Culture story sections
The agenda was amended to add discussion on a VSBA business voting member under new business, using the Personnel committee for summer hires, and ideas on how to better insure follow up on board matters.
There being no changes made to the Consent Agenda, the board approved the Consent Agenda (items listed below) as presented on a motion by Tim Maciel.
Brattleboro, VT, 22 June 2024: New audio recordings created by multimedia artist Shanta Lee will enhance the visitor experience at selected sites on the Vermont African American Heritage Trail. These recordings resulted from a collaboration between the Brattleboro Words Trail and the Vermont African American Heritage Trail, will be shared on both sites, and can be viewed all together at: https://brattleboro.stqry.app/1/list/26097.
The recordings invite visitors to explore: the back stories of the Turner Family at Journey’s End in Grafton; the 54thRegiment sculpture of Black Civil War Soldiers in Rutland; Abijah and Lucy Terry Prince in Guilford; Black Civil War veterans buried in Woodstock; the Pullman Porters at Hildene, the Lincoln Family Home in Manchester; the archives of Daisy Turner at the Vermont Folklife Center in Middlebury; Alexander Twilight at the Old Stone House Museum in Brownington; and freedom seekers at the Rokeby Museum in Ferrisburgh.
There’s magic in turning human waste into vital nutrients…and Abe Noe-Hays at Rich Earth Institute here in town tells us all about it. Tune in to hear how Abe and his team are changing the wastewater world through pee-cycling, and helping to bring health to our rivers and streams.
DS Called for a motion to enter executive session under 1 VSA §313 (a)(1)(7) REVIEWING THE ACADEMIC RECORDS OR SUSPENSION OR DISCIPLINE OF STUDENTS. Inviting in Mark Speno
KP Moved and seconded, no discussion – motion carried unanimously
AGENDA – 6/28/2024
I. Approval of Minutes from 6/12/24 (5 minutes)
II. Evaluate (30 minutes)
F1 Student Conduct and Discipline – Review with BUHS Admin
III. Public Comment on Non-Agenda Items [10 minutes]
This is a time for the Board to listen and to take notes. It is not a time for the Board to respond to comments or to engage in dialogue with the public. If appropriate – the Board and Administration will work on next steps.
The Next Stage Bandwagon Summer Series presents the rising star of Mexican electronic folk, Pahua, on Saturday, July 20 at 6:00 pm at Cooper Field, 41 Sand Hill Rd, in Putney.
Pahua is the project of Mexican singer, composer, producer and DJ Paulina Sotomayor; a blend of electronica and folklore that represents a very deep part of its creator: femininity, nature, inner strength and self-discovery.
“Electronic beats mix with Mexican soul in Pahua. Her artistry bridges many divides and presents a danceable, global sound that will make everyone dance,” says Keith Marks, Executive Director of Next Stage Arts. “Pahua is for anyone interested in how music marches forward with electronics, ethnic flavor, and mastery.”
The Jennie Reichman concert scheduled for June 21 has been cancelled due to illness.
Next Stage Arts presents French-Italian four-hands piano duet Duo Ondine at Next Stage on Friday, July 19 at 7:30 pm.
“Watching four hands cover the piano ranging from classical to contemporary pieces, the Duo Ondine is a must-see for anyone interested in witnessing piano virtuosity,” says Keith Marks, Executive Director of Next Stage Arts. “The duo is visiting from Europe, in residency at MIddlebury College, and we benefit from their connection to Vermont by having the pleasure of presenting them.”
Duo Ondine is a French-Italian four-hands piano duet born in Geneva (Switzerland) in 2014. Ten years later, it keeps delighting the international stage with refined, virtuoso and profound programs and a precise and highly sensitive playing.
The Windham Southeast School District Board will hold an executive session at 6:00 p.m. on Wednesday, June 19, 2024 remotely via zoom only.
Mission: Foster learning environments in which all members of the school community are safe, feel valued, and are appreciated, as well as promote policies and procedures that value equity and diversity in our schools.
I. Call to Order / Introductions / Recognition of Visitors
II. Updates
II. Updates
● The following policies were presented for a first reading on 5/28/24:
o E14 Environmental Awareness and Responsibility
o F4 Searches, Seizures, and Interrogation of Students by School Personnel
o F5 Searches, Seizures, and Interrogation of Students by Law Enforcement Personnel or Other Non-School Personnel
o F41 Policy on Section 504 and ADA Grievance Protocol for Students & Staff
o G13 Acceptable Use of Electronic Resources and the Internet
The Next Stage Bandwagon Summer Series presents Contemporary Mexican ensemble Villalobos Brothers, on Saturday, July 13 at 6:00 pm at the field behind the Putney Inn, 57 Putney Landing Road, in Putney.
The Villalobos Brothers are a Grammy Award-winning family band, recognized as one of the foremost Contemporary Mexican ensembles in the world. With their unique fusion of Mexican folk, jazz, and classical music, they have captivated audiences across the United States, Mexico, India, Russia, and Canada.
“Virtuosic violinists from Mexico showcasing how traditional music can get reborn into modern culture, these brothers are making an indelible mark on modern American music,” says Keith Marks, Executive Director of Next Stage Arts. “The Villalobos Brothers are a family band worthy of attention, praise, and adulation.”
Dear WSESU Community,
As we approach the end of another academic year, I wanted to take a moment to reflect on the journey we’ve taken together and express my gratitude to each member of our community.
This past school year has been a testament to resilience, adaptability, and unwavering commitment to the success and well-being of our students. Every school year there are successes and challenges. I hope in your own reflection you are able to identify and appreciate the many people who have been so integral in the development and growth of our students.
I am incredibly proud of our students who have shown remarkable courage and perseverance in the face of adversity. Whether in the classroom, on the playing field, or in their extracurricular pursuits, they have continued to inspire us with their creativity, passion, and determination.
Summary
● The Board voted to rotate the location of the Board meetings among the schools again this year
● The Norms of the Board were discussed
● The Portrait of a Graduate work is actively being embarked upon by the district
● Four hires and one resignation were approved for the 2024-25 school year
● As it is hiring season, and the need to approve new hires in a timely manner, the Board voted to give the Personnel Committee authority to approve hires throughout the summer with the caveat that the Board still receive resumes and the committee keep the Board informed of their work
● The Board voted to authorize the Finance Committee to approve the warrants, payroll and to implement Capital Plan projects throughout the summer
● The Consent Agenda was passed
Presented for a second reading:
WSESU E6 Emergency Closings 2nd reading 6-12-2024.pdf
WSESU E7 Safety & Security of School Facilities 2nd reading 06-12-2024.pdf
WSESU E8 Tobacco 2nd read 6-12-2024.pdf
WSESU F12 Transportation 2nd read 6-12-2024.pdf
WSESU G14 Dissection 2nd read 6-12-2024.pdf
WSESU G15 Title I 2nd read 6-12-2024.pdf
Join us for an artists reception on Saturday, June 22, for Cycles, an art exhibit of Vermont artists with disabilities at All Souls Church. The show is presented in partnership with Inclusive Arts Vermont, through August 31. The theme, CYCLES, emerged from community input, and the artwork expresses cycles of nature, of the body, mind, and spirit, as well as experiences of repetition, circular shapes, and more.
According to Heidi Swevens, IAV’s Director of Community Partnerships and Exhibition, the CYCLES exhibition “is more than art on the wall.” Accessibility is an integral part of the show. The venue is physically accessible, and the art and artists can be experienced remotely in the online tour. Each of the 27 pieces in CYCLES has verbal descriptions. Tactile representations and elements accompany selected works. Materials are available in multiple formats, including print, large print, Braille, audio tour, and digital formats.
Swevens adds, “Yes, the art is exciting and engaging. What I find equally compelling is the artists’ stories. The creative processes.” As CYCLES artist Leah Schulz shares: “For the last five years, I have been cycling, in and out, up and down, riding the waves of chronic illness… I have been socially, financially, and systematically removed from society… The only thing that tethered me to society is art. I leaned into a different side of my brain that I had never allowed myself to explore before and found I loved crochet, block printing, and painting. This is my first piece to be included in an art show. I am grateful to Inclusive Arts Vermont for giving me a way to exist in these places again.”
The chair reviewed the process of 1% funds with the committee.
On a motion by Kim Price the committee moved to accept 16 applications for 1% funds from Academy School in the amount of $12,279.96.
On a motion by Kim Price the committee moved to accept 11 applications for 1% funds from Green Street School in the amount of $8,091.
SUSAN BREAREY is an accomplished artist whose evocative, unique paintings have been exhibited world-wide. Tune in to hear more about their origins – and hers. Susan also shares some terrific stories of her adventures in music, museums and magic lanterns.
Local singer-songwriter Jennie Reichman will present an outdoor concert on the backyard patio at 63 Cedar Street in Brattleboro on Friday June 21 at 7:00 p.m. Reichman has a soft lilting voice reminiscent of a younger Joni Mithcell. She presents songs with a clear voice that easily communicates with the audience. She plays original as well as cover songs.
The concert is free and open to the public but donations will be accepted. All proceeds will go to the musician. Refreshments will be available. Seating is limited so please bring a chair.
