News

MAR


2023


A thank you to our community

March 8, 2023

Children and teachers at NDS thank the community for prioritizing children

This week, voters in Manchester, Dorset, and Sunderland voted to appropriate funds to Northshire Day School. Thank you for voting “YES” for NDS!


Town Appropriations help NDS fulfill our commitment to deliver exceptional early childhood education to as many children and families as possible, regardless of their ability to pay.


With your help, NDS provides a nurturing, reliable, and inclusive place where children grow and thrive. Your investment makes the Northshire community a great place to live and work, all while building a foundation for academic success and well-being for our children. Thank you!


MAR


2023


A Conversation with Maggie Rubick

March 2, 2023

My name is Maggie, and I work as a Preschool Teacher at Northshire Day School. Although I first went to college to study ancient history, I found myself working with young children and realized that my calling was Early Childhood work. I found early education during a difficult period in my life, and this work has provided me with so many things: a professional path forward, opportunities for ongoing learning, and a career in which I am able to make a meaningful positive impact.

I’ve worked in preschool classrooms for the past 11 years now. Inclusive, multi-age preschool has become my specialty. However, I entered my first preschool classroom with no relevant education or training. Since my early years as a classroom assistant, I have engaged in ongoing professional development and learning. I also found ways to continue my formal education, thanks to supports like the Apprenticeship Program and TEACH.

Within the past nine years, I have completed Apprenticeship and returned to NYU to finish my bachelor’s degree. I then earned licensure through Peer Review, participated in the Early Childhood Leadership Institute, and become a mentor teacher and Instructor. I have grown as a leader as well. For the last few years, I have been a graduate student on the side of full-time classroom work and other professional commitments, and I’m excited to say that I just successfully defended my Master’s thesis.

While I may have a lot of accomplishments to name, my story is not unique. I work with colleagues who are just as dedicated to their own learning and professional growth as they are committed to serving children and families. And yet, many of us are also struggling to cope with the many challenges that come with working in the early childhood field. In my thesis research, I investigated relations between teachers’ emotion regulation, stress, and resilience in the context of early childhood educationand care. My research was inspired by my work in the classroom, supporting teachers, and my findings were unsurprising: stressors that impact teachers functioning in the classroom can largely be traced back to systemic problems. Inequities such as poor compensation, lack of planning time and program-level support, long work schedules with a majority of hours spent providing direct services to children, a lack of public recognition and increasing expectations are all stressors that emerged at the systems level, and were echoed by educators from across the U.S.

To make this point at a personal level, I can share that the sole factor enabling me to stay in this profession for 13 years is the fact that I have been able to live with family. And even while the program I work for has worked incredibly hard to raise teacher wages, I have thought about leaving this very important and rewarding work in order to find a job that provides more adequate compensation and other essential benefits (like health insurance!).

Quality care and positive child outcomes are absolutely dependent upon a qualified workforce that is publicly valued, well-supported, and fairly compensated. Early educators do this challenging work largely because we are passionate about young children and families. Those of us already doing this work need public investment and increased systemic supports in order to continue moving forward. And the population of children and families in Vermont, current and future, need more qualified, competent early childhood professionals to join the workforce. We need to find ways to promote workforce development and retention, without placing the burden on families.

When the systems of early care and education provide teachers with the supports, compensation, and resources they need, stressors that impact program and classroom processes are reduced and, ultimately, teacher and child outcomes are improved. Public investment in our Vermont Early Childhood system is absolutely needed in order for children to have equitable, positive outcomes, and for communities to grow and thrive. Investments that support and grow our Early Childhood workforce are direct investments in our children and our future.  

 


MAR


2023


Northshire Day School building communities for dual-language learners

March 1, 2023

Manchester Journal


MANCHESTER – Northshire Day School is offering a twelve-week Spanish language course to early childhood

educators at the Arlington Common. This course is free and made possible by the Sunrise Direct Service Community Grant and the NDS Irene Hunter Professional Development Fund.

 

Local educators Andrea Thulin and Maggie Rubick will team up to teach a Spanish conversation class through the lens of working with young children and their families.

 

“Our goal is to ensure that educators are prepared to work with dual-language learners and are ready to welcome all children and families to their classrooms,” said NDS Family Tree Coordinator Jen Rodriguez, who is organizing the program.

 

Early childhood educators serving children in infant classrooms through grade two are invited to participate. Those who complete the course will receive professional development credits and a certificate, in addition to $100 worth of dual-language materials and books to empower them to apply their learning in the classroom.

 

Spanish in the Early Childhood Classroom will take place on Wednesday evenings from 6-8pm from March 29 through June 14, 2023. For more information, or to register, please contact Laurie Metcalfe at lmetcalfe@northshiredayschool.org.

 


FEB


2023


Enriching partnerships at Northshire Day School

February 17, 2023

Manchester Journal


MANCHESTER – Children at Northshire Day School have been enjoying enrichment opportunities from their local community.

“Our enrichment programs all have one thing in common: children are learning through play,” said Jane Gras, the curriculum director at Northshire Day School, where she has worked for 22 years.

Throughout the school year, classrooms welcome Laurie Goldsmith, science educator at the Vermont Institute of Natural Science, to guide play with natural materials that help young children experience nature and science. Alexandra Langstaff is a certified educator who brings her playful Hullabaloo curriculum to the school for children to explore and promote physical development using music and movement.

Gras added her particular enthusiasm for the school’s Literacy Week, which runs from Feb. 27 to March. Every day will have a theme that promotes literacy and learning, including a CLiF Storytelling Event on Feb. 28. CLIF storyteller Marv Klassen-Landis is slated to host the event and will engage children in interactive folktales and poems. Afterward, each child will select two new books to keep from hundreds of titles.


JAN


2023


A Conversation with Pearl Schramm

January 31, 2023

Early Childhood Educator Pearl Schramm joined NDS in June 2022. She holds a M.Ed. in Early Childhood Special Education from Champlain College, BA in Family Science and Human Development/Child Advocacy and Policy with a minor in Psychology from Montclair State University, and recently earned her Early Education Licensure for birth-grade 3. Pearl took some time to share her perspective as an early childhood educator with us.

What do you most enjoy learning about?

Though I am grateful for having the privilege of higher education, my favorite learning is the kind I do every day in the classroom. The children are constantly providing feedback about what’s working, what’s not meeting their needs, and, most importantly, what is bringing them joy. That’s what gives all of these textbooks and trainings meaning. 


Tell us about a teaching experience that was meaningful to you. Why was it important to you?

In my first year as a lead teacher I had a child in my classroom community with selective mutism. After a lot of hard work both on the child’s part and on his team’s, he finally began communicating verbally in school about 2/3 of the way through the school year. I came up with two strategies based on the child’s interests (animals and mysteries) that were instrumental in this process. The first was a secret language in which the class slowly worked through a core set of 20 often-used words or phrases, replacing each one with an animal sound. The second was an animal habitat center I made myself out of a donated bookshelf turned on its side, found objects, and materials purchased on sale from the craft store. Both strategies were created to encourage social interaction and communication of needs and wants in a safe, no-pressure environment. This child spoke at school for the first time while playing in that animal habitat, and within a few weeks he was speaking freely in our classroom. I’m so proud of this child and I still tear up thinking about them. I really felt the impact that intentionality and creativity can have when it comes to meeting the needs of children; that’s why I do what I do.

 

What guides your teaching?

I feel lucky to be able to say that I really, truly care about what I do. Yes, my job often involves colorful markers and glitter glue. However, it also involves a carefully maintained, intricate web of deliberation and planning. Every day we are considering the needs of an entire group of children, adapting on the fly to meet these needs as they shift from moment to moment. Yes, we wipe runny noses and mop up pee, but we also give children the self-help tools needed to successfully navigate through their lives. Yes, some days I sing more than I speak and I say things like “I want to remind you that we’re not using bubble butt power as a weapon” or “Let’s find a safe place for the chameleon that’s not in your pants.” But I’m also working on teaching fundamental skills across several domains, fostering positive social-emotional development, and making every child in our community feel seen and loved each day. It’s true, that being an early educator is hard. Exhausting, even. But it’s also critical work. And it’s fun. And it’s gratifying beyond what you can ever imagine. And it’s exactly how I want to spend my days. I get to support the children I hold so close to my heart in learning and growing, while also getting to dig for insects and finger paint, and that is something truly magical.


What does the phrase “advancing the profession” mean to you?

Every day we are fighting so that we, and desperately needed early educators entering the workforce, don’t have to choose between making a living and doing something we care about. There is no denying that some days in this job are incredibly tough. I grew up watching my mom, and now my colleagues, taking on countless roles and working tirelessly to help keep the complex fabric of our field woven together. I have found that the general public has a range of attitudes toward early childhood education, from severe criticism to wholehearted support. This being said, there is one interaction I had as an undergraduate that has always stuck in my mind. During a conversation, a friend of a friend remarked that all my coursework consisted of cutting out construction paper shapes and singing the alphabet. This is exactly the reason that the advancing the profession movement exists. We want to be seen and respected. It’s the reason we fight so hard for not just appreciation but for systemic changes that will bring fair compensation, affordability, and access to early childhood education.

           

Anything else you’d like to share.

My first taste of being a “real” teacher was becoming a teaching assistant at age 10 in my dance studio. I did not take the role lightly and took great pride in being able to share knowledge of something I loved with people younger than me (getting to mark the little checks on the attendance sheet was also a thrill!). As I grew older and began to find my place in the world, I never lost that feeling. I’m just so grateful and proud to be a part of Vermont’s early childhood education workforce.


JAN


2023


Northshire Day School celebrates 55 years with renewed mission

January 30, 2023

Manchester Journal


MANCHESTER – Northshire Day School, founded in 1968, is celebrating 55 years of providing early childhood education to area families.

The NDS Board of Trustees has accepted a new mission statement, formed with the school’s staff and educators, that reflects the important learning opportunities available at the early childhood education center. The new mission reads, “Northshire Day School cultivates a nurturing and inclusive community where children grow and thrive.”

NDS also welcomes two new trustees, Marissa Eustace and Mary Welford. Eustace lives in Manchester with her husband and son, who attends Northshire Day School.


JAN


2023


Northshire Day School thanks Riley Rink and Charlie’s Coffee House for Supporting Dollar Skate and Bake Sale

January 23, 2023


MANCHESTER CENTER – Charlie’s Coffee House sponsored a Dollar Skate at Riley Rink on Sunday, January 22, 2023 to benefit Northshire Day School (NDS). The NDS Family Committee prepared a variety of treats for the bake sale.

 

“The Northshire is a great place to raise young children, and we are so grateful to Charlie’s Coffee House for giving us the opportunity to bring families together and make memories at Riley Rink. This commitment from local businesses makes our

programming possible,” said NDS Development Director Jennifer Luty.

 

The Dollar Skate was well attended, with about 100 children and their families from the Northshire area participating.


DEC


2022


Newly created Family Tree Program comes to Northshire Day School

December 7, 2022


MANCHESTER – Northshire Day School is launching a three-year pilot program. The newly created “Family Tree Program” is built on the strengths-based philosophy of the Strengthening Families framework and protective factors.

The program promotes strong families and healthy development for children prenatally through age 5, and provides resources, service coordination and support to help all families thrive during everyday circumstances, as well as persevere during times of stress or crisis. The Family Tree pilot program is made possible by a grant from the Irene and James Hunter Charitable Fund.

The school has chosen Jen Rodriguez to coordinate and lead the new program. Rodriguez has over 10 years of experience supporting children and their families. Rodriguez is passionate about improving outcomes for children and families, stating that “caregivers are children’s first and most important teachers.” 

“We know the importance of partnering with families with young children and providing support and services that are easily accessible, relevant and helpful. It is also important that services are geographically located in a family’s community and not dependent on specialized qualifying criteria. All families need support sometimes,” school executive director Laurie Metcalfe said. “Within the next three years, we hope to extend the Family Tree to the greater Northshire community and offer support to families with young children beyond those enrolled in our classrooms.”


NOV


2022


Local foundation challenges community with holiday matching grant

November 4, 2022


MANCHESTER CENTER, VT – A local foundation is challenging businesses to acknowledge early childhood education as critical infrastructure and invest in Northshire Day School. If community partners invest $100,000 in Northshire Day School by December 31, 2022, it will unlock an additional $50,000 grant from this anonymous foundation.

 

 “The Manchester Business Association knows how challenging it is to attract and retain qualified workers as it relates to finding childcare in our area,” Manchester Business Association Executive Director John Burnham.

 

NDS Development Director Jennifer Luty said, “so many of our families work essential jobs, and we are proud to be the workforce behind the workforce.”

All contributions made by December 31, 2022 can help unlock the matching grant and will be recognized on the Northshire Day School website.

 

There will be a private launch party for those interested in making a pledge. Please contact Jennifer Luty at 802-362-1395 or by emailing jluty@northshiredayschool.org if your business would like to participate.

 

 “When you invest in Northshire Day School, you open doors for our community,” Luty added.


OCT


2022


Area early education directors discuss love of teaching and challenges facing their field

October 17, 2022

Bennington Banner

BENNINGTON — As early education leaders. Alyson Grzyb and Laurie Metcalfe are reminded daily of why what they do matters — and the financial hurdles that still stand between families and affordable quality child care.

Grzyb, director of the Bennington Early Childhood Center, and Metcalfe, director of the Northshire Day School in Manchester, were recently recognized by a statewide association for their commitment to providing learning opportunities for young children.

Both women love what they do for a living — because they enjoy the work, and because they know how important it is.

Metcalfe said that more people should know and understand what early educators do — and how crucial it is for kids, and for their community, to have the best start possible.

Early childhood might seem like child’s play, she said, but that play is how children learn. The activities led by the schools’ teachers are carefully thought out and intentional and targeted for specific learning objectives, she explained.

“I strongly believe in the value of early childhood education, and the trajectory that creates for success,” Metcalfe said. “We serve 85 to 90 children — that means we get to make a significant meaningful impact in our community.”

As administrators, both women are keenly aware of the challenges facing early childhood education, in Vermont and across the country.


OCT


2022


Local leaders recognized for childhood education

October 13, 2022

Bennington Banner

BENNINGTON — The Vermont Association for the Education of Young Children (VTAEYC) recognized two Bennington County women for their leadership in the area of early childhood education.

During Vermont’s annual Early Childhood Education Conference on Thursday, Alyson Grzyb of Bennington and Laurie Metcalfe of Manchester were designated two of three ‘Outstanding Member” awards. Grzyb is director of the Bennington Early Childhood Center; Metcalfe is director of the Northshire Day School.


SEP


2022


Community Partner Service Award

September 23, 2022

At our Annual Meeting, we presented our Community Partner Service Award to the Mt. Laurel Foundation.

The Mt. Laurel Foundation is a true partner in supporting children with specialized needs, supporting children at NDS for over 10 years. Their continued grants have allowed us to purchase adaptive equipment, hire additional 1:1 educators, and provide professional development for our teachers and staff.

The Mt. Laurel Foundation continually supports NDS in ensuring that each and every child has a successful experience at Northshire Day School. They proactively make sure that we have what we need and that children with specialized needs have opportunities throughout the Northshire Region.


SEP


2022


You Make a Difference Award

September 23, 2022

Kimberly Capps received the You Make a Difference Award at our Annual Meeting.

Kim has been a beam of sunshine since her arrival and is a quiet leader among our staff. She has a wealth of experience and truly loves working with children, bringing a smile and positivity into the building every day. It is a joy to collaborate with Kim because she is insightful and reflective.


AUG


2022


Northshire Day School Executive Director Earns Top Credential

August 25, 2022

Manchester Journal

Laurie Metcalfe

MANCHESTER — Northshire Day School Executive Director Laurie Metcalfe has earned a Step Three Program Director Credential, demonstrating quality and leadership in the world of early childhood education.

“Laurie has a clear vision for what early childhood education can accomplish as a field and in our community,” remarked school Development Director Jennifer Luty. “Laurie strategically focuses on how to produce the best outcomes for children and families.”

The Step Three Credential process includes college coursework, experience and the completion of a portfolio demonstrating the application of over 50 competencies with expertise in children’s families, communities, financial and program management, as well as leadership in the field of early childhood education.


AUG


2022


Northshire Day School Awarded 5 STARS as Top-Quality Program

August 4, 2022

Bennington Banner

MANCHESTER CENTER, VT – Northshire Day School has achieved 5 STARS in the Vermont STARS Step Ahead Recognition System, going above and beyond state regulations to provide early childhood education that meets the needs of children and families.

 

“This achievement reflects the exceptional work of our educators, our continued dedication to children and families and the professional practices that are central to high quality early learning experiences,” remarked NDS Executive Director Laurie Metcalfe, “NDS is committed to continuous quality improvement and we are so proud of this accomplishment.”


JUL


2022


Vermont Summer Festival horse jumping show returns to Dorset with new amenities

July 5, 2022

Manchester Journal

DORSET, VT – The horses are back — and so are their two-legged companions.

The Vermont Summer Festival began Wednesday at Harold Beebe Farm on Route 7 in East Dorset, with jumping and equitation competitions running through Aug. 14.

In addition to a significant economic impact on the region, the Vermont Summer Festival also provides area nonprofit groups with opportunities to raise money on weekends; admission is otherwise free.

Proceeds from weekend admission fees are distributed between three area nonprofit organizations: Manchester Community Library, Northshire Day School and Boy Scout Troop 332, event spokesperson Rebecca Walton said.

That admission price is $10 for guests 13 and older, $5 for kids ages 5 to 12 and free for kids up to 5 years old.


MAY


2022


Two Emerging Leaders of Southern Vermont at Northshire Day School

May 19, 2022

MANCHESTER CENTER — Maggie Rubick and Jennifer Luty of Northshire Day School were recognized as Emerging Leaders at the Southern Vermont Economy Summit at Mount Snow on Thursday, May 12. The Southern Vermont Young Professionals and Shires Young Professionals presented the 2022 Emerging Leaders awards to 20 talented and energized young people who are working every day to create opportunity and enrich their community. This year’s award is sponsored by the Vermont Futures Project.

 

Rubick, a licensed early childhood educator who has been with Northshire Day School for nearly 10 years, stated “I am proud to be part of the early childhood profession at a time when there’s so much opportunity to effect positive change. I aim to apply and adapt my skills and learning across contexts, with the goal of sharing my strengths, knowledge, time, and energy in a way that will has a positive impact on my community.”

 

Luty has served as Development Director at NDS for one year, bringing new energy to the center. “I hope to disrupt a national trend where access is limited by both the available workforce and the cost of high-quality early childhood education,” Luty added, “developing relationships with local residents and businesses will bring NDS long-term sustainability and truly benefit our entire

community.”


NDS Executive Director Laurie Metcalfe highlighted that talented, dedicated staff are the key to a high-quality program, “I’m thrilled to have two Northshire Day School employees recognized as Emerging Leaders this year and commend Jen and Maggie for their hard work and accomplishments.” She added, “NDS adds so much to our community, and our valuable staff play a significant role in what we’re able to accomplish collectively both at NDS and in the Northshire community.”


MAR


2022


Northshire Day School Thanks the Community

March 2, 2022

MANCHESTER CENTER — Northshire Day School


On March 1, the towns of Manchester, Dorset, and Sunderland voted to appropriate funds to Northshire Day School, the area’s largest nonprofit early childhood education program.

 

Thank you for saying “yes” to this important work. Early childhood education makes it possible for families to fully participate in our local economy, allowing families and local businesses to achieve their goals.

 

Your investment strengthens our growing community, providing more positive outcomes for children. Investment in early childhood is known to increase high school graduation and college matriculation rates. Investing in a quality early childcare system also leads to fewer public expenses later.

 

Just last week, Let’s Grow Kids reported that Bennington County needs to increase the supply of full-day, full-year child care by at least 338 more infant slots, 91 toddler slots, and 157 preschooler slots to meet the demand for child care in our region. This year, Northshire Day School is working to add 15 permanent child care spaces to our center. We know that we have so much more to do.

 

In the meantime, thank you for investing in our community. Access to affordable, quality early childhood education makes the Northshire community a great place to live and work, all while helping our youngest children grow!


JAN


2022


Northshire Day School receives $50,000 from the William J. and Dorothy K. O’Neill Foundation

January 5, 2022

Manchester Journal

MANCHESTER CENTER — Northshire Day School recently received a sizable windfall, securing a grant of $50,000 for the child care and education center’s general needs.

The William J. and Dorothy K. O’Neill Foundation backed the school’s community-minded mission.

“Our community response grantmaking program focuses on strengthening families. We see this grant as very aligned with that focus,” said Marci Lu, senior program officer at the foundation. She said the early childhood education center was a great fit for their outreach program.

“Northshire Day School is Manchester’s largest, high quality licensed early care and education provider, and it uses a family strengthening model. And their staff has been working tirelessly to keep their doors open during the pandemic, to provide and continue to provide quality, affordable and accessible child care to work.”


NOV


2021


Grant maker announces Northshire Day School as one of this year’s winners

November 25, 2021

Bennington Banner

MANCHESTER — Northshire Day School is being recognized as one of the best child care centers in the state.

The Turrell Fund of Montclair, N.J., announced Northshire Day School as one of the 13 winners of this year’s S. Whitney Landon Awards. A total of $30,000 in unrestricted grants were given to the winning agencies for doing stand-out work on behalf of children in Vermont.


NOV


2021


Foundation challenges businesses to aid Northshire Day School with holiday matching gift

November 16, 2021

Bennington Banner

MANCHESTER CENTER — A local Foundation is raising awareness of the critical infrastructure childcare at Northshire Day School provides to the local business community. “As we all know, childcare is one of the most challenging things to find for our employees’ families,” said John Burnham, executive director of the Manchester Business Association.


During this holiday giving project, a local foundation will grant an additional $1 for every $2 donated to Northshire

Day School by the business community by Dec. 31. Matching lasts up to $50,000.

“This holiday giving project supports our shared goal of retaining staff so that we can continue our essential and critical service to families and children,” said Executive Director Laurie Metcalfe.


Please contact Jen Luty at Northshire Day School to make a contribution to the holiday giving project by emailing jluty@northshiredayschool.org or calling 802-362-1395.



OCT


2021


Manchester Moves Quickly on Pandemic Funds

October 29, 2021

By Darren Marcy, Manchester Journal

MANCHESTER — To help them decide the best use of the town’s $1.1 million in federal pandemic money, part of the American Rescue Plan Act’s $1.9 trillion stimulus package, the Manchester Select Board is launching a website and online application to identify potential needs for the funds.

Town Manager John O’Keefe said the town received a first payment of $526,173 in May, with a second payment of the same amount due in this coming May.

Northshire Day School Executive Director Laurie Metcalfe on Tuesday made an impassioned plea for help from the board, detailing the struggles the school has had in staying open and staffed while faced with monumental challenges.


“At a time when many programs across our state closed their doors and never reopened, NDS stayed the course,”

Metcalfe said. “NDS is the only program that stayed open during essential childcare in the Northshire region.”



OCT


2021


Stratton Foundation COVID Relief Grant Awarded to Northshire Day School

October 25, 2021

Vermont News Guide

MANCHESTER — The Stratton Foundation has awarded a $25,000 grant to Northshire Day School to support Tuition Relief. This grant is made possible by the Stratton Foundation’s COVID Relief Fund in recognition that the challenges parents face to afford child care and living expenses are exacerbated by the COVID pandemic. The Stratton Foundation and Northshire Day School share a goal of supporting local families by providing access to affordable child care.


OCT


2021


2021 Community Partner Service Award Winner

Vermont Country Store

October 5, 2021

At our Annual Meeting, we presented our Community Partner Service Award to the The Vermont Country Store. This spring, the Vermont Country Store purchased and installed nearly $16,000 worth of technology, giving us more time to do what we love and spend less time fussing with outdated technology. And now, NDS children are enjoying the music and movement this technology brings to the classroom.

We have an immense appreciation for the Vermont Country Store as a long time and valuable partner of NDS. Their recent investment in our work gives us the tools necessary to perform optimally and continue the important work of growing happy, healthy children.

One of the top public needs identified during the pandemic was reliable technology. When helping to arrange this gift, Ann Warrell, Community Relations & Communications Manager at the Vermont Country Store, said that they like to support early childhood where and when they can, in ways that are meaningful and helpful. Thank you to the Vermont Country store for giving to crucial areas of the community. Congratulations!


OCT


2021


2021 You Make a Difference Award Winner

Nicole Nichols

October 5, 2021

Nicole Nichols received the You Make a Difference Award at our Annual Meeting.

Nicole is known for being a bubbly, knowledgeable, engaging, and interactive Early Childhood Educator. She brings music delightfully into her classroom and can often be found sitting on the floor, being silly and singing or reading stories with her little ones. She provides the structure for children to flourish and is a core member of our team.

Her infectious personality and her abundance of knowledge about childcare development make her a wonderful asset to both Northshire Day School and the families who form lasting connections with their beloved “Cole”. Congratulations – you really do make a difference!


SEPT


2021


Northshire Day School awarded Revive Grant

September 9, 2021

Bennington Banner

MANCHESTER — Northshire Day School recently received a $500 grant from the Children’s Literacy Foundation to expand its reading and writing program with the goal of connecting kids to their communities while building a love of literacy. Books were distributed at the NDS Family Picnic on Aug. 31.

“This recent grant provides books centered around social skills, emotions, and hope to promote resiliency during a complex time and highlight the importance of early literacy. It brought us great joy to gift children books at our family picnic,” said NDS Executive Director Laurie Metcalfe.


July


2021


Maggie Rubick, honored for her outstanding support

of Oak Hill Children’s Center’s Farm to School

& Early Childhood Program.

July 21, 2021

Bennington Banner

POWNAL — A number of individuals were honored during the early evening event which was held on the center’s playground. Community Partner Awards were presented to Corinne Lyons, Early Head Start family support worker, in recognition of her outstanding service to Oak Hill Children’s Center’s children, families and staff; and Cynthia Greene, Shelburne Farms’ Farm to Early Childhood Coalition coordinator, and Maggie Rubick, Northshire Day School preschool teacher, for their outstanding support of Oak Hill Children’s Center’s Farm to School & Early Childhood Program.


July