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FROM THE DESK OF THE HEAD OF SCHOOL
| TGS and Standardized Testing
Each year The Grammar School administers the ERBs to our 5th, 6th, and 7th graders. This standardized test, called The Comprehensive Testing Program(CTP4), is developed and produced by the Educational Records Bureau. The tests compare our students to students from public and independent schools nationwide. The ERBs do not measure how well our students are learning the TGS curriculum, but rather how our students do on standardized tests that measure comprehensive and general concepts in verbal reasoning, vocabulary, reading comprehension, writing mechanics, writing concepts and skills, quantitative reasoning and general mathematical understanding, computation, and the language of mathematics.
The Grammar School has been administering these tests for many years. We use the ERBs to measure how well we, as a school, are preparing our students in Language Arts and Mathematics. Administering these tests also gives our students practice in preparing for the SSATs that they take independently in 7th and/or 8th grade for the purposes of secondary school admission. The ERB tests take several days to complete. They provide an individual snapshot of each student, how he or she performs in standardized testing situations, and his or her learning profile at that point in time. Administering the tests also is a part of our New England Association of Schools and Colleges Accreditation and State of Vermont Approval.
Our classes have consistently scored at the average or above average Independent School Norm on the 5th, 6th, and 7th ERB tests (roughly 2/3 average, 1/3 above average). In addition, last year the ERB Algebra test was given to an 8th grade math class in June and the students again scored well. When a specific testing area consistently shows a low score, the faculty addresses the issue. For example, three years ago, the tests showed that there was a general deficiency in writing mechanics. As a result of the test scores in this area, the faculty revamped our language arts curriculum maps and created a language arts scope and sequence.
The tests are administered in the late spring with the results coming back to us in June or July. We do not automatically send these out to parents; however, if you would like a copy of your student's test results just send a note to Tammy. She will send the results with a brochure to explain how to read the test scores, which can be a complex endeavor. If you would like to talk about the results or learn more about how to interpret the test scores, please contact your child's homeroom teacher.
Thank you,
Steve
Steve Lorenz
Head of School
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TGS Strolling Update!
| We hope we see you and your kids marching in the parade on Saturday, representing TGS at this great event! The weather report includes some rain, so please plan accordingly, but we will parade - RAIN or SHINE.
The Grammar School group will convene no later than 9:30am at staging area 4 in the Church Street parking lot on Elm Street - Elm Street is the "ramp" that connects Flat Street and Canal Street. We will have T-shirts for all student marchers, a new school banner, and items to give out along the route. The parade ends at the Retreat lawn, where there is lots to do including eating crepes and drinking espresso at The Grammar School booth. If you plan on marching, let Michael Hornsby know, (mhornsby@brimstoneconsulting.com) just so we have a rough idea of whom to expect - last minute planners are welcome too! |
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2nd and 5th Grades Present Romeo and Juliet
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Artwork by Abby B. in 5th Grade
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Second and Fifth grades will present Romeo and Juliet on: June 6 at All School Meeting at 2pm and June 7 at 6:30pm.
Admission to all performances is free. Mark your calendars - we'd love to see you!
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CHECK OUT SUMMER CAMP ON THE TGS WEBSITE! DOWNLOAD YOUR FORMS AND SIGN UP TODAY!!!!
|  SAVE THE DATES! TGS SUMMER CAMP WILL RUN JULY 9 THROUGH 27, with three week long programs taught by local artists and outdoor enthusiasts.
Course descriptions and signup forms are on the website.
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TGS Annual Survey
| Dear Grammar School Parents,
Each year the Evaluation Committee of The Grammar School Board of Trustees conducts a survey. As trustees it is our job to "hold the school, its mission, and its future in trust." To this end we work closely with the Head of School, Steve Lorenz, in ensuring that we are delivering on what our Mission Statement promises. This annual survey is an important tool in helping us assess our success in doing so.
Feedback from past surveys have resulted in many improvements at TGS including:
- A full time Art teacher
- Spanish option for the upper school
- New website with teacher pages
- Hiring of upper school social skills counselor
- Reconfiguration of the 6th,7th, and 8th grade program into a middle school model
- More frequent and varied communications to parents via all school emails
- More a consistent PSD time for middle school students.
- And more
This year's survey is short and should take about 15 minutes to complete. Please complete a separate survey for each student by June 4. In addition parents may fill out separate surveys if they wish. Including your name is optional, but encouraged, in order to allow the Head of School to directly address certain issues. Your responses are confidential and names will only be seen by Steve Lorenz and committee chair Ray Hutchins.
It is important that everyone completes a survey. As an incentive Steve has offered to throw an ice cream party for the class of one lucky winner (time and date to be chosen by winner and classroom teacher), who will be selected in a random drawing of everyone who completes a survey by June 4.
Please follow the link below to the Survey Monkey site where you will be guided through this simple process. If you need help or would like a paper version of the survey please contact Tammy White in the front office.
Thank you,
Evaluation Committee
Hannah Hornsby, Tammy White, Eve McDermott, Steve Lorenz, & Ray Hutchins
https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/HTQHDYK |
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Film Screening 6-8pm Monday, June 4 at TGS
| Free Film Screening! Miss Representation - Monday, June 4 in TGS Auditorium 6-8pm (90 minutes; TV-14 DL)
This powerful documentary film explores how the media's misrepresentations of women have led to the under representation of women in positions of power and influence, and are significant factors in troubling cultural trends. The film features stories from teenage girls and provocative interviews with politicians, journalists, entertainers, activists and academics, including Condoleeza Rice, Nancy Pelosi, Rachel Maddow, Margaret Cho, Rosario Dawson, and Gloria Steinem. The film, by Jennifer Siebel Newsom, premiered at the 2011 Sundance Film Festival and aired on OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network. There is sensitive material in the film; it is not recommended for people under the age of 14. The film received a rating of TV-14 DL.
The film will be followed by a facilitated discussion. Limited childcare available; please contact Melanie Kent at mskent@sover.net
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Board of Trustees Special Meeting
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Board of Trustees Special Meeting"A special meeting may be held at the school whenever called by the chairperson or clerk at the request of one-third (1/3) of the trustees. Notice of special meetings shall be given by mail, fax, email, or written notice not less than three (3) days prior to such special meeting." TGS Bylaws
The Board of Trustees has called a special meeting to be held at The Grammar School on June 14 at 4:00pm. The sole agenda item for this meeting will be the approval of the 2012/2013 TGS budget.
If you have any questions, comments, or concerns, please contact Board Chair, Ray Hutchins (802)275-2532 or rayhutchins@me.com.
Sincerely,
The Grammar School Board of Trustees
Board of Trustees Election Results "The business and property of the corporation shall be managed by its Board of Trustees, which shall consist of as many as twelve members chosen from parents of children attending the school, alumni, and the community." TGS BylawsOn May 22, 2012 The Grammar School Board of Trustees held its annual election of officers. The following trustees were elected unanimously:
- Board Chair - Ray Hutchins (current parent)
- Vice Chair - Regina Rockefeller (former parent)
- Treasurer - Bill Helm (grandparent)
- Clerk - Wendy Brennan (current parent)
A second three year term was also voted for Ray Hutchins. Other members of the Board of Trustees include: - Peter Howe (former parent)
- Marcia Leader (former administrator)
- Natalie Thomson (current parent)
- Maggie Smith (former faculty)
- Julie Burns (current parent)
The trustees would like to recognize and thank Kimona Alin and Mark Long whose terms will end on June 30, 2012. Kimona has worked tirelessly on the Buildings and Grounds Committee. In addition, Mark has been very successful in many challenging tasks in relation to the Personnel and Policies Committee. As you may know, trustees are volunteers who donate a large amount of their time and talents to help ensure the future stability and success of TGS. It is a responsibility that no trustee takes lightly. Thank you again, Kimona and Mark! The Grammar School Board of Trustees
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Parent Circle Meeting
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The next and last Parent Circle meeting for this academic year will be on Tuesday, June 5 at 8:45am. We will discuss media literacy and the way people are unrealistically portrayed in the media. This parent circle will coincide with a screening of the film Miss Representation, which will be screened at TGS the evening of June 4 from 6pm-8pm. The Parent Circle gathering will be interesting whether you have seen the film or not. The Parent Circle meetings are for parents of students of all grade levels. Questions? Contact Juliet Cuming at earthswt@sover.net.
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Floral Appeal From The Eighth Grade
| As the Persian Proverb would have it: "The world is a flower. Smell it, and then pass it on to others."
Just what we would love for any and all of you with blooming gardens to do on the morning of June 15, graduation day at TGS. Your floral offerings will be arrayed as profusely as possible and permissible all around the auditorium, so that no florid language need be spoken as part of that afternoon's celebration.
Please let us know via email (ohauert@aol.com) about your willingness and ability to provide the raw material for us eighth grade parents to express our inner florist as we put our mettle to the petal.
Thanks,
Doris and Francis Hauert |
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PUTNEY FOOD SHELF
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PUTNEY FOOD SHELF: The second graders are heading our collection for the month of May. In particular, pastas, sauce, and peanut butter are needed. Thank you!
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TGS T-shirts and Sweatshirts
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Order your TGS dragon or school logo apparel this week for the summer! Order forms are available on the school Parents Page. Please email Mary if you have any questions.
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Wednesday Notice problems?
| If you are not receiving your Wednesday Notice by email, please let Mary know.
Thank you,
Mary
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| COMMUNITY NEWS |
"EVERYTHING MUST GO" School SALE! As many of you know, Green Valley School preschool is closing its doors in June. I am helping facilitate to help clean out the school.
The sale is on Saturday, June 9 from 10-3 at Green Valley School, 2399 West Road, Westminster West. Call 802-387-2298.
There are so many school items (Preschool through the Grades) that they must sell. Items can be up or more than 50% off the original price. At the school there are: Waldorf wooden desks, art supplies, modeling wax, slate chalkboards, games, painting boards, mini chalkboards, wooden toys, a COPY machine, dolls, cubbies, filing cabinets... and the list goes on.
I can set up a time if you would like to see the items. The sooner the better! 802-275-2948, or please email me: and/or give my email to anyone or school that might be interested:lizzyole@gmail.com. Thanks,
Liz Jackson
FREE: 10 3'x4'x6' plywood shipping crates/medium duty storage boxes with covers. Email Chris Harlow soon if you are interested.
Pedal Putney Community Ride Series Back by popular demand! Join families, friends and neighbors for these scenic, mostly-dirt rides leaving from the Putney Tavern Green at 10am. This spring and summer there are four scheduled rides: May 27th, June 23rd, July 29th, and August 26th. The Putney General Store and the Putney Coop have generously offered apres ride refreshments!
Several mapped rides of varying length and difficulty - 2.5 to 19 miles - will be available to choose from. Hybrid, cyclocross and mountain bikes are best suited for the terrain. This is a FREE series with FREE bike rentals available for anyone needing a bike. Bike rentals must be reserved in advance. Email Diny or call the shop, 802-387-5718, with questions.
Please note: These are unsupported show-n-go rides. No leaders, no sweep. Segments of these rides might be remote so please prepare accordingly.
Experienced Part Time Childcare Provider
Putney/Westminster area, 4-8 hours per week, for infants-5 years. Over 20 Years Experience, Early Childhood Ed. Degree. Childcare in your own home, excellent local references. Sliding fee, available July 1, 2012. Please call Donna at (802)722-4799. TGS families include Ken Brautigam, and most recently Luna Cuming Shaw.
Looking for a house-sitter, dog or cat-sitter, or someone to look after your ponies? Someone to mow your lawn? Wilder Fichter (TGS 04) is available between May 23 and July 1, and then, again, from August 3- August 29. Both before and after his summer math class (a distributive requirement that needs to be fulfilled) Wilder is available to help you move furniture, put up a fence or stack firewood. Please call 802-387-4444.
Share your fresh air with a child who gets very little! There are hundreds of New York inner city children waiting for an invitation to experience a week or two of our summers in New England. Open your hearts and homes one of these kids and receive an enriching experience for you and your family in return. Through the generosity of families and individuals from Virginia to Canada, the Fresh Air Friendly Town Program has given almost 2 million children the joys of clean air and summer fun since its founding in 1877. Please call Tom and Linda Kosiba for more information-(802)722-4315.
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| CELEBRATING OUR 52nd YEAR! |
2nd Grade Play
Romeo and Juliet
2nd Grade Play
Romeo and Juliet 6:30pm
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June 15
Friday
Noon Dismissal
GRADUATION
4:30 Reception
5:00 Ceremony
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| Quick Links | TGS Homepage
TGS Calendar
TGS Together
Shutterfly Website
Photos of TGS Events
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