Important Dates

• Thursday, May 21 - Saturday, May 23 - Shavout
• Thursday, May 21 – Mayfest! on the Green, 1:30 pm
• Monday, May 25 - Memorial Day, School Closed
• Tuesday, May 26 - Wednesday, May 27 - Eid al-Adha 
• Wednesday, June 10 - Field Day
• Thursday, June 11 - Sixth Grade Celebration, 5:00pm
• Tuesday, June 16 - Last day of school, 12:00pm dismissal

Message From the Principal

Today, we had the pleasure of welcoming many of our incoming kindergarten students and families to Marion Cross School for Kindergarten Orientation. Greg and I enjoyed sharing information about MCS, giving tours, and beginning connections with families who will soon officially become part of our school community. Our kindergarten teachers and team also appreciated the opportunity to spend time getting to know their future students. One of the many special parts of this transition is that so many of these children and families are already an important part of MCS through our Pre-K program and are familiar with our school, routines, and staff. As students continue their educational journey at MCS, the partnership between school and home remains incredibly important, and we look forward to continuing to work closely with families to support each child’s growth and success.

Our staff is also well underway with the process of developing class lists for the coming school year. We sincerely appreciate the thoughtful input, requests, and valuable information shared by families to help support this work. While it is not possible to honor every individual request, our school team spends a tremendous amount of time carefully considering student needs, learning styles, friendships, class dynamics, and supports to create balanced classroom communities where students can thrive. At this stage of the process, class lists have moved beyond classroom teachers and are now being reviewed by specialists, special educators, specials teachers, and administration for another set of eyes and perspectives. Final class placements will be shared with families on end-of-year report cards.

This week’s REP was filled with energy, excitement, and impressive jump roping performances as students shared routines they have been practicing with their classmates and staff. A special thank you to Mr. Petrone for organizing the Kids Heart Challenge and for helping students raise funds for an important cause while also promoting fitness, perseverance, and teamwork. The event ended with plenty of laughter as several brave staff members volunteered to be sprayed with silly string by students — a fitting celebration for everyone’s hard work and enthusiasm!

We are also looking forward to one of Marion Cross School’s most cherished traditions — Mayfest — taking place next Thursday from 1:30–3:00 on the Norwich Green. Families and community members are warmly invited to join us for an afternoon of music, dancing, and celebration. Mayfest is a longstanding MCS tradition that our students, staff, families, and broader community look forward to each year. A special thank you to Mr. Ramsey for the tremendous coordination and preparation that helps make this event possible.

Have a wonderful weekend,
Shawn

Student Services Update

Thank you to everyone who participated in our PBIS surveys this spring. We heard from 175 students in grades 3–6, 107 families, and 43 staff members, and we appreciate the time and thought that went into this feedback.

The survey results were very positive overall, especially in expectations, respect, and satisfaction, all of which received high scores from students, staff, and families. Our main area for growth is our system for acknowledging positive behavior, and this will be the focus of our PBIS work next year.  I am very appreciative to the four staff members who will join me for the VT PBiS conference to work on this and other PBiS initiatives.

Our 2026–27 goal is to strengthen the way we recognize students and staff through specific, positive feedback, celebrations, and more consistent PBIS practices. We also saw in the survey that generally, some families would like to have more say in school-wide decision-making.  We appreciate your partnership as we continue working to make Marion Cross a positive, supportive place for all students.

I have attached the presentation I shared at the school board meeting.

Have a great weekend,
Greg