Speak Up national research project

Montpelier Public Schools will be participating in the Speak Up national research project. Speak Up is the first survey designed to help parents, students, and educators share their ideas directly with schools and national policymakers about key issues impacting our students' education.

Since 2003, Speak Up has collected and shared the views of over 2.2 million students, teachers, and parents from all 50 states, as well as internationally. By participating in Speak Up, you will be contributing to the national dialog about science, technology, and preparing students for the 21st century workforce. The online survey is open to students, educators and parents; it’s quick and easy to get involved: visit www.speakup4schools.org/speakup2011, click on your role, select your school, and use this password: “montpelier”.

The survey should take about 20 minutes. Thank you for your participation!

Gratefully,
Dr. Brian G. Ricca

A Letter From Dr. Ricca

*A Point of Clarification*

It has come to my attention over the past couple of weeks since I sent out the letter regarding Montpelier's Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) status that there is some question regarding the role of Parent Groups as it relates to this issue.  My intent was for Parent Group Meetings to be an opportunity for further clarification around these and other issues that come up.  I apologize for any misunderstanding or for asking Parent Group Leaders to feel as though it is their responsibility to answer questions regarding the District's AYP status.  

Please feel welcome to contact me directly with those questions and look for Parent Group Meetings that include AYP Status as an agenda item.  

Gratefully,
Dr. Ricca
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802-223-9796

A hard copy of a letter is coming home from the District Office regarding Montpelier's AYP status.  You can view a copy of the letter by clicking here:

Read more: A Letter From Dr. Ricca

Montpelier Teachers Honored

For thirty years, The University of Vermont’s College of Education & Social Services and Vermont Supervisory Unions & School Districts have joined to honor Outstanding Teachers.

All Outstanding Teachers exemplify one or more of the Five Standards for Vermont Educators -- learning, professional knowledge, advocacy, colleagueship, and accountability. Typically, 90-100 teachers are nominated for this award each year with over 45 school districts in Vermont participating.

Accordingly, the Montpelier Public Schools are proud to announce that Ms. Windy Kelley of the Union Elementary School and Ms. Amy Kimballof the Main Street Middle School will be recipients of this prestigious award.

Ms. Kelley is a fifth grade teacher and Team Leader who has earned a reputation as one who continually challenges herself. She is committed to increasing her professional knowledge through coursework and thoughtful planning that ensures the utilization of Best Practices in instruction. Windy is a respected educational leader in her school's professional learning community, working with her team to analyze assessment data and design integrated units which advance student learning and enthusiasm. As Principal Bradley remarked, " Windy's belief in the potential of all of her students is evident in both her students' academic and emotional growth, and their belief in themselves."

Ms. Kimball is a distinguished and exemplary teacher, licensed in both mathematics and science and holding a middle level endorsement. She is a strong advocate for middle level education and has a passion for integrating content areas to help students make connections between the academic disciplines and the real world. She is gifted in the area of scaffolding and differentiating learning opportunities for all students. In addition to Amy's significant strengths within the classroom, she also excels in the area of collegiality. She serves as a team leader, a mentor, as a cooperating teacher for student teachers, and as a leader in our new electronic student management system. Principal Arnold declares: "Amy is one of those professionals who believe in  the importance of helping others succeed. She goes above the call of duty and always with a smile on her face."

As a school district and community, we congratulate Windy Kelley and Amy Kimball.