Monday, October 10th 2016

Greetings Families,

I hope everyone is enjoying the crisp fall air and peak foliage colors this long weekend!

Last week's Family Curriculum Night was a great success! A big thank you to everyone who came in to learn more about what has been going on in 5th and 6th grade. It was wonderful to meet more families and to see students proudly share their work! If you were unable to come or have any additional questions, please don't hesitate to contact any one of us on the team.

Progress Reports will be completed and sent home with students at the end of the week. These are an opportunity for us to communicate with you about students' work towards our learning and social goals for the year. Thank you for working with us to support your child!

On Friday, October 7th, members of our SME Student Council and one member of our sixth grade student body attended the Vermont Rural Partnership Fall Conference with Mr. Foxall and Mr. Christie-Maples. While at the conference, our students did an excellent job in presenting a draft of a grant proposal to create and build "Outdoor Musical Gardens" at SME. They then answered a variety of questions about their proposal from other students groups attending the conference. In response, our students offered thoughtful clarifying questions and feedback on the proposals presented by the two other schools in our discussion group. It was a fine leadership experience.

And for all you history buffs.... check this out!

EXPLORING ORFORD’S POOR FARM
Sunday, October 16, 1:00 PM
Congregational Church, Main Street, Orford. Guided walk follows.
Free and open to the public. Refreshments served. Donations gratefully accepted.
Presented by the Orford Historical Society and Steve Taylor

Learn about the state’s earliest struggles surrounding the treatment of its poor and the
establishment of Alms Houses, Town Farms and later, County Farms. Discover what we know about our own Poor Farm located on the northwest side of Sunday Mountain from 1845-1869. View the cellar hole remains on a guided walk (now located on private land). Imagine daily life on The Poor Farm.Visit the Poor Farm exhibit at the Town Hall Heritage Center, Orfordville. Open 2-5 PM on Sunday.

Fifth & Sixth Grade students from SME who attend this event, take notes and report their findings to their class will receive extra credit in Social Studies.