Tiger Tales 12/7/25

Posted Date: 12/07/25 (01:00 PM)

December 7, 2025

Progress reports went home on Friday, just in time for a warm drink and a cozy chat with your child about how far they’ve come since August. We hope it sparked a great conversation with your child about their growth this year. We're so proud of their efforts and hope you enjoyed celebrating those moments together.

Tiger Spotlight

This week’s spotlight shines on two incredible members of our Tiger Team.

This week we’re shining the spotlight on Paul Chambers, 5th grade science & social studies teacher

This week we’re shining the spotlight on Mr. Chambers, who you might know as one of our 5th grade teachers but did you know...

His go-to comfort food is a Reuben Sandwich (gluten free of course) - made by his sister Hannah, insanely good!
The first concert he ever attended? Dave Matthews Band
When he's not teaching, you might find him out on a long run.
His favorite place in Vermont (or beyond): Eagle point - Derby. Quiet, empty roads, great views.
A hidden talent you might not guess: juggling
One more fun fact: When he moved to Derby in 5th grade, he started in the classroom that he now currently teaches in!

We're excited for the positive energy and care she brings to her classroom everyday!

This week we’re celebrating Chanda Pelletier, 1st grade teacher

This week we’re shining the spotlight on Mrs. Pelletier who you might know as one of our first grade teachers but did you know…

If she could only eat one food forever: OMG sushi roll from Chang Thai
Her favorite TV show: Friends
When she's not teaching, you probably will find her working in one of her 7 flowerbeds and she's working on constructing two more.
Her favorite place in Vermont (or beyond): Las Vegas
A song she'll never skip: Any Christmas song (and it doesn't matter what month it is)
And a fun fact about her? She makes beautiful and delicious wedding and birthday cakes!

We’re lucky to have her supporting our Tigers with this essential role!

ROAR Reminder

December Focus — Responsibility

This month, our ROAR focus is Responsibility—a skill that helps students grow independence, confidence, and trust. At school, we’re opening our sled shed and students are practicing being responsible with our brand-new fleet of sleds: taking turns, caring for equipment, and putting everything back where it belongs.

At home, responsibility can look like:

Taking care of personal belongings (boots, backpacks, water bottles… all the winter gear!)
Helping with simple routines such as feeding a pet, clearing their spot after meals, or helping sort recycling.
Following through on “first-then” expectations (“First hang up your coat, then choose a warm-up activity”).
Checking in on others—a sibling, a neighbor, or even the family plants!

Small consistent habits help kids feel capable and proud—and they carry those skills right back into school each day.

Tigertastic Tips

December is magical… and sometimes a little chaotic. Between early sunsets, holiday buzz, and tired kids in bulky snow gear, emotions can run high. One simple strategy that brings calm back into the room is offering “two good choices.”

When your child is overwhelmed, stuck, or melting like a snowman by the woodstove, try giving two doable options that both work for you:

“You can warm up with a book or have a quiet coloring moment.”
“You can help scoop cocoa mix or stir the marshmallows in.”
“You can put on your hat first or your mittens first.”

It shifts the mood, gives kids a sense of control in a busy season, and keeps the peace during those chilly afternoons. A little choice goes a long way toward cozy winter harmony.

Mark Your Calendars

12/22-1/2 December Break