
PUTNEY CENTRAL SCHOOL
An exceptional PK-8 School located in beautiful southern Vermont

PCS News 6/2/23
Dear PCS Community,
Thank you for another wonderful week at PCS. This week saw temperatures soar into the 90s, and our classes get out the hoses and sprinklers to cool off! Our 8th graders had a wonderful trip to Hildene, the Lincoln Family Home, and we hosted our annual Teddy Bear Tea for students and families joining our pre-k and Kindergarten classrooms next year to come to PCS for a morning. Also, our 2nd graders made the newspaper for their own newspaper project! (https://www.reformer.com/education/hot-off-the-presses/article_d5ba7410-fc04-11ed-8a27-476ff5a8b6cc.html). Thanks as always for your partnership.
Next week is the start of our planned swimming program in PE class (just in time for a cool turn in the weather!). We will see if we can implement the program as planned with cooler air temps in the forecast. We'll keep you posted!
Here is some information heading into the weekend:
Upcoming Dates:
Monday, June 5th - PCS Leadership Council Meeting
Wed. June 7th - Middle School Science Fair - 12:30 - 1:30 in the gym (see below for details)
Wed., June 7th - Ice Cream Social Concerts - 6:00
Thurs. June 8th-9th - 8th Grade Trip to Cape Cod
Monday June 12th - 8th Grade Graduation: 6:00 PM
Wed. June 14th - Student Field Day and BBQ
Friday, June 16th - Final Student day (Half day - 11:45 dismissal)
PCS Leadership Council:
I hope that many of you can join us for our final Leadership Council meeting of the school year on Monday June 5th from 4:00 - 6:00. These meetings are a chance to hear a detailed report from me about things happening at PCS, hear from school board member Ruby McAdoo about issues facing the board, and talk about ways that the Leadership Council can connect with and support the PCS community. Anyone can join any meeting to participate and/or listen. This months meeting will take place both on site at PCS and on Zoom (https://us02web.zoom.us/j/5285286349)
Ice Cream Social:
Our Final concert of the year will take place at 6:00 on the evening of June 7th. This is a performance of our choral groups and concert bands. Please join us!
PCS Summer Camp:
We are excited to announce that several spaces have opened up in PCS summer camps, so we are offering a late registration option. Please click on the link to access the registration form. All responses are due by Friday June 1st, and unfortunately, we are not able to offer financial aid for this round of late registrations. Placements will be made on a 'first come/ first serve' basis for this round of registrations. Please reach out to Katy Emond if you have any questions (kemond@wsesdvt.org).
PCS summer camp invoices went out last week, you will have received them from the email address: katys.swimming.lessons@gmail.com. Our apologies for the confusion. Camp tuition is due by June 9th and must be paid by cash or check to the front office. Please email Katy Emond at kemond@wsesdvt.org with any questions or concerns you may have.
Thank you again as always for your partnership and support. Have a nice weekend
Jon
HEAT ADVISORY
Unseasonable Heat Expected in Vermont this Week
Stay cool, stay hydrated, stay informed
BURLINGTON, VT – Unseasonably hot temperatures are expected to impact Vermont this week, with high temperatures forecast in the upper 80s to low 90s from Wednesday through Friday. These conditions create a serious risk for heat-related illnesses, such as heat stroke, and state officials want people to know how to stay safe and healthy when the thermometer climbs. Vermonters can find tips and information in 12 languages, as well as an interactive map of cooling locations, at HealthVermont.gov/hot-weather.
“During hot weather, your body’s temperature control systems can have a hard time keeping up,” said Jared Ulmer, Climate and Health Program manager with the Department of Health. “It’s important to ease into outdoor activities, to drink plenty of water and to take frequent breaks in the shade or cool indoor locations, especially during these first really hot days of the season.”
Keep watch for symptoms of heat illness − muscle cramps, heavy sweating, nausea, headache, or light-headedness. Most heat illnesses can be treated by drinking fluids and resting in a cooler place. If symptoms persist or get worse, or someone you are with seems confused or loses consciousness, dial 9-1-1 and get immediate medical help.
Certain people are at a higher risk of heat-related illness, including those who work or exercise outdoors, people who are unhoused, older adults, and young children. People who have disabilities, chronic medical conditions, are overweight, are taking certain medications, or are using drugs or alcohol are also at higher risk. Consecutive hot days with warm overnight temperatures are particularly dangerous for people without access to air conditioning, especially if they live alone.
While many head for the lake to cool off, cold water temperatures are still a concern. Lake Champlain has yet to reach 60°F, and many other recreational waters are also at temperatures that can cause hypothermia. Limit your time in the water, and always have a life jacket when boating.
Tips for Staying Safe and Healthy in Hot Weather:
• “Look Before You Lock!” Never leave children, people with disabilities, older adults, or pets in a closed vehicle.
• Drink plenty of water, or non-alcoholic and decaffeinated fluids.
• Seek relief in air-conditioned spaces or other cool and shaded places (interactive cooling sites map at: HealthVermont.gov/hot-weather).
• Check in on loved ones and neighbors to make sure they are safe — especially those who live alone, have mobility issues, or do not have air conditioning.
• Wear lightweight, light-colored clothing to reflect heat and sunlight.
• Limit outdoor activities during the hottest part of the day.
• Close window shades during the day. Keep windows closed when it is hotter outside than inside. Avoid using appliances and lights that generate heat.
• Make sure pets have water and a cool place to rest.
A new Health Department analysis shows how Vermonters’ health is affected by the heat index – the “what it feels like” temperature. “When relative humidity increases, it’s harder for sweat to evaporate, which makes it harder for people to cool off,” said Ulmer.
According to the analysis, people in Vermont are more than −
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Five times as likely to go to the emergency department for heat-related illnesses when the heat index reaches the 80s
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Ten times as likely to go to when the heat index reaches the low 90s
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Twenty times as likely to go when the heat index reaches the upper 90s or hotter
Heat risks are especially high early in the warm season because our bodies need time to acclimate to hot weather. When daily high temperatures consistently stay above 80°F, these risks drop by more than half.
“Being aware of heat risks and how to stay safe is increasingly important,” said Ulmer. “Due to climate change, heat waves in Vermont are already occurring more frequently and with more intensity than they did in the recent past.”
Vermont Heat Safety Resources:
The National Weather Service issues a heat advisory, watch, or warning when the forecasted heat index is dangerously high. Visit weather.gov/btv/heat for detailed heat forecast and safety information.
Subscribe to VT Alert at vem.vermont.gov/VTAlert to be notified by phone, text or email when a heat alert is issued.
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National Weather Service – weather.gov/btv
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Follow @NWSBurlington
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Vermont Department of Health – HealthVermont.gov/hot-weather
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Follow @HealthVermont
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Vermont Emergency Management – vem.vermont.gov
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Follow @vemvt
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Social Media: #VTHeatSafety
Additional Resources:
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Centers for Disease Control & Prevention – cdc.gov/extremeheat
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Federal Emergency Management Agency – ready.gov/heat
Middle School Science Fair
When: June 7th from 12:30pm - 1:30pm
Where: Gymnasium
Families are welcome to attend during this time! For families that can't make it during that time the posters and displays will be moved to the middle school hallway to be viewed by families before or after the concert that evening.

Seeking Plant Donations!

The Middle School Grounds and Garden Club (pictured here) has been working all year on a new gravel garden and it is almost ready to plant.... but we need some plants! As you are dividing perennials or moving things around in your own garden please think of us! We are interested in early and late season perennials and self seeding annuals (euphorbias, penstemons, lupine, dianthus, poppies, aster, verbena, peonies, perennial geranium, grasses, spring bulbs, aliums, thistle, etc). Please tag plants and drop them off outside the entrance closest to the main office. We would like to have the garden planted by mid-May, so there is no time like the present!
*If you know you have a lot of jumping worms please donate responsibly!
Happy gardening!
Get your 4th Grade Sugaring badges while they last!
The 2023 Sugaring Badges have arrived!
Badges are available for $5 each in the main office, cash only. Proceeds support the PCS Sugaring Program to cover the cost of materials, supplies, and future pancake batter! Patches are iron-on or can be sewed in place. There are only about 70 available, get one while they last!
If your child would like to get one please send money in a sealed envelope with their name on it. Thanks for your support!
Patch design by May in 3rd grade, which was chosen by whole-school ballot.



Staff Highlight
Aidy Holding
Aidy is the Planning Room Coordinator here at PCS. Many students use Aidy’s Room as a space to regulate and move through challenges that come up. Aidy’s approach is based in building positive relationships and restorative practices. She also serves as a Teacher Leader for the district’s Office of Diversity, Equity, and Social Justice.
Aidy was born and raised in the Monadnock region of New Hampshire. She studied German and Linguistics at UVM, and moved to Windham County about five years ago.
Aidy loves working at PCS and admires the way our school culture prioritizes belonging and individuality. In her free time she likes to skateboard, swim in the local rivers, and hang out with her two cats. Aidy lives in Putney with her family, and hopes to stay here for a long time.
Summer Tennis
Registration open for BOC Tennis camp!
Weekly Sessions from June 19th- August 11th.
Summer Golf Opportunity!
Rosie's Girls- Camp for Middle School ages



Please find attached a parent/caregiver e-newsletter from Building a Positive Community (BAPC) and a youth newsletter from Brattleboro Area Youth Council.
BAPC newsletter includes BAPC youth empowerment programs; a parent/caregiver survey ($5 goes to schools for each one completed); this weekend's wellness fair details; important fake pills/fentanyl information and more.
The Youth Council newsletter is for youth. It shares what the youth council is and what is doing in the schools and community, a career shadowing interest survey for 7th to 12th grade students, and more.
HISTORY QUEST AT THE LIBRARY
PUTNEY LIBRARY SUMMER READING
STAMP MAKING @ THE PUTNEY LIBRARY: JUNE 1ST, 4:00 PM
Summer Sport Development Camps Grades 5-12
The Putney Public Library is excited to announce the Putney Library History Quest! Join other curious explorers this summer and discover many of the places that our great library has lived. You’ll have to use your wits to solve the clues, discover hidden letterboxes and learn more about this fascinating local history. Grab a quest book at the library- which includes a walking map of six locations in the village- a rubber stamp (workshop for ages 10+ afterschool on June 1st to create your own stamp) and see if you can complete the quest. Those who complete the quest will be entered into a drawing for a gift certificate to Everyone’s Books in Brattleboro. The 2023 Putney Library History Quest will run through September 30, 2023.
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Notes from Nurse Nicole
PROTECT: Avoid areas where ticks live, use EPA-registered tick repellents, and cover up.
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CHECK: Don't let ticks hitchhike inside and check your whole body.
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REMOVE: Remove attached ticks as soon as you can.
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WATCH: Watch for symptoms and tell your provider if you get sick.
Health and Wellness resources:
It has been wonderful to get back into classrooms this year for Health and Wellness classes. Although I am not in all grades, I do have a list of resources that could be useful to you and your child/children regarding their changing bodies. The following list includes books and websites that I find thoughtfully organized with inclusive language;
http://r53-vip-soup.pbskids.org/itsmylife/body/puberty/article2.html
https://kidshealth.org/en/kids/grow/
https://www.corysilverberg.com/
As always, please reach out with any questions.
Nicole
Counselor's Corner
What's happening in the counseling department?
And just like that it’s May! Welcome beautiful weather! Welcome sunshine! And welcome to the last weeks of school!
Throughout the month of April our theme was courage. We had our first ever school wide community assembly just before April vacation and it was a success!
May’s theme is empathy- seeing things from someone else’s perspective - by “walking in someone else’s shoes.” At our May community assembly we will incorporate empathy through singing and student performances.
There is so much happening at PCS these days! I can imagine that as a parent/guardian you might like to talk to your child about their school experience to get a sense of their school life. Here are some questions that may elicit more than a one-word response. It's also great to start the conversation with an anecdote from your own day. Try one of these conversation-starters (scholastic.com):
1. Tell me about the best part of your day.
2. What was the hardest thing you had to do today?
3. Did any of your classmates do anything funny?
4. Tell me about what you read in class.
5. Who did you play with today? What did you play?
6. Do you think math [or any subject] is too easy or too hard?
7. What's the biggest difference between this year and last year?
8. What rules are different at school than our rules at home? Do you think they're fair?
9. Who did you sit with at lunch?
10. Can you show me something you learned (or did) today?
As the PCS school counselor. I am working alongside you and I am here to support you. Please, feel encouraged to reach out at any time. I look forward to finishing strong with our students this school year.
All the best,
Marisa
