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Monday, February 27, 2017

Hunt Middle School PTO Blog -February 26, 2017


Message from the BSDVT Superintendent, Dr. Yaw Obeng

On Town Meeting Day, March 7, the Burlington School District will seek voter approval on two separate articles: 

1) a $85.5 million FY '18 general fund budget; 
2) a $19 million bond to address deferred building maintenance. 


Included in the proposed $85.5 million FY '18 general fund budget is $100,000 in debt service repayment for the new $19 million bond. The authority to bond must be approved separately from the budget. In developing the budget, District leadership included the debt service payment for FY '18 so the funds would be available for that expense if the bond was approved. Therefore, the approval of the bond will not add any additional expense to the FY '18 budget. 

Additional questions about the budget or bond article before Town Meeting Day? 

Email: superintendent@bsdvt.org

Links to Informative Resources About the FY '18 School Budget and Bond Article:


_________________________________________


Burlington School District's Annual Report and FY'18 Comprehensive Budget Document Available Now.

Burlington residents can review these documents: 
  • On the BSDVT website at www.bsdvt.org, (click the "Budget" tab on left side of page 2
  • via hard copy mailed to you by calling 324-7872 
  • via hard copy available at local public schools, City Hall and Fletcher Free Library.
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Show Your Support! Grab a Sign!




The  Burlington Friends of Education met on Feb 22 to assemble signs in support of the upcoming school budget vote.  

There are approximately 80 signs remaining.  Parents interested in putting a sign in their front yard can pick one up from the front porch at 44 Caroline Street.  The group will be making more over February break in the event all the signs are taken. The ground has softened enough for people to get them in the ground before it freezes again...Don't delay!


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SAVE THE DATE!

Hunt Middle School PTO 
Pancake Breakfast and Silent Auction

 

Dear Hunt students, families, teachers & staff:

You are invited to the Hunt Middle School PTO Pancake Breakfast & Silent Auction on Saturday, March 25th from 8:30am - 11:30am.  


All welcome!!
Mark your calendars now! Prices for admission still to be determined, but will be reasonable & no one will be turned away due to ability to pay.

We'd welcome help! If you are interested in helping with cooking, welcoming guests, set-up, clean-up, serving, communications, or silent auction, please email Helen Rock at rockjonesvt@gmail.com or call/text 802-999-7574.
If you have items to donate to the silent auction, please email Rebecca Padnos at rpadnos@hotmail.com.  


Thank you for your support!
Helen Rock, Event Chair

______________________________________

FLETCHER FREE LIBRARY HOSTS A TRAVELING SMITHSONIAN EXHIBITION:

“EXPLORING HUMAN ORIGINS”


The Smithsonian has brought an awesome exhibit to the Fletcher Free Library.  Some HMS students will be touring the exhibit with their class.  Other students not going on the formal tour may wish to visit the exhibit with their families.  The “Paleolithic”-themed opening reception on February 22 at 5:30pm is followed by a talk with Dr. Rick Potts, who is Director of the Smithsonian’s Human Origins Program. 

FLETCHER FREE LIBRARY HOSTS A TRAVELING SMITHSONIAN EXHIBITION“EXPLORING HUMAN ORIGINS”


Burlington, VT — Exploring Human Origins: What Does It Mean to Be Human?, a national traveling exhibition of the Smithsonian Institution, will be on display at the Fletcher Free Library from 18 February 2017 to 17 March 2017.

Through panels, interactive kiosks, hands-on displays and videos, Exploring Human Origins: What Does It Mean to Be Human? invites audiences to explore milestones in the evolutionary journey of becoming human — from walking upright, creating technology and eating new foods, to brain enlargement and the development of symbolic language and complex societies — advancements that define the unique position of humans in the history of life.

Based on the Smithsonian’s What Does It Mean to Be Human? permanent exhibition hall at the National Museum of Natural History (NMNH), Exploring Human Origins: What Does It Mean to Be Human? seeks to shed light on what we know about human origins and how we know it. The exhibition welcomes different cultural perspectives on evolution and seeks to foster positive dialogue and a respectful exploration of the science.

“The topic of human evolution is fascinating, we are proud that the Fletcher Free Library can help encourage a constructive, informative discussion on the subject,” said Mary Danko, Fletcher Free’s Library Director. “We encourage people of all beliefs to explore the exhibition and participate in associated programming, and delve into human origins in a way that is captivating and relevant.”

 Please visit the exhibit website for a complete calendar of programming and events. Core partners in this initiative are the University of Vermont (UVM) and the University of Vermont Medical Center, St. Michael’s College, Champlain College, RETN, and the Friends of the Fletcher Free Library. 


____________________________________________________________________________

Get Your Hunt Tee Shirts!

Hey HMS families!  Have you purchased your Hunt Tee Shirt yet?  We have Men's and Women's cuts,in grey, with the cool HMS panther logo. At only $13 each it's a great way to show off your panther pride while supporting student activities at the school. 

You can purchase anytime by contacting the PTO at huntmiddleschool@gmail.com. 


All proceeds go toward funding student activities.  

Thank you for supporting HMS!

Sunday, February 19, 2017

Hunt Middle School PTO Blog February 19, 2017



PTO Meeting Minutes - 2/16/17

President’s Report – Paula Henry

Jen L’Ecuyer has agreed to be the HMS representative to the District PTO group, to attend district level meetings concerning the budget and other financial issues.  Thank you Jen! The next meeting is March 16th @7:30 pm.

BHS announced that there will be a school community meeting on scheduling which will occur Monday February 20, 6-7:30pm @ BHS.  The District is considering starting school at 7:15 am for BHS.  If this affects your family for next year, you may want to attend.

The Hunt PTO will need a new President for 2017-2018.  Parents of 6th and 7th graders should be thinking about filling this role for next year.

Treasurer’s Report – Paula Henry
Treasurer’s report presented.  Checking account balance (eff 1/31/17) is $7,799 with $3,953 of this unrestricted/available for use.

Request made by Librarian Hughes for the PTO to contribute to the cost of bringing in Kwame Alexander, author of “The Playbook”, to Hunt on March 14. PTO approved the donation of $400 for this worthwhile event, if we are successful in scheduling an on-site visit.   

Request made by Josh Safran to cover some cost for HMS to have a team participate in the National Geographic GEO Bee. Clarifying information forthcoming from Len before a final decision is made.  PTO will donate an HMS logo tshirt for all students participating on the team.

We still have about 20 shirts to sell.  Len will connect with the Student Council to set up a time to sell at school.  Looking ahead to next year, an opportunity exists to have people order them directly online, with no investment by the PTO to carry inventory.  JJFlynn school was successful doing this.

New Business – Paula Henry
The play, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, will be performed April 6, 7, 8.  Anyone interested in helping with the play production, please contact huntdramaclub@gmail.com.  Any adult interested in playing in the pit orchestra as a non-paid volunteer, contact Ashley O’Brien at ashleyobrienmusic@gmail.com.  45 students are in the cast, and another 8-10 in the stage crew.  Fundraising continues with a chocolate promotion coming out soon!

New fundraiser just announced!  Pancake breakfast and silent auction, scheduled for Saturday morning, March 25!!  Mark your calendars now! All are welcome & encouraged to attend! Prices for admission still to be determined, but will be reasonable & no one will be turned away due to ability to pay. We'd welcome help! If you are interested in helping with cooking, welcoming guests, set-up, clean-up, serving, communications, or silent auction, please email Helen Rock at rockjonesvt@gmail.com or call/text 802-999-7574

If you have items to donate to the silent auction, please email Rebecca Padnos at rpadnos@gmail.com.

Principal’s Report – Len Phelan

Geography Bees:
HMS recently participated in the National Geographic Bee. This competition, held annually at over 10,000 schools across the United States, is designed to inspire and reward students’ interest in geography.

19 HMS students volunteered to participate in the preliminary round of our school bee. 8 students advanced to the final round. Our two finalists, sixth graders Julia Hondal and Robbie Safran answered several rounds of questions with Julia Hondal winning the competition. Julia then completed an online test and we are awaiting word on whether Julia will advance to the state level of competition.

Given the level of interest in the National Geographic Bee we are sending a Hunt Middle School Geography Team to the Vermont StateGeography Bee sponsored by the Vermont Principals’ Association and AAA. The state bee competitions will be held in May.

Algebra at HMS:
We will be continuing with our Algebra Seminar for HMS students in eighth grade. 2016-2017 marked the first year of an algebra seminar available to 8th grade students at both Edmunds and  Hunt Middle Schools.  The district elected to pilot the seminar model as a way to offer algebra in a stand alone course for middle school students who wanted the academic challenge and rigor in addition to 8th grade math. Based on feedback from teachers, students and community members the pilot is considered a success.  Students entering 8th grade will have the option to select the seminar for the 2017-2018 school year.

International Week at HMS:
Next week is International Week at HMS. Students will participate in cooking and taste testing of international foods, homeroom activities and our culminating International Week Assembly. The assembly will feature an international fashion show, dancing and a performance, funded by the PTO (Thank you!) by the performing group A2VT.

February Vacation is Approaching:
We will go on our annual February Vacation at the close of school next Friday, February 24. We return to school following vacation on Wednesday, March 8.

Respectfully Submitted,
Leonard H. Phelan, Principal


Next PTO meeting is Thursday March 16th at 6:30 pm.

 _________________________________________________

SAVE THE DATE!

Hunt Middle School PTO 
Pancake Breakfast and Silent Auction

 

Dear Hunt students, families, teachers & staff:

You are invited to the Hunt Middle School PTO Pancake Breakfast & Silent Auction on Saturday, March 25th from 8:30am - 11:30am.  


All welcome!!
Mark your calendars now! Prices for admission still to be determined, but will be reasonable & no one will be turned away due to ability to pay.

We'd welcome help! If you are interested in helping with cooking, welcoming guests, set-up, clean-up, serving, communications, or silent auction, please email Helen Rock at rockjonesvt@gmail.com or call/text 802-999-7574.
If you have items to donate to the silent auction, please email Rebecca Padnos at rpadnos@hotmail.com.  


Thank you for your support!
Helen Rock, Event Chair

______________________________________

FLETCHER FREE LIBRARY HOSTS A TRAVELING SMITHSONIAN EXHIBITION:

“EXPLORING HUMAN ORIGINS”


The Smithsonian has brought an awesome exhibit to the Fletcher Free Library.  Some HMS students will be touring the exhibit with their class.  Other students not going on the formal tour may wish to visit the exhibit with their families.  The “Paleolithic”-themed opening reception on February 22 at 5:30pm is followed by a talk with Dr. Rick Potts, who is Director of the Smithsonian’s Human Origins Program. 

FLETCHER FREE LIBRARY HOSTS A TRAVELING SMITHSONIAN EXHIBITION“EXPLORING HUMAN ORIGINS”


Burlington, VT — Exploring Human Origins: What Does It Mean to Be Human?, a national traveling exhibition of the Smithsonian Institution, will be on display at the Fletcher Free Library from 18 February 2017 to 17 March 2017.

Through panels, interactive kiosks, hands-on displays and videos, Exploring Human Origins: What Does It Mean to Be Human? invites audiences to explore milestones in the evolutionary journey of becoming human — from walking upright, creating technology and eating new foods, to brain enlargement and the development of symbolic language and complex societies — advancements that define the unique position of humans in the history of life.

Based on the Smithsonian’s What Does It Mean to Be Human? permanent exhibition hall at the National Museum of Natural History (NMNH), Exploring Human Origins: What Does It Mean to Be Human? seeks to shed light on what we know about human origins and how we know it. The exhibition welcomes different cultural perspectives on evolution and seeks to foster positive dialogue and a respectful exploration of the science.

“The topic of human evolution is fascinating, we are proud that the Fletcher Free Library can help encourage a constructive, informative discussion on the subject,” said Mary Danko, Fletcher Free’s Library Director. “We encourage people of all beliefs to explore the exhibition and participate in associated programming, and delve into human origins in a way that is captivating and relevant.”

 Please visit the exhibit website for a complete calendar of programming and events. Core partners in this initiative are the University of Vermont (UVM) and the University of Vermont Medical Center, St. Michael’s College, Champlain College, RETN, and the Friends of the Fletcher Free Library. 


____________________________________________________________________________

Get Your Hunt Tee Shirts!

Hey HMS families!  Have you purchased your Hunt Tee Shirt yet?  We have Men's and Women's cuts,in grey, with the cool HMS panther logo. At only $13 each it's a great way to show off your panther pride while supporting student activities at the school. 

You can purchase anytime by contacting the PTO at huntmiddleschool@gmail.com. 


All proceeds go toward funding student activities.  

Thank you for supporting HMS!

Sunday, February 12, 2017

Hunt Middle School PTO Blog - February 12, 2017


FREE FILM SCREENING!!

THIS WEDNESDAY, February 15th!


Hello HMS families:
Are you watching kids scroll through life, with their rapid-fire thumbs and a six-second attention span? Physician and filmmaker Delaney Ruston saw this with her own kids and learned that the average kid spends 6.5 hours a day looking at screens. She wondered about the impact of all this time and about the friction occurring in homes and schools around negotiating screen time—friction she knew all too well. 

In SCREENAGERS, Delaney takes a deeply personal approach as she probes into the vulnerable corners of family life, including her own, to explore struggles over social media, video games, academics and internet addiction. Through poignant, and unexpectedly funny stories, along with surprising insights from authors, psychologists, and brain scientists, SCREENAGERS reveals how tech time impacts kids’ development and offers solutions on how adults can empower kids to best navigate the digital world and find balance.

Burlington's PTO Leaders are bringing this timely documentary to the Burlington High School Auditorium on Wednesday, February 15th at 5:30 pm.  

Hope to see you there!
--
Hunt Middle School PTO

_________________________________________________

FLETCHER FREE LIBRARY HOSTS A TRAVELING SMITHSONIAN EXHIBITION:

“EXPLORING HUMAN ORIGINS”


The Smithsonian has brought an awesome exhibit to the Fletcher Free Library.  Some HMS students will be touring the exhibit with their class.  Other students not going on the formal tour may wish to visit the exhibit with their families.  The “Paleolithic”-themed opening reception on February 22 at 5:30pm is followed by a talk with Dr. Rick Potts, who is Director of the Smithsonian’s Human Origins Program. 

FLETCHER FREE LIBRARY HOSTS A TRAVELING SMITHSONIAN EXHIBITION: “EXPLORING HUMAN ORIGINS”


Burlington, VTExploring Human Origins: What Does It Mean to Be Human?, a national traveling exhibition of the Smithsonian Institution, will be on display at the Fletcher Free Library from 18 February 2017 to 17 March 2017.

Through panels, interactive kiosks, hands-on displays and videos, Exploring Human Origins: What Does It Mean to Be Human? invites audiences to explore milestones in the evolutionary journey of becoming human — from walking upright, creating technology and eating new foods, to brain enlargement and the development of symbolic language and complex societies — advancements that define the unique position of humans in the history of life.

Based on the Smithsonian’s What Does It Mean to Be Human? permanent exhibition hall at the National Museum of Natural History (NMNH), Exploring Human Origins: What Does It Mean to Be Human? seeks to shed light on what we know about human origins and how we know it. The exhibition welcomes different cultural perspectives on evolution and seeks to foster positive dialogue and a respectful exploration of the science.

“The topic of human evolution is fascinating, we are proud that the Fletcher Free Library can help encourage a constructive, informative discussion on the subject,” said Mary Danko, Fletcher Free’s Library Director. “We encourage people of all beliefs to explore the exhibition and participate in associated programming, and delve into human origins in a way that is captivating and relevant.”

 Please visit the exhibit website for a complete calendar of programming and events. Core partners in this initiative are the University of Vermont (UVM) and the University of Vermont Medical Center, St. Michael’s College, Champlain College, RETN, and the Friends of the Fletcher Free Library. 


____________________________________________________________________________

Get Your Hunt Tee Shirts!

Hey HMS families!  Have you purchased your Hunt Tee Shirt yet?  We have Men's and Women's cuts,in grey, with the cool HMS panther logo. At only $13 each it's a great way to show off your panther pride while supporting student activities at the school. 


You can purchase anytime by contacting the PTO at huntmiddleschool@gmail.com. 


All proceeds go toward funding student activities.  

Thank you for supporting HMS!

Sunday, February 5, 2017

Hunt Middle School PTO Blog - February 5, 2017


WANTED: ADULT MUSICIANS

Hello Hunt Families!  We are looking for adult musicians who are interested in joining the pit orchestra for Hunt's musical "Willy Wonka" being performed on April 6, 7, and 8. We are in need of folks who play the following instruments:
  • cello
  • bass 
  • drums 
  • horn
  • flute 
  • oboe 
  • clarinet
  • bassoon
If you would be interested in volunteering as a musician for the production please email our music director: Ashley O'Brien at: ashleyobrienmusic@gmail.com.


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IT'S BACK: 

ANNUAL HMS DANCE PARTY 



Don’t miss out! The annual dance party, sponsored by HMS’s Drama Club is back!! 

The dance party at the St. Johns Club is THIS Saturday, Feb. 11 from 7 pm - 11pm. The St. John's Club is located at 9 Central Avenue, Burlington, VT 05401

This is a great adult night out! For only $20 per person, you’ll enjoy dancing, great modern music (and some nostalgia too), tasty appetizers & scrumptious desserts. A Silent auction with great items and an affordable cash bar is offered as well!

This fundraiser will benefit this year's production of Willy Wonka and all adults from the community are welcome, not just parents of HMS students in the play!

We are still welcoming donations for the silent auction which will be held at the party. Maybe you bought that gift that you never got a chance to give, still with a tag and rapped in its original package? Art, gift cards to restaurants or classes, beauty products, jewelry. Or nicely packaged, non perishable edible goods. Anything that you can think would be great at a silent auction table.

For more information, visit the FB event page where you can find fun photos and up-dates!
https://www.facebook.com/events/1442618842439273/?active_tab=discussion

Limited tickets available, please pay in advance. Any remaining tickets will be sold at the door. Send a check made out to Hunt Drama Club to the main office at Hunt Middle School, 1364 North Avenue.   Paypal option is also available at huntdrama@yahoo.com with a note “dance party”. (A list of names will be kept at the door)

For any questions, contact Bella at bella@bellabueno.com

Thanks so much for your consideration! 
Bella  Nadworny, Happy Vail & Missy Hellyer