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Community Survey for Vermont’s Commission on the Future of Public Education

by Not Signed In | Education

In 2024, the Vermont legislature created the Commission on the Future of Public Education in Vermont, with the intent to study and make recommendations for the vision, structure and funding of education in Vermont with input from the public and other stakeholders. The Commission is reaching out for feedback on Act 73, a law which was enacted in response to residents’ concerns about high and rising property taxes and a desire to increase quality educational opportunities for students. The intent of the law is to strengthen the public education system, mitigate costs, and improve educational opportunities for students.

Brattleboro No Kings in the Guardian

by cgrotke | Media

Brattleboro’s No Kings Day protest got some additional exposure. A photo by Kristopher Radder got picked up by the AP and the Guardian has decided to use it:

Brattleboro photo in the Guardian.

Their full caption reads “People attend the national “No Kings” protest against president Donald Trump at the Brattleboro Common park in Brattleboro, Vt., on Saturday, Oct 18, 2025. Photograph: Kristopher Radder/AP”

Mandolin Masters Matt Flinner & Joe K. Walsh Bring an Intimate Evening of Acoustic Brilliance

by hahrenholz | Music

Two of the finest mandolinists in the modern acoustic world are coming together for a special evening of music that promises to delight fans of bluegrass, roots, and contemporary string band sounds.

Matt Flinner, a National Banjo and Mandolin Champion, has spent decades pushing the boundaries of acoustic music. From performing at bluegrass festivals before his teens to touring and recording with artists ranging from Steve Martin to the Modern Mandolin Quartet, Flinner’s artistry is widely celebrated for its musicality, innovation, and versatility.

Jen Karpin on “Here We Are”

by Wendy O'Connell | Creative

Great Vintage! Walk into MORNING GLORIOUS, one of downtown’s coolest, most colorful stores, and say hello to JEN KARPIN – she’s created a warm and friendly place filled with ever-changing inventory sure to raise your dopamine levels! Jen also talks about growing up amidst antiques and auctions, sustainable textiles, the Vintage Fashion Guild, and the “joyful wardrobe”. Tune in !

WSESD Policy and Amendment Committee Minutes Oct 8, 2025

by Not Signed In | Education

Policies

Note: The committee did not review two policies that were at the top of the agenda (the proposed Asthma Friendly Schools policy and D15 Travel Reimbursement) as the invited guests were unable to attend the meeting.

Gender Freedom in Schools

The committee reviewed and discussed the final section of the policy, School Activities.

WSESD Policies for Adoption

by Not Signed In | Education

The following policies of the Windham Southeast School District Board of Directors are hereby warned for adoption at their November 04, 2025 meeting:
D12 Prevention of Harassment of Employees
E19 Behavioral Threat Assessment Teams
F37 District Equity Policy
G13 Responsible Computer, Network & Internet Use

Come See Marlboro Morris and Sword This Weekend!

by bmorrison | Entertainment

Marlboro Morris and Sword will perform our annual sword dances and mummers’ play Saturday and Sunday, October 11 and 12. English Longsword Sword dancing is a mid-winter street performance celebrating the cycle of the seasons. The dance is often accompanied by a comic play with a death and resurrection involved, signifying the continuation of life after the winter. All performances are free.

This is What Democracy Looks Like – Call to Artists

by katherynallaway | Arts

We invite artists working in any medium — visual, literary, or performance — to submit works that respond to the central question:​

What does democracy look like?

This isn’t a literal question. It could be as much about what democracy feels like or sounds like. It’s as much about community as politics. We welcome works that celebrate, question, grieve, protest, or reimagine.

Nolan Edgar on “Here We Are”

by Wendy O'Connell | Media

You’ve seen him filming around town – at Gallery Walk, Town meetings, graduations, Perseverance Park….As BCTV’s Production Manager NOLAN EDGAR multi-tasks between filming, editing, teaching, wrangling equipment, and helping local producers create unique shows that enrich our community and beyond. And he’s created a cache of skateboarding videos. Tune in for some great stories, both personal and professional.

WSESD Board Meeting Minutes Sept 23, 2025

by Not Signed In | Education

Summary
● The Board engaged in a presentation about the district’s professional development and equity work.
● Suzy’s Little Peanuts Day School was approved as a universal PreK partner.
● The hiring of Elizabeth Rosenberg, WRCC Culinary Instructor & BUHS Family and Consumer Science Teacher was approved.
● Action is being taken towards community engagement as related to the newly adopted Board Goals.

Brattleboro Area Middle School’s Anne Koplinka-Loehr Awarded 2025 Rowland Fellowship

by Not Signed In | Education

Brattleboro, VT — September 15, 2025 — Brattleboro Area Middle School (BAMS) proudly announces that Anne Koplinka-Loehr, a 7th & 8th grade social studies teacher, has been awarded a 2025 Rowland Fellowship. This prestigious fellowship, granted by The Rowland Foundation, supports visionary Vermont educators in implementing transformative initiatives to enhance school culture and climate. Koplinka-Loehr is the first Rowland Fellow from both BAMS and the Windham Southeast School District, and she has worked closely with Principal Keith Lyman to develop this initiative.

With this fellowship, Koplinka-Loehr has stepped into a Teacher on Special Assignment role for the 2025-2026 academic year. She will be facilitating a group of staff and students to integrate restorative practices throughout the middle school.

Two Nights of Comedy and Catharsis with Adam Strauss at Next Stage

by hahrenholz | Entertainment

Next Stage Arts in Putney welcomes acclaimed comedian and storyteller Adam Strauss for a special two-night run, Friday and Saturday, October 17 and 18. Each night features a different solo performance, blending stand-up, true storytelling, and fearless honesty that has won Strauss praise from critics and audiences across the country.

Friday, October 17 – The Mushroom Cure
Showtime: 7:30 pm (doors open at 6:45)
Tickets: $22 advance / $25 at the door / $35 advance for both nights

Strauss’s breakthrough show, The Mushroom Cure, is the true story of how he attempted to treat his severe obsessive-compulsive disorder with psychedelics. It’s as outrageous as it is uplifting. The New York Times called it “mining a great deal of laughter from disabling pain.” The Chicago Tribune hailed it as “arrestingly honest and howlingly funny.” Michael Pollan praised it as “brilliant, hilarious, and moving.” Time Out New York named it a Critics’ Pick, calling it “a true-life tour de force.”

The Clements Brothers and The Early Risers at Next Stage

by hahrenholz | Music

PUTNEY – Next Stage Arts Project and Twilight Music present an evening of contemporary folk, roots, and Americana music with The Clements Brothers and The Early Risers at Next Stage on Friday, October 10, at 7:30 pm.

The Clements Brothers—George (guitar) and Charles (upright bass)—are identical twins from the heart of New England. They have been writing and performing music together for as long as they can remember, first emerging on the Americana scene in 2012 as part of the internationally touring grassroots band The Lonely Heartstring Band, releasing two albums on Rounder Records. More recently, George has played the role of Paul Simon in the national hit The Simon and Garfunkel Story, while Charles has performed in the bass section of the Boston Symphony Orchestra. Drawing on roots, rock, bluegrass, jazz, and classical influences, The Clements Brothers craft a unique singer-songwriter sound, blending harmonies only possible with their identical voices—at once enthralling and intimate, groovy and serene.

WSESD Board Meeting Minutes – September 9, 2025

by Not Signed In | Education

Summary
● Amendments to the WSESD Board meeting minutes from 8/26/25 were presented and approved.
● The Board voted to include a ‘parking lot’ on the minutes to capture topics for further discussion that arise during meetings.
● Following a discussion considering the Board’s alignment with the VSBA, a vote passed to remain members at this time.
● The Board reviewed and voted to accept three Board goals,

1. Enhance oversight of the prevention of Hazing, Harassment, and Bullying
2. Understand and implement District Quality Standards and Educational Quality Standards
3. Improve two-way communication and engagement with district Stakeholders
● The Board adopted the Admin/Board Calendar and determined to include alignment of the newly adopted Board Goals to this tool.