Newsletter | Putney Central

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PCS NEWS 12/5/25

Dear PCS Community,

With the turn to December, it feels like Winter is upon us all of the sudden! I want to share some important winter-related information here:

Snow days, delays, etc.:

You should have received a phone call and email from Mark Speno on Tuesday regarding the school cancellation. This is always how snow days and/or weather related delays will be announced. If you did not receive this phone message there is an error in the system - please let Emily Bristol in the PCS office know, and we can fix that.

Outdoors in Cold Temperatures:

When the temperature is below 10 degrees, it is district policy to have indoor recess. If the temperature is 10 degrees or above, it is our practice to be outside during breaks, recess and forest time. Please pack your kids with appropriate gear to support this. We do have boots and a few sets of snowpants, jackets and gloves to borrow if needed.

Here is some additional information heading into the weekend:

Upcoming Dates:

Sat. 12/6 - PCS Craft Fair!

Thurs. 12/11 - PCS Leadership Council Meeting - 5:00 in the library

Mon. 12/15 - Holiday Bazaar

Wed. 12/17 - Middle School trip to see "Little Women" at NEYT

Wed. 12/17 - JamFest at Next Stage Arts

Thurs. 12/18 - WinterFest performances at Next Stage Arts

Tues 12/23 - Half Day of School

Mon. 1/5/26 - First day back from break!

Music Performances:

We have TWO upcoming music performances at Next Stage Arts:

Our Middle School Modern Bands will perform at JamFest on Wed. 12/17
Our Middle School Choir and Concert Band, 3rd-5th Chorus, and Beginning Band will perform on Thursday 12/18

Did you know our music program has a website? We do!

https://putneycentralmusic.weebly.com/concerts.html

Winter Sports:

We will begin our winter sports program on the first Tuesday back from break. Please reach out to the office if you are unsure of what your child has signed up for.

Also, we are down to the FINAL HOURS of our community fundraiser - please consider supporting the program here if you are able!

Drama Program Auditions

We are beginning the auditions process for our annual school musical - this year we are putting on the show Newsies!

Auditions will be held after school on Thursday, Dec. 19 and are open to any students in grades 3-8. Again this year, performances will be held at Landmark College in the Spring. More information will come around signing up for auditions, etc.

The Holiday Bazaar

The annual Holiday Bazaar will be held on Monday, December 15th. All students will have the chance to shop for any immediate family member. Please see previous communication regarding donations for the shopping, and monetary donation to support the program. We love that this tradition has carried on through the years at PCS. If you would like to volunteer that day to assist students, or help as a wrapper, please reach out to the office staff!

I hope you all have a wonderful weekend. Thank you for sharing your kids with us - it is a pleasure and an honor to work with each and every one of them!

Jon

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Upcoming Activities, Community Events and More!

Staff Highlight

Ali Wilder- Garden Coordinator

I’m an orchardist, farmer, and lifelong New Englander. I got my B.A. in Agronomy at Iowa State University before specializing in Heirloom fruit growing. I’ve worked at 3 different orchards since and now have my own micro farm and nursery called Bad Goose Farm that I run with my partner, Zeke. We have a fabulous baby together, and she is one of the great joys of our lives. I have 12 pet geese that mow my lawn and keep me company outside, 5 of which are Cotton Patch geese - a rare breed under conservation. You could definitely say I’m obsessed with geese. I also love to grow and propagate plants, cook, woodwork, and read. Some weekends I LARP with my friends and family, and I can’t wait for my daughter to become the third generation of players. Overall I always find myself exceptionally busy, but love to find time to make new friends.

I’m excited to revitalize the school gardens and let it shine as a place for kids to learn about the natural world and where their food comes from, as well as become a place of play and respite for all.

Counselor's Corner

From the School Counselor:

Meet Moochie! 🐾

Hello families,

I’m excited to share some fun news from the counseling office! Moochie is a proud PCS support dog who works alongside her mom, who is me, our school counselor! With her calm presence and wagging tail, Moochie brings comfort, joy, and a sense of safety to students of all ages. She’s a master of emotional support and, truth be told, the grown-ups often need her cuddles just as much as the kids. Moochie, will be visiting sometimes to spend time with students. Moochie is here to help create a calm, supportive space for kids, whether they want to read quietly, take a mindful break, or just enjoy a furry friend’s company.

Moochie is a certified therapy dog who has completed special training to work in schools and community settings. She loves people, animals and bringing smiles wherever she goes. Her calm and friendly nature helps students and staff feel more relaxed, supported, and connected.

When Moochie is here, she’ll spend most of her time in my school counseling office with small groups, and sometimes with individual students. Research shows that being around therapy dogs can help reduce stress, increase feelings of happiness, and even make it easier to focus and learn.

We’ll be introducing Moochie gradually and in ways that feel comfortable for every student. If your child is interested in visiting Moochie-or prefers to wait or opt out-that’s completely okay.

I’m looking forward to sharing Moochie with our school community and creating moments of calm and connection for students. Feel free to reach out if you have questions or want to know more about Moochie’s visits!

Warmly,

Counselor Marisa