Harwood Middle School Blog update, February 14, 2021

 

7th Graders creating hearts to be shared with the classmates.  
Valentine's Day comes at a perfect time of the year when everyone
needs a bit of warmth in the middle of winter.

Connected

• Important Calendar Updates:

• 2/16 - 2/19 HUMS WinterFest Announced!  

• From 12:30- 2:30 Tuesday and Friday this week  

•  Students will particpate with their TA's  in sledding, snow sculpting, taking winter photographs and a savenger hunt activities.   The school day will end with a visit from the HU ice cream truck(aka floor machine) to deliver pre-packaged ice cream to each HUMS student safely.  Please make sure students bring in outdoor clothing for 2021 Winterfest! 

• 2/22 - 3/2 No School - Winter Break Please note the cohort day switch when we return from the upcoming break!

• 03/04 - Black cohort day (Mon/Tues Group)

• 03/05 - Gold cohort day (Thurs/Fri Group)

 Your Vote Matters!  

The detailed report of the 2022 HUUSD Budget, along with the schools annual report, can be found online here. You may call 802-583-7953 to request a printed copy of the budget. If you'd prefer a verbal review of the budget and/or to ask questions , please join the informational meeting being held via zoom (or you can watch on youtube) on March 1st at 6 p.m. (click on the following link to view information about the meeitng and ways to view it here)

Free Meals for Children 18 & Younger

• Did you know you can get free breakfasts and lunches for your children 18 and under? That includes littles not yet enrolled in school! Sign up for meals here.  Free meals are not only for families in need, and you won’t be “taking away” a meal from someone in need if you decide to get a meal for your child(ren).   Please take advantage of this wonderful benefit, the more meals served, the better it is for the HUUSD Food & Nutrition Program.

Last Reminder:

• Harwood Union Middle/High School Bus riders will be asked to utilize the Harwood Transit cards (ZPass System) to assist school staff with identifying what students ride which bus each day regardless of any change in the bus they take to or from school.   Students will be expected to swipe the card for both AM and PM bus routes - daily routes only. This is more important than ever given during this  COVID school year.   If students need a transit card please see Nancy Myrto.  If you have questions contact Duane Pierson at dpierson@huusd.org. 

  
  

  Click on the link below to learn more about the Harwood Transit card system: 

  Harwood Transit Card information

Updates from our Health Office:

Travel & Quarantine

Emergency Executive Orders continue to be in place to slow the spread of COVID-19 in Vermont. Gatherings with others who do not live within your home and non essential travel continue to be prohibited. 

If your student gathers with others who do not live in your home they should remain home, quarantine and get a COVID PCR test as soon as possible and then again on or after day 7 of quarantine. Remain home and in quarantine until you receive a negative test result. If you do not develop COVID symptoms your student may return to school once you have reported the negative test result to the school nurse. 

If you travel out of Vermont whether for a day trip or longer, you must quarantine in Vermont upon return for 14 days. You can end quarantine early if you do not develop symptoms of COVID-19, get a COVID-19 PCR test on or after Day 7, get a negative test result, and still do not have symptoms.

The negative test result must be reported to the school nurse before a student will be cleared to return to school and sports. 

College students that attend school out of state, and within Vermont, must quarantine for 14 days upon return to your home. They should self isolate within the home until quarantine has ended. You can end quarantine early if you do not develop symptoms of COVID-19, get a COVID-19 PCR test on or after Day 7 of quarantine, get a negative test result, and still do not have symptoms. More information can be obtained at https://www.healthvermont.gov/covid-19/travel-quarantine

The Test Site Finder can help you find and schedule COVID testing near you. 

Until people are vaccinated and we know more, we need to follow all safety guidelines like wearing a mask out in public, washing your hands frequently, social distancing and following social gathering, travel and quarantine guidelines.

Please report your test results, ask questions and get guidance from your school nurse.

Thank you for doing your part in keeping our schools open and safe.

Nurses Office 

Phone # 802-583-8151

Fax 802-882-1197

HUMS Engineers worked on teaming and problem sovling skills to create the largest
cup tower during their Teacher Advsory Time.  The winning team
created a 90 inch masterpiece.  

7th grade teachers demonstrate our new recess game called "Mirror Twister".  In this game  opponents attempt to mirror each other using the carpet squares in the HUMS gallery as a Twister Board.   Of course regular twister would not allowed this year  - so with a few twists we have now have this amazing new game.  Picture above, Ms. Renz destroys Mr. Potts in their demostration game for the 7th grade (Information provided by Ms. Renz) 

7th Grade biologists exploring the world of animal traits as it relates to 
understanding interrelatinships and interdependence within 
an ecosystem.  Student reflected on their experiences both in writing and through classroom discussions. Ask student what animal they were during the hands on/minds on gallery experience.  

 

CURIOUS 

Curious about how Harwood assesses students?  

The following link will take you to our guide that is designed to provide students and their families with a thorough understanding of Proficiency-based Education. The guide includes general information about the Principles and Practices of Proficiency-based Education.  It also includes information specific to how student learning is reported. Lastly, it provides details on how to access information about student progress in our Proficiency-based reporting system, JumpRope.

Your recent Jump Rope progress report should have included a link to this guide. Please review the document and email dpierson@huusd.org if you have questions.

LINK: Harwood's Assessment System

HUMS scientist creating molecules and compounds out of 
gumdrops.  (Please note that no gumdrops were harmed during this activity  - mostly)

Community Announcements

Please note that the opportunities/events listed below are not specifically endorsed or screened by school staff. As always, families should use their own standards and review processes to determine appropriate activities.
 

Everyone Eats and Share MRV Free Healthy Meals Free meals are available to anyone in the community who has been impacted in any way by the pandemic.  Not only will you get a delicious meal, but you are helping your local economy by supporting a valley restaurant and its employees.  Come to the Big Picture Theater and grab a meal for you and your neighbor on Saturdays 11-1:00.
For more information, call 8802-505-9149 or send an email to ShareMRA @gmail.com.

She's the First  Harwood Union High School "She’s the First" group is running a raffle to raise money to send girls to school who are the first in their families to attend high school in Ethiopia and Uganda. We have gathered prizes from many local restaurants and businesses including Mad River Taste Place, Tucker Hill Inn, Vermont North Ski Shop, Sweet Spot, Waterbury Sports and many more! Tickets are $5, or a book of 5 for $20. To purchase a ticket, please email shesthefirsthu@gmail.com with your name, email, phone number, mailing address, and preferred method of payment. Payment can be accepted through Paypal (shesthefirsthu@gmail.com) or Venmo (@shesthefirsthu). Cash and checks (payable to She’s the First Harwood Union) can be mailed to Kate Stauss at Harwood Union High School, 458 VT RTE 100 Moretown, VT 05660. The raffle drawing will be over Zoom on March 8th (International Women’s Day), along with a showing of a short film, Brave Girl Rising. An email with the zoom link will be sent to you after you purchase a ticket (you do not need to be present to win a prize). Please email krush2021@huusd.org if you have any questions. Help us support this important cause!

2021 Spring Lacrosse Registration @ www.madriverlax.com        Mad River Valley Youth Lacrosse will offer both girls and boys lacrosse again this year. There are four separate grade levels including k-2nd, 3rd-4th, 5th-6th and 7th-8th. Equipment will be provided for k-4th grade players as supplies allow. First timers are welcome at every level.
      Early Registration at www.madriverlax.com is highly recommended as teams often fill to capacity. Player space is open on a first-come, first-serve basis. Team assignments will be provided by March 10, 2020. Mad River Youth Lacrosse encourages athletes who might play other spring sports to also play lacrosse.  http://www.mrvrd.org/2020/04/16/recreation-opportunities-during-covid-19/ Mad River Youth Lacrosse will also follow any additional guidance from the state as it relates to their return to play guidelines prior to returning to play. https://accd.vermont.gov/ Should the pandemic continue and we are therefore unable to play we will provide refunds. For more information or to register for the 2021 season, please go to www.madriverlax.com.

Public Input Needed on Scrag Mtn Town Forest Trails     The Waitsfield Conservation Commission is seeking input from Valley residents and visitors on their experiences and hopes for recreational trails on the 750-acre Scrag Mountain Town Forest. There are two near-term opportunities to weigh in:

• Attend a virtual public forum on Monday, February 1^st from 7:30-8:30 pm via Zoom - https://tnc.zoom.us/j/94557295475;
• Complete a brief online survey at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/W7V3PHT by 5:00 pm on Friday, February 12^th.

Please share your perspective on this important community asset! For further information, contact Conservation Commission Chair Phil Huffman at phil@madriver.com or trail consultant Mariah Keagy at mariah@sinuosity.net.

Harwood Middle School Blog update, January 31, 2021

8th Grade Science Winners for the Amazing Element Savenger Hunt. Students end their unit
on understanding the many aspects of the elements that make up our planet.  
(Notice the cool cups!) 

Hello HUMS families,

I hope that you all enjoyed the recent amazing winter snow and sun!  In my humble opinion, winter always seems more bearable when the sun comes out.  Please make sure your HUMS son/daughter brings in their winter clothes so we can take advantage of the outdoors during recess, PE and some of our learning breaks! If you need assistance please let me know!

As enter a new semester would encourage you to ensure that your child’s health is in good condition each day before sending them to school. We have done a great job so far in keeping everyone healthy and want to congtInue to do so especially with the “regular” flu season being upon us. Please know that our staff remain vigilant in all they are doing, adjusting and improving the way we learn together given this unique year.   Your help and feedback with all of this is of course, greatly appreciated. We stand with you and want to make 2021 a great one.

*Please note that over the next few weeks you will be receiving information on many of the transitions (7th to 8th and 8th to Harwood Union High School) our students will make as they enter the 21-22 school year. Please let us know if there is anyway we can help make these transitions better for your family or student.

Duane Pierson HUMS, dpierson@huusd.org

Curious  8th Grade Scientist are curious to what happens when one throws hot water into the air when its 15 degrees below zero Fahrenheirt? Is the water freezing midair? The big cloud is condensate, or water that has quickly condensed into tiny droplets, which is the same reason you can see your breath when it’s cold outside. The smaller streaks are from condensate coming off falling water droplets — not water that has frozen midair. Always something to be curious about in our amazing world no doubt!

 

7th grade artists in Mrs. Veriotto's class have been working on their scratchboards where they focus on making texture marks on a clay board. Here are their works in progress!

8th grade Historians are working on Civil War projects. Here a conservator is recreating a scene from the Battle of the Wilderness.  Students provided feedback on the displays. 

7th Grade Mathematician working on Scale Drawings. 
An amazing Marvin the Martian no doubt.   

Connected Anti-Racism communication from our board Students - the board is eager for your feedback and thoughts regarding the work in our community to address Racism and Inequity.   IMPORTANT Please review the following School Bus Information   NOTICE:  Harwood Union Middle/High School Bus riders will be asked to utilize the Harwood Transit cards (ZPass System) to assist school staff with identifying what students ride which bus each day regardless of any change in the bus they take to or from school.   Students will be expected to swipe the card for both AM and PM bus routes - daily routes only. This is more important than ever given during this  COVID school year.   If students need a transit card please see Nancy Myrto.  If you have questions contact Duane Pierson at dpierson@huusd.org.  Click on the link below to learn more about the Harwood Transit card system:  Harwood Transit Card information Snow Day Schedule: Calendar reminders: 02/01 - Quarter 3, Semester 2 Begins 2/22 - 3/2 - No School - Winter Break IMPORTANT NOTICE Please note the cohort day switch when we return from February break!.  03/04 - Black cohort day 03/05 - Gold cohort day Community Announcements Please note that the opportunities/events listed below are not specifically endorsed or screened by school staff. As always, families should use their own standards and review processes to determine appropriate activities. 2021 Spring Lacrosse Registration @ www.madriverlax.com       Mad River Valley Youth Lacrosse will offer both girls and boys lacrosse again this year. There are four separate grade levels including k-2nd, 3rd-4th, 5th-6th and 7th-8th. Equipment will be provided for k-4th grade players as supplies allow. First timers are welcome at every level.       Early Registration at www.madriverlax.com is highly recommended as teams often fill to capacity. Player space is open on a first-come, first-serve basis. Team assignments will be provided by March 10, 2020. Mad River Youth Lacrosse encourages athletes who might play other spring sports to also play lacrosse.   Mad River Youth Lacrosse will also follow any additional guidance from the state as it relates to their return to play guidelines prior to returning to play. https://accd.vermont.gov/ Should the pandemic continue and we are therefore unable to play we will provide refunds.  Public Input Needed on Scrag Mtn Town Forest Trails     The Waitsfield Conservation Commission is seeking input from Valley residents and visitors on their experiences and hopes for recreational trails on the 750-acre Scrag Mountain Town Forest. There are two near-term opportunities to weigh in: Attend a virtual public forum on Monday, February 1st from 7:30-8:30 pm via Zoom - https://tnc.zoom.us/j/94557295475; Complete a brief online survey at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/W7V3PHT by 5:00 pm on Friday, February 12th. Please share your perspective on this important community asset! For further information, contact Conservation Commission Chair Phil Huffman at phil@madriver.com or trail consultant Mariah Keagy at mariah@sinuosity.net.

Caring   Updates from our Health Office: As we continue to work to ensure our communities safety and wellness we ask for your continued partnership.  We are seeing an increase in the number of COVID close contact cases in the school community and we are entering the cold and flu season. It is critical that we continue to remain vigilant and follow our mitigation strategies and procedures.  Students must complete the Harwood Daily Screening Form before school, sports practices and games. If a student answers yes to ANY of the following  Travel out of the state Close Contact of a COVID positive person  Household member under quarantine Fever over 100.4 Shortness of Breath Cough Loss of taste or smell Fatigue Muscle or Body Aches Headache Sore Throat Congestion/Runny Nose Nausea/Vomiting Diarrhea STAY HOME from school and practices. Additionally - please note that students will not be allowed to return to in person learning, sports practices, or games until they have been cleared by the school nurse. Students will be sent home from school, sports practices and games if they have not been cleared to return What should you do? Stay home! Complete the school absence form daily Contact your doctor or seek medical care Get tested for COVID-19 if recommended Self-isolate Contact the school nurse with details and to ask questions 802-583-8151 Do not go to school or sporting events until you have been cleared to return by the school nurse. If a COVID test was done, the test result must be reported to the school nurse before a clearance to return to school or sports activities will be permitted.

Harwood Middle School blog update, January 18, 2021

 Remembering and Taking Action 

Martin Luther King Day

The HUMS Racial Justice group and A World of Difference, a high school club are proud to present  I am From Here, a film, followed by discussion about racism in Vermont.  On Friday, January 22 and Tuesday, January 26  the film will be viewed during TA.  Students from A World of Difference will facilitate a Zoom discussion about the film during ELO block 5 on Wednesday January 28.

HUMS students in la classe de français exploring and making presentations on what they are CURIOUS about in French-speaking countries!

HUMS students have the opportunity to get outside during the day to take advantage of
Vermont's winter past times.  

 

Curious  Updates from our Health OfficeInclude your mask with your regular laundry or hand wash. Masks are a critical step to help prevent people from getting and spreading COVID-19.   A cloth mask offers some protection to you as well as protecting those around you. Wear a mask and take everyday preventive actions in public settings, at events and gatherings, and anywhere you will be around other people.  Wash your cloth mask after each wear and dispose of surgical paper face masks at the end of the day.  How to Wash Masks Use regular laundry detergent Rinse thoroughly with clean water Dry mask completely in a warm or hot dryer or air dry it by hanging it until completely dry.  Cold Weather Change your mask when it becomes wet. A wet mask is harder to breathe through, is less efficient at filtering, and vents more around the edges of the mask. Keep a spare mask to replace one that becomes wet from moisture in your breath, snow, or rain. Store your wet reusable mask in a plastic bag until you get home and can put it in the laundry. If you need to wear a scarf, ski mask, or balaclava, wear it over your mask. If you wear glasses, find a mask that fits closely over your nose or has a nose wire to help reduce fogging. Consider using an anti fogging spray that is made for eyeglasses. Students may visit the health office during the school day if they need a new mask. Here is a helpful link with more information and instructions for making your own face masks. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/how-to-wear-cloth-face-coverings.html

HUMS Scientist Curious about Science!  

 HUMS Scientists creating, presenting and revision models on various 

theories about a host of science principles..  

 

Connected IMPORTANT Please review the following School Bus Information   Beginning Tuesday January 19, Harwood Union Middle/High School Bus riders will be asked to utilize the Harwood Transit cards (ZPass System) to assist school staff with identifying what students ride which bus each day regardless of any change in the bus they take to or from school.   Students will be expected to swipe the card for both AM and PM bus routes - daily routes only. This is more important than ever given during this  COVID school year.   If students need a transit card please see Nancy Myrto.  If you have questions contact Duane Pierson at dpierson@huusd.org.  Click on the link below to learn more about the Harwood Transit card system:  Harwood Transit Card information ELO Information  Wednesday Extended Learning Opportunities (ELO) Reminder Students are expected to attend a minimum of 2 ELO’s each Wednesday. Students are able to sign up for ELO 1-4 if they are seeking support from a specific teacher. Teachers also assign students to specific ELO’s. ELO 5 & 6 provide community and club opportunities for all Harwood students and are a great way of connecting with peers. Calendar reminders: 1/18 - NO school for students (Inservice day for staff) 1/29 - Last day of Semester 1/Quarter 2  2/22 - 3/2 - No School - Winter Break

Caring   Washington County Youth Service Bureau - we offer a range of services to support youth and families in the Washington County area. One of our programs, The Country Roads Program, serves youth, ages 12-22 who are having difficulty at home, making them at risk for involvement in the foster care system or the juvenile justice system. By connecting families with area resources, providing counseling to help families stay together, and offering voluntary, temporary, crisis shelter for youth at risk of running away or being displaced from their homes, we can be of assistance. Everyone Eats!  Everyone Eats is a program that engages local restaurants to make to-go meals for anyone who has been impacted by COVID 19. Pick up is at Sugar Fish VT (not Sugarbush) on Saturdays from 11-1:00, 168 Fiddlers Green by the laundromat. You will receive one individually packaged frozen dinner for each person in your household.  Also, Farmers to Families Boxes are available first-come, first serve.  Sign up using the following link: https://tinyurl.com/vee-enrollment  You will only need to enroll once.  Please come each week to pick up meals. If you have questions, call Jess Tompkins at  802-793-1116 or email ShareMRV@gmail.com

Curious 

• Updates from our Health OfficeInclude your mask with your regular laundry or hand wash.

• Masks are a critical step to help prevent people from getting and spreading COVID-19.  

• A cloth mask offers some protection to you as well as protecting those around you.

• Wear a mask and take everyday preventive actions in public settings, at events and gatherings, and anywhere you will be around other people. 

• Wash your cloth mask after each wear and dispose of surgical paper face masks at the end of the day. 

• How to Wash Masks

• Use regular laundry detergent

• Rinse thoroughly with clean water Dry mask completely in a warm or hot dryer or air dry it by hanging it until completely dry. 

Cold Weather

• Change your mask when it becomes wet.

• A wet mask is harder to breathe through, is less efficient at filtering, and vents more around the edges of the mask.

• Keep a spare mask to replace one that becomes wet from moisture in your breath, snow, or rain.

• Store your wet reusable mask in a plastic bag until you get home and can put it in the laundry.

• If you need to wear a scarf, ski mask, or balaclava, wear it over your mask.

• If you wear glasses, find a mask that fits closely over your nose or has a nose wire to help reduce fogging. Consider using an anti fogging spray that is made for eyeglasses.

Students may visit the health office during the school day if they need a new mask. Here is a helpful link with more information and instructions for making your own face masks. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/how-to-wear-cloth-face-coverings.html

Connected

• IMPORTANT Please review the following School Bus Information

 

Beginning Tuesday January 19, Harwood Union Middle/High School Bus riders will be asked to utilize the Harwood Transit cards (ZPass System) to assist school staff with identifying what students ride which bus each day regardless of any change in the bus they take to or from school.   Students will be expected to swipe the card for both AM and PM bus routes - daily routes only. This is more important than ever given during this  COVID school year.   If students need a transit card please see Nancy Myrto.  If you have questions contact Duane Pierson at dpierson@huusd.org. 

Click on the link below to learn more about the Harwood Transit card system: 

Harwood Transit Card information

ELO Information 

Wednesday Extended Learning Opportunities (ELO) Reminder

• Students are expected to attend a minimum of 2 ELO’s each Wednesday.

• Students are able to sign up for ELO 1-4 if they are seeking support from a specific teacher.

• Teachers also assign students to specific ELO’s.

• ELO 5 & 6 provide community and club opportunities for all Harwood students and are a great way of connecting with peers.

Calendar reminders:

• 1/18 - NO school for students (Inservice day for staff)

• 1/29 - Last day of Semester 1/Quarter 2 

• 2/22 - 3/2 - No School - Winter Break

Caring

 

• Washington County Youth Service Bureau - we offer a range of services to support youth and families in the Washington County area. One of our programs, The Country Roads Program, serves youth, ages 12-22 who are having difficulty at home, making them at risk for involvement in the foster care system or the juvenile justice system. By connecting families with area resources, providing counseling to help families stay together, and offering voluntary, temporary, crisis shelter for youth at risk of running away or being displaced from their homes, we can be of assistance.

• Everyone Eats!  Everyone Eats is a program that engages local restaurants to make to-go meals for anyone who has been impacted by COVID 19. Pick up is at Sugar Fish VT (not Sugarbush) on Saturdays from 11-1:00, 168 Fiddlers Green by the laundromat. You will receive one individually packaged frozen dinner for each person in your household.  Also, Farmers to Families Boxes are available first-come, first serve.  Sign up using the following link: https://tinyurl.com/vee-enrollment  You will only need to enroll once.  Please come each week to pick up meals. If you have questions, call Jess Tompkins at  802-793-1116 or email ShareMRV@gmail.com