Community Schools in Action - White River Valley Supervisory Union

Inspired by the statewide Jr. Iron Chef VT event, this local event brought together middle school student teams from First Branch (Chelsea), and Sharon Elementary for a culinary competition. Families and community members were invited to attend the free event and cheer on student teams. The day concluded with an awards ceremony.

“I love seeing our Jr. Chefs figure out their own recipe from start to finish. What an accomplishment!” said Lori Elderd, Chelsea One Planet Site Coordinator

Students met weekly all winter to build culinary skills, develop their recipes, and prepare for the state event. Bad weather kept the teams from the state competition, so we acknowledged their efforts with a local competition and kick off a new WRVSU tradition.

We had a wonderful WRVSU staff serving as team leaders that have contributed to ensuring a successful day of learning and celebration.

The competition is supported by One Planet, WRVSU Community Schools, Vital Communities, and local Farm to School partnerships including the South Royalton Market.

Community Partnerships In Action

UVM Community School Interns

Ada Gardner a junior in the College of Education and Social Services at UVM worked alongside local teachers at White River Valley Middle School this spring to support outdoor education electives, including cross-country skiing programs and a hands-on boat-building class. The school’s permaculture-designed orchard and tree nursery, developed with local conservation groups, serve as outdoor classrooms and community assets.

“It’s incredible to see students, especially those who might struggle in traditional settings, find their strengths through these place-based experiences,” Gardner said.

Bonna Wieler said of the experience with the intern, "Working with Ada has been a great pleasure, she is extremely attentive, knows how to fill in the blanks, pitching in and helping students wherever they need it, She is knowledgeable and willing to learn, and takes her turn, as this this photo of her helping to build our skin on frame canoes. I feel extremely blessed that she will be able to come once a week next year in her second year of interning with Bethel Middle School. She’s a capable Outdoors, woman, knowledgeable, and willing to learn more."

Rudi & the White River Partnership

child preparing to snorkel in the white river

Dan “Rudi” Ruddell’s work with the White River Partnership (WRP) and the White River Valley Supervisory Union (WRVSU) is all about creating deep connections between students, their community, and the environment they call home.

Since 2016, Rudi has been helping students understand the vital role the White River plays in their lives through hands-on conservation education.

One of the most exciting programs Rudi helps with is the freshwater snorkeling program in partnership with the USDA Forest Service. This field trip gives WRVSU 4-6 graders from Rochester, Stockbridge, Bethel, South Royalton, Chelsea, Sharon, and Newton (Strafford) a chance to explore the White River and its ecosystem up close.

Click here to read more about Rudi's work in the October 10th, 2024 edition of the Herald.

Nando & a Food's History and Taste

man carrying an armful of homemade chips stands in front of the Chelsea Public School

Nando Jaramillo’s yellow crescent-moon empanadas and packaged arepas are a now familiar site in the small food shops of our area. Under his business, Moon & Stars, Jaramillo makes the Colombian specialties in the basement kitchen of the Royalton House. Originally from Cali Colombia, Jaramillo moved to the Upper Valley in 2016. In the years since Jarmaillo has become a fixture in the community and local food scene of the South Royalton area; hosting roller skating evenings in the summer, music in the old speakeasy of the Royalton house and now by bringing his food and his energy to the schools of the White River Valley Supervisory Union (WRVSU) through education, demonstrations, and of course through corn. Click here to read more about Nando's work featured in the Feb. 13th, 2025 edition of the Herald.