We have a new sturdy sled for hauling supplies to the outdoor classroom spaces! Thank you to Becky, our Outdoor Educator, for getting this, and to West Lebanon Feed and Supply for the helpful donation. Kindergarten tested the sled Thursday at forest day, and they approve! 

In poetry, the first and second graders learned about Robert Frost, and listened to some of his poems, including "Stopping By Woods on a Snowy Evening", read by Robert Frost himself. They then used pastels on blue paper to illustrate that poem. They are hung in the hallway if you are by the school and want to check them out.

In 3rd grade math, students took a test on multiplication. They have been busy building and drawing arrays. Today they were introduced to area and perimeter. Fourth grade mathematicians have been working on fractions and thinking about equivalent fractions.  

Third grade readers have been working on identifying text characteristics of fiction, nonfiction and hybrid texts which have elements of fiction and nonfiction in them! In 4th grade reading, students have been working on their fluency and learning how to phrase, and read several words in a row, for meaning. 

In art, the classes have now drawn, and painted in watercolor and acrylic, a series of mountainscapes. In geography, students have learned about the difference between weather and climate. They also have been comparing the climates of the Northeast region and Northwest region. 

This week, students have been taking note of the acts of kindness they have seen others doing. School always feels better when everyone is kind and caring toward one another. 

Next week 4th graders will be at the Hood Museum on Wednesday, January 29. We are excited for another fun visit! 

The students have been working hard on their math concepts this year. The 5th graders have learned about volume; adding and subtracting fractions and decimals; multiplying and dividing whole numbers and decimals; and estimating expressions. 

The 6th graders have begun a new math program called "CPM", and have collaborated on many projects. This program is all about working with a team and solving more abstract math concepts. The latest project they did with a partner was looking at and comparing ratios. They were each given a package of trail mix and had to compare the ratios of the five items inside the pack. The results were interesting because the trail mix packs were not close to being the same ratios.

In Social Studies, we've been learning about slavery during the Revolutionary War era through primary source documents, such as letters, colonial government proclamations, and the Constitution itself. It's been a challenge learning to deal with the complicated language built into these old documents, but a productive one. In literature, we began reading and analyzing Surrealist short stories, primarily looking for motifs and themes that are common across different works by the same author or artist. 

Seventh graders will take a test on chapter 4, which includes scale, proportional relationships and comparisons, and graphing. On Monday we will review the "Closure Problems" already completed. Eighth grade math just took a test on connecting patterns, rules, graphs, and tables, which we will review on Monday. Then we will start learning about systems of equations and how to solve them. Science learned more about the atmosphere and gas laws through a few simple lab activities and an online simulation from the University of Colorado at Boulder called PHeT

Library & Technology News

Simone Pyle

Did you know...the library website has lots of resources for all ages! Visit the library catalog and place hold on books in our library! Use the Vermont Online Library to access databases on dozens of topics, and for all age groups, and find high quality information for school, work, or just for fun! You'll also find a list of sites that provide copyright-free images and sound files that are either with a Creative Commons license or in the public domain. You'll also find primary source materials, online search tips, and coding sites!

Lunch Room News

Gret Hewes

We’d like to remind parents and guardians that the Hot Lunch program is a pre-pay billing system. Next week we will be sending out invoices to all those that have negative (owed) balances on their accounts. These balances will need to be paid and going forward have a positive balance(s) on them.

Every first of the month an email is sent from our MealTime billing system showing balances.  

If you have not set up an account for your student(s) go to mymealtime.com and follow the directions to access and set up an account for your student(s).

Feel free to email me at should you have any questions.

Basketball Updates

Newton basketball teams continue to improve and show outstanding sportspersonship at this mid-season point. The 5/6 team traveled to Tunbridge for a tough match-up against the First Branch team this past week, and our 3/4 team lost another close game against South Royalton in a defensively intense game! 

Next week the season continues with regular practice for both teams on Monday afternoon for 3/4 and Tuesday afternoon for 5/6. The 3/4 team takes on Thetford at home at 5:30 on Tuesday (1/28), and both teams travel to SoRo on Thursday, with 3/4 playing at 5:30 and 5/6 to follow at 6:30. The 3/4 team will not practice on Wednesday (1/29). 

The complete game schedule for January and February is on the school website, as well as directions to all our away games.

As always, please always have your players arrive one half hour before game time. Thanks again to our dedicated and supportive coaches and refs! 

7th & 8th Grade Boys & Girls Lacrosse Registration

Begins January 27

If your child loves to play lacrosse or wants to learn this fun and fast-paced sport visit  www.hanoverlacrosse.com to register for the upcoming spring season. Registration opens Monday, January 27 and closes February 26.

Friends of Hanover Lacrosse (FOHL) supports youth lacrosse in Hanover and Lyme, New Hampshire and Norwich and Strafford, Vermont. We invite players from any of these towns to join our team. Any questions? Contact Donna Mackall, registrar, at  atticusmac@comcast.net.

In addition to providing assistance to the boys and girls high school teams, FOHL administers the 7th and 8th grade lacrosse programs. We also encourage participation in the sport among youth in general so that they may learn and enjoy lacrosse at an early age.

Valentine's Workshop

Nicole Pavick and Hillary Minerd will be co-leading a Valentine Card-making workshop in February. Stay tuned for details!

Winter Carnival

Friday, March 6th and Saturday, March 7th

Kira Campbell and Amy Huyffer will be heading up this year's Winter Carnival. It promises to be lots of fun as always, with well-loved traditions like a Friday night movie and loads of winter fun on Saturday. We'll have more details and volunteer sign-up sheet soon.

Town Meeting Lunch

Tuesday, March 3rd

The PTA is gearing up for one of its biggest fundraising events: Town Meeting Lunch! There are many volunteer opportunities available! 

CALLERS: Over the next few weeks, we need of callers to phone townspeople asking them to bring a dish to town meeting. This is critical to the success of the lunch, easy, and a flexible way to contribute to the PTA from the comfort of your own home. Only takes about 30-45 minutes. Please email Andrew Lane if you are interested at alane@sharonacademy.net.

We'll also need help with set-up and clean-up, as well as helpers with service during the lunch. If you are interested in helping on Town Meeting Day or in days leading up, contact our new Town Meeting lunch chair: Meg Teachout at megteachout@gmail.com or 765-4337.

Family Day at the Hood: Strike a Pose!

Sunday, February 2, 12:00 - 5:00 pm

Drop in to see our new lineup of exhibitions, featuring many different types of photographs and portraits. Create your own photo props and strike a pose in front of our magic mirror photo booth! You can also explore the museum on your own using family activity cards.

This event is for children ages 4 to 12 with adult companions. The event is FREE, and no registration is required.

For more information, visit their website.