Village Voice - Volume 25, Issue 15
- Chrissy Barry
- 3 days ago
- 4 min read
Upcoming Events
Friday, December 19th - Monday, January 5th, No School, Winter Break
Tuesday, January 6th, School Resumes
Quick Links
In the interest of reducing the sheer length of the Village Voice, we have replaced several repeating items with links to shortcuts:
Administrator's Message
Greetings Village School Community!
Welcome New Choir Teacher
We have some great news heading into the winter break: We’re overjoyed to announce that we have officially hired Kelsey Khatter as our lower grades Music Education teacher! As many of you know she was filling in as a long term sub. The music teacher hiring committee interviewed other candidates and believe that Kelsey is the best fit for our school. Please welcome her as an official staff member next time you see her.
Supporting Classroom Community
Here's another bit of new news regarding our work supporting skill growth and classroom community. As we move into the new year, we will be introducing a refined, school-wide approach for responding to classroom disruptions. Our intention is to address these moments in ways that support learning, accountability, and a healthy classroom community.
When a student is experiencing difficulty meeting classroom expectations and is asked to step out of class, they will complete a brief reflection sheet. This reflection helps students pause, identify which skill broke down (such as focus, impulse control, respectful communication, or self-regulation), and consider what they can try differently next time.
The reflection will then guide the next step. During the student’s next preferred activity time, the main lesson teacher may keep the student for a short portion of that time to practice or revisit the skill that was challenging. This time is intended for skill-building and re-centering, not punishment. Teachers will ensure that students are not kept out of preferred activities for more than 30–50% of that activity time, maintaining balance and connection with the class.
Families may notice slightly increased communication from teachers or the office, even for smaller disruptions. This is intentional and meant to support shared understanding, reinforce expectations, and strengthen the partnership between school and home.
Our hope is that this approach will:
Reduce repeated disruptions
Provide meaningful practice of executive function and self-management skills
Increase accountability in developmentally appropriate ways
Support a strong sense of classroom and school community
Thank you for your continued partnership as we support students in building the skills they need to learn, contribute, and grow within our community.
Sincerely,
Roz, Shannon, and Andy
Annual Giving Campaign - Merry-Go-Round
This year’s annual giving campaign aims to enhance our playground with a new merry-go-round. Spinning features are popular on most playgrounds for children of all ages.
We are hoping to raise $10,000 for this campaign. The Village School and Village School Foundation will help fund any costs that go beyond this level. The proposed changes will bring more excitement and fun for students on the playground. We hope you will join us in our efforts to provide new playground equipment at The Village School. You can support the campaign if you go to Annualgiving.us or follow the QR code below:
This upgrade is part of a larger plan to improve the asphalt playing area, a ramp allowing ADA access to the playground, climbing features by the sand play area, an expanded obstacle course, and trails around the playground. If you would like to know more about or help support any of these improvements, please let us know.
Winter Concert
A big thank you to everyone who helped make our winter concert such a wonderful success!
Lost & Found
Hello Village School Families,
Please take a moment to browse through our very full Lost & Found before Winter Break. It is located in the breezeway outside of the office. We will be donating or repurposing any left over items to the Village School lending library at the end of the school day on Thursday, 12/18. Thank you!
Village School Staff Crafting Night
Our wonderful art teacher, Frédérique Chateau led the staff in a print making evening.
Village School Lunch Diaries
Lucky kids and lucky staff to get to eat such fresh, incredible food everyday!
LTD Passes
Health Reminders
Community Bulletin Board
If you are looking for ways to support families at risk and in fear due to the increasing presence of ICE in our community, please consider donating to Escudo Latino. They are working long hours and playing an important role in supporting those who need it most right now. Thank you!
4 Bedroom / 2 Bath Home For Rent
Close to Village School • 3460 Donald • $2395
Do your kids love nature exploration and outdoor adventures? Then check out Nearby Nature's Natural Neighbors After School program! K-5th grade participants enjoy hiking, natural science, Earth art, and free time in Nearby Nature's outdoor classroom and Alton Baker Park. Programs happen Tuesdays and Fridays from 2:30-5:30 pm and Wednesdays from 2-5:30 pm, rain or shine, with flexible drop off for the first hour of each day and pick up between 5-5:30 pm. Online enrollment is ongoing -- details at Natural Neighbors After School. Scholarship assistance available. https://www.nearbynature.org/natural-neighbors/.
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