Principal Page
Announcing Interim Principal for Ferrisburgh Central School
We are pleased to announce that Beth Bearor will serve as the Interim Principal of Ferrisburgh Central School for the 2025–26 school year.
Beth is a proud graduate of Vergennes Union High School and began her career with Addison Northwest in 2007 as a paraeducator. In 2015, she became a Kindergarten teacher at Vergennes Union Elementary School, a role she held until 2023 when she stepped into the Assistant Principal position at VUES.
Beth embodies all the traits we value in an elementary school leader—she is warm, grounded, student-centered, and deeply committed to fostering strong relationships with families and staff. She brings a clear understanding of early childhood education, a calm and collaborative presence, and a deep knowledge of our communities.
Beth already has strong working relationships with many members of the FCS staff and administration, and she knows many Ferrisburgh families. While she will finish out the school year in her current role at VUES, we’re working to build in opportunities for her to begin connecting with the FCS community this spring.
She will join FCS for the Community Morning on May 14 and will spend May 15 and 16 as “guest principal” at the school. Additional opportunities to meet and get to know Beth will be shared in the coming weeks and throughout the summer.
We look forward to welcoming Beth to Ferrisburgh and are excited for the year ahead under her leadership.
Stay tuned for more updates!
Principal's Corner
Sheila Soule
FCS Connections
May 18, 2025
It was a joyful, collaborative week full of learning and laughter!
Collaboration
We are not here to compete
but to lift each other up.
We are not here to outshine,
but to shine together.
Our voices blend like music,
each note finding its place,
harmonizing our differences,
bringing life to what was once a void.
We are the stitches in a quilt,
each thread essential,
weaving a story stronger
than we could tell alone.
Our hands build,
our hearts share,
and in our unity,
we create the world we wish to see.
by Aja Monet
FCS Celebrates Cultures Day with a Global Adventure!
On Wednesday, FCS was transformed into a vibrant tapestry of global culture as students celebrated Cultures Day! This year’s journey took us across Tanzania, the Philippines, Egypt, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Brazil—no passport required (well... except the fun ones we got stamped at each stop!).
Each student traveled from country to country, collecting stamps while exploring the unique customs, foods, games, and traditions of each culture. Students played traditional games, tasted authentic dishes, created cultural arts and crafts, sang, danced, and experienced native music, and listened to traditional folktales read by older students.
A huge thank you to our 4/5 teachers, Randi Barry and Hannah Nowak, for organizing this incredible event! And a big shoutout to our Student Leadership Team and older students for helping guide the experience with energy and heart.
Kindergarten: On Wednesday morning, just as students were arriving, Miss Trish’s class welcomed three brand new poults (baby turkeys) into their classroom family! The timing couldn’t have been more perfect, and the excitement was contagious.
The class has been showering their new friends—Chloe, Great Grandpa, and Strong Boy—with love, care, and attention. Students have especially enjoyed reading to the poults and learning what it means to nurture and be gentle with living creatures.
It’s been a heartwarming and hands-on way to practice responsibility, empathy, and connection with the natural world.
First Grade: First graders have been diving into books and really honing their reading skills, showing excitement and pride as they grow as independent readers. It's a joy to see them discovering new stories and finding their favorite genres!
They’ve also been practicing SEL (Social-Emotional Learning) coding, learning how to identify feelings, make kind choices, and build positive connections with their classmates—all while having fun and growing together.
Second Grade: Students enjoyed a sunny and adventurous day at Willowell, where they immersed themselves in nature, played outdoor games, and strengthened their bonds as a class. From exploring the trails to laughing in wide open spaces, students soaked up the fresh air and sunshine.
A favorite stop on their journey was a visit to the magical Tree of Life, where they paused to reflect, connect, and simply enjoy the beauty around them. It was a joyful day full of curiosity, connection, and appreciation for the natural world!
Third Grade: performed fractured fairy tale plays—classic tales with unexpected twists—for kindergarten and first grade students. Their creative storytelling, humor, homemade costumes, and expression made for a fun and memorable performance.
To top it off, they had a chance to work with Grace from Very Merry Theater on improvisation, building confidence and creativity through engaging theater games and activities.
Fourth/Fifth: This week, 4th and 5th grade students had a blast diving into the world of improvisational theater with Grace from Very Merry Theater. Through energetic games and creative exercises, students practiced quick thinking, collaboration, and expressive storytelling.
Improv challenged students to step out of their comfort zones, listen closely to one another, and build scenes together on the spot—all while having a great time. It was a joyful, confidence-boosting experience that brought out each student’s unique voice and creativity.
Our 5th graders took an important step toward their next adventure by attending a transition meeting at Vergennes Union Middle School. During the visit, they learned about middle school expectations, toured the building, and had a chance to ask questions about what to expect next year. It was a great opportunity to start getting comfortable with the new environment and build excitement for all that’s ahead in middle school!
Ode to Ms. Liz, the Plant Lady 🌿
by the Garden Gnomes (a.k.a. Her Biggest Fans)
Ms. Liz is the Plant Lady, it’s perfectly true,
She cares for the veggies and sings to them, too!
With a watering can and a sun hat so wide,
She tends to the garden with patience and pride.
The kids love to help—pulling weeds, planting seeds,
Learning about compost and garden-grown needs.
They’ve grown peas and carrots and radishes round,
And sometimes a worm or two pops from the ground!
But summer is coming, and here’s the small hitch:
Ms. Liz could use help in her gardening niche!
If you like dirt, bugs, or just soaking up sun,
Come lend a hand—it’s learning and fun!
So join in the joy, bring your green thumb and cheer,
And help keep the garden growing strong this year!
Please contact Kflynn@anwsd.org to volunteer!
Equity Assessment Committee Updates
May Newsletter: Data Review & Community Insights
Over the past few months, we’ve been digging into our data and identifying key steps to move forward together. We’ve reviewed Panorama survey results from students and teachers, gathered feedback from our elementary schools, and engaged directly with staff to better understand the current landscape.
A highlight of this work was our powerful community meeting in March, co-hosted with Fullsend—a passionate student group that helped bring our shared vision to life. This gathering created space for authentic connection and reflection. Students asked thoughtful questions of community members, who in turn shared insights about what fosters a true sense of belonging in our schools.
Community voices emphasized the importance of feeling seen, valued, and heard, and spoke to the impact of supportive relationships with peers, educators, and trusted adults. They highlighted how belonging is cultivated through shared experiences and requires intentional effort from both individuals and institutions.
While many feel connected through events, creative expression, volunteering, and strong relationships with staff, challenges remain. Social barriers, communication gaps, and inequities related to race, class, and access continue to limit full inclusion for some.
Looking ahead, we’ll finalize our data review and begin crafting recommendations to strengthen the practices, policies, and structures that shape our schools. With equity, collaboration, and community at the center, we are committed to creating lasting, meaningful change.
Fastbridge Screener: Our spring academic screener assessments will be done between May 12-May 30. Students are assessed in both math and literacy. These assessments help us track growth and progress in these important academic areas.
Atria Collective: Note that all students in Health Class will be visited by education outreach from Atria Collective (formerly WomenSafe) throughout the month of June. This ensures that all of our students participate in the activities and goals articulated by Act 1 from the State of Vermont regarding the prevention of Child Sexual Abuse. See this note from Health teacher Morgan Kathan for more information.
Important Links:
4th and 5th Grade End of Year Countdown!
Tech Fast (May 20) Signup Form
Important Dates:
May 5 - 30th Fusion, Session 5
May 20 Tech FAST Night
May 22 Family Picnic
May 23 Willowell - First Grade
May 26 No school for staff or students; Memorial Day
May 30 Willowell - Kindergarten
Sheila Soule
FCS Connections - May 11
Finding Joy in the Rain at Ferrisburgh Community School
Despite enduring several days of rain, the spirit at Ferrisburgh Community School remained bright! Our students embraced the weather with curiosity and creativity—jumping in puddles, exploring the outdoors in rain gear, and discovering that some of the best memories are made when we lean into the moment. It’s been a beautiful reminder that joy can be found in every kind of weather.
“Try to be a rainbow in someone’s cloud.”
~Maya Angelou
Photo by Nikki Therrien
Kindergarten: Kindergarten had Guidance with Ms. Abby this week and learned how to demonstrate apologizing as a problem-solving strategy. Students focused on using words like "I'm sorry for..." , “are you okay” and showing we mean it through kind actions. Practicing apologies helps children build empathy and strengthen their friendships! Students also learned the sign for “I’m sorry” to use when speaking the words out loud feels too hard.
First Grade: Our first graders had an amazing time at Ag Day at VUHS! They rode pedal tractors, took a fun hay ride, and even made their own ice cream. It was a hands-on, delicious day full of learning and smiles!
Third Grade: Ms. Stein and Ms. Kenney’s classes shared a soggy, silly, and superbly soaked day at Willowell! The students made the absolute best of the weather and deeply enjoyed sharing lots of laughs, playing Coyote Deer, splashing in the stream, and hiking to The Tree of Life. The warmth of the fire proved to be the perfect gathering spot to share wacky stories, reflect on the day, and simply enjoy connection in the outdoors.
4th/5th Grade:
End of Year Calendar Countdown!
This week at FCS:
Sugar on Snow: On Friday, we had a school-wide celebration as a reward for our hard work sugaring this year! A huge thank you to Kat Clear, our amazing parent volunteer, who not only taught us all about tree tapping and sugaring but also got hands-on with students throughout the process! We were also thrilled to welcome back our former teacher, Judy Elson, who generously returned to help with the sugaring and worked side by side with the students. It was incredibly rewarding to enjoy the fruits of our labor together—what a sweet experience! We’re so grateful to both Kat and Judy for sharing their time, knowledge, and enthusiasm with us. It means the world to staff and students to be able to continue this FCS tradition!
Culture Day:
Hello FCS Community!
We are thrilled to invite you to our Culture Day celebration on May 14th! This special day is organized by our Student Leadership Committee to explore the diverse cultures represented in our community. By participating, students will gain a deeper understanding of global perspectives, foster respect for different traditions, and build connections with their peers.
We invite families to join us for the kick-off and travel with students to their first country, after which you can say your goodbyes at 9:15 AM. Your presence will enrich the experience for our students as they embark on this cultural journey.
If you would like to contribute to Culture Day by sharing information about your heritage or preparing food items, please check out the document attached below. Your contributions will help make this event even more special! For any questions or to sign up, feel free to reach out to Randi Barry at rbarry@anwsd.org.
Fastbridge Screener: Our spring academic screener assessments will be done between May 12-May 30. Students are assessed in both math and literacy. These assessments help us track growth and progress in these important academic areas.
Atria Collective: Note that all students in Health Class will be visited by education outreach from Atria Collective (formerly WomenSafe) throughout the month of June. This ensures that all of our students participate in the activities and goals articulated by Act 1 from the State of Vermont regarding the prevention of Child Sexual Abuse. See this note from Health teacher Morgan Kathan for more information.
Tech Fast (May 20) Signup Form
Important Dates:
May 5 - 30th Fusion, Session 5
May 7 5th/6th grade students from both schools visit VUMHS
May 7 VUMS Welcome to Middle School Night (Students & Parents)
5:30-7:30 pm
May 8 Elective request forms sent to middle school students and families
May 9 Willowell - Third Grade
May 9 Sugar on snow!
May 13 5th grade pictures - 8:30
May 14 Early Release Day - 11:30
May 14 Community Morning - Cultures Day!
May 16 Willowell - Second Grade
May 16 5th grade students-Deadline to submit unified arts/elective
request forms (see below under rising 7th and 8th grade information - communications)
May 20 Tech FAST Night
May 22 Family Picnic
May 23 Willowell - First Grade
May 26 No school for staff or students; Memorial Day
May 30 Willowell - Kindergarten
Sheila Soule
Hello, May! Sunshine, Smiles, and School Spirit in Full Bloom!
As the days grow longer and the sun shines a little brighter, our school is bursting with energy and excitement! May brings warm weather, blooming friendships, and a calendar full of fun. From field days to field trips, celebrations to classroom adventures, we’re coming together as a community to share in the joy of learning, laughter, and lasting memories. Let’s soak it all in—this season is made for delight!
May Night
The spring is fresh and fearless
And every leaf is new,
The world is brimmed with moonlight,
The lilac brimmed with dew.
Here in the moving shadows
I catch my breath and sing--
My heart is fresh and fearless
And over-brimmed with spring.
-Sarah Teasdale, 1915
Classroom Updates:
Kindergarten: Here’s a lively and engaging newsletter write-up based on your details:
Kindergarten Trip to The Flynn Theater: Dragons, Laughter, and Heroes!
Kindergarteners took the bus to Burlington for an unforgettable adventure at The Flynn Theater to see Dragons and Mythical Beasts! For many students, this was their very first live theater experience. In preparation, they learned all about theater etiquette—how to be considerate audience members and what to expect from a live performance.
Leading up to the trip, students also explored the world of mythical creatures—learning about their characteristics, origins, and the folklore behind dragons, trolls, unicorns, and more. The show itself was full of humor, excitement, and interactive moments that had everyone laughing and fully engaged.
And here’s the best part: thanks to the courage, cleverness, and quick thinking of the audience, our kindergarteners were officially declared REAL heroes by the end of the performance!
It was a magical day that combined learning, laughter, and a little bit of legend.
First Grade
First graders participated in the Four Winds nature program, where they learned all about the different types of bird nests. Through engaging lessons and outdoor exploration, students discovered how various birds build their homes using different materials and techniques. The highlight of the day was getting hands-on by creating their own nests outside, using natural materials just like birds do! Thank you Four Winds volunteers - you help our whole school deepen our knowledge and appreciation for nature and wildlife!
Second Grade
Second graders have learned all about the sun’s magical properties and have enjoyed “soaking up the sun” and boosting their Vitamin D levels and moods! They have been collaborating all week to build nature-based creations using sticks, stones, mud, flowers, leaves, and other found treasures. From leafy nests to twiggy huts, their teamwork and creativity have bloomed! On Friday, they had an earned celebration of lunch outside together with Miss G!
Third Grade
Students went to Shelburne Farms to explore the pond and forest and learned about life cycles and adaptations such as camouflage. They played games, observed nature, and got to catch tadpoles, salamanders, and other small critters living in the pond to further observe and identify them.
Fourth and Fifth Grade:
Our 4th and 5th graders recently took an inspiring trip to the Willowell Foundation, where they immersed themselves in nature, exploration, and connection. Students enjoyed unstructured free exploration time—climbing, building, observing, and simply being in the woods. This kind of open-ended play encouraged curiosity, creativity, and collaboration.
A highlight of the day was the hike to the Tree of Life, an awe-inspiring tree tucked deep in the forest. Along the way, students practiced mindfulness, noticed signs of spring, and supported one another on the trail. It was a joyful day of movement, discovery, and grounding in the natural world.
Composting and Garden Work
Please email Kaitie at Kflynn@anwsd.org if you are interested in being on the Garden Team. There are many fun ways to support the garden program, as we continue to use our garden as a teaching tool and as a fresh and delicious addition to our students' school lunches. FCS has a garden party every summer and we would be grateful for family involvement.
Atria Collective: Note that all students in Health Class will be visited by education outreach from Atria Collective (formerly WomenSafe) throughout the month of June. This ensures that all of our students participate in the activities and goals articulated by Act 1 from the State of Vermont regarding the prevention of Child Sexual Abuse. See this note from Health teacher Morgan Kathan for more information.
Important Links:
Important Dates:
May 5 - 30th Fusion, Session 5
May 8 Elective request forms sent to middle school students and families
May 9 Willowell - Third Grade
May 9 Sugar on snow!
May 13 5th grade pictures - 8:30
May 13 5th/6th grade students from both schools visit VUMHS
May 14 Early Release Day - 11:30
May 14 Community Morning - Cultures Day!
May 14 VUMS Welcome to Middle School Night (Students & Parents) 5:30-7:30 pm
May 16 Willowell - Second Grade
May 16 5th grade students-Deadline to submit unified arts/elective request forms (see below under rising 7th and 8th grade information - communications)
May 20 Tech FAST Night
May 22 Family Picnic
May 23 Willowell - First Grade
May 26 No school for staff or students; Memorial Day
May 30 Willowell - Kindergarten
Sheila Soule
FCS is blooming and growing together this spring!
🌸 “If a child is to keep alive his inborn sense of wonder, he needs the companionship of at least one adult who can share it, rediscovering with him the joy, excitement and mystery of the world we live in.”
— Rachel Carson
Hello FCS Families!
Wild Robot!
After a successful One District, One Book reading of The Wild Robot, FCS students joined VUES for a celebratory movie viewing at VUMHS. What a delightful way to gather and celebrate our shared love for literature! Students shared their enjoyment, noting that while the movie had some differences from the book, it beautifully captured the funny and heartwarming elements that we all cherished in the story.
Overheard from one ecstatic second grader, “I can’t believe this school has a movie theater!”
Connection questions: How did the animals change their minds about Roz and why? Do you think there will be a second movie? What do you think it will be about?
Garden Update: Our seedlings are beginning to emerge! Such anticipation!
Please email Kaitie at Kflynn@anwsd.org if you are interested in being on the Garden Team. There are many fun ways to support the garden program, as we continue to use our garden as a teaching tool and as a fresh and delicious addition to our students' school lunches. FCS has a garden party every summer and we would be grateful for family involvement.
Spring Break Ideas for Families:
Printable Spring Scavenger Hunt
Guided Earth Day Meditation for Kids (lots of other resources!)
The Art of Weaving: An Accessible How-to for Rainy Spring Days
Winter Song - Sara Bareilles and Ingrid Michaelson
(This music video is pure magic and many of our students have already seen it and adore it. Please watch with your children - it really is lovely for this time of year.)
Spring in bloom at FCS — where wonder grows inside and out.
![FCS Connections 4/13/25]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1744475909/anwsdorg/yah3frhntwd4gelwsqjy/IMG_1897.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1744475909/anwsdorg/yah3frhntwd4gelwsqjy/IMG_1897.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1744475909/anwsdorg/yah3frhntwd4gelwsqjy/IMG_1897.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1744475909/anwsdorg/yah3frhntwd4gelwsqjy/IMG_1897.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1744475909/anwsdorg/yah3frhntwd4gelwsqjy/IMG_1897.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_6/v1744475909/anwsdorg/yah3frhntwd4gelwsqjy/IMG_1897.jpg","width":2200}])
Rachael Donovan
Hi FCS Families!
Thanks to everyone who came to our garden kickoff community morning and helped us start our seedlings. Watching them grow will be a great experience for our kiddos. Please email Kaitie at Kflynn@anwsd.org if you are interested in being on the Garden Team. There are many fun ways to support the garden program, as we continue to use our garden and a teaching tool and as a fresh and delicious addition to our students' school lunches. FCS has a garden party every summer and we would love if you want to get involved.
Bus Update: On Thursday April 17th, Dennis' and Michele’s afternoon routes will be doubled and most likely delayed.
Upcoming Dates:
Tuesday, April 15: Tech FAST (Free After School Tuesdays) 5:30-7:00
Please fill out the form if you are interested in attending!
April 22-26: April vacation- NO SCHOOL
Reminders from the PTO:
Apparel Store:
Grab some FCS gear from the apparel store! Check out this years “Words in the Wild” Logo. Feel free to share the store link with family and friends. Let us know if you have any questions. Visit the online store at: Ferrisburgh PTO | SRCD (srcdvt.com). The new student art swag should be available soon!
Box Tops for Education:
If you haven’t already, download the Box Tops for Education app here: https://btfe.smart.link/
Important Information: