PAML at the Geo-Bee

5 Students attended the VPA Geo-Bee recently and their team came in 3rd place!  This was the first time in a long time that PAML has had a Geography Team.  It all came about due to a tenacious 6th grade student named Mary Fowler. She had interest, and pursued it during her Opportunity Time.  Congratulations to all, and especially Mary for making this a reality for our school.  Mrs. Magoon was the faculty member who accompanied these students to Barre for the event.  

Mary and "the team"

KEEC

Interested in this year's Keewaydin Environmental Education Center adventures?  Check out the blog:

http://pamlcampkeewaydin.blogspot.com/

iPad Turn-in Day!

iPad turn in day: June 12th all students will be turning in their iPads for the year. All iPads may be erased before next school year, so please have your son/daughter copy any photos, videos they would like to keep to their Google Drive.

Please make sure that your son/daughter have the following items:

• Fully charged iPad with its protective case
• AC adapter (white block that plugs into the outlet)
• Charging cord (thin white cord with plug-ins on both ends)
• Neoprene carrying case (black with handles)

Should your son/daughter be missing any of the following items (or if they are broken), you will be asked to pay for any iPads and/or accessories that are not returned. Prices listed as follows:

• iPad and protective case - $350
• AC adapter (white block that plugs into outlet) - $20
• Changing Cord (thin white cord with plug-ins on both ends) - $20
• Neoprene Carrying Case (black with handles) - $20

                                

Friday, May 26, 2017

NO SCHOOL - MONDAY, MAY 29TH:  In observance of the federal Memorial Day holiday.  Students will return to school on Tuesday, May 30th.

MAPLE LEAF PROJECT:  The PAML 6th grade will participate in this annual event May 30th-June 1st from 9:00-11:30am each day, and students will return to PAML in time for lunch.  Local community businesses have invited our students to join them and learn what their business is about, how the business is run, and how products are made.  Students will have hands-on experience each day during their participation.  Be sure to enjoy a dialogue with your student about their experience!  

CAMP KEEWAYDIN:  PAML’s 5th grade students will attend and stay overnight at Camp Keewaydin May 30th-June 2nd where they will learn about caring for their environment.  Students will depart PAML by bus on Tuesday, May 30th, at 8:30am and will return to PAML by bus on Friday, June 2nd, at approximately 2:30pm.  

High Note Festival: Dan Bruce and Kim Beckley will be taking students from 6-7-8th grade band/chorus to participate in the High Note Music Festival at the Great Escape in Lake George NY on June 2nd. The bus will depart from school at 6:00am and arrive back at 8:00pm.

Team Adventure/Quest Field Trip: The 5th and 6th graders will be going to Jay Peak on June 9th. They will depart school at 9am and return at 2:30pm.

iPad Turn In day: June 12th, All students will be turning in their iPad for the year.

7th Grade Field Trip: The 7th grade will be taking a field trip to Shelburne Museum and Ben & Jerry’s on June 14th. The bus will depart school at 8:30am and return back at 2:40pm.

8th Grade Field Trip:  Students on team Apollo and Quest will be going on their field trip to Burlington on June 14th. The bus will depart from school at 9:00am and return at 6:30pm.

Friday, May 19, 2017

PAmazing Race:  All 8th graders will participate in this activity-filled event on Thursday, May 25th, 10:00am-2:00pm.  Action-packed activities will take place outside on the PA fields where each student will each attempt to outwit, outlast and outplay each other for prizes.  Students are encouraged to wear appropriate clothing and footwear in case of inclement weather.  Packing an extra set of dry clothes/shoes in their backpack along with a plastic bag to put any wet clothing in is encouraged.

MEMORIAL DAY OBSERVANCE:  Friday, May 26th, 10:00am at the PA Band Shell.  In case of inclement weather, this event will take place in the PA gymnasium.

NO SCHOOL - MONDAY, MAY 29TH:  In observance of the federal Memorial Day holiday.  Students will return to school on Tuesday, May 30th.

MAPLE LEAF PROJECT:  The PAML 6th grade will participate in this annual event May 30th-June 1st from 9:00-11:30am each day, and students will return to PAML in time for lunch.  Local community businesses have invited our students to join them and learn what their business is about, how the business is run, and how products are made.  Students will have hands-on experience each day during their participation.  Be sure to enjoy a dialogue with your student about their experience!  

CAMP KEEWAYDIN:  PAML’s 5th grade students will attend and stay overnight at Camp Keewaydin May 30th-June 2nd where they will learn about caring for their environment.  Students will depart PAML by bus on Tuesday, May 30th, at 8:30am and will return to PAML by bus on Friday, June 2nd, at approximately 2:30pm.  

High Note Festival: Dan Bruce will be taking students from 6-7-8th grade band/chorus to participate in the High Note Music Festival at the Great Escape in Lake George NY. on June 2nd. The bus will depart from school at 6:00am and arrive back at 8:00pm.

Cultivating Pathways to Sustainability @ PAML

Some of the PAML Sustainability team members
just before their presentation at the
May 12th conference.

From Kate Toland: 
On Friday, May 12 four groups of students got together at Peoples Academy Middle Level to celebrate and share their work related to sustainability. The day was inspiring and left me feeling incredibly hopeful about our future. We designed the meeting to reconvene the students and teachers who attended the Cultivating Pathways to Sustainability Conference at Shelburne Farms last September so they could share their projects with one another. The teachers asked the students to identify what worked well and what they would like to see added to next year's Cultivating Pathways work. They sat and talked in groups for about 10 minutes; they chatted easily together and produced some helpful and exciting lists. Here they are:

Things we have enjoyed/things that went well: 
-working well with people
-going to Shelburne Farms
-helping around the school
-cleaning out compost bins
-hearing other people
-creating a better world
-sharing what we have done
-excited and enthusiastic about projects which made it go well
-communication with the different schools
-feedback
-communication and how everyone worked well together
-different ideas from different schools coming together and the ability to build off of each other
-schools being helpful and building off the other to create better ideas
-good--stayed focused
-student passion and freedom
-self determined (not driven by teachers)
-Presenting
-Everything was connected and went together
-we were all engaged and comfortable
-presenters got good feedback
-projects seemed successful
-everyone was a respectful audience
-we learned it is not hard to make a change
-we learned many more things need to be fixed than we realized
-we learned that sustainability can mean a lot
-we learned if you see a problem, act on it


What we want to do next year:
-chickens
-more sustainable milk consumption (recyclable cartons)
-expanding more into community
-solar panels
-create a better world and help people
-greenhouse (actually use it)
-involve more goals
-try to expand and involve more schools
-during presentations to groups try to add even more hands on like the Kahoot
-have a bigger group discussion and have the different schools try to suggest more things for the other schools to do or improve on
-sustainability class?
-set aside time (whole school would participate, more work would get done)
-meet in January? Google Hangouts?
-more funding
-more icebreakers (games)
-organized schedule
-invite more students
-show projects not just in a powerpoint
-meeting space that's closer to everyone
-better space
-more hands-on activities
Our hopes for future of this work: 
-more schools will come
-more schools will be sustainable
-the projects we talked about will be accomplished
-bigger goals, better ideas or what can be done/accomplished


From Leah Bronner - our PAML Sustainability Team Leader:
The Sustainability Team was thrilled with the support they got from other participants at the conference. This is the first year of working as the Sustainability Team and they were feeling that they had not accomplished much.  Other schools were very impressed with their work especially since they don't have a specific class to complete projects.
Here is what they highlighted from their work this year:

• Working with Chef Jeff on reducing milk carton waste
• Educating 5/6 graders in AT about recycling and composting
• Developing and leading the 5-8 grade community gathering
• Taking care of the compost and recycling in all the middle school classrooms

We were excited to participate in the conference and energized by the ideas and inspired by the accomplishments of other schools. At the end of the conference each participant made a flag and they are now displayed in the hallway. It was a wonderful opportunity. 

Bus Announcement

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.

School Board Brief - May 08, 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

Girls Science Discovery Day at UVM

On Saturday, May 6, 2017 Ms. Zuccarello accompanied 5 PAML 8th grade girls to the UVM Girls Science Discovery Day.  She said "Our students were so amazing. They were kind, respectful, eager to participate, and represented our PAML girls as intelligent, curious young ladies. I was proud to be by their side! They will make outstanding future scientists!"  Here are a few of the photos she took while there with the girls.

Friday, May 12th, 2017

NECAP 8TH GRADE SCIENCE TEST ADMINISTRATION:  May 17-18-19

YRBS FIELD TRIP:  Peter Hathaway will take PAML’s YRBS Student Team for a conference being held in the Union Bank’s conference room in downtown Morrisville on Friday, May 19th.  Mr. Hathaway and these students will depart PAML at 11:30 and walk down to the Union Bank and they will return to PAML at approximately 2:40pm.

PAML DANCE:  Students in grades 6-7-8 may attend this last dance of the school year on Friday, May 19th, 7:00-9:30pm, in the PA cafeteria.

PAmazing Race:  All 8th graders will participate in this activity-filled event on Thursday, May 25th, 10:00am-2:00pm.  Action-packed activities will take place outside on the PA fields where each student will each attempt to outwit, outlast and outplay each other for prizes.  Students are encouraged to wear appropriate clothing and footwear in case of inclement weather.  Packing an extra set of dry clothes/shoes in their backpack along with a plastic bag to put any wet clothing in is encouraged.

MEMORIAL DAY OBSERVANCE:  Friday, May 26th, 10:00am at the PA Band Shell.  In case of inclement weather, this event will take place in the PA gymnasium.

NO SCHOOL - MONDAY, MAY 29TH:  In observance of the federal Memorial Day holiday.  Students will return to school on Tuesday, May 30th.

MAPLE LEAF PROJECT:  The PAML 6th grade will participate in this annual event May 30th-June 1st from 9:00-11:30am each day, and students will return to PAML in time for lunch.  Local community businesses have invited our students to join them and learn what their business is about, how the business is run, and how products are made.  Students will have hands-on experience each day during their participation.  Be sure to enjoy a dialogue with your student about their experience!  

CAMP KEEWAYDIN:  PAML’s 5th grade students will attend and stay overnight at Camp Keewaydin May 30th-June 2nd where they will learn about caring for their environment.  Students will depart PAML by bus on Tuesday, May 30th, at 8:30am and will return to PAML by bus on Friday, June 2nd, at approximately 2:30pm.  

PAML visits Stowe Middle School

Guest Blog Post - Dan Morrison - Stowe Middle School, principal

On April 25th, Stowe Middle School hosted 12 students from Peoples Academy Middle Level. Students came together to share their personalized learning from this year. The afternoon consisted of making pizzas together, student-led cooperative games, and sharing PLPs.


PAML students provided feedback to SMS students about their PLP Projects. In the end students created video reflections of the day.

As principal, it is a pleasure to host our friends from PAML. The positive climate and collaborative spirit was on full display. I would like to acknowledge the educators who made this possible. Dave Smith (SMS), Robyn Alvin (SMS), Dan Morrison (SMS), Jeff Brynn (LSSU), Alex Bacheller (PAML), Maura Kelly (PAML), Shaun Noonan (PAML), and Karen Weeks (PAML). Soon, PAML will return the favor and host our students to provide feedback on their year long projects.

Friday, May 5th, 2017

SBAC TEST ADMINISTRATION:  Testing will continue for grades 5-6-7-8 Tuesday, May 9th, through Friday, May 12th.

VERMONT ALL-STATE MUSIC PARADE:   Dan Bruce and the PAML 6-7-8 Band students will attend this parade in Brattleboro on Wednesday, May 10th.  Students will depart PAML at 1:30pm by bus and will return to PAML at approximately midnight (12:00am).  Please arrange pick-up for your student(s).

KEEWAYDIN FAMILY FUN NIGHT:  Families are invited to attend this Camp Keewaydin fundraiser for a fun-filled evening of events with delicious food and games on Friday, May 12th, 6:00-8:00pm in the PA cafeteria and gymnasium.

NECAP 8TH GRADE SCIENCE TEST ADMINISTRATION:  May 17-18-19

YRBS FIELD TRIP:  Peter Hathaway will take PAML’s YRBS Student Team for a conference being held in the Union Bank’s conference room in downtown Morrisville on Friday, May 19th.  Mr. Hathaway and these students will depart PAML at 11:30 and walk down to the Union Bank and they will return to PAML at approximately 2:40pm.

PAML DANCE:  Students in grades 6-7-8 may attend this last dance of the school year on Friday, May 19th, 7:00-9:30pm, in the PA cafeteria.

PAmazing Race:  All 8th graders will participate in this activity-filled event on Thursday, May 25th, 10:00am-2:00pm.  Action-packed activities will take place outside on the PA fields where each student will each attempt to outwit, outlast and outplay each other for prizes.  Students are encouraged to wear appropriate clothing and footwear in case of inclement weather.  Packing an extra set of dry clothes/shoes in their backpack along with a plastic bag to put any wet clothing in is encouraged.

MEMORIAL DAY OBSERVANCE:  Friday, May 26th, 10:00am at the PA Band Shell.  In case of inclement weather, this event will take place in the PA gymnasium.

NO SCHOOL - MONDAY, MAY 29TH:  In observance of the federal Memorial Day holiday.  Students will return to school on Tuesday, May 30th.

MAPLE LEAF PROJECT:  The PAML 6th grade will participate in this annual event May 30th-June 1st from 9:00-11:30am each day, and students will return to PAML in time for lunch.  Local community businesses have invited our students to join them and learn what their business is about, how the business is run, and how products are made.  Students will have hands-on experience each day during their participation.  Be sure to enjoy a dialogue with your student about their experience!  

CAMP KEEWAYDIN:  PAML’s 5th grade students will attend and stay overnight at Camp Keewaydin May 30th-June 2nd where they will learn about caring for their environment.  Students will depart PAML by bus on Tuesday, May 30th, at 8:30am and will return to PAML by bus on Friday, June 2nd, at approximately 2:30pm.  

13 Reasons Why

Guest Blog Post from Jessica Dambach - PAML Guidance Counselor

13 Reasons Why I Do Not Love this Popular Series:

Many parents and caregivers may have heard of  the hit Netflix series 13 Reasons Why which is now very popular with middle and high school students.  This series is based around a 17 year-old, Hannah Baker, who dies by suicide and leaves behind audio recordings to 13 people who she feels in some way were part of why she killed herself.

Although the series is rated TV-MA, students as young as 9 years old are watching this on their phones undetected by parents.

Due to the graphic nature of this series, showing the suicide as well as a number of other difficult topics such as bullying, sexual assault, drunk driving, drug use and shaming, it is not advised that middle school students watch this unless approved by their parents.  Even then, please talk to your student about their thoughts and feelings after viewing.

As quoted in a statement released by National Association of School Psychologists (NASP):  

We do not recommend that vulnerable youth, especially those who have any degree of suicidal ideation, watch this series.  Its powerful storytelling may lead impressionable viewers to romanticize the choices made by the characters and/or develop revenge fantasies.  They may easily identify with the experiences portrayed and recognize both the intentional and unintentional effects on the central character.

Unfortunately, adult characters in the show, including the second school counselor who inadequately addresses Hannah’s pleas for help, do not inspire a sense of trust or ability to help.  Hannah’s parents are also unaware of the events that lead to her suicide death.

As a side note, although this setting is a high school, the actors portrayed are all mostly in their 20’s. Hannah is 21 and Clay 20; these high school students are all attractive and confident….  

MY 13 Reasons Why I Don’t Love This Series:  

1. 9 year-olds watch it on their phones.
2. The actors are in their 20’s.
3. The actors are all attractive and confident.
4. It romanticizes the act of dying by suicide.
5. It plays off middle schoolers’ angst around ‘they will regret what they did when I am gone.”
6. Viewers are hoping for a second series … 13 Reasons Why Clay Dies...
7. It puts the image of cutting wrists in the bathtub in young impressionable minds and they can not unsee it.
8. Counselors and parents are not seen as helpful.
9. There are no other options explored.
10. Hannah looks beautiful as she dies; this glamorizes the act.
11. Mental illness and mental health are not discussed.
12. It is a how-to for a struggling student who is feeling there are no other options.
13. With the graphic depictions and topics, it is a trigger for those who have tough situations in their past.

If you  have worries or concerns about a PAML student, please let me know as soon as possible. Also, Lamoille County Mental Health Crisis Services are available 24 hours a day at 888-5026 during the day and 888-8888 after hours to respond to emergencies.  We would always rather err on the side of caution when dealing with our children.

Sincerely,

Ms. Dambach