Hunt PTO Update 9/27/15

Hey There Hunt Families - Hope you had a great week.  It was nice to catch up with families at the Hunt Open House last Thursday.  It was a really sparse crowd - actually more like a trickle of parents.  This is usually a packed event as families come in to meet teachers and find out what is on tap for the school year.  With Common Core, Next Generation Science Standards, a new Math program (Eureka math ) and a new advisory period, there were lots of changes to hear about.  If you did not attend, we are wondering why not... was there a competing event? sports event? didn't know about it?  We are curious so that next year we do not have the same low turnout. Respond back to huntmiddleschool@gmail.com and let us know!

The PTO rolled out their new "Fund Me" board at Open House.  You will continue to roll out/display this board at Hunt with the hope that families will give generously towards individual teacher/team projects.  We have invited staff to submit projects they need funded and then we are asking you to help.  Maybe you want to split a donation to all the projects or fund just one in particular - EVERY DOLLAR we raise for these projects helps make them a reality for YOUR STUDENT.  These projects/trips are not mandated or funded by the District - these are opportunities that teachers want for your child.  Money donated now means less team fundraising and teachers can focus on the really important stuff - being awesome teachers and role models for your kid!

At the end of this post are details about current projects looking for funding

1. Read the descriptions
2. Can you help?  1 project, several, all projects?
3. Your check can be sent into the office (envelope to Michelle Virun) Please make note where the money should go so it is deposited into that teachers' account.  
4. Checks get made out to Hunt Middle School with the project name in the note line at bottom left
5. Your generosity makes you a Hunt superstar - give yourself a pat on the back - or better yet, get your kiddo to give you a should rub as payback!


ALSO...Don't miss the Super Harvest Moon/Blood Moon total eclipse tonight (Sunday) starting at 9:07pm. The eclipse will last about an hour.

ALSO...In last week's blog I posted a link to a SUPER video about consent - it is short, drawn with simple stick figures and BRILLIANT - I encourage you to take the 2 minutes to watch it and to think about sharing it with your child.  If you scroll down, the link can be found in the post just below this post.

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How to Talk to Kids About Racism -Saturdays, October 3, 10 

                             Winooski O'Brien Center

This facilitated discussion group is designed for all who are concerned about the impact of racism and/or white privilege on our children. This includes but is not limited to parents, family members, caregivers, and teachers. We expect participants to attend both sessions. Be sure to include in your registration if you need childcare in order for you to participate. Registration is limited to 25 people there is a $40 fee for the general public and it is free for current PJC members and volunteers. No one will be turned away for lack of funds.

Register here. For more information call Kyle at 863-2345 X6.

We also have a How to Talk to Kids About Racism discussion group later in October in Jericho.  If you know folks out that way who might be interested, send them to our website.

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- OCTOBER 8 & 9

HUNT HAS CONFERENCES ALL YEAR LONG!
So if you cant get an appointment with your student's teacher on one of those days we can schedule ANY day, all year long!

To see what is avail on the 8th and 9th check here:
 https://www.ptcfast.com/schools/Hunt_Middle

Contact Mrs. Barcomb in the guidance office at 802-864-8470 or by email at tbarcomb@bsdvt.org to schedule on another day.

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Sports Calendar- Subject to last minute changes!!!  Call the office or check the Hunt sports website the day of the event just to be sure!!!  

https://sites.google.com/a/bsdvt.org/lyman-c-hunt-middle-school-athletics/

28  Boys Soccer w/ Hinesburg  Girls Soccer @ Hinesburg

29  Boys Soccer w/Mater Christi-UPDATED  Girls Soccer w/ Mater Christi- UPDATED  Field Hockey@ Camels Hump-UPDATED

30  Boys Soccer @ Camel's Hump  Girls Soccer w/ Camels Hump

Boys Soccer @ Williston  Girls Soccer w/ Williston  Field Hockey @ Edmunds

2  Hunt Dance - 7-9pm

5  Boys Soccer w/ Charlotte  Girls Soccer @ Charlotte

6  Field Hockey @ Tuttle

7  Cross country @ Leddy Park  Field Hockey W/ ADL- UPDATED  Boys Soccer w/ Brown's River  Girls Soccer @ Brown's River

8  EARLY RELEASE- ALL STUDENTS- NOON  Parent/Teacher Conference

9  Parent/Teacher Conferences  Boys Soccer @ Essex Middle  Girls Soccer w/ Essex

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Didn't get your picture taken on the September 8th or forget to bring the money in on time?  No worries!  Picture Retake is October 15.  You can order your package on line and then your student does not have to worry about bringing cash to school!  Click on the above banner for more information.

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Upcoming Events

9/17-10/9  Wrapping Paper Fundraiser

10/2/15 1st Hunt Dance of the year!  7-9pm

10/8/15 Early release for P/T Conferences - noon

10/9/15 No School- P/T Conferences

10/12/15 No School - Columbus Day

10/15/15  October PTO Meeting - 6:30pm

10/15/15 Picture Retake Day

10/22/15 Hunt Harvest Dinner - free!

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FUND ME PROJECTS 

TEAM / UA:  Hunt Library

PROJECT / PURCHASE: Dorothy Canfield Fisher E-books

MONEY NEEDED TO RAISE:  ~$500

The Dorothy Canfield Fisher Book Award is the second oldest student choice award in the United States. Each year Hunt Middle School students read any number of the 30 books on the list. If a student reads 5 or more books they will participate in voting for the DCF Award winner.   We in the library would like to support our students with e-book editions of the 2016-2017 DCF books. As students receive their iPads through the digital promise grant this would be a great way to encourage their use and help promote positive reading habits in our students.

TEAM / UA:  Solstice

PROJECT / PURCHASE:  Money to support a trip to the Flynn

MONEY NEEDED TO RAISE:  $500.00

DETAILS, DETAILS… In January, Team  Solstice will travel by bus to see the off Broadway play, The Black Angels Over Tuskegee, at the Flynn Theater in Burlington. Here are some details: This play fits in with language arts curriculum where students will read non-fiction text about groups and individuals who have overcome obstacles. Buses to the Flynn cost $500.00 and tickets are about $10.00 each. Any donation will support these costs, as well as scholarships for the trip. Here is a synopsis about the play, taken from the Black Angels website: Presently, one of the longest running productions Off-Broadway, originally opening in Los Angeles in  2009  then transferring to New York for a two-month engagement in 2010, the award-winning, historical docudrama is a narrative of six African American men embarking upon a journey to become the first aviators in the United States Army Air Forces during a tumultuous era of racial segregation and Jim Crow idealism in twentieth century American history.  Now in it's 6TH YEAR Black Angels Over Tuskegee, is inspired by true events.

TEAM / UA:  VKAT (Vermont Kids Against Tobacco)

PROJECT / PURCHASE: All-school assembly for International Week/  purchase food for International Week lunch Taste Test

MONEY NEEDED TO RAISE:  $700-$1,000

DETAILS, DETAILS… Having an all-school assembly that features a professional International  performance has been an important way to celebrate our International  diversity.  The Assembly has featured our International Student flag  parade, Hunt student performances and a paid professional performance. Example of possible paid performances: Chinese acrobats, African drumming and dance! ______________________________________________________________________________ During International Week, Hunt students and community members  make international food that is served as a taste test during all the lunches.  For example: we have made Sushi and crepes for 400 students!!! The money is used to pay for the ingredients and international food.

TEAM / UA:  Solstice

PROJECT / PURCHASE:  Money to support a trip to the Flynn

MONEY NEEDED TO RAISE:  $500.00

DETAILS, DETAILS… In January, Team  Solstice will travel by bus to see the off Broadway play, The Black Angels Over Tuskegee, at the Flynn Theater in Burlington. Here are some details: This play fits in with language arts curriculum where students will read non-fiction text about groups and individuals who have overcome obstacles. Busses to the Flynn cost $500.00 and tickets are about $10.00 each. Any donation will support these costs, as well as scholarships for the trip. Here is a synopsis about the play, taken from the Black Angels website: Presently, one of the longest running productions Off-Broadway, originally opening in Los Angeles in  2009  then transferring to New York for a two-month engagement in 2010, the award-winning, historical docudrama is a narrative of six African American men embarking upon a journey to become the first aviators in the United States Army Air Forces during a tumultuous era of racial segregation and Jim Crow idealism in twentieth century American history.  Now in it's 6TH YEAR Black Angels Over Tuskegee, is inspired by true events.

TEAM / UA:  Team Solstice - Language Arts class (Mrs. Sawtell)

PROJECT / PURCHASE: Books for in-classroom library

MONEY NEEDED TO RAISE:  $100.00

DETAILS, DETAILS… Many books that students want to read are in high demand at the library, and students are often put on a waiting list for them. I try to keep my shelves stocked with some of the more recent titles, but it can be expensive, and sometimes the books walk off. I would love any donations - both books or gift cards - to help stock my library with some newer titles. Examples of books that are needed: Any book by John Green The Perks of Being a Wallflower - Steven Chbosky Eleanor and Park - Rainbow Rowell Ms. Peregrines Home for Peculiar Children & Hollow City - Ransom Rowell The Eye of Minds - James Dashner Out of My Mind - Sharon Draper Counting by 7’s - Holly Sloan The Martian - Andy Weir A Long Walk to Water - Linda Sue Park The Crossover - Kwame Alexander Gift cards to Phoenix Books or Barnes and Noble are also appreciated. Thank you!

TEAM / UA:  Hunt Drama Program

PROJECT / PURCHASE: Cast trip to Skateland for a skating lesson

MONEY NEEDED TO RAISE:  $250

DETAILS, DETAILS… Starlight Express cast members will spend a portion of the play singing, dancing and acting on skates!  We would like to take the cast to Skateland on a rehearsal day for some group bonding and safe skating instruction.   The price for rentals/skate time is $9/person.    Money donated to this event will defray  the cost of students who are unable to pay some or all of the cost for this event.  We are anticipating about 50 students will participate and 50% will be able to pay.

TEAM / UA:  Hunt Middle School

PROJECT / PURCHASE: Handicapped-accessible automatic door

MONEY NEEDED TO RAISE: $1600.00

DETAILS, DETAILS… We are looking to secure funding sources for a handicapped-accessible automatic door opener for our front door. Our building is very accessible once inside, but the front door has proven to be a hurdle for our school community members with mobility challenges.