There was a wide range of activity and a whole lot of enthusiasm during Wednesday's Inspiration Project workshop. These workshops will continue the next two Wednesday afternoons. Thanks to all the volunteers providing the support and the funding of the PTA to make this opportunity possible.
  
  
  
Dear Friends and Families,
      A few years ago, when trying to describe to a friend why I really love Waitsfield School, I sent a picture of one of our preschool classes engaged in lavender foot soaks, a regular activity in the preschool routine. What I loved best about this "spa" activity is that the students involved were almost all boys. We want all young people to explore and grow their ability to self-regulate, but perhaps we don't always remember to give access to the array of resources available to them. Emily von Trapp and Emily Church's ability to playfully engage an array of modalities and help each child grow to be ever better versions of themselves has been a magical asset of Waitsfield Elementary School.  Who else would construct a complete mud kitchen INSIDE a classroom, would spend weeks freezing various ice forms with hidden objects inside for students to carefully unveil through squeezing warm water and tweezing  (talk about fine motor skill development!!), or create elaborate playscapes for children to engage in each day?  The Emilys, collaboratively, have fed a rich, creative environment in our preschool for many years.   It has been wonderful to have Kaitlyn Wimble, who interned and then also worked as an assistant in these classrooms, also join our staff as a lead teacher this year, further carrying on our strong commitment to supporting the development of the whole child through our preschool program. 
        For differing reasons, both Emily Church and Emily von Trapp will be leaving WES at the end of this year. Emily Church is retiring after 19 years of supporting our youngest students. Emily joined our preschool when her own children attended WES -- Carol Hosford wisely roped her in, sensing her calm, funny, caring ability to relate to children. Emily von Trapp, who attended WES herself, joined the staff first as teaching assistant and then, eight years ago, to lead our preschool program. She brought fiery creativity, playfulness, a strong work ethic, and a match to Emily Church's dedication. Together, they created a joyful start of the educational experience for so many of our students. Each have been significant in supporting our students and our community. While they have helped shape the classrooms they leave behind, they will each be deeply missed. 

Respectfully,    Kaiya Korb

p.s. Class placement input forms for kindergarten, 2nd and 4th grade students are due by Friday May 10th. Please contact Korr@huusd.org if you need an additional copy of this form.