Dummerston Handbook From: Jo Carol Ratti, Principal August 1, 2007

What makes Dummerston School special?

At one time, Dummerston had two schoolhouses, one located in West Dummerston, which educated Kindergarten students through second grade and another in East Dummerston, which educated third grade students through their eighth grade year. In 1994, the east school was renovated in order to educate students, Kindergarten through eighth grade under one roof, called Dummerston School located on 52 Schoolhouse Road. The Dummerston School is a beautifully maintained structure surrounded by playgrounds and ball fields for Dummerston students and their families. The building is an aesthetic mix of traditional architecture integrated with a bright and spacious addition.

The school boasts a longstanding tradition of community support for and dedication to the education and welfare of its children. For example, Dummerston parents and community members fundraised, designed and built athletic fields and playgrounds in order to provide quality play areas for children. Dummerston School is a member of the Windham Southeast Supervisory Union and benefits from services offered through a unified school district. For example our core curriculum is coordinated through the Central Office located in Brattleboro, VT and is aligned with the Vermont State Standards. We also share a number of special education and related services through our membership in the Supervisory Union. However there are many learning opportunities that are unique to Dummerston School. Our Winter Activities Program offers students a variety of sports and extracurricular activities each Wednesday afternoon for six weeks during the months of January and February. The Winter Activities Program is coordinated and maintained entirely by parent volunteers. Activities always include skiing, skating and snowboarding and, depending on availability, bowling, cooking, drama and dance. Dummerston School also has a strong music and arts program. Student art work is displayed through the hallways all year long but our annual Arts Night showcases student work from each grade level in a variety of mediums. Vocal and Band Concerts are always well attended. Dummerston School has a wonderful Marching Band and an exceptional Jazz Band. Students in grades four through eight can participate in band although students in grades Kindergarten through fourth grade explore music and musical instruments during a weekly enrichment class. Dummerston School has an active Student Council for students in grades six through eight. Student Council member focus on community spirit within the school by offering a wide range of school and family related events and civic responsibility through their yearly fundraising efforts based on local community need. Dummerston School has two, mobile IBook units (forty-five laptop computers) each with wireless capability. Teachers and support staff at each grade level instruct students on the use of technology according to the district’s Information Technology standards. There is a strong focus on Literacy at Dummerston School and students in grades one through four spend one hundred twenty minutes each week in Literacy-based activities. Depending on availability of grant funding sources, Dummerston School has offered Spanish and French instruction in the past and is currently providing Chinese instruction in two classrooms. Throughout the years, Dummerston School has excelled at providing a solid educational foundation for its students and we are committed to continuing this tradition.

How do I register my child at Dummerston School?

Dummerston residents who have Kindergarten aged children receive letters each March inviting them to participate in our Kindergarten spring registration. For parents of school aged children new to the Dummerston community, you may request or pick up a registration packet from the school at your convenience by calling (802) 254-2733. Once the school has received the completed registration information, including a health record and birth certificate, your child may begin school. The registration process usually takes two to three days before a student is enrolled in the classroom. The process is shorter if the student is coming from a school within the Windham Southeast Supervisory Union. Non-resident parents may request enrollment by submitting a formal request in writing to the Dummerston School Board. You may call the school at any time for information on the cost of tuition for non-resident enrollment at Dummerston School. The tuition rate is usually set by February one of the preceding school year. Separate tuition rates are established for elementary and secondary (seventh and eighth grade) students. Subject to non-discrimination policies, a non-resident who applies as a tuition student shall be admitted if space is available and the student is in good standing at the school most recently attended.