February 2020

Your monthly news & updates

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Building Update! Construction is moving along as planned. The ground floor and first and second floor classrooms are taking shape. It is fun to imagine all the great things we will be able to do in our new space! In true VDS spirit, the builders have been welcomed into our community and the students will often include them in "Random Acts of Kindness" or "Shout Outs."

VDS Collects 1,000 LBS of Food for Local Food Shelf! I n December, students at Vermont Day School loaded boxes of donations onto their school bus and delivered 1,031 pounds of food and dental hygiene items to the Shelburne Food Shelf . The Food Drive is an annual event for Vermont Day School with this collection far surpassing their initial goal of 790 pounds and setting the record for the largest in the school’s 5 year history. Fifth grade students organized the collection effort and inspired the entire VDS community of students and families to participate. Click here to read more!

Inspired Learning In and Outside The Classroom

The first semester has been rich with inspired learning both in and out of the classroom! Vermont Day School teachers excel at infusing learning into real world experiences. Here are just a few examples from this semester: The K/1 class has been enjoying their partnership with Shelburne Farms , which includes outdoor classroom time twice a month. The 2/3 class used their learning of the Silk Road and systems to create a Book Swap for the VDS community. They worked at the event and organized the swapping process. Everyone who participated went home with a great find! The 3/4 class visited the Fleming Museum on their journey to explore Abenaki culture. Through the Food Drive , the Fifth grade organized a process and measured and weighed. They marketed the cause to the rest of the school and brought in local speakers to share information about food insecurity in Vermont. The middle school has finished a mural of our new mascot, the bobcat. They measured and scaled their design. They mixed color and planned the layout. The result is a lasting work of art for all to enjoy! Go to our website for links to the Classroom Blogs

VDS Day "On" for MLK, Jr. Day of Service This year, Vermont Day School had a day "on" to honor MLK Jr. with a day of service. Thanks to dedicated parent volunteers, we were able to coordinate the making of "birthday boxes," which will be delivered to three local community organizations serving families: COTS, Ronald McDonald House , and Boys and Girls Club of Burlington. Becky Holt, Director of Development for COTS, visited each classroom at Vermont Day School and led age-appropriate activities that illustrated the many factors that contribute to a family becoming homeless in Vermont. It was an educational experience for all. Becky was delighted to bring 20 birthday boxes back to the COTS family shelter. We hope the birthday boxes will bring families a little joy in what may otherwise be a difficult time in their lives.

We Did It! Thank You Grandparents and Special Friends! We gave you a challenge and you came together to exceed it! The Grandparents' and Special Friends' Challenge raised $49,373 which earned us a matching gift of $40,000 from a current set of VDS grandparents. We are so grateful for our generous community of grandparents and special friends. This effort makes a tremendous difference in our capital fundraising effort. Thank you for investing in the educational experience of the special students in your lives. We can't wait to show you the new school building!

Vermont Day School is a nonprofit 501(c)3. Our mission is to foster the skills, knowledge, personal attributes and work habits that enable children to thrive effectively, meaningfully and joyously in the world of today and tomorrow. Our goal is to keep tuition reasonable and provide financial aid so that all children can attend Vermont Day School. We rely on the generosity of donors to fulfill our mission. Thank you for your support.

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Upcoming Community Events February 17-21 - Winter CLIC Week February 21 - Winter Play, "Charlotte's Web", at Shelburne Town Gym March 1 - Admissions Applications Due for Prospective Students March 18-19 - Student Led Parent/Teacher Conferences April 4 - VDS Benefit Bash! at Hotel Vermont April 10 - All School PBL Share

Vermont Day School | (802) 495-5150| info@vtdayschool.org | www.vtdayschool.org

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