Peoples Academy

Middle Level
202 Copley Avenue Morrisville, Vermont 05661-8500
(802) 888-1402 FAX (802) 888-6488 Karen Weeks, Principal

August 20th, 2013 Dear Parents and/or Guardians: Welcome back to another exciting year here at PAML! We wanted to take this opportunity to inform you about what your children will be learning in their Wellness classes this year. Similar to last year, students will rotate between seven different Expos classes, each lasting approximately six weeks. Your child will rotate with the same group of students throughout the year in either a 5/6 mix or a 7/8 mix, and by the end of the year will have completed coursework in the following subjects: Physical Education, Technology and Design, French and Consumer Science, Art, Get Organized, Student Leadership, and Wellness. Wellness class curriculum differs slightly this year depending on your childs grade level. Students in all grades will receive the evidence-based Botvin Life Skills curriculum designed to promote healthy

alternatives to risky behavior by teaching personal self management skills (self-esteem, stress and anger management, problem-solving), general social skills (communication, healthy relationships), and drug resistance skills (effective defenses against pressures to make unhealthy choices). If they are in 5th and 6th grade, they will be introduced to these topics by the School Counselor, Claudia Larrow, and the Student Assistance Counselor, Peter Hathaway. If they are in 7th or 8th grade, Ms. Larrow, Mr. Hathaway, and our School Nurse Meredith Kitfield will deliver age-appropriate curriculum that allows the students to explore the topics more in depth. We have attached a brief overview of the curriculum content to this letter. Feel free to ask your child to see their workbook as well!
If you have any questions or would like to discuss this information further, please contact Claudia Larrow at 888-1401 or Peter Hathaway at 888-4600. You may make an appointment to review any of the materials or observe class being taught if you wish. Thank you and we hope you have a wonderful school year! Sincerely,

Claudia Larrow , MS School Counselor

Meredith Kitfield, RN School Nurse

Peter Hathaway , LADAC Student Assistance Counselor