News and Events

For their most recent Global Studies unit, Middle School students have been studying economics and entrepreneurship. They began their project unit by finding out what problems they could solve for VDS students. They conducted market research by interviewing 3rd-5th graders. They then designed products to meet the needs identified in that research. The problems identified were “organization” and “fidget and focus.” Students were given a budget for their product development and used recycled materials in their designs. On Market Day 3rd-5th grade students used play VDS money to purchase their favorite items. The middle school product team with the greatest profit margin will have the opportunity to make a donation to the charity of their choice!

In STEM, Middle School students demonstrated their understanding of scientific research methods in which they designed their own experiments in chemistry, biology, and physics. They conducted their experiments and drew conclusions based on their findings. The students then worked on displays and put on a traditional science fair for a panel of faculty and peer judges. Impressive work by all!

As part of their “Towards Equality” unit in Global Studies, VDS 5th graders created timelines to show connections between the Civil War, Civil Rights Movement and Black Lives Matter. Then they presented their timelines to parents and community members via Zoom during a virtual learning share. Impressive work 5th grade!

Our Middle School students have enjoyed weekly outdoor classes at Shelburne Farms this winter and spring. Most recently, they participated in a unit on orienteering, which culminated in scavenger hunt around the Farm!

For our Winter CLIC Week, VDS students created a student made Winter Carnival! Students in PreK through Middle School put their design thinking and engineering skills to the test as they created homemade games using recycled and repurposed materials. After their games were complete, classes exchanged games so that they could give each game a trial run. This project was full of creativity, collaboration and problem-solving!

Vermont Day School is pleased to announce a $25,000 grant from an anonymous family foundation to further STEM education and enhance the newly built STEM Lab.

STEM education is a primary component of the mission and vision of Vermont Day School. This funding will make a tremendous difference in the school’s ability to outfit the STEM lab with up-to-date equipment and learning tools to take VDS students’ learning to the next level. 

“Hands on, project-based, STEM learning is at the core of what we do . This grant will help us fund the 3-D printer, a ceramic kiln, and the exciting robotic tools that we have always dreamed of,” said Sage Bagnato, head of school. “We are so grateful to this donor for recognizing Vermont Day School in this way. This will make a significant difference in our ability to provide high quality STEM education to all of our K-8 students.”

Vermont Day School is a nonprofit and relies on philanthropy to provide high quality learning and financial aid for all students. Each gift truly has a direct impact and makes a tremendous difference. To inquire about making a gift, contact Faith James, Director of Development, at fjames@vtdayschool.org

Vermont Day School Partners with Age Well for MLK, Jr. Day of Service

Martin Luther King, Jr. Day is a day “on” for students in Pre-K through 8th grade at Vermont Day School.  The tradition began last year and has become a meaningful day for the school community, families and students alike, to come together and reflect on the work of Martin Luther King, Jr. and the importance of service to others.

This year, Vermont Day School partnered with Age Well for their day of service. Erica Marks, Director of Volunteer Services, joined virtually to share the issues facing seniors who are isolated at home and how Age Well helps by delivering Meals on Wheels, conducting safety checks, and making friendly calls. Erica shared that social isolation among seniors, especially during COVID times is a big challenge. The Meals on Wheels volunteers usually provide that important connection but that interaction is more limited now due to the pandemic. 

In response, Vermont Day School students have started a pen pal project, writing letters to seniors served by Age Well, to bring joy and social interaction at a time when seniors might find themselves more isolated than usual. The students hope that the seniors will write back and form an ongoing  bond that will bring them an intergenerational connection throughout the winter and beyond. 

 “Everybody can be great … because anybody can serve….You only need a heart full of grace. A soul generated by love.”    -Martin Luther King, Jr.