Important Dates

• Tuesday, June 16 - Last day of school, 12:00pm dismissal
• Wednesday, August 26 - First day of school for students
• Tuesday, September 1 - Picture Day!
• Monday, September 7 - Holiday, School Closed

Message From the Principal

As this school year comes to a close, it feels fitting that one of our final school events was the Sixth Grade Celebration. Thursday evening, families, staff, and students gathered to recognize a group of students who have spent years learning, growing, and contributing to the Marion Cross School community. The event itself was a wonderful example of what makes MCS special. It was the result of many people working together to create something meaningful for children.

Even with the summer heat, the evening was filled with joy. We were treated to three outstanding student poems, traditional dances, songs, and the awarding of certificates. One of my favorite moments was seeing so many current and former staff members attend and take part in the congratulatory receiving line. It was a powerful reminder that helping children grow is truly a community effort. The evening concluded with a thoughtful slideshow that captured this group through the years, bringing smiles, laughter, and more than a few tears. It was a perfect way to celebrate their time at MCS.

As I reflect on the year, I am struck by how many moments like this we have shared together. Students have explored the woods on Forest Fridays, performed in concerts, traveled on field trips, participated in school celebrations, taken on new academic challenges, and built friendships that will last well beyond this school year. Day after day, they have shown us what it means to work hard, be kind, and contribute to a community.

I also want to thank our families for the partnership you provide. Schools are at their best when families and educators work together, and I am grateful for the support, encouragement, questions, feedback, and trust that you bring to our school community. While we may not always agree on every issue, the willingness to communicate, share concerns, and work toward solutions is a sign of a healthy and caring community that keeps students at the center of our work.

This is the final Who's Wise Words of the 2025–2026 school year. Thank you for your support throughout the year and for sharing your children with us each day. It has been a wonderful year at Marion Cross School. On behalf of all of us, I wish you a summer filled with family, fun, adventure, and time to recharge. We look forward to welcoming many of you back in the fall.

Have a wonderful weekend,
Shawn

Student Services Update

Report Cards

This year your student’s Report Cards will be sent digitally via email on Tuesday afternoon, June 16th as an attached pdf.  We hope this makes accessing them easier.  If you have any issues, feel free to contact me.

Celebrate

Besides all the wonderful end of the year celebrations including last night’s awesome 6th grade Celebration you may not know the tradition of Hanover High School seniors that went to MCS returning in their caps and gowns.  It is always a highlight and a challenge to recognize the mature faces.

Have an amazing weekend,
Greg

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School News and Information

Message from East Eastman

Dear MCS Families,

After 13 wonderful years of teaching at MCS, I am writing to share that I will be leaving my position at the end of this school year to begin a new chapter at Artistree, where I will have the opportunity to teach art classes for both children and adults.

This decision was not an easy one. The biggest factor is that this new position will allow me to spend more time supporting my mother as she navigates Alzheimer's disease. Family has always been the most important part of my life, and I am grateful for the opportunity to be present for her while continuing to do the work I love.

As I reflect on my years at MCS, I am overwhelmed with gratitude. Together we have laughed, created, experimented, solved problems, and brought countless projects to life. I have had the privilege of watching students discover new talents, gain confidence, and express themselves through art. The relationships built over these years are what I will treasure most.

A few days ago, I was driving through Quechee and noticed two young adults helping a snapping turtle safely across the road. I pulled over to see if they needed any help, and one of them turned around with a huge smile and said, "Ms. Eastman!" In that moment, I felt a little pang in my heart. It reminded me of one of the greatest gifts of teaching in a close-knit community: watching children grow into thoughtful, caring, remarkable young adults. I will miss those moments more than I can express.

I also want to acknowledge that the timing of my decision may have felt confusing. My knee surgery had been planned since last fall, but I was also facing an April deadline to make a decision about this new opportunity. Before I left for surgery, I spoke with the students, letting them know I had a big decision to make. I apologize if the timing of my absence and announcement left anyone feeling uncertain.

Thank you for letting me be part of your children's lives for the past 13 years. Thank you for your support, trust, kindness, and partnership. It has been an honor to teach at MCS and to be part of this community. I will carry the memories, laughter, creativity, and relationships we shared with me wherever I go. Perhaps I will see some of you at Artistree, and if not, I am sure I will see you around town. 

Keep creating! 
Ms. Eastman

Contacting the Main Office

As we transition into this next chapter, we want to make sure your questions, attendance notes, and updates never miss a beat. Going forward, the best way to message the Main Office is via our central email:

mcs-office@sau70.org 

Keep Reading This Summer!

Families often ask what they can do to support their child’s academic growth over the summer. A very powerful but simple way to help your child continue to grow over the summer is to support a habit of reading. To help make summer a joyful time for exploration and growth in reading, Lucy Hampton and I put together resources to support your family’s summer reading adventures. From suggested book lists and summer reading bingo to strategies to support emerging readers, you will find a wealth of tools to make summer reading fun and rewarding for everyone. Let’s keep the wonderful reading momentum we built through this school year going all summer!

Key Dates & Summer Reading

• All Library Books Due: Please return all books so we can get the library ready for the 26/27 school year.
• Summer Checkouts: Students in good standing may continue borrowing physical books for the summer. Books will be due on September 1, 2026. 

Lost or Damaged Books

• Replacement Fees: Cash or checks are accepted for lost or damaged items.
• Check Payee: Make checks payable to Norwich School District.
• Check Date: Date all checks for July 1 to align with fiscal year constraints.

4 Easy Steps to Log into Sora

1. Download: Add the Sora app to your personal device.
2. Find School: Log in to the Vermont Schools Shared Digital Collection.
3. Select School: Choose Marion Cross School from the list.
4. Sign In: Enter your child's login credentials:

• Username: First and last name (all one word, all lowercase).
• Password: School-issued 4-letter, 4-number password (example: read1234).
• Note: Please contact your child's current teacher if you need to retrieve this password