Important Dates

• Wednesday, November 26 - Friday, November 28 - Holiday, School Closed
• Wednesday, December 3 - Coffee Talk, 8:15 - 8:30am, MCS Multi
• Wednesday, December 10 - Grades K to 2 Holiday Concert, 5:00 to 6:00pm
• Thursday, December 11 - Grades 3 to 6 - Holiday Concert, 6:00 to 7:00pm
• Monday, December 22 through Friday, January 2, 2026 - School Closed
• Monday, January 19 - Holiday, School Closed

Message From the Principal

Math Night Appreciation

Last night’s 3rd Annual MCS Family Math Night was an incredible celebration of learning, community, and pure mathematical joy. With nearly 275 people in attendance, the gym was buzzing with families playing games, solving challenges, laughing together, and discovering just how fun math can be. Events like this remind us how deeply curious and scholarly our students are — they genuinely love learning and being together.

The evening would not have been possible without the tremendous effort of Mr. McGee and Mrs. Gentine, who poured countless hours into designing engaging, hands-on experiences for students and families. We extend heartfelt appreciation to the Dartmouth College Department of Mathematics for sending enthusiastic graduate students, providing engaging activities, and funding a large portion of the event. Thank you also to the MCS PTO for supporting the event with refreshments, assisting with setup and cleanup, and showing up as a warm, welcoming presence throughout the evening.

Finally, a huge thank you to our lead custodian, Donna Stearns, who came in after the event to ensure the space was spotless and ready for school this morning. Your behind-the-scenes work does not go unnoticed.

To all the families who attended — thank you for making the night such a success. It was wonderful to see so many students and caregivers connecting over games and sharing in the excitement of mathematics. We are grateful for this community and the joy you bring to MCS.

School Safety Drills at MCS

Yesterday morning, students and staff participated in a scheduled lockdown drill as part of our ongoing commitment to maintaining a safe, prepared school environment. At Marion Cross School, all safety drills are planned in advance by the MCS Safety Committee — we never conduct unannounced drills. Our goal is always to educate rather than alarm. Teachers let students know when a drill is coming, prepare them for what to expect, and debrief afterward to reinforce learning and answer questions.

Each month, we conduct a variety of drills, including fire drills, evacuation drills, lockdowns, “secure the building,” and “clear the halls.” Across all SAU 70 schools, we follow the nationally recognized I Love U Guys Foundation protocols, which offer clear, age-appropriate, and research-based guidance for school safety. Families interested in learning more can visit the I Love U Guys website for additional information and resources.

Beyond practicing procedures, our drills also help us ensure that our building systems are functioning properly — doors, windows, blinds, and communication systems are checked regularly as part of this process. As a staff, we continually refine our practices by debriefing each drill and discussing ways to strengthen our safety systems. We encourage families to talk with their child about drills and what they learn; these conversations help students feel informed, confident, and prepared.

Have a wonderful weekend,
Shawn

Student Services Update

VTCAP Testing Results

If you did not know, one of my responsibilities at MCS is school testing coordinator.  Part of this responsibility is to help administer the Vermont Comprehensive Assessment Program (VTCAP) in grades 3-6.  At the board meeting in October, I shared our results and now I can share how we compare with the rest of the State.  Below you will see proficiency data (levels 3 and 4).  

Note - HM means Historically Marginalized (including students on IEPs, economically disadvantaged, migrants, English language learners, etc). So, that column includes all Vermonters that are not historically marginalized students.

ELA	% Proficient at MCS	% Proficient in VT	% Proficient in VT that are not HM
3	72%	48%	65%
4	97%	61%	81%
5	90%	55%	77%
5	88%	58%	78%
Math
3	69%	33%	48%
4	81%	34%	53%
5	62%	36%	54%
6	86%	48%	69%
Science
5	80%	44%	64%

 

If you have any wonders or questions for me, please reach out.

Have a great weekend,
Greg