Important Dates

• Saturday, May 31, 7:00pm - MCS Theater Program Spring Play at Tracy Hall
• Sunday, June 1, 2:00pm - MCS Theater Program Spring Play at Tracy Hall
• Friday, June 6 - All MCS library books due
• Tuesday, June 10, 9:30am-1:45pm - Field Day
• Wednesday, June 11, 5:00pm - 6th Grade Celebration
• Tuesday, June 17 - Last day of school, 12:10 dismissal

Message From the Principal

***A message from Tracy Hall - Please do not use the Tracy Hall parking spots for school drop off or pick up. If there are questions, please inquire with the Town Clerk’s office. ***

MCS Weekly Highlights – A Celebration of Learning and Community!

What a fantastic week at Marion Cross School! From PreK to 6th grade, our students have been immersed in engaging, joyful learning and end-of-year milestones that showcase their growth and creativity.

Our fourth graders are diving deep into their study of Japan. On Tuesday, they participated in a full-day Burlington Taiko drumming workshop, where they learned rhythms, movement, and cultural traditions. The very next day, they brought their learning to life during Japan Day on Wednesday, celebrating Japanese culture through music, food, art, and collaborative activities. It was a rich, immersive experience that truly showcased their hard work.

Today marked the much-anticipated Battle of the Books, always a highlight at MCS! Students demonstrated their teamwork, deep reading, and love of literature in a fast-paced and spirited competition.

Our sixth graders had a memorable RMS Poetry Day and Evening on Thursday, where they joined peers from across the river to perform original poetry in a public showcase. They also brought their talents back to MCS to wow students in grades 3–5 with their Spoken Word Poetry REP.

Meanwhile, our kindergartners were busy preparing for their Forest Friday Learning Celebration, which wrapped up this afternoon with a heartwarming and engaging event. It was a wonderful reminder of the power of outdoor learning and the joy of discovery in nature.

Our Pre-K team hosted a welcoming orientation for incoming families this week. It was a warm and informative gathering designed to introduce families to the program and help them feel at home in the MCS community. We’re thrilled to welcome the newest members of our school!

Amid all the excitement, our students have also been working diligently on their iReady assessments in math and literacy. These important end-of-year evaluations help us understand each child’s growth and progress over the year.

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Planning Ahead: Class Lists and What Families Value Most

Behind the scenes, teachers and staff are thoughtfully crafting class lists and report cards. A big thank-you to the families who responded to our class placement survey—over 200 submissions! Not only did you help us consider meaningful student-teacher matches, but you also gave us valuable insights into what the Norwich community values in education.

Before analyzing the responses using AI, all identifiable information was removed to protect privacy. We then compiled the data to identify the top attributes families believe matter most for student learning:

• Structured (97 mentions): Clear routines and expectations help students feel safe and focused.
• Positive Atmosphere (63): Classrooms should feel welcoming, inclusive, and kind.
• Supportive/Nurturing (39): Students thrive when they feel seen, heard, and cared for.
• Hands-On/Experiential (24): Learning by doing brings lessons to life.
• Challenging/High Expectations (24): High standards inspire students to reach their potential.
• Creative/Exploratory (16): Opportunities for imagination, expression, and exploration matter.
• Outdoor/Nature-based (16): Connecting with the natural world enhances engagement and well-being.
• Collaborative/Social (14): Peer connections and group work build essential life skills.
• Individualized Learning (9): Meeting students where they are fosters growth for all.

Thank you for your continued partnership and trust. We are so proud of our students and grateful to be part of such a vibrant, supportive community. Onward to the final weeks of an amazing school year!

Enjoy the weekend,
Shawn

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Student Services Update

On May 30th, Marion Cross School was filled with excitement and pride as we celebrated two special end-of-year events that brought together students, families, and staff from across our school community.

Our kindergarteners hosted their annual Forest Celebration, where they became tour guides for their families, leading them through their forest classroom. Students eagerly shared their favorite spots, searched for treasures, decorated t-shirts and the forest itself, and even made delicious snail bread together. It was a joyful afternoon of exploration, creativity, and connection with nature.

Meanwhile, our 6th graders took the stage for their Spoken Word Performance at Rep, presenting original poems that ranged from funny to reflective to serious. These personal pieces were shared not only with their families, but also with classmates in 4th, 5th, and 6th grades. The event was a powerful showcase of student voice, creativity, and courage.

At Marion Cross School, we believe in building a strong, supportive community across all grades. These end-of-year celebrations are a wonderful reminder of the connections we share and the growth we witness together. Thank you to everyone who participated and helped make these events so meaningful!

Have a great weekend,
Greg