May 1, 2026

It's hard to believe we hit our last full month of the school year. May always proves to be a blur as we look to finish strong with our teaching and learning, assess year long progress, and fit everything in both in and out of school. My wife and I always feared May (as parents) because of how much gets jammed into one month. I wish you all the best with it!

It was nice to get back into the swing of things and we had quite an eventful week. It started with our science. Before we dive into our erosion unit (our final science unit), I used the week to design a STEM challenge that focused on boat building. The students spent Wednesday testing objects and their buoyancy. They then worked in teams of two to build their own boat that could float and hold some passengers (rocks). Needless to say there was quite a bit of energy and excitement with this project. I also tied in our read a loud titles to this theme. The week's books were all about male and female inventors and scientists.  Make sure to check in with your child about how their boat did. 

In writing we read the book I Want a Dog by Don Agee. This is a humorous picture book about a determined young girl named Daisy who visits the Happydale Animal Shelter to find a dog but is offered a series of absurd, non-dog animals by a tall shelter worker instead. The story highlights her persistence, with witty dialogue and illustrations, before she finally finds the perfect pet. The students then wrote an opinion piece about what pet they would want. This is the final practice piece of this writing unit.  Next week they will complete their final assessment in the opinion writing unit. You may have already heard your child talking about this task. They will each be creating their own Pokemon card and writing about why it is the ultimate Pokemon card. They started their illustrations this week.

In math the 1st graders focused on skip counting by 5s and 10s as well as adding groups of ten to off decade numbers. is crucial for first graders because it builds essential number sense, strengthens place value understanding, and acts as a foundation for mental math. It helps students see patterns, understand regrouping, and move beyond counting on fingers to efficient calculation. The 2nd graders focused on Learning two-step word problems and arrays. Focusing on this in 2nd grade builds critical thinking, logical reasoning, and conceptual understanding of math, moving students beyond rote memorization. These skills are essential for mastering complex problem-solving, improving fluency with larger numbers, and introducing foundational multiplication concepts.

NOTES:

*Our next science unit will have us working with Luke Foley again. As I mentioned our focus will be erosion. We will be outside every Wednesday morning and Friday afternoon.  Please make sure your child dresses for the weather. We will be near the river for parts of this. 

*There are no Weekly News Journals this week.  We used our morning to finish our STEM challenge.  The homework bags will come back home on Monday.

*Our school's Inspiration Hour starts this coming Wednesday. This is a great opportunity as it fosters intrinsic motivation, creativity, and autonomy by allowing the students to research topics they are passionate about. It transforms students from passive consumers of information into active creators, building 21st-century skills like critical thinking, collaboration, and perseverance. Your child knows what activity they are signed up for.

I hope you all have a great weekend. I hope to catch some games at opening day tomorrow.

Peace,

Mr. Young

April 17, 2026

Good Afternoon,

I am going to write a very short post today and then add 7 pictures.  Your child can tell you about the pictures. I do hope you all have a chance to enjoy something next week. I will be traveling to Spain to see my daughter. I am very excited to see her and some sunshine. 

NOTES:

*Sloane will be rejoining our class after the April break. It will be nice to welcome her back into the group and I know the kids are excited to see her.

*There is no Weekly News or Homework bag in your child's bag today. It will start back upon our return.

Peace,

Mr. Young

I hope all of you are well and enjoying the end of winter and the early signs of spring. I was very pleased with the amount of work the students got done last week and was so appreciative of Zack and Eileen as they kept the academic and classroom rigor at a consistent level. The kids seemed to really enjoy their time with Zack. I had an amazing time in Serbia and have memories that will last a lifetime. 

In 2nd grade math lessons, students utilized 20-frames to master the addition of three addends by focusing on the complement of 20. When a student rolled three 6-sided dice—for example, rolling a 6, a 6, and a 5—they systematically placed counters into the grid to see how close the total came to filling both 10-frames entirely. The exercise pushed students to look beyond small pairings and instead visualize the "missing pieces" needed to reach the benchmark of 20.

In 1st grade math, students explored the world of story problems by navigating three distinct types of addition and subtraction situations: result unknown, change unknown, and start unknown. To make these abstract concepts concrete, they utilized number racks (also known as Rekenreks), which allowed them to slide beads across two rows of ten to represent the action in each story.

During our literature project time, the class engaged in a thoughtful reading of the picture book Hey, Little Ant by Phillip and Hannah Hoose. The story presented a rhythmic dialogue between a young boy poised to step on an ant and the ant itself, who pleaded for its life by describing its own family and responsibilities. As the narrative concluded on a cliffhanger, it forced the students to grapple with a difficult ethical dilemma: should the boy squish the ant or let it go? The students then used this question to guide their opinion writing focus for the week. It was great to hear their rationales for their opinions. 

We have wrapped up our study of the three states of matter through the sugaring process. To demonstrate their mastery, the students began synthesizing their observations into comprehensive informative posters. These posters served as the final unit assessment, requiring students to:

• Sequence the Steps: Outline the chronological process of making both maple syrup and maple candy.

• Identify Matter: Label the solids, liquids, and gases present at each stage of production.

• Explain Transitions: Describe the role of temperature in changing the state of the maple product.

Once these projects are completed, they will be proudly displayed on the walls outside the classroom. Many of the kids told me that "this was a fun project."

The class enjoyed a special visit this week from Trooper Alyssa Nozka, who shared insights into her vital role as a helper in our community. Rather than just observing, Trooper Nozka jumped right into the classroom's daily rhythm, reading a story to the group and even assisting the students with their science experiments. To the delight of the class, she brought along several "treasures" for every student to keep as a memento of her visit.

Throughout her time in the classroom, the students stayed busy asking a steady stream of questions, which she answered with warmth and enthusiasm. Trooper Nozka shared that she truly loves connecting with children, especially when she can engage with them directly in their own "work environment." This was just the beginning of their partnership, as she plans to visit the class a few more times throughout the school year.

NOTES:

*As you can see we have had a variety of weather over the past week. Please make sure your child has boots/outside shoes, and sneakers for in the classroom. Until the mud is gone, we try to not have muddy shoes all over our carpet. As for clothing, if it is above 40 degrees, I am good with them wearing a fleece, sweatshirt or a long sleeve shirt. Below 40 degrees, I do expect them to have a jacket. 

*Your child does have their Weekly News journal in their backpack today. Most of the kids wrote their entry in 15 minutes. It was quite impressive. Please take a look and send them back on Monday.

*Homework Bags: Please help your child find their homework bag (if needed) and/or remind them to take care of it each evening. It helps me out tremendously if they have them each day. There will always be a book in them Monday-Thursday and just their Weekly News on Fridays.

That is all for now.  I hope you all have a wonderful weekend. One more week until spring break.

Peace,

Tommy

March 22, 2026

I hope all of you had a great weekend. It was so nice catching up with all of you during our parent conferences. I hope you found them informational, allowed you to see the growth your child has and continues to make, and you see how they will continue to focus on learning goals as we enter the final 1/4 of the year.  Please let me know if you have any other questions or concerns.

Last week, our class took a trip to Living Tree Farm, and it was truly one for the books! This visit is always a personal favorite of mine, offering the perfect blend of outdoor exploration and "hands-on" discovery. The students dove deep into the sugar-making process, using it as a real-world lens to observe the three states of matter in action. From tapping trees to watching steam rise from the evaporators, the kids captured every observation in their science notebooks. We’ve turned those insightful entries and a collection of trip photos into a new display in our classroom—be sure to ask your child about it! We will continue our deep dive into the states of matter through the start of April break.

As a reminder, I will be in class this morning and then be out of school through April, 3rd. Zack Smithwood will be the substitute the whole time. Between he and Eileen, the class is in very good hands. I spent a vast amount of time creating lessons that are thorough and will not let up on the academic rigor that the class is accustomed too. I promise, there is no 45 minute block of "let them have free choice." 

Zack does have a school email if you need to get in touch with him. I will have access to email too and will respond if needed.  

NOTES:

*It looks like Wednesday will be our last ski day for the 2026 winter sports program. Please make sure your child has all of their stuff. 

*Homework bags will come home Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday this week (nothing on Wednesday). The Weekly News Journal will come home on Friday. The following week will have the bags coming home M-Th and the Weekly News on Friday. Please help your child remember to bring their items back each day.

*Kids still need boots and sneakers each day. If it is under 40 degrees they need a coat too.

That is all for now. I hope you all have a great 2 weeks. If I have time, I will do a blog post next week (from Serbia). You can show the class what I have been up to.  

Peace,

Mr. Young

March 15, 2026

Good Afternoon. I am sorry this is only coming out on Sunday, as I had a few things going on this week (outside of school) and spent the weekend in Boston. Each year my brother and I (and now more family and friends) head to Boston for the Dropkick Murphys' concert on St. Patty's weekend. It is such a fun time and experience.

I wanted to start with next week's volunteer schedule and field trip opportunity that is happening this week.

We will not have math class or Daily 5 on Tuesday of this week. So Tuesday's volunteers (Ryan and Helen) will not have to come in for those slots. On Friday, we don't have school that day. So those volunteers are off this week too.

The class will be going to a sugar house (in Moretown) on Tuesday. This is part of our science unit on the states of matter and connecting the sugaring process to it. If you would like to attend the trip (and are a volunteer that has had their background check done/weekly volunteer) you are welcome to tag along. Just let me know by Monday evening. We will have plenty of room on the bus and will leave school at 8:40.  Please arrive by 8:30 and you are welcome to just come in when your child arrives for school. Kids will need to dress for the weather and they need boots. They will not need a bagged lunch as we will be back in time for that.

As I mentioned last week, I will be out of school the afternoon of March 23rd through April 3rd. The weekly parent volunteers should plan on coming in during this time. The class will be following its regular schedule.

PARENT CONFERENCES:  The parent conferences will occur on Thursday, March 19 & Friday, March 20. As always, please make sure that you are on time as the schedule is quite full and I won't be able to extend conference times. Below is the schedule for next week. If you don't see your name, please sign up. 

Thursday: 2:40 Stella, 3:00 (open), 3:20 Luna, 3:40 River, 4:20 Hewitt, 4:40 Emma, 5:00 Ellie, 5:20 Olen, 6:00 Vinny, 6:20 Keegan, 6:40 Elsie

Friday: 7:40 Paxton, 8:00 Elowyn, 8:20 Olive, 8:40 Beau

These conferences are in person.  Your child is encouraged to attend part of the conference.

This past week the students were engaged with a variety of read alouds that I would categorize as "fun books." I chose these books (some new to me) because they seemed highly engaging and offered a nice variety. The books were as follows:

Mel Fell, Tops and Bottoms, I Don't Want to be a Frog, I Want My Hat Back, and Alexander and the Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day. Click on the links if you want to listen to these stories with your child. See if you like the same ones that your child did!

Our writing instruction had us reading two different books. First we read The Three Little Pigs by James Marshall and then we read The True Story of the Three Little Pigs (told by A. Wolf) by Jon Scieszka. After reading each story, we brainstormed the pigs' arguments and the wolf's arguments. The students then had to choose a side, the wolf or the pigs and write an opinion piece about if the wolf was mean or not. The students included a hook, their opinion, support for their opinion and a closing. They each did some self editing too. These pieces are hung up in our classroom library. Make sure to check them out when you come in this week.

This week's science focus had us looking at solids and can an item be a solid if it is squishy. The students experimented with this concept as they explored some items from our classroom. They then had to record their observations and share out what they found. 

The class also wrote their next pen-pal letter. This started with an outline, then the students wrote their draft and edited with an adult. To change it up, the class worked with Eric Mongeon and recorded themselves reading their letter to their pen-pal. These can be heard by clicking this link. Then next time we connect with them, we will actually have each student do a video call with their pen pal and then write a summary of what they talked about. This allows me to tie in some of our communication goals in our curriculum.

NOTES:

• I want to give a special thank you to the PTA for their support with my field trip requests. They will be funding the sugar house field trip this week and for our trip in June to visit our pen-pals.
• It looks like we will be skiing this week, please make sure your child has all of their needed items.
• Remember that there is no school on Friday.

I hope you all have a great week,

Peace,

Mr. Young

March 5, 2026

I hope those of you that had some time off were able to enjoy it and were able to spend time doing things that made you smile or allowed you to feel rested. The students have been excited to share details of their break.  Instead of having the students write to you in their Weekly News (this week), I am having them write to me about their winter break. So, you will not see them in your child's bag over the weekend.

This week 1st grade math had the students looking at 3 dimensional shapes, their names, and characteristics. We specifically focused on cubes, cones, spheres, rectangular prisms, cylinders, pyramids, and triangular prisms and the characteristics of these shapes. We will wrap up our geometry unit at the end of next week.  The 2nd graders continued to focus on money, making traders and making change. They are really engaged with the hands on learning that comes with this focus.

We started a new science unit focusing on the 3 States of Matter. I will spend 10 lessons teaching the science concepts and then 5 lessons connecting it to the sugaring process. We may try and go to a sugar house as a field trip. If this comes to fruition, I may be looking for some drivers.  More to come on that.

I wanted to  let all of you know that I will miss the last week of March and the 1st few days of April. A few weeks back, I was contacted by Project Harmony and asked if I would go to Serbia to focus on some educational and basketball discussions/learning. After meeting with Kaiya and Dr. Mike, I was given the green light to take advantage of this opportunity. Zach Smithwood will be the substitute for the whole time. He knows the class well and will be able to execute very detailed lesson plans. I just wanted to give everyone the heads up.

Health Class Started This Semester

  NOTES

 *You children may tell you differently, but they will need a coat/fleece for any outdoor time until the temperature goes above 40 degrees.  Boots are a must until all of the snow and mud is gone. If kids don;t have them, they will go outside but will have to stay in areas that prevent mud from covering their sneakers. 

*Please send in a pair of sneakers for you children to wear each day. They can leave them here.  I sent them all home over break.

*Thank you all who were able to take time to vote on the school budget this year.  However you voted, I am appreciative to all of those who took the time to vote!

That is all for now.  I hope you all have a great weekend.

Peace,

Tommy

February 20, 2026

 Good Morning,

This week was all about the circus. From our morning greetings, our read-a-louds, to our daily schedule, everything revolved around the culmination of our circus unit. Please take a look at the video and the slideshow from our work.  The slide show is from the "open house" last night.

I hope you all have a great break. Please remember to vote on the school budget and that we have winter sports program the 1st day back.  

Peace,

Tommy