The School Bell
Williston Schools / February 3, 2023
In this issue...
A Message from the Principal - Kindergarten Registration is open - Smartwatches at ABS - Info from Families as Partners - Ice RInk CLOSED this weekend - Order your WCS Yearbook today - CVSD Intra-District School Choice - and more...
In every issue...
Keep scrolling for Info/Links:
- Arrival and Dismissal Procedures
- DAMLibrary and Williston Rec - Upcoming Events/Programs
- Calendars, Handbook, Volunteer Information
- Food Service / Busing / School Safety links
- CVSD District & School Board Links
- Important Family Resources
A Message from the Williston Schools Leadership Team
by Jacqueline Parks, Williston Central School Principal
Last week you heard about our Program Council and the topic currently being discussed being related to our behavior response systems. The specific focus is:
“How can our approach and response to student behaviors support all learners in a way that aligns with our shared beliefs and is sustainable for our school system?”
While this topic is being discussed at the system level, specific grade bands have been at work with this topic, as well. Sam Callison, WCS Planning Room Co-Director and I have been hosting 7th/8th lunch groups to get their perspective on a variety of school experiences. Reflection questions have included: feedback on the planning room process when filling out a Success Plan, lunch room atmosphere and our reporting mechanisms for when a student wants to report and/or get help with a behavior.
We have a few more small lunch groups pending and then the data will be analyzed for common themes and ideas. At that point, we hope to bring some small groups of students together to have a deeper discussion about each of these topics.
This is one of the ways that the middle school is working to bring a strong student voice into our community. Another recent experience of student voice and leadership is outlined below.
A group of about 20 7th/8th students just planned our first 7th/8th dance of the year. With strong representation from all teams with 7th/8th graders, students self-divided into smaller committees related to the dance theme, decorations, music, food, chaperones and advertising. They reached out to find dance chaperones, created a survey for food sign-up, surveyed students to develop a potential song list and helped to set-up and clean-up after the dance. It was a very positive process that we will definitely repeat as we work to plan a 5th/6th Activity Night in March.
Another great example of the work around student voice and leadership is our partnership with the Up For Learning organization. Up for Learning meets with a diverse group of middle school students approximately every 6-weeks. Students learn facilitation skills, as they dive into topics of interest within the middle school. Subcommittee groups are currently focused on:
Curriculum Equity Audit: The group will approach a few teachers and ask them to complete an "Equity Audit" of an upcoming curriculum unit using a process from the Seed The Way organization. The group is also interested in developing a common student feedback loop after units of instruction are completed where students can weigh in from the DEI perspective. (Adult's Involved: Susan Simpson and Mike Fife)
Student Voice and Leadership: This subgroup is interested in working with other student groups and outside groups to plan/implement one activity per month for middle school students. They will have a planning meeting next week. (Adult Involved: Colleen O'Brien)
Common Time For Grade Bands To Socialize: This subgroup is working on planning an extra recess for 5/6 students and will be in touch with teams. (Adult Involved: Kim Odachowski
There is certainly a lot to celebrate as we provide opportunities for our students to take on stronger roles in their school community!
Mark Your Calendar
Upcoming Events
02/07 - 4th Grade Chorus Concert, 6:30 pm Auditorium / ABS 2nd Grade to WCS for Concert, 1pm
02/08 - 8th Grade Family Night at CVU
02/14 - Horizon Fieldtrip to Catamount
02/18 - Swift House Bottle Drive
02/23 - Summit Fieldtrip to Catamount
02/27 - VACATION WEEK / NO SCHOOL
Kindergarten Registration for Fall 2023 is Open
**If you have a student that will be in Kindergarten in the Fall and you have not received an email regarding registration for your child - please contact us at absfrontoffice@cvsdvt.org**
**Current ABS Preschool students do not need to do anything at this time**
If you have a child that will be 5 by September 1 they are eligible for Kindergarten this Fall. You will receive an email with additional information and step-by-step instructions for registration.
Be sure you have the following documents ready when registering:
- Proof of Residency
- Birth Certificate
- Immunizations record
Questions? ABS Kindergarten Info Online or email absfrontoffice@cvsdvt.org
CVSD Strategic Planning - We Welcome Your Input!
The CVSD Strategic Planning committee has drafted some elements of the plan and is seeking input from all community members. That includes parents/caregivers, those without children in our schools, faculty/staff, and students.
Please view this set of slides, which were shared at last week's virtual Town Hall, and then use this form to share your thoughts.
These links are also available on the Strategic Planning page of the district's website. Please contribute your input by February 15. Thank you!
CVSD Intra-District K-8 School Choice
Children entering grades preK-8 who live in the towns of Charlotte, Hinesburg, Shelburne, St. George and Williston may exercise school choice. Our goal is to both allow options for families and also make balanced class sizes to provide a positive learning environment for all of our children. Processes for intra-district choice of school will be guided by the needs of students, space availability, and existing resources. Given this, we will work to meet as many families’ needs as possible. Guidelines and Application
All About ABS...
Smartwatch and Personal Electronic Devices Policy
Dear ABS Families and Caretakers,
We wanted to reach out and share with you that we have seen an increase in the amount of students who are coming in wearing smartwatches. While we understand that these can be fun for kids to have, we are noticing that they are becoming more of a distraction to the magical learning that is happening in the classrooms. Per the policy in our handbook on electronics, we are asking that you refrain from having your student(s) wearing these at school to better meet the focused learning needs of our students and to reduce social and emotional distractions that they often cause.
To increase focus and decrease distractions during the school day, the expectations are:
● Students will not wear a smartwatch (or have other personal devices) with them during the
school day.
● If a student is observed to have their smartwatch/ device with them or using it during the school day, he/she will be asked to give it to their teacher for the remainder of the day.
● Prior to dismissal, students will retrieve their device to take home and a friendly reminder will be sent home to discourage them from coming to school again.
Thank you, in advance, for understanding that student learning is at the center of this decision.
Be well,
Angela Filion
ABS Principal
What's Up at WCS...
Thanks to Williston’s magnificent mentors
January was officially National Mentoring Month, a time to reflect on the myriad of worthwhile outcomes that come from young people having engaged, positive role models in their lives. As the Connected Youth Mentoring Coordinator at Williston Central School, I am thrilled to recognize National Mentoring Month because I see firsthand that the contributions of the mentors and the successes of mentees produce a lifetime’s worth of celebrations.
We officially recognize mentors this month by publicly saying “Thank you,” but I know the impact of mentoring efforts require more than a month to show the proper level of appreciation. The adults who are part of Williston’s CY Mentoring Program are responsible for making deep and lasting impacts that are felt every day in our school and community. Williston as a whole is better off because of these mentors.
Williston is fortunate to have more than 50 fabulous and dedicated adult mentors who spend an hour a week with a Williston student. Our mentors embrace the power of relationships. They know one person can change a young person’s life. They are empowered to make a difference. It’s no accident that the average mentor here at WSC has 5.5 years of involvement in the program. Our mentors have seen growth, boosted the trajectories of young lives, and made the community stronger. I am proud of them. They should rightly be proud of themselves.
There are others who have helped bring success to the program. Williston’s CY Mentoring program is supported by a number of community organizations like the Rotary Club of Williston-Richmond that’s been a long-time supporter. Their annual donations to the Guardian Angel Fund are used to buy books, activity supplies, and more. Rotary also helps support literacy initiatives interwoven into the mentoring program and assists in the recruitment of new mentors. In addition to the outstanding support from the Rotary Club of Williston-Richmond, we also are indebted to the contributions of Darn Tough, Williston Starbucks, klworks (Kevin Lewis), and PrintTech.
There’s reciprocity in healthy mentoring relationships where both mentor and mentee develop a shared sense of purpose and respect. Those healthy connections spill out to the world at large, where positive, confident youngsters become amazing adults. On behalf of the entire Williston school community, it’s my pleasure to extend a massive dose of thanks to those who’ve made the CY Mentoring Program truly remarkable.
Sincerely,
Rebecca Martell
Connecting Youth Mentoring Coordinator – Williston Central School
WCS 4th Grade Chorus Concerts
Tuesday, February 7th
There will be a daytime concert for a student audience. The evening concert for family and friends will be at 6:30 pm in the WCS auditorium.
Support Our Schools - Box Tops for Education
Four Winds Nature Institute
This year's theme is Cycles in Nature
September - Insect Life Cycles
October - Traveling Seeds
November - Birds on a Wing
January - Winter Ways
February - Galls Galore
March - Trees in Winter
April - Songbird Songs
May - Dandelions
Training Schedule 22-23
Trainings held at the WCS Community Room, 8:30 - 10:30
■ Wednesday, February 8th
■ Wednesday, March 8th
■ Wednesday, April 12th
■ Wednesday, May 10th
Contact Four Winds
If you have any questions or would like to volunteer please contact: wsdfourwinds@cvsdvt.org.
Families as Partners
Basket Raffle is Back - April 15, 2023
We are looking for committee members to participate in organizing this wonderful event! Please contact Emily Downing Ponce at emilydowningponce@gmail.com if you’re interested. First meeting will take place in January.
- Connect to your child's school and enrich the experiences it offers all 1000+ PreK-8th grade students by joining the volunteers of the Williston Schools Families As Partners Organization!
- Be a part of this collaborative partnership whose focus is to enhance and support students, teachers and the community by providing materials, programs, field trips, guest artists, guest educators and innovative learning opportunities.
- Help elevate the potential for motivating, happy, healthy, and productive lifelong learners.
- For more information contact: willistonfap@cvsdvt.org
Arrival and Dismissal
Allen Brook School day begins at 7:50 am
Williston Central School day begins at 8:00 am
- To ensure all students are accounted for, everyone arriving after these times will be marked tardy and must stop at the office for a late pass.
Be sure to read the arrival and dismissal procedures for your student(s) school [linked below] if you plan to drop off or pick up your child. We appreciate all you can do to follow these guidelines to ensure a safe and smooth transition in and out of school!
Thank you for your continued cooperation during arrival and dismissal.
Attention ABS Families: Help us keep everyone safe by going to the designated areas for pickup and keep the sidewalks near the main entrance clear. This helps ensure adults can account for each and every pick-up that happens.
Wednesday: Early Dismissal!
ABS @1:35 - WCS @1:45
Student May Not Ride Another Bus
Just a reminder that we are not allowing students to ride on buses other than their regular route(s). This ensures all students are safe and accounted for. Seating charts will be used on all buses.
Sign Up to Receive SMS/Text Messages!
Please enroll to receive text messages from the district and our school. If you haven't done this yet or if you are new to CVSD, follow the easy steps on this flyer. We don't overuse this method of communication, but it is helpful for reminders and quick announcements. Don't miss out!
Bus Information
Hill Closings Locations - Buses are not able to travel certain roads during inclement weather and will meet at the intersection
Williston Schools Food Service
Williston Schools Safety Team
Click HERE for meeting highlights and updates
Community Connections
Upcoming Youth Programs
Please Note: Children in 5th grade and up may use the library unattended, while those in grade 4 or younger must be supervised by a person over 16 years of age.
Hello from the Youth Department at Dorothy Alling Memorial Library! Please join us for a program soon! Visit www.damlvt.org or call us at 802-878-4918 for more information.
Take Your Child to the Library Storytime
Saturday, February 4, 10:30-11 a.m. Celebrate National Take Your Child to the Library Day with a weekend storytime and craft!
Pokémon Club
Monday, February 6, 4-5 p.m. Show off your favorite cards, play some themed games, and make some Pokémon crafts!
Fingerprint Valentines
Monday, February 6, 5-6 p.m. Learn about fingerprints and make Valentines Day Cards featuring your own unique fingerprints!
Preschool Storytime
Tuesdays, 10:30-11 a.m. Join Danielle for stories, songs, and rhymes.
Tween Time
Tuesday, February 7, 3-4 p.m. Suggested ages 10 to 13. Play games, write skits, talk about books, craft, and more in this tween time!
After School Movie
Wednesday, February 8, 2-4 p.m. Rated PG. Find out what our family pets get up to when the humans aren’t around!
Preschool Music & Preschool Playtime
Thursdays, 10:30-11 a.m. Sing and dance with Linda Bassick! Followed by preschool playtime from 11-11:30 a.m.
LEGO Time
Thursday, February 9, 3-4 p.m. Make something exciting with the Library’s LEGO collection!
*NEW* French Storytime
Saturday, February 11, 10:15-10:45 a.m. Drop in for stories read aloud in French! Caretakers should stay with their children. Followed by French Conversation for all ages. (Storytime is drop-in, Conversation requires registration.)
Williston Recreation & Parks
Spring/Summer Programs and Summer Camps registration opens Wednesday, February 8 at 8:00am. Camp Grid will be available to help plan your children Summer of Fun!
Youth Lacrosse
Grades K, 1-2, 3-4, 5-6, & 7-8. Registration OPENS January 22.
Lacrosse is a fast paced sport that combines the power of football and hockey and the endurance of soccer and basketball. The K & 1-2 programs are Coed, and the 3rd-8th programs offer separate boys and girls teams. Volunteer Coaches are needed.
Early-Bird Deadline for the 3rd-8th programs is March 5.
Kindergarten https://willistonvt.myrec.com/info/activities/program_details.aspx?ProgramID=30268
1st-2nd https://willistonvt.myrec.com/info/activities/program_details.aspx?ProgramID=29862
3rd-8th https://willistonvt.myrec.com/info/activities/program_details.aspx?ProgramID=29960
Chess Wizards Camp- February Break
Age 6-12. Feb 27-March 5. Join us this for tons of challenging chess lessons, exciting games, and cool prizes. You'll improve your chess skills, meet new friends, and work out your most powerful muscle - your brain! The programs include fun team chess games (like Corner Chess), recess time (of course), snacks, tournaments, and puzzles. Each participant receives a T-shirt, trophy, and puzzle folder. We include all the materials necessary for your child to participate, but full day kids should bring a lunch. Unleash your brain power and spend part of your vacation with Chess Wizards! Instructor: Chess Wizard Staff
https://willistonvt.myrec.com/info/activities/program_details.aspx?ProgramID=30102
Ninja Science Camp- February Break
This camp combines all the martial arts, tumbling, and parkour that your kids love, with environmental science education! We'll be doing lots of technique oriented Karate, playing martial arts games, breaking boards, sword fighting, and delving deeper into meditation and the moral and ethical precepts of the martial arts. We'll also be talking about ants, space, and animal tracking! And we'll also delve into ONTA's very own (kid friendly) Kung Fu movie library! Instructor: ONTA Studio Staff
https://willistonvt.myrec.com/info/activities/program_details.aspx?ProgramID=30219
Ice Rink
The Rink will be CLOSED this Friday, Saturday & Sunday. Cold weather coming so a light spraying will be done. Entrance to the rink, by the warming hut, will be open when the rink is safe to use, and closed off by fence when rink is unsafe or making ice. Opening and Closing of rink will be posted on Facebook and on the home page of the Rec. website. Respect- Please respect the rink, be careful of liner, boards, and brackets, so they can be reused each year. Also, stay off the rink when closed so ice can be formed that is safe to use. Respect the users of the rink and share in the use. No one group has priority or allocated time. All are welcome!
Learn More Online...
Special cost all Williston Central School Students-$250
New Spring Course Offerings From Access CVU
Wow! Don't miss the new offerings from Access CVU. Access CVU is pleased to announce the Winter/Spring 2023 Catalog is now open for registration! With over 170 classes and 80 instructors, there is something of interest for everyone and all ages. There are 63 in February alone! Get information about the courses, how to sign up, and more on this CVSD Story blog post.
Information in 1-Click
Family Resources
Resources to keep accessible:
- First Call - 488-7777: phone support, crisis intervention, assessment and referrals
- In Crisis: 1-800-SUICIDE (1-800-784-2433) (National Hopeline Network: USA)
- National Suicide Prevention Life line- 1-800-273-TALK (8255), call or chat online
- Crisis Text Line - text HOME to 741741 (24 hours a day, seven days a week)
- Outright Vermont - support for LGBTQ+ community
- UVM Breathe In Breath Out - How to deal with stress due to COVID-19
- Vermont 211 -Vermont database of resources and services
- Vermont Support Line (833) 888-2557) - peer support warmline open 247 - 365 for call or text
- COVID Counselors @ VT-211
- Teen Crisis Text Line - Crisis Text Line provides free emotional support and information to teens in any type of crisis, including feeling suicidal. You can text with a trained specialist 24 hours a day. Text “HOME” to 741741.
- Society for the Prevention of Teen Suicide - Website where you can find information to help yourself or a friend who may be having thoughts of suicide.
- Trevor Lifeline - 1-866- 488-7386 - provides suicide prevention and crisis intervention services to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and questioning (LGBTQ) young people. It offers free, 24/7, confidential counseling. TrevorText—text START to 678-678; TrevorChat—instant messaging at TheTrevorProject.org/help. It also runs TrevorSpace, an affirming social networking site for LGBTQ youth at TrevorSpace.