Summer Program Recognition Event

    

 

     Students, families and staff converged on Laraway's front lawn to celebrate the conclusion of Laraway's summer program session.  Teams with names like Valley Dream, Fresh Food, and Looney Hobby Fish Avengers received certificates for volunteering, academics and even learning to prepare foods grown in Laraway's vegetable garden.
     Some students are transitioning back to public schools while others will return after summer vacation.  It's our hope that all will return to school ready to learn, with enhanced social and learning skills!

Free Write: What one child says about Laraway's Summer Program

    

     Today was actually pretty great.  At first I was on a bad note.  After I got to take a break I played kickball. I hurt my ankle but unfortunately I had to sit out.  It was my choice to either sit out or play.  I made the right choice.  Today, Jack drove us all the way to Lake Caspian.  Me and Sarah swam for about 15 or 20 minutes then we ate.  Yum, yum.  Yeah today was pretty great.

Names changed to protect confidentiality. 

Leadership Lamoille releases findings of their "Start Here, Go Anywhere" report on Laraway

Employee recruitment and retention can be a challenge for many employers. As Laraway grows, we've had to cast our net more broadly to attract, retain and develop employees. When the Lamoille Region Chamber of Commerce invited project proposals for their Leadership Lamoille Class of 2014, Laraway threw its hat in the ring and was one of two proposals accepted.


Our Leadership Lamoille team members included: Melissa Greene, Union Bank; Tommy Smith, Smugglers' Notch Resort; Jane Paine, Lamoille Home Health & Hospice; Erica Bent, Green Mountain Technology & Career Center; and Savannah Droney, Mansfield Orthopedics.

Ten Lamoille County businesses participated in the "Start here, go anywhere" employee satisfaction survey. There was a 60/40 split between non-profit and for-profit organizations.
Laraway-specific results revealed Laraway staff satisfaction as either the same or more positive than the overall business community with 99% of employees reporting that they enjoyed going to work. Client-related issues emerged as the most stressful aspect for Laraway employees while helping clients and witnessing their successes brought the most satisfaction. For a summary of findings, please visit News & Events at our website at www.Laraway.org. The report offered interesting findings on millennials and concrete suggestions to enhance recruitment and retention.


"The employment survey gave great insight to many areas but, for me, the two categories that stood out the most were, 'Does your input matter?' and 'Do you have a sense of commitment to your organization?'" observed Melissa Greene. "The percentages for these categories were very high for Laraway and show that employees feel valued by their employer. As a supervisor, the overall findings will help me connect better to my staff."

We appreciate the efforts of our team and their suggestions for how we can become an even better employer. We also offer special congratulations to Rhonda Stuart, Laraway's Human Resources Director, who was also a member of the Leadership Lamoille Class of 2014. Her team researched and recommended strategies for expanding safe and affordable house for all in the Lamoille region. 

Summer Program in Full Swing at Laraway

     Sixty-four children and youth, from elementary school through high school, are participating in Laraway's five-week summer program.  Fun, games, community service, outdoor physical activity and a little bit of learning help to keep kids engaged.
     Volunteer sites include Meals on Wheels, the Morristown Library, Hope Grows and the Farm Between.  Kids and staff also spending time in Laraway's garden, tending food and flowers.  Our cafeteria serves up fresh meals from the garden throughout the growing season.  Giving back to one's community promotes a sense of connection and empathy.
     Field trips offer kids the opportunity to explore new venues while developing and reinforcing positive behavior skills.  Visits to the ECHO Lake Aquarium and Science Center and Ben & Jerry's teach program participants about Lake Champlain and the art and craft of making premium ice cream.  Samples of the sweet stuff enhance the ice cream factory tour!
     Classroom time includes reading, journaling and nifty math games that sharpen kids' thinking skills---just in time to go for a swim at Crystal Lake or one of our other local swimming spots.
     Breakfast, lunch and a healthy snack are served every day, keeping kids fueled for adventure.  Laraway's Summer Program runs through August 5th.

Laraway staff featured on WLVB Radio

     Laraway's Backpack Program is gearing up for another successful summer jam packed with  fun activities.  Greg Stefanski appeared with Adria Dube, Backpack Operations Coordinator, on Roland Lajoie's radio show at WLVB.

     Twenty-seven local children and youth will swim, play, read, write, play math games and volunteer at local community organizations during our five-week program.  Field trips encompass the educational and the fun with trips to the ECHO Center, Circus Smirkus and the Pump House Water Park at Jay Peak.  A Small and Inspiring Grant from the Vermont Community Foundation will allow artists from River Arts to deliver art workshops on our campus. Volunteer sites include Meals on Wheels, Out and About, the Farm Between, Agape and Hope Grows.

     Backpack's summer program is carefully crafted to keep kids who experience behavioral challenges engaged in learning over the summer so that their academic skills stay fresh.  Volunteering with seniors and in other community settings enhances kids' social skills while deepening their sense of empathy.  Breakfast, lunch and nutritious snacks are provided to kids who arrive at 8:00 a.m. on each weekday and depart at 2:45 p.m.

     "It's great for Laraway to bring awareness of summer activities on the radio," Dube said.

     Thank you to Roland Lajoie and WLVB for shining a spotlight on----actually, for bringing a microphone to---the work we do with children, youth and families.



 

 

 

Got Talent? Laraway School's Annual Talent Show

     Got talent?  Can you sing, tell a joke or walk on your hands?  Maybe you play the drums, keyboard or guitar?  Is acting your thing?  Can you walk on your hands or twist your body like a skilled contortionist?  Can you scat like Dizzy Gillespie?
     Laraway School's Annual Talent Show took place on campus today under a warm and sunny sky.  Performers took to our creatively designed, moveable stage, built by kids and staff.  A blue-haired emcee (aka Sarah the Teacher) introduced performers, offering a joke or two between acts---including a little quip about a mushroom seeking to be served in a fancy restaurant..."But I'm a fun-gi!"  Audience members cheered staff and kids as they took turns sharing their talents.
      There were even tasty treats for attendees.  Spanakopita (spinach and feta wrapped in phyllo dough) and bacon-wrapped hot dog bites provided a delicious snack.  These were prepared by one of our students who works part-time for a local food service company.
     Laraway is about teaching and healing.  Laraway is also about sharing what makes us sparkle and shine.  Kudos to our students and staff for a wonderful talent show!

Rick Isabelle joins Board of Trustees

     Rick Isabelle, a Notheast Kingdom native, joined Laraway's Board and serves as Treasurer.  He brings many years of experience in banking and finance.
     Rick owns and operates the Isabelle Insurance Agency in Newport.  His long list of civic involvements includes serving on the boards of the Vermont Community Loan Fund, the Northern Community Investment Corporation and the St. Johnsbury Development Fund, among others.
     "One of the reasons I was interested in Laraway was the commitment of management and staff to meeting the needs of the community," Isabelle said.