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Danville School

Small School, Big Opportunities

June Newsletter

Posted Date: 06/16/26 (11:30 AM)


Danville Bears Logo

Danville School

June 15, 2026
What an incredible school year we have had!

We've seen so much success, growth and learning. We are incredibly proud of our students for the determination, perseverance, and effort they have shown throughout the year.

We will miss the energy and excitement that fills our hallways each day, but we wish all of you a wonderful summer break. We hope your summer is filled with sunshine, relaxation, adventure, and special moments.

Thank you for your partnership and support throughout this school year.

We look forward to welcoming our students back in August for another year of learning and growth!

With gratitude,
Sarah Welch & Natalie Conway
Co-Principals
 
2026 - 2027 School Calendar
 

Celebrations!

High School Graduation

High school graduation went very smoothly! The class of 2026 graduated 19 students in a beautiful ceremony on June 13th.

Speeches were given by Salutatorian, Lauren Joncas and Valedictorian, Lynsey Lavely.

Several awards and scholarships were presented during the ceremony. Due to the generosity of our Danville community, over $22,000 in scholarships were provided to the class of 2026.
We are so very proud of our graduates and we wish them the best in their future!

8th Grade Step Up

On Friday, June 12th, we celebrated the 8th graders during their promotion to high school ceremony. We celebrated their accomplishments and wished them well as they step into high school! Our students did a lovely job honoring and thanking the teachers and family members who have helped them over the years. Congratulations, new high schoolers!

UVM Citizen Scholar Book Award!

Congratulations to Eliska Siebenbrunner ('27) for being this year's recipient of the University of Vermont 2026 Citizen Scholar Book Award. UVM notes that 2026 was one of the most competitive years for the Citizen Scholar Book Award since its induction, and they are incredibly proud to include Eliska in this year’s cohort.
 
This award is designed to recognize outstanding citizens in their pursuit of higher education, and Eliska embodies not only a pursuit of academic excellence, but a desire to serve her community.

Eliska received an official letter of recognition, along with this year’s selected book, Motherland by Maria Hummel. All recipients will also be eligible for an application fee waiver to the University of Vermont.

Middle School VREC Grant

Our middle school student council was awarded a $1,500 grant from the Vermont Rural Education Collaborative (VREC) to improve the storage room in the gymnasium. With the support of Ms. Adrianna Watrobski and Mr. Zach Baker, students have worked to transform the space to one that is useable and functional for all users. The students presented their project to the School Board at the June 2nd Board Meeting. We are proud of these students for their vision, leadership, and hard work!

Luke's Military Museum

Did you know one of our middler schoolers was recently featured in the New York Times?!
Congratulations to 8th grader, Luke Morrison, on his work to honor veterans from our community, and beyond the NEK.


Thank you to freelance writer, Jasper Craven, for giving us permission to share his article.
 

Welcome our New Staff!

Abel Alaniz: 7th - 12th Grade Music Teacher

We are excited to welcome Abel Alaniz to the Danville School community as the new 7th - 12th grade music and band teacher! Abel will be joining us from Central Texas, as a graduate of Texas State University. They obtained both a Bachelor of Arts in Music and a Master of Music in Jazz Studies. It has always been a dream of theirs to teach music in the public education system and bring in their musical knowledge and passion to the next generations.

Abel will be filling the vacant music teacher spot as current teacher, Ms. Wiggett, will be the new Director of Bands at Norwich University. We wish you nothing but the best, Emily and wish you luck on your new adventure!

Marc Chamberlin: 7th - 12th Grade Physical Education Teacher

Danville School is excited to welcome Marc Chamberlain to our school community! Marc will be serving as our grades 7-12 PE and Health teacher. He comes to us with years of experience as a physical education teacher and Athletic Director in Vermont, and as an NCAA umpire. Marc is a highly skilled educator who knows how to connect with students and who is personally committed to life-long health and wellness. Marc especially likes to encourage students to achieve their dreams and goals and teaches them that nothing is impossible. He says, “I share with students the reality that participating in recreation and athletics does not end with one's scholastic journey, it may just be the beginning.” We look forward to having our students learn from Marc and are excited to have him as part of the Danville team!

As many of you know, Mr. Genco is retiring and Maki Farquharson (our current 7-12 PE teacher) is moving to Elementary to take his position. We know that Maki and Marc will make a great team, and we thank Mr. Genco for his service to Danville School. We wish you all good things in your retirement, Mr. Genco!

Jim Kinder: 5th - 8th Grade Guidance Counselor

We are excited to welcome Jim Kinder to the Danville School community as our new 5th–8th grade school counselor. Jim brings extensive experience supporting middle school students through individual counseling, small groups, classroom interventions, and school-wide social-emotional supports. Prior to working in schools, Jim gained valuable clinical experience supporting youth with mental health and substance misuse concerns. We are excited for the positive impact he will have on our students, staff, and greater school community.

Jim will be filling the vacant 5th - 8th guidance counselor position, as current counselor, Ms. W, has decided to move back to her home state to continue working as a school counselor there. We wish you nothing but the best Adrianna!

Shane Mapes: 7th - 12th Grade Design & Tech Teacher

We are excited to welcome Shane Mapes to the Danville School community as the new Design and Technology teacher! Shane is a graduate of VTSU Randolph who has a passion for renewable energy and mechanical engineering. He enjoys working with teens, making a positive difference in his community, and is excited to bring his talents and passion to the Design and Technology position. Shane comes to us from Weidmann Electrical Technology and has been coaching JV Softball at the St. Johnsbury Academy. He is going to be a great addition to our middle and high school community!

Shane will be filling the vacant design & tech teacher spot as current teacher, Mr. Baker has decided to continue teaching design & technology at St. Johnsbury Academy. We wish you nothing but the best, Zach!
 

Announcements

Last day of school!

Lost & Found Items

Our lost & found collection has grown exponentially the last few weeks. Please make sure to stop by and check it out and collect any of your child's missing items.
All left behind items will be donated on Friday, June 19th.

School Events / Information

K-6th Grade Fall Sports Registration Is Open!

It is very important to sign your child up as soon as possible so that the Danville Athletic Department can gauge the need for coaches, equipment and uniforms. Registration will temporarily close on June 19th so we can gauge interest in each sport. 

You can register your student at CCSU Student Life




Danville Athletics offers the following opportunities for the fall season:
1st-4th Cross Country (Open to Danville, Walden, Peacham)
5th-6th Cross Country (Open to Danville, Walden, Peacham)

We are always in need of volunteer coaches. Please let us know if you can help.  

If you have any questions feel free to contact CCSU Athletic Director Randy Rathburn or CCSU Assistant Athletic Director Dana Welch
 

7th - 12th Grade Fall Sports Registration is Open!

It is very important to sign your child up as soon as possible so that the CCSU Athletic Department can gauge the need for coaches, equipment and uniforms. Registration will temporarily close on June 19th so we can gauge interest in each sport.  

You can register your student at CCSU Student Life


CCSU athletics offer the following opportunities for the fall season:
CCSU 9th-12th Girls Soccer (Open to Cabot, Danville, Twinfield)
CCSU 9th-12th Boys Soccer (Open to Cabot, Danville, Twinfield)
CCSU 9th-12th JV Girls Volleyball (Open to Cabot, Danville, Twinfield)
CCSU 7th-8th Girls Volleyball (Open to Cabot, Danville, Twinfield)
Danville 9th-12th Cross Country (Open to Danville)
Danville 7th-8th Cross Country (Open to Danville)


If you have any questions feel free to contact CCSU Athletic Director Randy Rathburn or CCSU Assistant Athletic Director Dana Welch
 

Soccer Development Clinic

Calling all boys and girls entering Grades 5-8 from Cabot, Danville, Twinfield, Waterford, Walden, Peacham, and Barnet!
Train with Peter Albright, holder of a USSF A License, 22-year NCAA Division I Head Soccer Coach at the University of Richmond (VA), and 2023 Vermont Division I Coach of the Year at Mount Mansfield.
Coach Albright's philosophy is simple:
"Get Better and Have Fun Doing It!"
This clinic is designed to help players improve their technical skills, soccer IQ, and confidence in a positive, high-energy environment.

 FREE to attend

 Registration required

 Commitment to attend all sessions is expected
REGISTER TODAY:
Don't miss this opportunity to learn from one of Vermont's most accomplished soccer coaches!#CCSUAthletics #GetBetterHaveFunDoingIt #YouthSoccer #CaledoniaUnited #SoccerDevelopment #FutureAthletes 

 
2026-2027 cell phone policy
 
Art mosaic
 

Summer Reading Incentive!

The Book IT summer reading program is back!

During the summer months of June, July, and August, any child that meets their parent-set reading goals can earn a free Pizza Hut® single topping Personal Pan Pizza®* from participating locations. Use the BOOK IT!® Mobile App to set goals, track progress, and redeem rewards.

For more information and to sign up, follow this link!

Community Information

Hometown heros
Earlier this June, Mr. Hughes and members of the Middle School Student Council presented to the Danville Selecectboard regarding putting up banners for local veterans, living and deceased. The Hometown Heroes program is one they seek to bring to Danville and the Selectboard and School look forward to working together on this project. Learn more and see the presentation Mr. Hughes and our students shared here.
Theater Up!

Can Your Little One Tie Their Shoes?

Learning to tie shoes is an important life skill that helps children build independence, hand strength, coordination, and confidence. Summer is a great time to practice!

Just a few minutes each day can make a big difference. Encourage your child to practice on their own shoes, a practice shoe, or even a paper or shoe tying board. Be patient and celebrate progress along the way - learning this skill takes time and repetition. For helpful demonstrations and tips, check out the resources below.



Beyond the bell
Earth Walk camp