PA News & Announcements

Public news and announcements from Peoples Academy.

Friday, December 23, 2016

Healthy & Happy Vacation

All of us at Peoples Academy would like to wish you a happy and healthy vacation and joyous new year. We look forward to seeing you in 2017 and thanks to all the students for helping us close out 2016 with a tremendously giving, kind, and thoughtful spirit.

Students made gifts, ornaments, decorations, and decorated cookies to share with our community. 

Pictured are some of the many students and staff who dressed up for community winter spirit this week. 

Surprise cookie sharing. 

Our XC skiers are off to a speedy start! 
Random surprise carolers 

Some of the many 'ugly sweaters' seen throughout the week. 

Not pictured but important: our students collected hundreds of gifts for local children, coats and winter clothing for those in need, food for Lamoille County Food Share, and made and sent post cards to folks in regional nursing and other care centers.

Thursday, December 22, 2016

Road to Proficiency


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The previous ‘Road to Proficiency’ blog post highlighted the PLP (personalized learning plans). The PLP is an important component of the Proficiency Based Learning system (PBL) that we are moving toward at Peoples Academy and across the state. A PBL system has many benefits for students as outlined below.

Key Benefits of PBL:
  1. Students are responsible for their own learning and understand their growth in a deeper way.
  2. Students begin seeing the implications and applications of content and learning in their own lives.
  3. Students take greater responsibility for their education, are more thoughtful and goal-oriented about the educational choices they make, and use their time in school more purposefully.
  4. Teachers gain a stronger understanding of the interests, learning needs, and aspirations of their students and use that information to advise and support them more effectively.

The third benefit listed above connects to the Peoples Academy’s Scholarly Habits. We are beginning to use and assess these ‘habits of successful learners’ in classes and during Teacher Advisory (TA). This past fall students reviewed these habits with their advisers and teachers. Students chose one habit to focus on for growth. During the second semester, students will reflect on these habits and find evidence from their classroom activities and assignments to demonstrate focus and growth as learners. By focusing on these habits, we believe students will improve their classroom success. This is all part of our big vision which is create life-long self directed and passionate learners.

To learn more about the additional benefits on Personalized Learning Plans visit: The Road to Proficiency

Wednesday, December 21, 2016

Teacher Congrtulations


We would like to congratulate two PA educators for their amazing achievements.


Catherine Toland


Catherine Toland, who teaches Social Studies and directs the Unbound Program completes her Doctoral Degree in Education from the University of Vermont this past fall. Lucky for us, her dissertation focused on Proficiency Based Learning (PBL) strategies in high schools. It is an immensely time consuming and thought provoking experience and we are thankful for her tremendous hard work.


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Sheila Jones
Long time PA registrar and PA alum, Sheila Jones, was recently nominated and accepted to VEOP (Vermont Education Opportunity Programs) board and will represent VERMONT at the Council for Opportunity Education (COE) seminar in Washington, DC next March. She was required to submit an essay (among other criteria) about the impact that Upward Bound has in her life as well as the impact to other students. She has worked with Upward Bound for more than 20 years and certainly deserves this honor. While in DC she will participate in the 33rd annual seminar with US Department of Education and The COE 37th Annual Policy Seminar. She is very excited to advocate and educate members of the 115th Congress, congressional staff and the Trump Administration officials about the success of TRIO. Sheila's dedication to the program has helped to fulfill the college dreams of hundreds of Vermont and local teens.


Tuesday, December 13, 2016

Community Service Opportunity

On Saturday, December 17th, an IS student will make her monthly trek to ENTERTAIN the folks at Forest Hill Care Home. She would like to invite more students to come SING Holiday Songs with her and the residents.  
You will meet in the PA parking lot at 12:30 PM to get organized for the short trip to the care home - just a bit beyond Tractor Supply.
See Michele to express your interest in spreading some Holiday Cheer.

Friday, December 9, 2016

The Road to Proficiency - PLP

Have you heard your student(s) talk about goal setting or Personalized Learning Plans and want to know more?

Personalized Learning Plans (PLP’s) are developed by students—typically in collaboration with teachers, counselors, and parents—as a way to help them achieve short and long term learning goals. Cognitive science supports that when students have ownership over their own learning we improve the learning environment and promote positive motivational, social and emotional habits and dispositions toward learning. Personalized learning means using a diverse variety of learning experiences, instructional approaches, and goal-oriented strategies that are intended to address the distinct learning needs of individual students. More information and research on PLP’s
PLP’s in our Schools: Personalized learning, which we know contributes to a higher level of student performance and deeper learning, has always been an integral part of our schools’ missions. Our process is guided by an emphasis on creating students who are Thinkers, Problem Solvers, Effective Communicators, and Personally and Socially Responsible Citizens. As we head down ‘the road to proficiency’, the implementation of Personalized Learning Plans is helping students identify goals, course selection, independent studies, and many other things to consider and work towards during their high school years at PA.  

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To read more about Personalized Learning Plans

grab a coffee and visit us

Wednesday, December 7, 2016

Yearbooks

You may still purchase a 2017 Yearbook! Order yours today with Michele in the main office. You may reserve one with the entire $55 or you can make a down payment - just make sure you do it soon so you don't miss out! A little over 1/2 of the available 100 have been sold.


Senior Yearbook Pages

Seniors: ALL SENIOR PAGE MATERIAL IS DUE on
Friday, December 9th.

Paper copies to Michele or email katelyn.breault@lssuvt.org

Holiday Toy Drive

Holiday Gift Drive
Make a Difference this Holiday Season!

NHS is once again collecting new and unwrapped toys for the Lamoille County Family Center to help the families of Lamoille County celebrate this holiday season.
Please bring in a new, unwrapped toy or gift for a child (infant to teen) directly to your TA or Michele or Ms. Donovan anytime before or on December 13th     
If every TA contributes AT LEAST 3 toys the whole school will receive a treat!
Thank You for being such a generous community!!!!





Tuesday, December 6, 2016

USA GAP YEAR FAIR

USA GAP YEAR FAIR
South Burlington High School
Thursday, January 19, 2017
Event Time: 6-8:30 Presentation Time: 6-6:45pm

GIV Winter Weekends

GIV WINTER WEEKENDS
For 9-12th graders
Apply starting December 10, 2016

February 10-12, 2017
 Architecture Invention Social Entrepreneurship
 Animals & Law Vocal Performance Masterclass
 Bioinformatics

February 24-26, 2017
Youth Leadership Actors' Audition Masterclass
Intermediate Robotics Astrophotography
 Advanced Painting & Drawing


Sunday, November 20, 2016

Continuing down the Road to Proficiency


 We’d like to remind you of the LSSU PBL Road to Proficiency website. This website is designed to help you learn about our shifts in delivery of education at Peoples Academy and across LSSU.
As we continue to share information, we don’t want to pass by a critical question; why are these changes being made? Below are some of the reasons that we’d like to draw your attention to:



1 - Today we know and understand a lot more about how students learn and how their brains function than we did even 20 and even 10 years ago. Read more

“When I don’t do as well as I want the first time, I can redo my work as many times as I need to in order to understand the material better.” - Nicole, 11th grader Hear more

‘Making students redo their learning until it meets high expectations demands far more of both students and teachers than letting them take a failing grade— but it also results in far more learning.’ -Rick Wormeli, ‘Redos and Retakes Done Right’ teacher, author, presenter


2 - Our world and economy are shifting rapidly. Education in our schools must respond and adapt to these shifts. Read more

“Some new approaches in class are better suited to the way I think about the world. This increases my self initiative because I’m more interested in the work, which leads to deeper thinking. ” Larkin, 11th grade

‘To prepare our young people and our community for a bright and hopeful future, we must “remodel” our educational system, much as one would remodel a house. When you remodel a house, you do more than just repaint it: you make substantial changes, keeping the previous shape of the house, but updating old parts, and making the house more modern and efficient.’ -Up for Learning


3 - Changing law and expectations for schools require us to develop new systems.  Read more
We look forward to keeping you informed and answering your questions as we go.  Please visit our site and send us your questions and ideas. Thanks.



Congratulations Artists, Actors, and Musicians




‘The show went wonderfully, everyone enjoyed it, and we had tons of fun!” - actor
‘I don’t think I’ve ever seen you smile so much’ - mom
‘It was incredible because the energy on the stage was the most I’ve ever seen at PA’-  director


Congratulations to all the artists, musicians, singers, actors, lights and backstage assistants, teachers, and others who helped with all of the amazing shows last week. You all brought lots of wonderful color, sounds, and thinking to our community. Great job and thank you. Also, if you haven’t seen it yet, there is a fantastic article in the News & Citizen and Stowe Reporter on the PA Drama Club and their musical performance. And, speaking of articles, check out this one that highlights some local athletes.


Monday, November 14, 2016

Art Show & Music Concert


FullSizeRender (3).jpgArt Show & Music Concert
Wednesday 11/16/16
6:00 pm-7:00 pm Art Show in Library
7:00 pm - Music Concert in Auditorium
Come for refreshments and beautiful art!

WINTER SPORTS MEETING

The winter sports parent and player information meeting will be

Monday, November 21st
5:30 PM
PA Auditorium


Friday, November 11, 2016

11-11-16 Seeking Candidates for the Office of School Director




Elmore-Morristown Unified Union School District

46 Copley Avenue

Morrisville, VT 05661

(802) 888-4541
(802) 888-6710 FAX



PRESS RELEASE

Elmore-Morristown Unified Union School District
Seeking Candidates for the Office of School Director



The local election for school directors for the Elmore-Morristown Unified Union School District will be held on Town Meeting Day, March 7, 2017.

Ida Mae Anderson, a Morristown resident, who has been serving as a board director since 2014, is planning to seek re-election to the office of At-Large school director, Morristown or Elmore resident, Seat 1, for the Elmore-Morristown Unified Union School District Board for a 3 year term.

Stephanie Craig, a Morristown resident, who has been serving as a board director since 2012, is also planning to seek re-election to the office of At-Large school director, Morristown resident, Seat 1, for the Elmore-Morristown Unified Union School District Board for a 3 year term.

John "Woody" Belt has indicated that he will be resigning from the Elmore-Morristown Unified Union School District (EMUU) Board of Directors effective March 7, 2017, due to changes in family circumstances.  Woody has served as a board director since 2013.  The Morristown School District and EMUU Boards are very grateful for his dedicated service on behalf of the children and communities of Elmore and Morristown.

To replace Woody, the Elmore-Morristown Unified Union School District Board of Directors is encouraging candidates for the office of At-Large school director, Seat 2, for the remaining 2 years of the 3 year term.  Candidates may be a Morristown or Elmore resident.  The election will be by Australian Ballot at the next local school district election, Town Meeting Day, March 7, 2017.  

Interested candidates may contact an Elmore-Morristown Unified Union School District Board Member or Lamoille South Supervisory Union (LSSU) Superintendent Tracy Wrend at 888-4541 for more information on board service.  Candidate Consent Forms and Petitions for Office can be obtained at LSSU, or the Elmore or Morristown Town Clerk's Office for all three board seats.  Completed petitions can be submitted to either Elmore or Morristown Town Clerk's Office and are due January 30, 2017.  


Tuesday, November 8, 2016

Road to Proficiency at Elmore Morristown Unified Union (EMMU)

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Welcome to the start of our monthly communication for personalized and proficiency-based learning in our schools.  We know you have lots of questions as we work toward implementation of proficiency-based learning in our schools by the start of the 2017-18 school year.
We are pleased to announce some tools to help us understand proficiency-based learning:
  • Our Road to Proficiency website for detailed information regarding the what, why, and how of proficiency-based learning, FAQ’s, and additional resources.
  • A proficiency FACT sheet is available at your child’s school.
  • Monthly updates & information will be available through this blog.                              
There are several things to keep in mind as we embark on the Road to Proficiency:
  • While development of proficiency assessment and grading is a work in progress, student learning and our academic rigor will remain constant.
  • All four schools are working on various elements of proficiency-based learning. You may have already seen some of the tools we have created such as proficiency scales, and you can expect to see more in the near future.
  • While Act 77 requires us to move to proficiency-based learning, it is also designed to be flexible and allow us to implement in ways that meet the needs of all our students, teachers, and schools.

Going forward, as we implement new tools  for learning in the classroom, we will continue to provide information and updates and invite you to speak with us along the way.











Monday, November 7, 2016

Letter from the Superintendent

LAMOILLE SOUTH SUPERVISORY UNION

46 Copley Avenue

Morrisville, VT 05661

(802) 888-4541
(802) 888-6710 FAX


FROM THE SUPERINTENDENT
Tracy Wrend



Ed Oravec will be retiring from Morristown Elementary School at the end of the 2016-2017 school year.   He has served the students of the Elmore-Morristown Unified Union School District for the last nine years, and his presence at the school will be greatly missed.  

This means that the school board must make the very important decision of who will be the next principal at Morristown Elementary School.  The process will begin formally in December and include the appointment of a search committee, comprised of teachers, community members and facilitated by an administrator.  The information from the search committee will direct additional exploration of candidates, and, ultimately, inform the decision of the board.  Our goal is to appoint Morristown Elementary School’s new principal during March, 2017.
Please join us in wishing Ed the best, and contact me at any point if you have questions, concerns or suggestions.


Friday, November 4, 2016

Order a Peoples Academy Hoodie or T-shirt

PA Boosters are taking orders for printed or embroidered hoodies and t-shirts. Place your order by November 18th. Return order forms to the Peoples Academy High School or Middle Level main offices.



ORDER YOUR

PA HOODIE or T-Shirt

Order forms available in the office.

Friday, October 28, 2016

Updates, Congrats & Survey

October 27, 2016 

Hello All, 

Please take a few moments to complete this brief survey about our educational system. This survey is designed to help us assess the level of awareness in the community regarding proficiency-based learning and personal learning plans (PLP - Wolf Tracks). We are working across Lamoille South Supervisory Union to develop a communications plan to get the word out on our progress on these two Act 77 initiatives. Your feedback will contribute to this plan and is much appreciated. 

Here is another link for the PBL Survey (EMUU version) - http://bit.ly/emuupbl


Thanks to everyone who attended conferences. We had a great turnout and enjoyed the
opportunities to share the learning and classroom celebrations with you. If you missed them and still want to talk with teachers, please give the main office a call and we'll try to set up a time for you to speak with your child's teachers. 

Please visit our Haunted House Senior class fundraiser this Saturday at PA. The event takes place from 6-9pm. Families are welcome, but the 'scare factor' will likely be high, so I might think twice about bringing the little ones. Last year's event was quite a success and brought smiles and screams from all ages.



Congratulations to the PA Soccer teams who both won their first round playoff games this week. The boys will travel to Williamstown on Friday for a 3 pm quarter final game. The girls will travel across the valley to Stowe for their quarter final game on Saturday at 1 pm. We'd love to see you at the games in your green & gold. Go wolves!


Thank you, Phil

Phil Grant
Principal
Peoples Academy

Wednesday, October 26, 2016

Music Department Announcement

Dan Bruce, Music Director, is proud to announce that five students have been placed into the

ALL NEW ENGLAND CHORAL FESTIVAL

The festival will be held at Plymouth State University in NH on Thursday, November 3rd at 7PM. Congratulations to: Andrew Bowen, Ethan LeVeille, Emily McCormack, Tyler shackett and Brandi Small!


Monday, October 24, 2016

Playoff Update

Hello all, 

We hope you had a fantastic extended weekend. Here at PA our athletes worked hard closing out their regular seasons and began preparing for the playoffs. We wanted to provide you with a quick update on where and when you can support our teams. 



Boys Soccer - We play Rivendell tomorrow in Orford, NH at 3pm. 

Girls Soccer - We host Rivendell at PA this Wednesday at 3pm. 
*Please park at the school and not on Elmore Street/ Route 12. It is illegal to park there and creates unnecessary challenges for our neighbors. Thanks for helping. 


Cross-Country teams - On November 5th our runners head to Thetford Academy for the annual XC Championships