Our school wouldn't be the same without you!  

Coming Soon: RES Powder Run

3rd Annual Richmond Powder Run 

Friday, June 8th 2:45-4:00 

The cost for the Powder Run is $20. (Mr. G is happy to give out scholarships to anyone that needs one.) T-Shirt is included with registration. There will be food, music, and lots of family fun. All proceeds from this event go back to grade level teams to promote learning in their classrooms.

Registration Info http://tiny.cc/r6eksy
Registration Options *Powder Run ($20)
Please make checks payable to RES attn Run Club
Scholarships or Questions contact brian.godfrey@cesuvt.org

Artist-in-Residence: Jeh Kulu

ARTIST IN RESIDENCE:  JEH KULU

Coming to RES  April 17th -20th

Dancing and Drumming with the West African Musical Troop during physical education classes.

Students should bring sneakers and comfortable clothes.

This artist in residence was supported by many people, including:

Vermont Art Council

Community Go Fund Me Contributors

RES Enrichment Program

RES Art Program

RES PTO

THANK YOU!

Questions?  Contact Darcie Rankin, Enrichment Teacher at darcie.rankin@cesuvt.org

Artist-in-Residence @ RES #gofundme

Performance art and physical movement is so important to the RES community! For the last three years, we have dedicated our resources to hosting an artist-in-residence to our school to work with students in Grades K-4. 

We have had Jeh Kulu (African Dance and Drumming) in 2015, Troy Wunderle (Circus) in 2016, and Gowri Savoor (Lantern Making) in 2017. The scholars and their families have learned from and loved each artist and we're excited to be continuing this great program.

Due to popular request, we are bringing Jeh Kulu back! This traditional West African Dance and Drum company will be coming to Richmond Elementary School in April 2018 for four days.  During this time, students in Grades K-4 will have an opportunity to learn from these amazing Vermont artists during their physical education classes.   Our third grade classes will be using this opportunity to further connect with our World Cultures unit and our hope is to have a special performance-celebration with Jeh Kulu at the end of the week to conclude our learning!

We have raised a portion of the artist fee through grant fundraising, but are seeking your help to ensure that the artists can be here all four days and visit with every classroom! Thank you for supporting the performance arts and physical movement at RES! 

You can support this program at RES by visiting this site:  https://www.gofundme.com/artistsatRES

Learn more about Jeh Kulu, Vermont Council-endorsed Artist-in-Residence at:
http://www.jehkulu.org/

Girls on the Run Vermont

Girls On The Run

Registration is now open at Richmond Elementary Girls on the Run® is dedicated to creating a world where every girl knows and activates her limitless potential and is free to boldly pursue her dreams.

At Girls on the Run, we inspire girls to recognize their inner strength and celebrate what makes them one of a kind. Our 10-week, 20-lesson program, will be held right here at RES! Trained volunteer coaches will foster girls’ physical, emotional, mental, and social well-being, culminating in a wonderfully uplifting 5k Run/Walk where everyone is #1!

Why It Matters
A recent national independent longitudinal study led by Dr. Maureen Weiss, an expert in positive youth development, found that the combination of Girls on the Run’s intentional life skills curriculum and highly trained coaches is key to our program’s impact.

• 97% of participants said they learned critical life skills including managing emotions, resolving conflict, helping others or making intentional decisions that they can use at home, at school and with their friends
• Girls who were the least active at the start of the program increased their physical activity by more than 40%
 • Girls on the Run made a stronger impact on teaching life skills to participants than did organized sports or physical education

Overall, the study showed that participating in Girls on the Run transformed girls’ lives by helping them increase their self-confidence, develop healthy relationships, and feel good about themselves, inside and out.

What You Need to Know

Our season begins on Wednesday, March, 28th and we will meet twice per week, Wednesdays and Fridays, from 3pm -4:30pm at Richmond Elementary School in Room 1 for 10 weeks culminating with our 5k event (TBD).

Registration for GOTR is open now for RES’s Spring 2018 season! See Ms. Powers (preschool) if you want to join!

Registration is offered by paper for the 2018 season. For online registrations, payment plans are offered and we accept debit, credit, and e-check payment options. Girls on the Run Vermont has limited financial assistance available to those who truly need it. GOTR is committed to being accessible to any girl who wants to participate, and is dedicated to ensuring that the program cost is not a barrier to participation. 

Snow Motion Family Ski and Ride Day at Cochran's

Snow Motion Family

Ski & Ride Day

Family and friends are invited for a FREE Ski & Ride Day at Cochran’s Ski Area thisSunday, March 11th from 10am-2pm. It’s been a great winter on the slopes atCochran’s, and we would like to invite all family members to celebrate the end ofSnow Motion with us. Feel free to bring your skis/board or just stop by and watchyour child take a few runs.

If your child needs equipment, please contact Brian Godfrey at brian.godfrey@cesuvt.org ere is a large white trailer near the Mighty Mite li with rental equipment for SnowMotion. Please stop by and check in with Mr. G (I’ll have a blue coat), so we can keep track ofhow many people attended the event.

What: Free Family Ski & Ride Day
Where: Cochran’s Ski Area
When: Sunday, March 11th, 10am-2pm


Questions: email Mr. G at brian.godfrey@cesuvt.org

Coming Soon: The 18th Annual RES Science Fair

RES SCIENCE FAIR

Thursday March 15th, 2018

Students in Grades K- 4 will be sharing their great science projects in the RES gym!  The Farm to School program will be offering a dinner during the event so that both participating families and those looking for a night out can grab a great meal!   Raffle prizes will be awarded to students who ask great science questions! Everyone is welcome!

RES Farm to School Dinner

Time: 5-6:30pm

Location: RES Cafeteria

SIgn Up To Help Us Meal Plan at:  

https://goo.gl/forms/nqQ6ReYT4s3s0Eu92

RES Science Fair

Time: 5:45 – 6:45 pm

(participants may set up projects any time after 5:15pm and should complete entry forms by 2/23)

Location: RES Gym