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Monday, December 19, 2011

Hunt PTO Update 12/19/11

Hey there Hunt families - Have a relaxing break and a happy new year. Stay warm...  Kate B.

Hunt Library  Did you know that families are welcome and encouraged to use the Hunt library?  Stop in during school hours and ask one of the librarians to set you up with an account.   Now is the time to stock up on some good reads for the holiday break!

It's Spirit Week at Hunt - Ask your child what the daily themes are....

BSD Budget Hearings The next public hearing is January 4, 2012 and will be held in the Burlington High School cafeteria at 7:00 pm. The public will have additional opportunities to
comment on this budget at a special Finance Committee meeting of the Board on January 9, 2012 (6:00 pm, 150 Colchester Avenue), at a presentation to the City Council also on January 9 and finally at the regularly scheduled School Board meeting on January 10, 2012 (7:00 pm, Burlington High School cafeteria).


The following link connects you to the BSD Powerpoint presentation about the 2012-13 Budget:
http://bsdweb.bsdvt.org/Board/budget1213/BudgetOverviewPPTFY2013.pdf

Mid Term Grades went home last Friday.  Don't forget to take a peek, sign the paper and send it back into your child's homeroom teacher.  Please do not hesitate to contact your child's teacher with questions and concerns.

Bake Sale at Strings Concerts There will be goodies and water for sale in the lobby to purchase and eat before and after the show. Profits at the Strings concert benefit the production of Grease.

We still need goodies and bottles of water! Bring donations to the lobby on the 21st when you bring your child for the concert. Cupcakes and brownies were the favorites last week - keep 'em coming! 


(By the way, the bake sale at the Band concert raised $210 for PTO funded projects.  We thank you for your purchases and to those who donated goodies and organized the sale!)

Check the Thermometer - The PTO (with your help!) has raised $4,526 since September!


Wreaths  Gabi Baumann sends a big thank you to all the folks who helped make the wreath sale such a success.Thank you Tammy Kuypers, Siobhan Donegan, Kerry Holway, Ann Arcovitch, Kathleen Lynch, Staci Lasker, Ernestine Abel, Barb Prine, Jennifer Sutton and Martine Gulick.

Special thanks go to Susan Rutherford, Kim Dinh, Jane Earley, Kathy Olwell, Helen Hossley, Brian Pine, Megan Peek, Jenny Tomczak, Kate Belluche and Bella Nadworny for helping both to sell and decorate/deliver all the wreaths.

(HUGE thanks from the PTO to both Gabi and Susan for their leadership and dedication to this fundraiser - we appreciate the many hours you put into raising money that supports all of our children)

Save the Date....  
  • December 21 - Strings concert - 7pm - Bake Sale too!
  • December 23 - January 2 - Holiday recess
  • January 12 - PTO meeting
  • January 17 - Grease Production Meeting - 7pm, HMS library - The more the merrier!
  • January 19, 2012 - 9th Grade Orientation - 7pm at BHS

Monday, December 12, 2011

Hunt PTO Update 12/12/11

Hey there Hunt families - Scoop below.

Hunt Theatre Program met last Thursday to get the ball rolling for this years production of Grease.  Would you like to get involved and support the arts? Do you have a child eager to get involved in the school play?   Auditions will take place in mid January and rehearsals will start around the 9th of February - just after basketball ends(!)  Rehearsals will start at 3:15 after a brief snack in the cafeteria. 
Contact Sarah Smith at sarah@esptrans.com or Kim Hunt at khunt@bsdvt.org with questions or concerns.

Thank you to all the parents who donated baked goods and water for the bakesale last week.  Thanks Kathleen and Kathy for running the sale!  The play committee raised $210 to be used for the production of Grease.

BookFair Ongoing until 12/15 Your book purchases provide Scholastic credits to the library, allowing them to order books for all students.  At some point, total purchases can help the library get cash back from Scholastic which is even more valuable.  Give the gift of books to your studnet this year - much cheaper than video game cartridges and reap the benefits of a young reader.

Still looking for volunteers to work at the Hunt Book Fair on December 8, 9, 12, 13, 14 and 15. The Book Fair sign-up sheet is now live on line so you can just sign-up your self. Go to the Hunt website at http://hunt.bsdvt.org/ and click on the words "Sign-up here!" inside the Hunt Holiday Scholastic Book Fair information box on the main webpage. If you have any questions contact the Hunt librarian, Diane Pawlusiak, at dpawlusi@bsdvt.org Thank you!

Bake Sale at Band Concerts There will be goodies and water for sale in the lobby to purchase and eat before and after the show. Profits at the Band concert benefit the PTO.

We still need goodies and bottles of water!  Bring donations to the lobby on the 14th when you bring your child for the concert.  Cupcakes and brownies were the favorites last week - keep 'em coming!  Questions? Please contact Gabi Baumann at 660-9189 or gamabaumann@burlingtontelecom.net


Save the Date....
  • December 7-14 - Hunt Food Drive
  • December 7-14 - Bookfair
  • December 14 - Early release Day - noon
  • December 14 - Band Concert - 7pm
  • December 14 - Bookfair Sale at Concert 6:00-7
  • December 14 - Bake sale before and after concert 6:30-7, 8-8:15
  • December 21 - Orchestra concert - 7pm
  • December 23 - January 2 - Holiday recess
  • No PTO meeting in December
  • January 12 - PTO meeting
  • January 17 - Grease Production Meeting - 7pm, HMS library - The more the merrier!
  • January 19, 2012 - 9th Grade Orientation - 7pm at BHS

Monday, December 5, 2011

Hunt PTO Update 12/5/11

Hey There Hunt families - Feeling the holiday crunch?  We hope the PTO blog will help keep you in the know and keep your stress levels down.  Hope to see you at one of the upcoming events.

Hunt Theatre Program Meeting this Thursday!  Would you like to get involved and support the arts? Do you have a child eager to get involved in the school play? We are looking for people to help with this year's production of Grease. We need help with lighting, set building, hair styling, and more. There will be a meeting on Dec. 8th at 7 pm at the Gulick's house, 39 Nottingham Lane. No experience is necessary. Come join us! Questions? Contact Sarah Smith at sarah@esptrans.com or Kim Hunt at khunt@bsdvt.org or Martine Gulick at martinegulick@gmail.com.

Hunt School December Newsletter on the webpage or via this link:
https://sites.google.com/a/bsdvt.org/december-hms-newsletter/

BookFair We are still looking for volunteers to work at the Hunt Book Fair on December 8, 9, 12, 13, 14 and 15. The Book Fair sign-up sheet is now live on line so you can just sign-up your self. Go to the Hunt website at http://hunt.bsdvt.org/ and click on the words "Sign-up here!" inside the Hunt Holiday Scholastic Book Fair information box on the main webpage. If you have any questions contact the Hunt librarian, Diane Pawlusiak, at dpawlusi@bsdvt.org Thank you! 

Dialogue night last Wednesday was a rousing success.  About 25 students, parents and counselors came together, developed questions and chatted about topics important to tweens/teens and their parents.  Discussion centered around cell phone/texting, bed times, why parents are so nosy and what things students don't want to talk about with their parents.  Students from STOP and VCAT were on hand to help with the discussion and provided valuable insight into the kinds of activities these two groups bring to middle schoolers.  There will be a 2nd dialogue night in the Spring.  Don't miss it - communication with your child starts before there are issues!

Bake Sale at Concerts  Bring some spare change/small bills when you attend the Band or Chorus concerts.  There will be goodies and water for sale in the lobby to purchase and eat before and after the show.  Profits at the Chorus concert benefit the Theatre Program and profits at the Band concert benefit the PTO.

We still need goodies and bottles of water!  Got the baking bug but don't want to nibble at your artistry for the rest of the week?  Make something yummy, keep a few for the fam and send the rest off to one of the concerts - spread the love!
Kathy says:  "If you are able to contribute to this effort by bringing a baked good to
the lobby before the concert, that would be so appreciated. It would be great if you could call or email me to let me know what you are bringing that evening.  My contact information is Kathy Butts -
863-2611, kbutts18@gmail.com.  If you do not get the chance to contactme but can bring a baked good anyways, please do so!"

Thank you very much!

Kathy
Also... Want to help set up, sell, and/or clean up for our PTO's bake sale at the Band Concert on 12/14? All forms of help needed and appreciated. All proceeds benefit the PTO's activities and programs that directly affect your child's experience at Hunt. Please contact Gabi Baumann at 660-9189 or gamabaumann@burlingtontelecom.net


Want to help house an Exchange Student???  Hello Hunt Families~
I just received this emergency request and I am sending it on to you all in the event that a Hunt family might want to help or would know another local family that would: From PAX Coordinator Alysse Anton http://www.pax.org/hschools.html

One of our students (Marieke) is in need to be relocated in another family.  She is only here for a semester (she will fly back to Germany at the end of January).  She is currently going to BHS, so we would need a family who lives in Burlington.  We are looking to find a family with other
children/teenagers. Would you be able to help us with this emergency?
Thank you.
Alysse Anton - PAX Coordinator

Please make sure that all inquiries are directed to Kelley Cartularo    (kelleycartularo@gmail.com)










Save the Date....
  • December 7-14 - Hunt Food Drive
  • December 7-14 - Bookfair
  • December 7 - Chorus Concert - 7pm
  • December 7 - Bookfair Sale at Concert 6:00-7
  • December 14 - Early release Day - noon
  • December 14 - Band Concert - 7pm
  • December 14 - Bookfair Sale at Concert 6:00-7
  • December 21 - Orchestra concert - 7pm
  • December 23 - January 2 - Holiday recess
  • No PTO meeting in December
  • January 12 - PTO meeting
  • January 19, 2012 - 9th Grade Orientation - 7pm at BHS

Monday, November 28, 2011

Hunt PTO Update 11/28/11

Hey There Hunt families - Hope you had a nice break.  Short post this week. 
Enjoy, Kate B.

Dialogue Night - Wednesday, November 30th - 6:30-8:00PM - Hunt School Library All Hunt students and their parents and guardians are welcome!





Are you interested in learning what Hunt Middle School students think about?Then come to Dialogue Night and you can talk to students about a variety of topics such as: homework, relationships, drugs, technology, bullying and “school life”.Dialogue night is open to every Hunt student and parent/guardian.Dialogue Night is your chance to talk to Middle School students.It is a fun and informative night.Refreshments will be provided. Hope to see you there!!Sponsored by STOP and VKA

Bookfair - December 7-14 - Volunteers still needed....  Can you help? Contact Diane Pawlusiak at Dpawlusi@bsdvt.org to volunteer a shift or two.

December Food Drive  Hunt Middle School, December 7th – December 16th 
If you would like to receive a Food Basket, please contact Liz Trackim or Amanda
Schauwecker, School Social Workers, at 865-4170.
All contacts will remain confidential. Thank you.
Hunt Theatre Program Would you like to get involved and support the arts? Do you have a child eager to get involved in the school play?  We are looking for people to help with this year's production of Grease. We need help with lighting, set building, hair styling, and more. There will be a meeting on Dec. 8th at 7 pm at the Gulick's house, 39 Nottingham Lane. No experience is necessary. Come join us! Questions? Contact Sarah Smith at sarah@esptrans.com or Kim Hunt at khunt@bsdvt.org or Martine Gulick at martinegulick@gmail.com.


Save the Date....
  • December 2 - School dance - 7pm
  • December 7-14 - Bookfair
  • December 7 - Chorus Concert - 7pm
  • December 14 - Band Concert - 7pm
  • December 21 - Orchestra concert - 7pm
  • December 23 - January 2 - Holiday recess
  • No PTO meeting in December
  • January 19, 2012 - 9th Grade Orientation - 7pm at BHS


    Monday, November 21, 2011

    Hunt PTO Update 11/21/11

    Hey There Hunt families - Another great turn-out at the monthly PTO meeting.  Thank you to Mrs. Hevey and Ms. Anger for representing the teachers - your input is invaluable.  Meeting minutes are included at the end of this post.  Enjoy the holiday break this week.  Kate

    Smencils for sale!  Many of the major holidays like Christmas, Chanukah and Kwanzaa are coming up soon and Smencils would make great gifts for the kids! Smencils are standard #2 pencils made from 100% recycled newspaper and scented with 10 delicious smells. Each Smencil comes packaged in a freshness tube to ensure that they keep their trademark Smencil scents. They are only $1 each!! Buy one or buy ten but get your smencils! All the profits from the Smencil sale goes directly to support YOUR PTO. So pick up some great party favors or stocking stuffers!! The kids will love them! To purchase one or in packs of many, contact Gabi Baumann at 660-9189  gamabaumann@burlingtontelecom.net or Tammy Kuypers at 863-1943 kuypers5@yahoo.com

    Check out the fundraising thermometer.  Your work and participation has helped us raise almost half of our PTO budget already - Kudos to us!

     
    Dialogue Night Wednesday, November 30th - 6:30-8:00PM - Hunt School Library All Hunt students and their parents and guardians are welcome!


    Are you interested in learning what Hunt Middle School students think about? Then come to Dialogue Night and you can talk to students about a variety of topics such as: homework, relationships, drugs, technology, bullying and “school life”. Dialogue night is open to every Hunt student and parent/guardian. Dialogue Night is your chance to talk to Middle School students. It is a fun and informative night. Refreshments will be provided. Hope to see you there!! Sponsored by STOP and VKA


    CHECK ME OUT...

    Did You Know 4.0:  (4 minute video with stats about technology/how things are changing) 
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6ILQrUrEWe8

    Urban Dictionary: (look up the kid speak you are clueless about...)
    http://www.urbandictionary.com/





    December Food Drive
    Hunt Middle School, December 7th – December 16th  
    Please send in with your student or drop off in the library any of the following items to make Holiday Baskets for our community and to help stock the Hunt Food Closet during this needy holiday time:

    Staples
    Pasta, Pasta Sauce, Macaroni and Cheese, Dried Beans
    Rice, Canned Tuna or Meat , Applesauce, Boxed Meals
    Canned Fruit, Canned Veggies, Peanut Butter, Jelly
    Cereal, Soup
    We will also be collecting food items at each of the Hunt Music Concerts
    in December:  All concerts are at 7:00pm


    · Chorus Concert on 12/7
    · Band Concert on 12/14
    Orchestra Concert on 12/21

    Monetary Donations are also appreciated.  Checks can be made out to
    Hunt Middle School.

    If you would like to receive a Food Basket for the
    Holiday please contact Liz Trackim or Amanda
    Schauwecker, School Social Workers, at 865-4170. 
    All contacts will remain confidential.  Thank you.


    Book Fair coming up - December 7-14
    Lots of parent support needed! We need you to buy and sell books! Contact Diane Pawlusiak at Dpawlusi@bsdvt.org to volunteer a shift or two.

    Band Concert - 12/14 - 6-7pm before concert in lobby
    Chorus Concert - 12/7 - 6-7pm before the concert
    Thursday 12/8 - Wednesday 12/14 the Book Fair will be open from 8:00 am until 3:15 pm. We have done shifts of 2 hours 8 -10, 10 - 12, 12 - 2, 2 - 3+ or some volunteers have spent the morning from 8 - 12 and afternoon from 12 - 3+. It doesn't matter to me how long the shifts are!! During the day we need one volunteer per shift.
    Save the Date....
    • November 23-25 - Thanksgiving Break
    • December 2 - School dance
    • December 7-14 - Bookfair
    • December 7 - Chorus Concert - 7pm
    • December 14 - Band Concert - 7pm
    • December 21 - Orchestra concert - 7pm
    • December 23 - January 2 - Holiday recess
    • No PTO meeting in December
    • January 19, 2012 - 9th Grade Orientation - 7pm at BHS 




    Hunt Middle School PTO Minutes
    November 17, 2011

    Meeting Start: 7:00pm
    Meeting End: 8:25pm
    Approximate number of attendees: 15
    Meeting facilitated by President – Helen Hossley
    Minutes recorded and distributed – Kate Belluche

    Amy Mellencamp, Principal at BHS presented about upcoming changes for 2012-13

    ·        BHS/Winooski HS rec’d a grant from NellieMae to look at school transformation.  In December, transformation grant recipients will be named – Amy will know soon whether BHS/Winooski gets one of the grants.  If so, there will be trickle down to the Middle Schools.

    ·        9th graders will enter an Academy or team approach for core classes of math, social studies, biology and English.  These academies will allow more interdisciplinary learning, increased organization support for freshman and homogeneous grouping by team.  All teams will follow common core curriculum, but tailor learning to specific needs.

    ·        YES Program (Year End Studies) Similar to a college intersession.  Last few weeks of school, students will be able to choose from short courses that they sign up for based on interest.  Courses will be multi-age, interdisciplinary and hands-on.

    ·        Look this up on YouTube: Did You Know 4.0 – Shift Happens

    ·        9th grade orientation meeting scheduled for January 19, 2012.  7pm at BHS

    Principal’s Corner focused on 7/8 Healthy Living class.  Ms. Anger presented:

    ·         7/8 class currently focusing on careers, how to prepare now for college, future jobs.  What’s out there…

    ·         Previously focused on Cyber Bullying and Internet Safety – How to be a good digital citizen, Digital Tattoos (whatever you put out there on the web, stays out there..), How to be safe on-line, cyber bullying, sexting

    ·         Have your kids been “flaming”?  (saying negative things about other people via text or on the internet)

    ·         Don’t know what your kids are talking about/word choice?  Look up the newest lingo in the Urban Dictionary (on-line)

    ·         6th Graders still reading the Revealers (about bullying) and watched a video called, “Taunting, Gossiping and Hazing”  Mrs. Hevey’s class took an on-line poll about bullying.

    Fundraising  - Gabi Baumann happily reported that wreath sales were up this year despite parents saying they did not receive fliers, emails or weekly blog posts…  Maybe spend the money to mail home a flyer next year to assure the message gets home at least one time.   Our profit should be around $3,100.  Direct giving via checks and INLU is at $700.  INLU will be open until January 31st.

    • Wreaths come in on Sunday, Nov 27th.  Pick-ups can start after noon on Sunday.  Super sellers should pick up their wreaths and decorate for the ones they sold.  Gabi will need volunteers to help decorate wreaths and deliver on Sunday and Monday.  Call her at 660-9189

    • Smencils will be sold at the upcoming bookfair/concerts.  Some students may sell as well.  Gabi is offering out packs of 20 for volunteers to sell. 
    • Fundraising team hopes for more communication with school/teachers around any school fundraisers – magazine sale came home right in the middle of the wreath sale

    Parent Enrichment/Dialogue

    ·         Dialogue night 11/30/11 – 6:30-8, Library – Kids and parents together talking about a variety of topics that concern MS students – homework, drugs, relationships, technology, bullying

    ·         Technology Use discussed – tabling parent discussion – Marcie and teachers working on plan – will get back to PTO

    Bookfair planned for December 7-14.  Librarian Diane Pawlusiak is looking for volunteers to help during day.  Bookfair will also be open for the Concerts.  Sign-up sheet went around – help needed!  Brian Pine and Susan Rutherford will help recruit volunteers

    Holiday Food Drive scheduled 12/7-12/21.  Donations will go to Hunt families needing assistance.  A flyer will go home after Thanksgiving.

    No regular PTO Meeting in December.  Next meeting: January 12, 2012

    Monday, November 14, 2011

    Hunt PTO Update 11/14/11

    Hey There Hunt families - Glad you decided to visit the PTO blog.  Hope to see families at the PTO meeting this week.  Have a great week!  Kate B.

    November PTO Meeting this week!  Thursday, November 17th at 7pm
    Agenda:
    • Amy Mellencamp - BHS Changes - 15 minutes
    • Principal's Share - Ms. Anger report out on anti-bullying/cyber-bullying 15 minutes
    • Fundraising update - 15 minutes
    • All Parent enrichment/Dialogue nights discussion - 10 minutes
    • Wrap up - build agenda for Jan 2012 meeting 5 minutes
    • Adjourn 8:00 p.m.
    Wreath Sale   Wreaths available November 27th and 28th-The PTO wreath sale was a huge success. Thank you to everyone who participated by buying or selling wreaths. All wreaths and specialty items ordered are expected to arrive on November 27th ,and available for pick-up and delivery on 11/27 and 11/28. Please save the dates. Arrangements for pick-up and delivery can be made through Gabi Baumann at 660-9189 and gamabaumann@burlingtontelecom.net or Susan Rutherford at 951-2571 and susanrutherford@hotmail.com. We are still counting totals, but can already say we beat last years sales! Stay tuned for the total amount of profits earned by the PTO! Great work and thanks!!

    Book Fair coming up - December 7-14 
    Lots of parent support needed!  We need you to buy and sell books!  Contact Diane Pawlusiak at Dpawlusi@bsdvt.org to volunteer a shift or two.

    Band Concert - 12/14 - 6-7pm before concert in lobby
    Chorus Concert - 12/7 - 6-7pm before the concert
    Thursday 12/8 - Wednesday 12/14 the Book Fair will be open from 8:00 am until 3:15 pm. We have done shifts of 2 hours 8 -10, 10 - 12, 12 - 2, 2 - 3+ or some volunteers have spent the morning from 8 - 12 and afternoon from 12 - 3+. It doesn't matter to me how long the shifts are!! During the day we need one volunteer per shift. 

    Save the Date....
    • November 17 - 3pm - High Honor Roll/Honor Roll Reception in the Auditorium - parents provide snacks, school provides drinks
    • November 17 - 7-8pm - PTO Meeting (childcare provided) Everyone welcome!
    • November 23-25 - Thanksgiving Break
    • December 2 - School dance
    • December 7-14 - Bookfair
    • No PTO meeting in December

    Monday, November 7, 2011

    Hunt PTO update 11/7/11

    Hey there Hunt families - Hope you had a relaxing weekend.  Not much to report this week.   Keep you eyes open for Report cards released on Friday.  Next week is the November PTO meeting - let us know if you have items for the agenda. huntmiddleschool@gmail.com

    Fundraising Total: $650.00   The PTO would like to thank the many families who have donated.  Your contributions go right back to student/family programming.  Consider taking full advantage by donating AND participating in school/family events! It is never too late to donate - checks made out to the LC Hunt PTO can be sent into the office. 

    Holiday Wreaths: Not too early to order your holiday wreath - in fact, if you wait too long you'll miss the boat completely...Orders due for Holiday Wreaths November 11th!!-Order forms can be found in the main office, the Hunt PTO blog spot, or the Hunt website. Orders can also be given over the phone to Gabi Baumann at 660-9189 or email gamabaumann@burlingtontelecom.net or Susan Rutherford at 951-2571 or susanrutherford@hotmail.com Please support your PTO and order now!

    NPR broadcast a spot on This American Life about the Middle School Years. If you missed it, check out the link below to listen on-line.  I did hear it and as a parent of a 6th grader, it really resonated - especially the part about the school dance. 
    http://www.thisamericanlife.org/play_full.php?play=449&podcast=1


    Save the Date....
    • November 11 - Report Cards
    • November 17 - 7-8pm - PTO Meeting (childcare provided) Everyone welcome!
    • November 23-25 - Thanksgiving Break
    • December 2 - School dance
    • December 7-14 - Bookfair

    Monday, October 31, 2011

    Hunt PTO Update 10/31/11

    Kinda looks like an 8 lb Jabba the hut sweet potato baby



    Hey There Hunt families - The 2011 Community Dinner last Tuesday was a smashing success.  Thank you to Barb Prine for her organizing and to all the teachers, students, parents and volunteers who helped put the dinner together.  What a beautiful combined effort this was to see and participate in.  So glad to see the hordes of Hunt families turning out for this event!


    Hunt School Newsletter - Did you know that Hunt school puts out a monthly newsletter at the beginning of each month?  You can find it on the right side of the Hunt homepage.  The November newsletter is already posted - check it out!  If you would like a paper copy mailed to your home each month, please contact the office to request it.


    Smencils make great stocking stuffers or favors for a party.  The PTO plans to sell Smencils at events this Fall/winter.  If you cannot wait, contact Gabi Baumann at gamabaumann@burlingtontelecom.net and she can make arrangements for a smencil drop.
    Book Fair Info from Mrs.Pawlusiak:  Hunt's annual Book Fair will begin on the evening of December 7th. In the past few years I have set up the cases in the lobby so that parents could purchase books before the concerts. I will need volunteers for about an hour 6 - 7pm on 12/7 before the Chorus Concert.   Again on the evening of Wednesday 12/14 the Book Fair will be open from 6 - 7 pm before the Band Concert.  It would be nice to have 2 volunteers for each of the concerts. I will plan to be at the Chorus Concert and the Band Concert to make sure the cases and the cash register are set up.

    On Thursday 12/8, Friday 12/9, Monday 12/12, Tuesday 12/13 and Wednesday 12/14 the Book Fair will be open from 8:00 am until 3:15 pm. We have done shifts of 2 hours 8 -10, 10 - 12, 12 - 2, 2 - 3+ or some volunteers have spent the morning from 8 - 12 and afternoon from 12 - 3+. It doesn't matter to me how long the shifts are!!  During the day we need one volunteer per shift.
    Last year we did not sell enough books to reach the benchmark I needed to make money. I received only Scholastic Dollars to purchase Scholastic books.
    In the past I have used the money we made to purchase a stand up catalog station and a wood book case for one of our collections. It is also helpful to have money that can be accessed quickly for the books I want to purchase immediately from B&N or Borders as opposed to ordering through a vendor which can take a number of weeks.


    Hunt Gardens   HUGE thank you to Anne Williams for all the work she did over the weekend weeding the flower beds and carting around 5 cubic yards of topsoil.  We have Susan Rutherford to thank for getting the soil and the volunteers.  Susan was persistent in making sure the school district replaced the soil removed during construction so we can be sure to have the means to garden out front at Hunt - Thank you ladies- we are grateful for your hard work!

    Box Tops - Your Hunt PTO has signed up for the Box Tops for Education program and placed a collection box in the main office, on the blue shelf to the left of the door. Please support our PTO and our kids by saving box tops and sending them to school with your student to place in the collection box.  All the money we earn will go directly toward great out of classroom experiences for our kids including field trips, 8th grade graduation, 6th grade picnic, the community dinner, and materials for the classrooms. Save your Box Tops for Education and support our kids!! Contact Susan Rutherford at 951-2571 or susanrutherford@hotmail.com with any questions, ideas or concerns. Thanks!!

    PTO Budget 2011-12  Click on this link to see what money we have and how we voted to spend it.   https://docs.google.com/open?id=1jzaDQmC2-L6frc5bcsba8YeLCMaYp9ntgmeaTDkSxoKZXs3jBvJltbrDHX0A

    Fundraising - Check out the thermometer (at left) and see where we're at!

    This could be your wreath...
    INLU: We have raised $480 via INLU and checks/cash - thanks for your generosity. To fund our planned programming for 2011-12, we need to raise about $8,000. This works out to be about $20 per student. It is not too late to donate. Cash and checks made out to the
    LC Hunt PTO can be sent in a sealed envelope to the office or Click here to make a contribution on-line: www.inlu.com/huntpto2011

    Holiday Wreaths: Orders due for Holiday Wreaths November 11th!!-In case you have not heard, your PTO is selling fresh, reasonably priced, balsam wreaths. This year's offerings also include traditional centerpieces and kissing balls that will brighten your home or table. These Vermont-made products make great gifts for your family and friends. These wreaths are the finest wreaths found anywhere and hand-crafted in the Northeast Kingdom of Vermont. 100% of proceeds will go directly toward PTO activities including team field trips, school-wide assemblies, 8th grade graduation, 6th grade orientation picnic, the community dinner, diversity day, and many other enrichment activities. Order forms can be found in the main office, the Hunt PTO blog spot, or the Hunt website. Orders can also be given over the phone to Gabi Baumann at 660-9189 or email gamabaumann@burlingtontelecom.net or Susan Rutherford at 951-2571 or susanrutherford@hotmail.com Please support your PTO and order now!

    Technology Access at Hunt - Are you aware that students in some classes at Hunt have
    1:1 access to netbooks on a daily basis? As a parent with a child in one of these classrooms, I can testify to the incredible opportunities my son is being given in integrating technology into his day to day classwork. Students are using googledocs to share documents/collaborate both in school and at home. Instead of paper posters, students are learning to use an e version called glogster. This allows them to embed video and images as well as traditional text. The tight school budget allows for the rare fieldtrip, but students are taking virtual fieldtrips to historical sites/towns around the state on a site called geocaching.com. Students take turns making slides in Powerpoint and have the opportunity to present the information back to their classmates. During core classes, some students use the netbooks to dig deeper into the curriculum if they finish early- exploring curriculum related sites and activities. On the flip side, there are many sites being used for remediation and basic skills work. Each child can get what he/she needs and the extra motivation of using the computer can help keep them engaged longer. While I am thrilled at the crazy-mad computer/research skills my son is developing this year and the collaborating I am seeing, I am already thinking to the future and asking questions about what technology will be available to my children going forward. What are your thoughts? How much access to technology does your child have? What do you want/envision?

    Is this a topic parents want to talk about - A Dialogue Night perhaps? If you have thoughts you would like to share with the PTO, we can start the discussion. On the District level, Paul Irish is the Director of Technology. I bet he would would like to hear what parents have to say. Paul can be contacted at pirish@bsdvt.org

    One teacher using netbooks daily is 6th grade teacher, Kathy Hevey. Check out her Wiki and see how she communicates and how her students are using technology. http://kheveyvt.wikispaces.com/

    Save the Date....
    • November 6 - Daylight savings Time - Set clocks back 1 hour
    • November 11 - Report Cards
    • November 17 - 7-8pm - PTO Meeting (childcare provided) Everyone welcome!
    • November 23-25 - Thanksgiving Break
    • December 2 - School dance
    • December 7-14 - Bookfair

    Monday, October 24, 2011

    Hunt PTO Update 10/24/11

    Hey there Hunt familiesHope to see everyone at the community Dinner on Tuesday from 6-7pm. Your students have been working hard harvesting veggies, preparing fruit crisps, penning poems and practicing their instruments - get ready to be wowed by the free food, thoughtful displays and beautiful dinner music.  Need a ride to the event?  Send us an e-mail at huntschoolpto@gmail.com and we will make the arrangements to get you there and back.  No excuses - come mix and mingle and get to know Hunt kids and their families. It is not a community dinner if we are not working towards building our Hunt community.  

    Thank You to Hunt parents, Kim Dinh, Sara Osaba, Susan Rutherford, Dorsey Hogg and Kate Belluche, who were able to help chop vegetables and supervise student prep chefs today.  Also assisting from the Friends of Burlington Gardens was UVM intern Madeline Kinzley.

    Fundraising - Wish we didn't have to do it... (but we do!)  Check out the thermometer (at left) and see where we're at!

    INLU:  We have raised $265 via INLU and checks/cash - thanks for your generosity.  To fund our planned programming for 2011-12, we need to raise about $8,000.  This works out to be about $20 per student.  It is not too late to donate.  Cash and checks made out to the LC Hunt PTO can be sent in a sealed envelope to the office or Click here to make a contribution on-line: www.inlu.com/huntpto2011

    Holiday Wreaths: Yeah, it is kind of early to be thinking about decorating for the holidays, but honestly, we had to get a jump on all the competitors - everyone and their brother will be hocking wreaths in the coming weeks!  If you were going to buy a wreath anyway, why not support Hunt PTO programming and hard-working Vermonters.  I bet you have a neighbor or co-worker who might need/want a beautiful, fragrant wreath for their door.  And what about those kissing balls???  Don't we all need an excuse for more smooching?  Order forms went home last week with students.  Did you get one???  Below is a link to the order form.  Feel free to open the file and print yourself off a copy.
    https://docs.google.com/leaf?id=1j2o7cmU6O71c9mtycXgpt4i6Iy-OkghoeCQQi0CxW_I5E6CcCd1B9uCkvN84&hl=en_US  Orders can be sent in a sealed envelope into the office.  Thanks!

    Think you could be a super-seller? Maybe you could peddle wreaths at work or around your neighborhood? Contact Gabi Baumann for the opportunity to be a super-seller (gamabaumann@burlingtontelecom.net)

    Hunt PTO October Minutes - See below

    Save the Date....
    • October 25 - 6-7pm - Community Dinner
    • October 28 - Picture Re-take
    • November 17 - 7-8pm - PTO Meeting (childcare provided)  Everyone welcome!
    • December 7-14 - Bookfair
    Have a great week! Kate B.


    Hunt Middle School PTO Minutes
    October 13, 2011

    Meeting Start: 7:05pm
    Meeting End: 8:15pm
    Approximate number of attendees: 19
    Meeting facilitated by President – Helen Hossley
    Minutes recorded and distributed – Kate Belluche

    Budget was presented by Brian Pine.  Last week, officers met to discuss past budgets, available funds and plans for the future.  Some confusion about what money is restricted and how much money is actually available.  We have $3,001.31 in the bank.  $1,537.45 is unrestricted money and $1,463.86 is restricted.  There were questions about Assembly fees.  We dropped the post-NECAP assembly/celebration.  Marcie would like assemblies to connect to themes of wellness and community so they are not stand alone and can be better integrated into the curriculum.  Money budgeted to the 6 teams this year is $2000 and will be divided per pupil and distributed to teams when we have money to give.  PTO should communicate with teachers about what money might be available.  The budget was presented, seconded and approved.

    Community Dinner scheduled for Tuesday, October 25th from 6-7pm.  Free to Hunt school.  Barb Prine again sent around a volunteer signup.  This year we will be offering rides to families who could not otherwise get to the dinner.  Brian Pine will have a van to shuttle folks and there will be ~7 drivers.  Brian Pine has been soliciting donations from local businesses.  More volunteers will be needed – especially on dishes and composting.  Wondering if Doug Davis will actually charge us for food…  Barb encouraged parents to talk to their student musicians about playing during dinner.  Teachers/students also prepping – making placemats, digging, prepping veggies, creating watercolor cards and poems, and writing community reflections. 

    *Volunteer Opportunity: Monday, October 24th 8-10:45am.  Parents needed to help with vegetable prep.  Michelle Sutton will have students in the cafeteria peeling veggies for T and parents are needed to help supervise small groups and to chop veggies.  Bring 1 or more vegetable peelers and a kitchen knife for chopping.  Show up in the cafeteria or confirm with Jen at jsutton@bsdvt.org

    Fundraising will see some tweaks this year.  Gabi Baumann submitted a plan put together by a committee of parents.  She is very grateful to have so many folks on board to help this year.   Three firm events include:
    1. Direct Appeal letter/e-mail – E-mail released, letter out at end of week.  Using Inlu to get donations electronically, but parents can also send checks to the office.
    2. Wreath Sale – Info will be out by the community dinner.  Families will be asked to buy a wreath and uber-volunteers will go door to door in hopes of greater sales.  Gabi is looking for vols to go door to door and for folks to take the information to their places of work.  Ideas were to post on Front Porch Forum and to have forms avail at all Burlington school except CP Smith.  Target is $2000 profit.  Looking into putting up a thermometer to track sales.  Cake for the top seller.
    3. Smencils will be sold at the Community dinner as well as around school.  Ms. Daigle will see if the Student council can help with sales/ideas. 
    Other ideas were on a handout but not presented as they are not firm yet.  Box Tops were also discussed and feedback is that it is an easy way to get money.  Susan Rutherford will coordinate.
    Healthy Gardens information was presented by Susan Rutherford.  Susan will work with Jen McGowan of the Friends of Burlington Gardens to help inform families about the school gardens and what programs students participate in at school connecting local produce, cooking and nutrition.  Behind the school is a ½ acre garden that the students tend and produce is used by foodservice.  There are also 6-7 raised beds.  The plan is to have the raised beds tended and used by low income families with students at Hunt school.  Susan also will care for the front flower gardens and is still trying to get the district to replace the dirt that was removed during construction several years ago. 
    Bookfair planned for December 7-14.  Librarian Diane Pawlusiak is looking for volunteers to help during day.  Bookfair will also be open for the Concerts.  PTO will help to recruit vols via blog.
    Principal’s Report focused on this year’s theme: Inclusive Culture.  Marcie and Ms. Daigle spoke about the 6th grade teams reading the Revealers and the rich discussion classes are having about the bullying happening in the book.  Students will also view a documentary about bullying called, Let’s Get Real.  Author of book is VT based and will come speak with students this year.
    Lack of sports communication was brought up and Marcie agreed to look into it with Mr. Pecor.
    November Agenda topics to include: Community dinner wrap-up, Principal’s Report, Fundraising update, parent communication/engagement, sports communication.  Idea to do a standalone Dialogue Night like BHS.

    Monday, October 17, 2011

    Hunt PTO Weekly Update

    Hey there Hunt families,  Hope your child is getting settled at school.  It's a short week with Parent Teacher conferences on Thursday and Friday.  So take this opportunity to find out how your child is faring and how you can best support him/her in school and at home.

    Community Dinner - you don't want to miss the event of the year!  Drag your whole family over to school on Tuesday, October 25th for a FREE meal grown, harvested, prepped and prepared with the help of your student.  In adidtion to great food there will be student entertainment while you eat, student projects to look at and lovely folks to chat with.  Dinner will be served between 6-7pm.  Need a ride?  Contact Barb Prine at 864-5587 and she will arrange transport for your family to/from the event.

    Volunteer Opportunity: Monday, October 24th 8-10:45am.  Parents needed to help with vegetable prep.  Jennifer Sutton will have students in the cafeteria peeling veggies for Tuesday and parents are needed to help supervise small groups and to chop veggies.  Bring 1 or more vegetable peelers and a kitchen knife for chopping.  Show up in the cafeteria or confirm with Jen at jsutton@bsdvt.org.  The more the merrier (really, we need you!) 

    Fundraising at Hunt has begun in earnest.  Families received both a letter and e-mail soliciting direct donations to the PTO.  The more direct donations we get, the fewer fundraisers we need to do and all that equals more time and energy to spend planning and supporting student and family activities at Hunt.  We have two other fundraisers in theworks.   Keep your eyes open for information about the Annual Wreath sale - consider purchasing locally crafted, evergreen wreaths for your family and be sure to ask your neighbors and co-workers!  Also keep your nose in the air for Smencils - arriving any day now!  Smencils are very fragrant pencils made out of recycled paper.  They will be the envy off all your child's classmates and the enemy of teachers far and wide (well, we hope not...) 
    Note the thermometer on the left.  Once the money starts rolling in, we will be updateing the thermometer to let you know how well we are reaching our fundraising needs. 

    PTO Meeting Minutes / Treas Report should be released later this week.

    Save the Date....
    • October 19 - Half day - Kiddoes liberated at noon
    • October 19, 20 - Parent Teacher Conferences
    • October 24 - 8am-10:45 Chop veggies at Hunt
    • October 25 - 6-7pm  - Community Dinner
    • November 17 - 7-8pm - PTO Meeting
    Have a great week!  Kate B.