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Windham Southeast Supervisory Union School Board Meeting Minutes October, 9, 2024

by Not Signed In | Education

New Business – The Chair read the following statement regarding the Superintendent’s contract.

“On February 16, 2024, I negotiated and signed a new three year contract with our Superintendent, Mark Speno, at the direction of the WSESU Board. The Board voted unanimously to authorize me to do this at a regularly scheduled and duly warned meeting on February 14, 2024.

The contract began on July 1, 2024 and expires on June 30.2027. It contains provision for an annual raise for each of those years. This is a usual and customary contract in the state of Vermont. Annual raises are a standard component of educational contracts, which protect school personnel from the prevailing winds of politics.

WSESD Independent Budget Review Committee Oct 9, 2024 Meeting Minutes

by Not Signed In | Education

1. Introduction of members. Members introduced themselves and their backgrounds.

2. Election of chair and secretary.

Maggie nominated Kristina for Chair, motion was seconded by Ellie. The vote was unanimous. On a motion by Ellie seconded Kristina, Maggie was unanimously elected secretary.

3. Training -committee discussed Training with Frank on the chart of accounts. The IBRC committee will plan a funding formula training in the upcoming weeks.

Charlie Light on “Here We Are”

by Wendy O'Connell | Entertainment

“FAR OUT: Life On and After the Commune” is winning awards and acclaim – CHARLIE LIGHT’s new documentary is a celebration and a tribute to the power of late-60’s activism and creativity. And the film is a blast to watch! Tune in for some great back stories of those exciting years.

WSESD Board Meeting Minutes September 24, 2024

by Not Signed In | Education

Summary
● Policy Review and Accountability: The Board discussed the requests for self-reflection and accountability regarding response to comments from the Dummerston Leadership Council, but an amended motion to direct the Policy and Amendment Committee for review did not pass. Original motion tabled.
● Leadership Council Updates: Leadership Councils provided updates on community engagement efforts and the importance of tools and support for effective communication and collaboration, including recording meetings for accuracy.
● Continuous Improvement Plan (CIP): The Board adopted the district’s proposed CIP goals.
● Panorama Survey Process: The Panorama Task Force outlined a new approach to administering climate surveys in both Fall and Spring, emphasizing student input to enhance school safety and support.
● Budget Considerations: The board reviewed budget reduction strategies presented at the Annual Meeting and their implications for student support services

Alasdair Fraser & Natalie Haas and San Miguel Fraser at Next Stage

by hahrenholz | Music

Next Stage Arts and Twilight Music present an evening of traditional and contemporary Scottish and fiddle music by duos Alasdair Fraser & Natalie Haas and San Miguel Fraser (Galen Fraser & Maria San Miguel) on Sunday, October 20 at 7:00 pm at Next Stage.

The musical partnership between consummate performer Alasdair Fraser, “the Michael Jordan of Scottish fiddling,” and brilliant Californian cellist, Natalie Haas, spans the full spectrum between intimate chamber music and ecstatic dance energy. Over the last 16 years of creating a buzz at festivals and concert halls across the world, they have truly set the standard for fiddle and cello in traditional music. This seemingly unlikely pairing of instruments is the fulfillment of a long-standing musical dream for Fraser. His search eventually led him to find a cellist who could help return the cello to its historical role at the rhythmic heart of Scottish dance music, where it stood for hundreds of years before being relegated to the orchestra. Alasdair and Natalie blend a profound understanding of the Scottish tradition with cutting-edge string explorations. In addition to performing, they both have motivated generations of string players through their teaching at fiddle camps across the globe.

Ize Trio Concert and Percussion Workshop at Next Stage Arts

by hahrenholz | Music

Next Stage Arts presents Ize Trio, performing music from their debut album, The Global Suites on Friday, October 25 at 7:30 pm at Next Stage. Members of the Trio will present a free workshop focused on Middle Eastern percussion and rhythmic cycles on Friday afternoon, from 3:00 to 4:30pm.

“Global sounds from Palestine, Cyprus, and the US, this trio has been here in various iterations – every single time commanding an all-star performance and inspiring our community to ask us to book them again,” says Keith Marks, Executive Director of Next Stage Arts. “The trio is composed of three music professors who prioritize a global sound, mixing their jazz education with their cultural origins. This is the high water mark of performances, and we’re overjoyed to have them come to southern Vermont.”

“Family Matters: A Tour of Vermont Short Films” Will Screen at Next Stage Arts

by hahrenholz | Entertainment

Next Stage Arts screens “Family Matters: A Tour of Vermont Short Films” on Saturday, October 19 at 6:00 pm at Next Stage.

Presented by The Vermont Production Collective, a group of four award-winning filmmakers explore what it means to be a family in Vermont. The program features four short fiction films that offer a uniquely Vermont perspective on the pains and joys of being a family. The film screening will be followed by a filmmakers mixer in the Next Stage community room. All are welcome to join and build the Southern Vermont creative community.“Bloodroot” is a tender relationship portrait of two brothers, told over the course of their lives. In

“Bad Mother,” a mother copes with her husband’s confession of infidelity on the eve of a funeral. “I Guess It Might Be Selfish” is a poetic reflection on the clash between individual and family needs. “The Thaw” is a beautifully rendered 19th century Vermont horror story.

Arun Ramamurthy Trio To Perform at Next Stage in Support of Their Newly Released Album, “New Moon”

by hahrenholz | Music

Next Stage Arts presents an evening of South Indian classical Carnatic music and contemporary American jazz by Brooklyn-based Arun Ramamurthy Trio (ART) on Friday, October 18 at 7:30 pm at Next Stage. ART is touring in support of their latest album, “New Moon,” released on September 20th.

Arun Ramamurthy Trio (ART) brings together South Indian classical Carnatic music and contemporary American jazz. Boundaries are blurred in this organic and seamless integration of styles as the group expands on traditional forms in explosive, improvisational flights of fancy. ART explores the kindred spirit of raga music and jazz, resulting in a deeply invigorating and spiritual experience. Their sound is driven by the dynamic rhythm section of drummer Sameer Gupta & and electric bassist Damon Banks. ART released their latest album “New Moon” on Greenleaf Music this September 20, 2024. New Moon reflects on the inspiration of ancestors, family and tradition, while embracing a spirit of creation and freedom.

The similarities between American Jazz and Indian Classical music can often be found within the spirit of the musicians themselves. The shared artistic pursuit of carefully crafting a fluent, spontaneous voice, and the deep reverence for artists who came before are just two common threads between the kindred traditions.

Windham Southeast School District (WSESD) Policy and Amendment Committee Meeting Minutes Sept 25, 2024

by Not Signed In | Education

The committee decided to incorporate the following changes:
● Add to section 3: “The use of prone or supine restraint is strictly prohibited.”
o The definitions for prone and supine restraint were already in the policy, but there was no statement that their use was prohibited. The district does not use prone or supine restraint, and this edit will highlight that fact, stating it clearly in the policy.

Donate to the Amazing Hospice Hunt!

by giddyitup | Culture

The Hospice Amazing Hunt is happening again this Saturday, September 28 to support Brattleboro Area Hospice. This is the organization’s biggest fundraiser of the year and we could use more donations! Teams of four will be racing around downtown Brattleboro, searching for clues in unexpected places around town.

If you are able, please donate to the team of your choice here! All proceeds go to Brattleboro Area Hospice’s multitude of free programs supporting those who are dealing with serious illnesses, at the end of their life, and grieving loved ones. For more information about their programs, visit: https://brattleborohospice.org/

Last Brattleboro Walking History Tours of the Season!

by giddyitup | History

Brattleboro Sunrise Rotary continues their walking history tour of Brattleboro, Vermont, leading participants on a journey through time while supporting a worthy cause. The final dates for this unique fundraiser are on Saturdays, September 28, and October 26 at 11 am.

Led by knowledgeable local Rotarian guides, attendees will spend 90 minutes walking up Brattleboro’s Main Street, delving into its fascinating history from its early beginnings to its present-day charm. 

Tours walk from one end of Main Street to the other (approximately 7/10 of a mile) with about 10 stops explaining Brattleboro’s history and culture. The tour will last approximately 1.5 hours and will go from Plaza Park (across from the Co-op) to the Brattleboro Common. Older kids are welcome, but the tour is designed for adults.

Dummerston Leadership Council Meeting Minutes September 19, 2024

by Not Signed In | Dummerston, Education

1. Were appropriate reporting channels followed? Complaints bypassed process and went directly to the boardroom.

2. Was the need to maintain a distinction between the administrative role of the administrators and the policy making role of the board adhered? Board members inserted their personal stance and directly requested change at a school level.

Jacob Estey and Estey Organ Company Achievements Featured on Brattleboro Words Trail Podcast

by Lissa Weinman | Media
esteyfest esteypodcast poster

Brattleboro, Vermont; 24 September 2024: The September episode of the Brattleboro Words Trail Podcast tells the story of how Jacob Estey and the Estey Organ Company put Brattleboro on the map and helped shape American popular culture in the second half of the 19th Century. Jon Potter of Latchis Arts narrates the podcast with  a variety of organ and pipe music featured throughout. The Podcast is available for free on all podcast platforms at: https://brattleboro-words-trail-podcast.simplecast.com/episodes/jacob-estey-the-estey-organ-companys-reverberations

The Estey podcast informs the September 26-30 EsteyFest 24 in Brattleboro. This national reed organ conference attracts hundreds to Brattleboro, site of the longest-lived and largest reed organ company in the world. The Estey Organ Company and the Estey family who ran it produced more than half a million musical instruments that traveled the globe with their prominent ‘Made in Brattleboro, Vermont’ stamp.