PA News & Announcements

Public news and announcements from Peoples Academy.

Wednesday, September 13, 2017

Please Read - Last Post for this News and Announcements Blog

Lamoille South Supervisory Union, Elmore Morristown Unified Union School District and Stowe School District are deploying new websites. As part of that process, we will be using a new system for posting News and Announcements. This is the last post that will be made to this blog. Below is a link to the page on our new website where you can signup for the new News and Announcements. You will immediately notice one of the improvements in the new sites is that you can sign up for many blogs at once. If you have a child in one of our schools, you should have received an email from your school principal with a link to signup for the News and Announcements. The link in this post and the link in that email serve the same purpose. There is no need to do both.

If you signed up to receive emails from this soon-to-be retired site, you will need to sign up at the new site. Our apologies for the inconvenience but we are sure you will find the new system better in many ways.

If you no longer wish to receive email alerts from any of our News and Announcements, you do not need to take any action.

This blog will remain accessible for those that use it as a reference but we will no longer add any new content.

Subscribe Here - https://www.lamoillesouthsu.org/manage-blog-subscription.php

More information on the new sites and how to give feedback will be forthcoming.

If you have any questions or need technical support, please send an email to lssutech@lssuvt.org to open a support ticket.

Wednesday, August 23, 2017

Website Refresh Starting Wednesday 8/23/17

Lamoille South Supervisory Union, Stowe School District, and Elmore-Morristown School District will be refreshing their websites, beginning this evening, Wednesday, August 23, 2017.  There is likely to be intermittent issues for the next 24 hours.  Please bear with us.  More information about the new websites and how to give feedback will be forthcoming.

If you are trying to access E-Registration through the school district websites, an alternative would be to use the following link https://ps.morrisville.org/public to access the parent portal.

If you are having any difficulties accessing the parent portal, or resetting your password, please call Melissa Gillen at 802-888-4541, ext. 5559 or email her at melissa.gillen@lssuvt.org, and she will assist you.

Thursday, August 17, 2017

Capital Project Committee Is Seeking Input

PHASE 2 CAPITAL PROJECT SURVEY NOW AVAILABLE

Two major facilities projects have been identified for consideration within the Elmore-Morristown Unified Union: a Morristown Elementary School project and a Peoples Academy/Peoples Academy Middle Level project.  To narrow the options for consideration by voters, the Capital Project Committee is seeking input from the community.  A short, two question survey on your preferences for each of the options is available and can be completed at any school or either Town Clerk’s office.  The survey, as well as additional information including comprehensive videos, is also available online at the following location: https://sites.google.com/a/lssuvt.org/emuu/capital-projects. 


The Committee would like to hear from you by September 22, 2017.

Monday, June 12, 2017

Exam Schedule

Peoples Academy - Second Semester and Final Exam Schedule  
Tuesday, June 13, 2017

A Long:  8:00 –  10:00
A1:           8:00 –   9:00
A2:           9:03 – 10:03

Break     10:03 – 10:18

B Long:  10:18 – 12:18
B3:         10:18 – 11:18
B4:         11:21 – 12:21


Dismissal            12:18/ 12:21


 The cafeteria will be open from
12:18 – 12:35.

Buses will run at the normal daily time of 2:43 only.
Wednesday, June 14, 2017

C Long:     8:00 – 10:00
C5:             8:00 –  9:00
C6:             9:03 – 10:03

Break       10:03 – 10:18

D Long:   10:18 – 12:18
D7:          10:18 – 11:18
D8 :         11:21 – 12:21


Dismissal   12:18/ 12:21



The cafeteria will be open from
12:18 – 12:35.

Buses will run at the normal daily time of 2:43 only.


Thursday, June 15, 2017

Last Chapel
8:30 – 10:30ish

Exam Make-Up
11:00 - 3:00

Dismissal after Last Chapel



The cafeteria will be open from
12:18 – 12:35.

Buses will run at the normal daily time of 2:43 only.

Friday, June 16, 2017
Official last day of school

9-11 grade only:
Exam Make-Up   8:00 - 11:00  

  

Buses will run at conclusion of Middle Level Last Chapel  -  11:45ish



*Students should make arrangements for transportation at dismissal time.  Students do not need to be present during their Learning Center block.

**If students must remain on campus to wait for their exam time or transportation, he/she must be in the computer lab, library or Learning Center.

Friday, June 9, 2017

The Road to Proficiency leads to Graduation

Seniors enjoying a huge round of applause as they march through the ML hallways. 

For our hard working graduating seniors, the celebrating has already begun at Peoples Academy. On Thursday 6/8, the senior class was honored by Peoples Academy Middle School students and staff. Check out this video link to get a feel for the fun and thoughtful event. While on the topic of enjoyable events, we would like to invite to our annual Last Chapel & school ending celebration on Thursday, 6/15. The event starts at 8:15 and will take place in our Auditorium. You are also most welcome to attend our 169th Commencement Ceremony on Thursday evening; starting at 7:00 pm at the bandshell. We look forward to seeing you at these important events for our seniors and school community.

ML students anxiously awaiting the arrival of seniors
While we have your attention, we'd like to forecast a bit into the next school year. As we continue down the Road to Proficiency there are two programs that will aid in our travels next year. Both programs are lead by Up for Learning and will involve powerful youth and adult partnerships. These programs will help students and our community deepen our understanding of how the brain works and why school is changing. The programs are called M3: Mindest, Metacognition, and Motivation and CSR: Communicating School Redesign. During this work, 42 students will be trained as youth facilitators. We are excited to work with Up for Learning on these initiatives and look forward to engaging the public this fall on our progress and proficiency based learning systems.

Thursday, June 8, 2017

Annual School Report

The Morristown School District Annual School Report for 2015-2016 is now available at lamoillesouthsu.org or by clicking on the link below.

Morristown School District Annual School Report

Tuesday, June 6, 2017

School Board Brief - May 31, 2017

In a joint meeting with Lamoille South Supervisory Union’s and Stowe School District’s s boards, the Elmore-Morristown Unified Union Board continued work on our Act 46 Alternative Governance Proposal. Consultant Peter Clarke reviewed the portions of passed legislation that are relevant to our proposal, as well as additional guidelines from the State Board of Education. The boards reviewed achievement data pursuant to both our Alternative Governance Structure Proposal and our continued goal of providing a strong education for all students in the Supervisory Union.


The next Act 46 meeting will be Monday, July 10, at 6:00 PM at Stowe Elementary School.

Thursday, June 1, 2017

Chromebook Return Day

ALL student Chromebooks must be turned in on Hand-in Day, no one is allowed to keep a Chromebook over the summer break.

Before Hand-in Day :

All Chromebooks may be erased before next school year, so copy any files in your Download folder you want to keep to your Google Drive. 
Fully charge your Chromebook.

Chromebook Hand-in Schedule (all grades) (in the computer lab)

Tuesday, June 13th 10am - 1pm
- WednesdayJune 14th 10am - 1pm 

Students should bring to school on Hand-in Day:
  • Their fully charged Chromebook - $275
  • Their Changing Cord - $50
  • Their Neoprene Carrying Case - $20
Student families will be asked to pay for any Chromebooks and/or accessories that are not returned (costs listed above).

Friday, May 19, 2017

Spring Service Day at Peoples Acedemy


Today at PA students in all grades set out on foot to help local businesses, organizations, and with community endeavors. The group pictured above helped Water & Light clean up Clark Park. Other students helped local establishments, such as the Congregational Church, the Morristown Library, the Bike Exchange, MACC, and the teen center. Some students visited with seniors at the Manor, helped prepare food for Meals on Wheels, read to elementary school children, and planted more than 50 trees at the Oxbow. Lots of work was done in the rain to help clean up, spruce up, and fix up parts of town and the school campus. The service was organized and planned by NHS students and concluded with some fun student-led activities at school. Students felt great to be giving back; one student said, "thank you for letting me do service today, it feels so good."

Preparing and delivery baked goods to local business as a thank you for their help to us. 

Planting at The Oxbow.

Visiting with seniors at the Manor.

Mulching and raking at various local playgrounds. 

Prepping at Meals on Wheels.

More clean up at the Oxbow. 
Greening up.

Tuesday, May 16, 2017

Bus Announcement





Hello,

We wanted to inform you that Lamoille Valley Transportation is in the process of updating their fleet of buses. They recently purchased three new buses that are now in use on some routes. These buses have seat belts. Students will be informed and trained on proper use and expectations. During this transition, please encourage your children to use the seat belts and follow procedures. Please call us if you have questions.  Thank you for your support and understanding.

Wednesday, May 10, 2017


In a joint meeting with the Stowe School Board and the Lamoille South Supervisory Union, the Elmore-Morristown Unified Union (EMUU) interviewed Peter Clarke, a consultant who specializes in Act 46. After discussion, the Stowe and EMUU boards voted to hire Mr. Clarke to help structure the process of our Act 46 study and response.

The boards added two new meetings to discuss Act 46. The next three Act 46 meetings are:
  • May 31. 6:00 PM, Morristown Elementary School
  • July 10, 6:00 PM, Stowe Elementary School
  • August 16, 6:00 PM, Morristown Elementary School

Sunday, May 7, 2017

Lots to Celebrate....and let's do it safely

We have entered that time of year when lots of celebrating and exhibition of work occurs. Last week (and continuing through the end of May) our art students opened an exhibition at Helen Day Art Center in Stowe. AP students are wrapping up testing and the PA Dance Team will provide a fun and exciting year end show this Friday in the PA Auditorium at 7pm. And, there is lots more to come.

Starting with Prom this weekend some of those big and traditional celebrations begin. Soon, there will be the alumni banquet, clubs and sports year end parties, and, of course, the biggest of them all, Graduation. Our community certainly should celebrate the amazing work of our students and the this important time in life of our seniors. Congratulations!

We would like to ask for your help in ensuring that your student’s parties, prom, graduation and other end of the year festivities are memorable and safe. Please join us in making every effort to prevent alcohol or other drug use.

Young people risk health related, and potentially fatal, consequences when they drink alcohol. These risks increase when alcohol is mixed with prescription or over the counter medication and/or illicit drugs. There are also legal consequences for persons under 21 years who possess alcohol with the intent to consume or who use a drivers’ license as false proof to purchase alcohol. It is important to remember that it is against the law to host a gathering where alcohol is consumed by minors.

Alcohol and other drugs, such as marijuana, over-the-counter, and prescription drugs, impair judgment, perception and motor coordination skills. Youth often underestimate the impact that drugs, especially marijuana, have on driving. Marijuana impairs vision, distorts perception of time and space, inhibits reflexes, and may cause drowsiness. These effects are especially frightening when we take into account a teenager’s inexperience behind the wheel.

In order to provide a safe environment for your children during year-end events, but also year-round, consider the following strategies:

1. Talk about expectations around alcohol and other drugs

2. Monitor your teen
3. Spread the word and make connections with other parents



4. Know the warning signs of a problem

Learn more about these strategies and how to take action from ParentUp (http://parentupvt.org/), an initiative of the Vermont Department of Health.
The truth is no matter how much we support or shelter our children, they will face situations and stresses that can open the door to substance abuse and other serious issues. While students may complain about our concern and vigilance, studies show that the key reason kids give for not drinking is that they don’t want to disappoint their parents. The truth is that children care deeply about their parents’ opinions—even if they don’t show it directly.

Thank you for your anticipated assistance and cooperation.  If you hear of an underage party you can help keep area students safe by reporting it directly to your local police department or to the Vermont State Police Anonymous Tip line: www.vtips.info or text “CRIMES” (274637) to Keyword: VTIPS.

Sincerely,
Peoples Academy Administration and Staff
[Adapted from http://www.drugfreenh.org/images/pdf/2016%20aam%20guide.pdf]



Thursday, May 4, 2017

Tuesday, May 2, 2017

Senior Class Meeting

Friday, May 5th
11:34 AM
Long agenda including class trip, project graduation and much more!

Last Chapel & Graduation Date

June 15th will be a busy day for seniors!

Last Chapel will be held at 8:30 AM and Commencement at 7:00 PM that evening.

Please join us as we send the seniors off on their next adventure.

Monday, April 24, 2017

Welcome Back, MCAC success and the Road to Proficiency

IMG_6967.JPG
We would like to welcome everyone back to the final stretch of the school year. We are headed into a very busy, fast paced, exciting and celebratory time of year. Buckle up and try to enjoy the ride. Before we know it our seniors will be on their way to new and exciting things....and, speaking of seniors…

The actions of the senior leaders of MCAC (and the other MCAC students) provided a series of thoughtful and engaging activities for students the week prior to break. Their actions are evidence that our work and systems are producing students who can Act Effectively to make a difference in our school and the broader community. They showed us what happens when passion and focused work come together. I look forward to seeing what this group does next. Please join me in thanking MCAC for caring about something and trying to make a difference. (MCAC - Morrisville Climate Action Committee)

While I have your attention, for the remaining eight weeks of school teachers will be increasing their use of Scholarly Habits by connecting them to curriculum and lessons. This increase in use and focus on thinking and talking about these habits with students is a new and challenging thing to grapple with at this time of year.  This is, however, a good thing to grapple with. Our growth and experience with the use of Scholarly Habits will make us better educators and our students better learners.

FullSizeRender (8).jpgThe Scholarly Habits are designed specifically to be applicable and used across all disciplines and throughout school. They are measured independent of content mastery and should not be averaged with or included in a content grade. They are different from content. They are skills and behaviors, that when practiced, lead to success. Our goal in using them is to help students realize this, too, and thus, work at improving them. We use them to help our students become more aware of how to learn and where they can improve as learners. Giving them regular and ongoing feedback (in all of their classes and TA) will be monumental in helping them and us achieve our collective goal of graduating students who can express, construct and act.

Thursday, April 6, 2017

ECO WEEKO!


File_000 (1).jpegThis Friday PA students will kick off the first annual “ECO WEEKO”. Designed and developed by the student led Morrisville Climate Action Committee (MCAC) “ECO WEEKO” is a week long series of student created activities to increase understanding and awareness about climate change and it’s effect on our natural environment, economy and local community. Some highlights will be local speakers, fun scavenger hunts and, for some students, a trip to the Vermont Youth Rally for the Planet.  The student members of MCAC began their work on this week way back in the fall after attending an important Youth Summit at UVM. These students hope that through their activities that each PA student can commit to one way to reduce their ‘environmental footprint’ that will have a positive impact on climate change. Please talk with your students about the activities and learning from the week and support them in efforts to reach their individual goal.

Tuesday, March 28, 2017

Act 46 Update - March 22, 2017

Since 2009, Stowe, Morristown, and Elmore have been studying various forms of governance options through four formal committee processes, including two 706b studies, the most recent of which resulted in a successful merger between Elmore and Morristown in 2016. Discussions between Stowe and Elmore-Morristown Unified Union around Act 46 began more than 19 months ago, and the two districts jointly agreed to pursue an Alternative Structure in the spring of 2016. Since that time, board members have been working with the administration to conduct a comprehensive self-evaluation—the basis of the proposal. The March 22, 2017 meeting continued board analysis of the required data, including a deep dive into enrollment and demographic trends. The boards also requested that the administration provide options for outside consultation and associated costs.

The boards expect to complete data analysis and a first draft this spring, at which point input will be solicited from 1) legal review (to coincide with the end of the legislative session when rules and changes to the law will be final), 2) the community, and 3) preliminary review with the Agency of Education. Once that input has been incorporated, the boards expect to ratify the proposal and submit to the Secretary of Education by November 2017.

At the state level, board members are closely watching the progressions of Rule 3400, pertaining to the proposal for Alternative Structures, and S.122, an act relating to increasing flexibility for school district mergers.


The next joint meeting of Elmore-Morristown Unified Union and Stowe to continue the self-evaluation work will take place on April 26, 2017. The agenda and location will be posted closer to the meeting date; however, a general work plan can be found at www.lamoillesouthsu.org.

Monday, March 27, 2017

Wednesday, March 22, 2017

EMMU Title I Meeting - 3-24-17 at 12:00

We invite you to attend our annual Title I meeting on March 24, 2017 at 12:00 in the PAHS Auditorium.  We will share information about all of our schools' improvement efforts and the use of Title I funds to support these efforts.

Monday, March 13, 2017

AP Exam payment

Your AP Exam payments are due to the guidance office no later than Friday, March 17th. If you are paying by check make the check out to Peoples Academy High School. Exam fees are $84 per exam. All students received their exam bills in February before winter break.

Boys State for current Junior Boys

GREEN MOUNTAIN BOYS STATE
Sponsored by the American Legion Auxiliary

Who: Current Junior Boys When: Sunday, June 18 - Friday, June 23, 2017
Where: Lyndon State College
Application Due Date: April 10, 2017
Note: Pick up application in the guidance office.
See Sheila or your guidance counselor

Tuesday, February 28, 2017

EMUU Capital Projects 2017 Survey

The Elmore-Morristown Unified Union has appointed a committee to recommend a plan to voters for approval to address capital needs.  We need your feedback.  Please take a few moments to complete the survey by clicking on the link below.  Thank you!

EMUU Capital Projects 2017 Survey

Wednesday, February 22, 2017

The Road to Proficiency



PA students recently spoke to all teachers in LSSU about their experience with PBL.
We would like to wish everyone a safe and enjoyable Winter Break. Hopefully you all can find some ways to have some fun, get some rest, curl up with a good book or math puzzle, and enjoy winter in it’s glory.


During our most recent In-Service day on February 3rd, a panel of middle and high school students spoke to all the teachers and staff in LSSU. That’s a few hundred people! The students spoke about their experiences on their Road to Proficiency. As we would expect, they spoke thoughtfully, honestly, and clearly about what is working and what is not. Their thoughts and suggestions were helpful and it was impressive to hear how much they understood about our transition to a Proficiency Based Learning system (PBL).

Throughout the year, I’ve been sprinkling you with some updates, resources, and thoughts about this transition to Proficiency-Based Learning. This month, I encourage you to go back and take another look at the Road to Proficiency website (linked below) and bring some questions to conferences. Conferences are a month away, but it’s never too soon to start scheduling these important opportunities to check in with your child’s teachers. You can all the main office starting March 13th to schedule (888-4600). We will have staff on hand that day to answer questions about your child’s future, the Personal Learning Plan (PLP-Wolf Track), post high school opportunities, and Title 1 funding. We look forward to seeing you.


What Is Proficiency-Based Learning?
Prepping for a Geometry mastery assessment


Proficiency-based education represents a shift from the current school-centered system to one that is more student-centered. Proficiency-Based Learning (or PBL) is designed to:


  • Help schools create efficient and effective systems that will ensure all students graduate prepared to succeed in the college, careers, and communities of the 21st century.
  • Support all students meeting high academic standards, and ensure that more students master the knowledge and skills necessary to graduate better prepared for adult life.  
  • Create student learning and progress that is measured and reported in relation to learning expectations.  
  • Ensure that students demonstrate competency in order to advance, which will help ensure that students graduate truly ready for college and career.


What are the Proficiency Expectations in LSSU?


Our Proficiencies are organized into Mission Related Goals, Content Graduate Requirements, and Scholarly Habits; each providing focus, emphasis and learning goals for distinct areas of growth and abilities necessary to ensure our graduates are prepared for the demands of college, career and life.


A classic Biology scene - some things will remain the same. 
Want To Learn More?
To read more about Proficiency Based Learning grab a coffee and visit our PBL Website.  The Road to Proficiency: Why, What, and How. Image result for illustrations of a cup of coffee

       In particular you might want to watch student voices explain proficiency-based learning, read more about the Benefits of PBL or get additional information about the Proficiency Expectations in LSSU.

Tuesday, February 21, 2017

Bus Notice


The Morristown Police Department has received numerous complaints recently about cars passing school buses in the parking lots of Morristown Elementary and Peoples Academy.   We would like to remind drivers that it is illegal to pass a school bus when the red signal lights are in operation.  At no time is this permissible even if there is room to pass.  The current fine in the state of Vermont is $249 and 5 points on your driver’s license.  Attached is that statute.

Subchapter 007 : Special Stops Required
(Cite as: 23 V.S.A. § 1075)
  • § 1075. Passing school bus
(a) The operator of a motor vehicle, including authorized emergency vehicles under section 1015 of this title, upon meeting or overtaking a vehicle marked and equipped as provided in section 1283 of this title which has stopped on the highway for the purpose of receiving or discharging public or private schoolchildren, shall stop his or her vehicle immediately and shall keep it stationary while the flashing red signal lights are in operation.
(b) The driver of a vehicle need not stop upon a highway with separate roadways upon meeting or overtaking a school bus which is on a different roadway, or upon a controlled access highway where the school bus is stopped in a loading zone which is a part of or adjacent to the highway at a point where pedestrians are not permitted to cross the roadway. (Added 1971, No. 258 (Adj. Sess.), § 3, eff. March 1, 1973; amended 1975, No. 149 (Adj. Sess.), § 3; 1981, No. 97, § 3.)