The Lothrop News Lothrop Elementary School

JANUARY 2011

Pittsford, Vermont 05763

A LETTER FROM THE PRINCIPAL Thanks to all who donated to the Lothrop Warming Tree, the Pittsford Food Shelf, and the Humane Society. The spirit of giving was strong in December, and it was great to see our students and staff sharing with the community that gives so much to Lothrop. Also, the school worked as a team to achieve our goal of filling the Pittsford Panther with snowflakes that fell during the month of December. The snowflakes were used to recognize students and staff showing acts of kindness. So many times these acts go unnoticed, so it was a wonderful way to catch the kind things that go on at Lothrop. As we start the New Year it is a great time to revisit old routines and to start new routines. One routine to address is the homework and creating an environment for learning in the home. When your children come home with homework or projects, please work with them to set up a conducive learning environment and identify times that are best for learning. Ideas for Creating a Good Learning Environment at Home


Create a consistent space where homework is done daily




Remove distractions so the focus can be on work




Create a tool box of supplies that will eliminate your child from getting up and looking for supplies that they need




Set an amount of time that the work should take




Ask questions daily of your children that will cause them to think critically about what they learned that day




Find a family book to read that allows for read aloud time and good questioning with all family members involved




While riding in the car, work on math facts

These are just a few ideas that will carry over the learning between school and home. We have had several parents expressing their concern with the speed limit in front of the school. There are several students who walk to and from school, and our school crossing guard has noticed that speed is an issue on Route 7. Please help spread the news in town that we need help in making sure that our students are safe coming to and returning home from school. The speed limit in front of the school is 25 mph. Giving the students and the crossing guard a “BRAKE” would help to assure the safety of the students. With snow and ice being a concern this time of year, you may notice that the buses may run five to ten minutes late some days. With the drivers starting their routes on time, they may get behind because of the conditions of the roads as they run the route. Please be patient and know that the extra five or ten minutes is making sure that your child gets to and from school safely. I hope that everyone had a safe and enjoyable holiday season. We look forward to a great start in 2011. Gregory West

The Lothrop News

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THIRD ANNUAL “LOTHROP NIGHT AT SPARTAN ARENA” January 29, 2011 at 3:00 p.m. The Castleton State College Spartans will be taking on the Camels of Connecticut College. One non-perishable food item will gain FREE admission for one person. All donations will go to the Rutland Community Cupboard. Lothrop students will open the game by singing the National Anthems of Canada and the United States. There will be opportunities for Lothrop Students and their families to participate in fun on-ice activities and win prizes! Please come out for a great day for the whole family. See you at Spartan Arena, behind the Diamond Run Mall, on Saturday, January 29!

NIFTY THRIFTY NEWS January is the perfect time to visit Nifty Thrifty! You can get what you need for yourself and your family at a very reasonable price. You can buy boots for $1.00, mittens for 25 cents, a lamp for $2.00, adult snow pants for $3, and children’s sizes for $1.00. Treat yourself to something fun like a photo album for 75 cents, a needlepoint craft kit for a $1.50, a curling iron for 50 cents, or a puzzle for the family for 50 cents. When you shop at (or donate to) Nifty Thrifty you are contributing directly to Nifty Thrifty's AIM (Academic Incentive Money) which will help OVUHS graduates with the cost of their continuing education. Nifty Thrifty is located on Rt. 7 across the street from VT Soup & Sandwich Company in Brandon. Volunteers open the shop: Monday through Saturday 10:00 am to 1:00 pm, and also on Tuesday from 3:15 to 6:00 pm. It looks like the Ball Gown Boutique will be in February this year. Please bring in your old gowns and formal wear that you have taking up room in your closet. Watch for more information on when and where to buy your next party dress!