THE SCHOOL BELL
Williston Schools / May 13, 2022
A Message from the Williston Schools Leadership Team
By Sarah Crum, Director of Student Support Services
Celebrating our learning
When I look back on the pivotal moments in my life, the things I really hold on to, they often involve some type of celebration: birthdays, holidays, weddings, graduations. These are the moments when we gather to appreciate someone for who they have become or for what they have accomplished. They are the moments we work towards and the shared experiences we hold onto dearly. These last weeks of school are packed with this type of celebration of all the learning that has occurred for students this year and the school feels like it is busting at the seams trying to make space for it all. On teams, students are engaging in final units, team plays, interest projects, and presentations. It isn’t that they aren’t learning new information, it is just that they are synthesizing their learning to better comprehend how all their work this year has led them to this new understanding of themselves and their skills. The walls are covered in student work, classrooms are busy, creative spaces with projects being produced and kids are working hard at finding ways to express all they know and can do. I had the pleasure of attending two of these celebratory events this week.
Our EL Program faculty pulled together their Multicultural Celebration on a beautiful sunny evening in the Courtyard at WCS. There were decorative flowers and dinner provided as each family brought a dish to share. The diverse spread of incredible foods was impressive and it was such a joy to watch families connecting, kids playing, and David Bolger singing with his guitar (accompanied by Maria Kapetanovic’s very talented husband and with an entourage of dancing children). In addition, there was a beautiful display of student artwork expressing cultural explorations they had completed. Each child’s individual voice was clear in their artwork and it was a reminder of the incredible talents our students possess. Thank you to Melita Sedic-Lawton, Susan Simpson, Anne Wright-Shank, and Patti Tursi for coordinating the event and to all the families who shared a favorite recipe and joined us for the event.
I was also able to attend our Title I Family Engagement Opportunity. Our reading interventionists from Allen Brook School did a masterful job of providing an accessible forum through the virtual offering which meant that families could participate from the comfort of their homes. They shared important programming information, but the highlight of the presentation was sharing all the quotes and drawings from the students. Not only were students able to identify what their strengths were, but they were also able to reflect on the growth they had made in their skills over the course of the year. I was impressed to see how many students identified themselves as readers and writers and who expressed how much they loved to read! Thank you to Kathy Barwin and Carah Pioli-Hunt for your work with our students and for focusing the conversation on the students’ perspectives.
There are too many examples of celebrations of learning to highlight here; it can be seen and heard throughout our buildings. I want to emphaize what an important part of the learning journey this is. As students have been developing new skills and absorbing new information throughout the year, this ability to reflect, synthesize, present, perform, and express their learning helps their brains to secure the learning in meaningful and authentic ways. And at the end of it all, these are the experiences that they will hold on to!
Update on Covid Case Activity
Congratulation to Dustin King - 2021 Middle School Physical Education Teacher of the Year
Dustin has taught in the Williston Schools for seven years. He was recognized for his respectful communication and collaboration with school staff, and his work expanding a Motor Learning Group that offers students pre-teaching and additional time working on skills and concepts in a smaller setting. In addition, Dustin coaches, coordinates events, serves on committees and boards.
"Dustin teaches with enthusiasm, integrity, and respect for students and our profession. He considers the social, emotional, and physical well-being of our students every day. Most importantly, Dustin is a worker, an advocate, a voice of reason, and a wonderful role model for the staff and students in our community".
- Cathy Kohlasch, WCS Physical Education Teacher
Important Reminders about Sunscreen and Warmer Weather
We are seeing the actual sun shine now! And it's getting warm quickly.
Please make sure your student has a water bottle, possibly a hat, and apply sunscreen prior to coming into school as they go out sometimes right away upon arrival.
It is OK to send in sunscreen with your student but please try not to send the "spray" ones as they have a tendency, at this age, to "spray" random things, other people, eyes, etc and it can be a tempting item to play around with.
Every child needs sun protection. The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) recommends that all kids — regardless of their skin tone — wear sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher. Although dark skin has more protective melanin and tans more easily than it burns, tanning is a sign of sun damage.
Parents/Caregivers - Share Your Insight about Equity
The Champlain Valley School District wants each student to have a school experience that allows them to get what they need every day to learn and feel successful. The district also wants each student to be prepared with the skills and tools to pursue whatever they want once they graduate.
As a part of our equity audit partnership with Mass Insight, we want to hear from you. Our partner, Mass Insight, is offering a 10-minute survey for family members and caregivers to learn about your experience and that of your child/children. Additionally, families may receive a phone call in the month of May which should last no longer than 10 minutes. We hope you will participate and share your thoughts.
We value family and caregiver input as we continue to create a more inclusive environment for teaching and learning, and we hope that you will participate in the survey. A high response rate will enable us to confidently take the necessary steps to make CVSD a more inclusive and equitable place for all. Please use this link to take the survey.
Students in grades 5-12 are also encouraged to fill out a similar survey and have a different link provided by their teachers.
CVSD's COVID Recovery Plan Phase III
Welcome to 3rd Grade - WCS Parent Night
Attention ABS Parents of 2nd Graders
** Optional School Mini-Tour: 6:00 pm - 6:30 pm
Informational Program 6:30 pm - 7:30 pm
Wednesday, May 25, 2022, 06:00 PM
WCS Community Room & Al Myers Theater
A Message from the SAP Couselor
We have seen the popularity of vaping among college and high school students for years, unfortunately we are now seeing more use among CVSD middle school students. Tobacco companies have done a great job making these products look like other everyday items, such as lipstick/lipgloss, pens, highlighters, USB sticks, inhalers, pencil sharpeners, etc. Below are some images of e-cigarette products to give you an idea of what these products look like so you can keep an eye out for them. Check out this link from Tobacco Free California to scroll through some popular products.
Here’s some helpful tips from some WCS middle school students:
Remind your child(ren) that vaping is unhealthy. Nicotine is not harmless, it’s very addictive. Many e-cigarette flavors use chemicals including diacetyl, which can cause serious lung problems when inhaled.
If you smoke, be sure to keep your cigarettes or vapes secure to help prevent your kids from accessing them when their curiosity peaks.
Should you check their backpacks or bedrooms? This is controversial. You want to keep your kids safe, but you also want to respect their privacy.
Where are kids getting vapes? The internet is a popular place for young people to purchase vapes. With internet sales, tobacco companies know to package these products secretly. Be sure to pay attention to whatever packages are coming to your home and check your child’s Greenlight card or other credit card charges. Older students are also purchasing vapes to resell to younger kids. They are connecting via social media or have social connections already in place.
Just north of the border in Quebec, teens are using wax pens which have high concentrations of THC in the liquid cannabis. Learn more here.
If you are interested in chatting about this topic or other issues impacting our youth, please feel free to email me, Lynn Camara, at lcamara@cvsdvt.org.
To learn more about the teen vaping trend and how to talk to youth about it check out these resources:
Partnership for Drug Free Kids - The Teen Vaping Trend, What Parents Need to Know
CounterBalance - VT's campaign to educate about the impact of tobacco marketing on young people.
Resources to learn designed for teens:
Behind The Haze - the facts about vaping
Truth campaign - Videos and Facts for teens
For people who want to quit/cut down their use:
MyLifeMyQuit - Free text-based program for VT teens. Teens can text "Start My Quit" to 36072 or go to mylifemyquit.org to chat with an online Coach and get help with quitting smoking or vaping.
Seeking Summer Early Education and School Age Program Intensive Paraprofessionals
Allen Brook School and Williston Central are seeking energetic, intensive paraprofessionals to join our summer school teams. We are looking for skilled, caring individuals to provide support for individual and small groups of students in academic areas, personal development/behavior, and social cognition. Ideal candidate will be an advocate of inclusive education, problem-solver and strong collaborator, and a positive team member. Ability to promote child growth and foster independence are essential. Please note that lifting is a requirement of this job.
Early Education Program is July 5- July 28, 2022, Mornings Monday through Thursday
School Age Program is July 11- August 4, 2022, Mornings, Monday through Thursday
If interested in early education, please contact Shelley Henson at shenson@cvsdvt.org for more information. If interested in the school age program at Williston Central, please contact Cindy Morin at cmorin@cvsdvt.org for more information.
CVSD is an equal opportunity employer. Black, Indigenous, People of Color (BIPOC), women, and LGBTQ+ candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.
If interested please apply online at www.schoolspring.com.
Upcoming Events & Reminders
WCS Needlework Club Raffle
Do you want a chance to win a knitted scarf or stuffed animal? The WCS Needlework Club is holding a raffle! May 5th through May 31st, come to the front office to buy a one dollar ticket. One dollar!! All the money collected will go to Outright, VT. Outright, VT works to help LGBTQ+ youths grow up safely in the state of Vermont. Again, you can buy tickets in the front office, May 5-May 31.
Thank you,
The WCS Needlework Club
All ABS Library Books need to be returned by May 27th please to wrap up the school year!
WCS Garden For Life - Family Clean-Up Days
As our garden expands we are in need of a few additional hands. We have a significant tree trimming project that we need help with cutting and stacking downed limbs and trunks and some new areas to dig out that includes removing large roots and items that have been buried. There are also some large boulders in the woods that we would like to drag out and position as seating.
Dates are Apr 30, 2022 and May 14, 2022 and timing is flexible based on participant availability. Please direct all questions and/or RSVP to Lynn Brown at lbrown@cvsdvt.org
WCS Chorus Concerts - Save the Date!
5th & 6th Grade Chorus
7th & 8th Grade Chorus
Students may not ride another bus
May 18, 2022 from 6:00-7:30 pm with How can we make Vermont more welcoming and inclusive for our diverse community? With panelists Jacob Bogre, Association for Africans Living in Vermont, Dr. Marissa N. Coleman, University of Vermont Medical Center, Yasamin Gordon, City of Winooski, Tino Rutanhira, The Vermont Professionals of Color Network, and moderator, Dr. Jude Smith Rachele, Howard Center and Abundant Sun. Register here.
For more information www.howardcenter.org; 802-488-6912.
Announcing 1st Annual CVSD Summer Band Camp
Summer enrichment program for current band instrumentalists entering 7th or 8th grade in the CVSD schools
Play in the camp band, collaborate in small ensembles, and receive individual coaching from high school mentors
Daily non-musical electives & activities
Informal concert at the end of camp
Limited capacity of 60
10:1 camper:counselor ratio
Family Fun Day (previously Family Formal) to support Vermont Make-a-Wish Foundation!
When: Saturday, June 4th from 4-7pm
Where: CVU High School
What: Music, yard games, face painting, group activities, guest speakers and more!
Tickets: $12 for adults and $6 for youth (12 & under) if pre-purchased online (link below), $16 for adults and $8 for youth if purchased at the door. Each ticket includes a voucher for one food item and one drink!
All proceeds directly benefit the Vermont Make-A-Wish Foundation
Link to pre-purchase tickets: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/make-a-wish-family-fun-day-tickets-322143258157
Event is put on by CVUHS students, with support from the CVU Business Program. Please direct any question to Logan Vaughan at loganvaughan@cvsdvt.org.
CVU Summer Camp
A Reminder from Dorothy Alling Memorial Library
DAML Programs
Click here to access the DAML web site listing of events.
Recreation & Parks Offerings
Community Events
Four Winds
Nature's News Newsletters
December - No Newsletter
Slides Presentations
Lesson 1: Leaf-Eaters
Lesson 2: Life in the Dirt
Lesson 3: Snags and Rotting Logs
Lesson 4: Squirrel Tales
Lesson 5: Staying Warm
Lesson 6: White-tailed Deer
Lesson 7: Forest Birds
Williston Four Winds Program
Contact Us: wsdfourwinds@cvsdvt.org
FAP Information
We are looking for volunteers in all areas, our council, house representatives, and event volunteers! Please fill out this form if interested in helping!
https://forms.gle/AvVx1EHUGWWAikWn9
ABS Safe Drop Off & Pick Up
It is very important to stay in your vehicles during arrival and dismissal. We appreciate all you can do to ensure a safe and smooth transition in and out of school!
Please do not stop in the handicap parking spot or the crosswalk in front of the school - this creates safety and accessibility challenges when these areas are blocked.
Students being driven to ABS in the mornings can arrive between 7:30-7:55 for all 1st and 2nd grade students. 7:50-8:00 for all Kindergarten and PreK students. Walkers are welcome as early as 7:30. School begins at 8:00.
Please refer to this map for the correct location to drop off/pick up your student:
ABS Dismissal Update
*Please note: we did not shorten learning time for our students, we are just making the time students are waiting to leave and waiting outside less.
Family Resources
Resources to keep accessible:
Help Desk Portal for Technical Issues
INTRA-DISTRICT K-8 SCHOOL CHOICE
Children entering grades K-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
Internet Connectivity for Families
CVSD has been awarded a federal grant that provides assistance for Internet connectivity for families that qualify for the free and reduced-price meals program.
The Emergency Connectivity Fund (ECF) is designed to help students who currently lack Internet access that they may need to connect to classrooms. It is funded through June 2022.
If you have any questions about the program, please send a note to CVSDECFProgram@cvsdvt.org . If you have questions about your student’s eligibility for the Free and Reduced Meal program, email Stephanie Hurlburt at shurlburt@cvsdvt.org
Upcoming Events
May 13 - Graduation Ticket Request Form deadline for 8th grade families
May 19 - WCS Concert, Band & Chorus
May 25 - Welcome to 3rd grade parent night @ WCS
May 26 - WCS Concert, Beginner Band
June 6 - Step-Up Day for grades K, 2, & 4
June 8 - 8th Grade Graduation Cruise, Spirit of Ethan Allen, 6 - 9pm
June 9 - 8th Grade Graduation @ 6:30pm
June 10 - Last day of school, Grades K-7/ Half-Day
ABS Dismissed at 11:35
WCS Dismissed at 11:55
CVSD School Board
CVSD's COVID Recovery Plan
Learn more about CVSD's Strategic Response Plan and provide feedback at this link.
More Links, More information
Williston Schools
Email: wsschoolbell@cvsdvt.org
Website: https://www.cvsdvt.org
Location: 195 Central School Drive, Williston
Phone: (802) 878-2762
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Williston-School-District-1483758238612170/timeline/
Twitter: @wsdvt