THE SCHOOL BELL
Williston Schools / March 21, 2018
A Message from the Administration
The Performing Arts Alive and Well in Williston
by Greg Marino
"Music can name the unnameable and communicate the unknowable." - Leonard Bernstein
Along with Abe Lincoln, Leonard Bernstein is one of my go-to favorites when looking for a powerful quote, especially about the power of music and the arts. Mr. Bernstein has been widely accepted as one of the greatest musicians, composers, conductors of American history.
I’ll start with disclosing a strong belief I have about the power of the music and the performing arts. It has been and will continue to be an important part of my life, both personally and professionally. I started my career in education as a music educator in Long Island teaching 3rd through 9th graders how to play band (and some string) instruments and conducted bands and jazz bands in the public schools there for 11 years. I also had the very very good fortune of meeting my wife at the undergraduate music school I attended, Ithaca College in New York. I also believe that the performing arts do not have a monopoly on intelligence-building, soul-feeding, and character-building paths we can take on life’s journey. The greater variety of paths we can offer to students in their journey through school, the more opportunities we open for their future and the future of our world. In future installments of the SchoolBell, I plan to highlight some of these other paths but today I will stick with the performing arts.
In Williston, studies in the performing arts begin in the earliest grades when students begin to discover the fact that they have an important and unique voice and begin to express themselves in a variety of ways. This could be through dance, singing, responding to music, reciting a rhyme or poem, performing a simple skit, or spontaneous imaginative play. Students explore these modes of expression across the school setting, not just in the classroom or during music class.
Of course, this exploration happens at home as well. I know my own kids have jumped into spontaneous “performances” at the dinner table sometimes. Though the timing may not have been completely appropriate, I had cause to remind myself that they are simply “finding their voice” and experimenting. (This is easier to write now than it was to achieve in the parenting moment.)
As students grow, the opportunities for artistic performance evolve through the grades. The general music curriculum provides ongoing exploration and skill building in performance. In 3rd grade students have their first opportunity to become part of a performing ensemble, the 3rd-4th grade chorus, which meets after school on Wednesday and is under the direction of Danielle Trasciatti-Holmberg. In 4th grade, students can begin the study of a band instrument and receive weekly group lessons on that instrument under the instruction of Kim Thompson. After only a few short months of study and practice beginner instrumentalists gain the skills necessary to perform as part of the beginner band. As students grow in their skill, the ensembles take on more and more demanding music and their responsibilities as a member of the group grow. I still remember the first time I played as a member of the trumpet section in my elementary school band - it was definitely a thrill for me. In 5th-8th grade, students can also choose to participate in our choral groups, under the direction of Karla Kennedy. These choruses provide opportunities for students to develop the skills and qualities needed to be part of a larger musical group.
Participation in the performing arts in Williston is not limited to the music department. Each of the middle school teams at WCS engage in a theater unit, in which students are stretched, sometimes outside of their comfort zone, to tell a story in dramatic fashion for a live audience. Some students choose a role behind the scenes coordinating costumes, sound, lighting, or props. Whatever the role, the performance would not work without each member of the cast and crew doing their job.
Let’s not forget about the school drama club, currently at work preparing a full-scale musical production of Guys and Dolls with 55 students participating. How about the FAP-sponsored Variety Show last Friday evening? This was another great chance for students and adults alike to get out there and let their voices be heard (or dance moves be seen).
As some of us will be treated to the wonderful sounds of the 7th and 8th grade musicians at the concert this evening, it is important to take stock in the opportunities we create for students to engage in the performing arts. So here’s a written round of applause for our performing arts programs and the teachers and parents who provide opportunities for students to learn what it means to engage, participate in, and create art.
BASKET RAFFLE
We have a busy few weeks ahead of us for The Big Basket Raffle & Silent Auction fundraiser, to be held on Saturday, April 14th, 2018. Here is a SNEAK PEEK LINK at all the Classroom Themes for this year.
A variety of volunteer opportunities for the Big Basket Raffle 2018. Some volunteer opportunities are for the day of the event, April 14th, others are for the days leading up to the event. Time commitments vary and are flexible to fit your needs. If you can only help for one hour with any activity, that is totally fine!
Proceeds from this event benefit all students, staff, and families in the Williston Schools. This is FAP's largest community fundraising event. Any questions, please contact Emily Downing Ponce emilydowningponce@gmail.com.
P.S. And one last request for empty baskets! Please drop them off in either the ABS or WCS school office! Thank you!
FAMILIES AS PARTNERS LOOKING FOR TREASURER FOR 2018/19
Treasurer; elected by the Council at the last meeting of the term, the Treasurer is responsible for FAP funds and shall be responsible for keeping full and accurate financial records showing all receipts and disbursements. The treasurer is responsible for preparing and filing tax documents each year. The Treasurer will pay out funds in accordance with the approval of the Advisory Council. The Treasurer is also responsible for coordinating the FAP Grant process and is the Chair of the FAP Grant Committee. This is a two-year commitment and can be served for two consecutive terms.
Please contact Emily Downing Ponce at willistonfap@cvsdvt.org for more information.
Williston Runs for Education
Save the Date - May 19th
Williston Runs for Education
5K (Run / Relay / Walk) and Kids Fun Run
*New* age group brackets for the 5K
Event sponsorships still available!
Contact karen@willistonruns.org to learn more
Seeking Recycle Sale Donations
Voyager House is holding its annual Recycle Sale Saturday, March 24th in WCS's cafeteria 9am - 12pm! It's a giant indoor Reuse/Resale that raises money to benefit Voyager House.
If you have any quality, sellable items to donate to this sale we'd be most appreciative!! We are looking for furniture, household items, athletic equipment, working electronics, artwork, toys, rugs or anything that could be a treasure to someone new! Drop off donated items from 6 -8pm Friday, March 23rd in the WCS cafeteria. Students will be available to help unload your donations. Contact Katie Fieldsend at KFieldsend@cvsdvt.org with questions.
7th & 8th Grade Concert March 21
The March concert is scheduled for Wednesday, March 21 at 7pm. Call time is 6 pm. Please note that the snow date is Wednesday, March 28. This is a special 7th and 8th grade concert that celebrates a different theme each year. This year’s theme is music through the decades. In preparation, students have been empowered to choose their music, rehearse collaboratively, and make costume and choreography decisions.
There are a few items all students will need to bring in from home. If you need support in attaining any of these items, please let us know as soon as possible and we will make the time to help.
All musicians need:
Black pants and our blue WCS Performing Arts t-shirt
Some instrument sections have added the following:
Clarinets: one bed pillow with or without a pillow case.
Brass: black shirt
Percussion: black shirt, white shirt (with black tie for guys)
Please follow this link for a detailed description of the chorus needs.
Fun Night @ WCS
Saturday, April 14 (During the Big Basket Raffle)
5:45-8:00
Grades K-5
Drop off children (Grades K-5) at WCS for an evening of adult supervised fun supporting the Swift House end of year trip to New York City.
Where: Drop-off/Pick-up at Front entrance of WCS.
Who: Children Grades K-5.
When: Saturday, April 14th 5:45-8:00 PM (during the Basket Raffle)
Activities: Crafts, Games, Face Painting, Basketball, Scooter Races, Movie, Bean Bag Toss, Prize Table and Food!
Prices:
Pre-Registration Admission:$10/child, $15/family (Good till Friday @ noon)
At the door: $15/child, $20/family
Snacks are $.50 each (all food cash only)
Hot dogs $2.00 & Pizza $1.00
Guys & Dolls
WCS Drama Club is pleased to announce the upcoming presentation of Guys & Dolls
Performances Friday April 6th at 7pm
Saturday April 7th at 2pm and 7pm
Tickets available through http://willistoncentral.seatyourself.biz
Enjoy the Show!!
Kindergarten Registration
Allen Brook School is preparing for Fall Kindergarten enrollment. Children of Williston and St. George residents who will be five (5) years old by September 1 are eligible.
A pre-registration form is available for families to enter their contact information. Families will then receive instructions to select a day and time to bring their child in to school for registration. Registration dates are scheduled for March 26, 27, and 28.
Contact June (871-6200 / jsimmons@cvsdvt.org) or Cindy (871-6203 / cpavlik@cvsdvt.org) with questions.
Jump Rope for Heart 2018
Williston Schools' annual Jump Rope for Heart will take place at Allen Brook School the morning of Friday, April 6th from 8:45-11:15 am.
Jump Rope for Heart is a fundraiser for the American Heart Association. Participating WCS students will be bused to ABS in the morning and brought back to WCS after the event is over.
Children in grades 1-4 can participate in the event. Signed permission slips should be handed in to a physical education teacher.
Registration deadline is Friday, March 30th or when we reach the maximum capacity of 375 students (whichever comes first). Fundraising envelopes will be given out after permission slips are handed in. Fundraising envelopes must be turned in by April 2nd. Look on the pledge envelopes for information about on-line fundraising opportunities. The online fundraising has worked very well for the students participating in the past. If you choose to do online fundraising please still turn in the envelope and enclose a print out of the online summary fundraising sheet. Classroom teachers with concerns about a student’s status for participation in the Jump Rope for Heart may hold the student from participating. Without a teacher signature the student will not be allowed to participate.
Jump Rope for Heart (grades 1-4)
I give ________________________ (student name)
permission to participate in the 2018 Jump Rope for Heart on April 6th at ABS.
__________________________________ (parent/guardian signature)
__________________________________ (teacher signature)
I am interested in helping the morning of the April 6th (8:30-11:30)
___________________________ name
___________________________ phone ______________________ email
Give completed form to physical education teacher.
Summer School Parent Survey
Williston schools need your help to create better summer school programs. We would like to hear from you whether your child has attended any of our programs or not. Please complete this survey by April 20th: https://tinyurl.com/summerparentsurvey or paper copies are available in the front offices at Allen Brook or Williston Central School.
Mobile App
Download the WSD App and get notifications for groups, sports teams, 3-4 Chorus, etc. to keep informed.
Open App, tap on the 3 horizontal bars in the top right and select Notifications. Tap on the group boxes for those you want.
WCS Yearbooks
Tuesday Early Dismissal
Dismissal at ABS is 1:35 pm.
Dismissal at WCS is 1:55 pm.
The Tuesday schedule for morning Preschool is 8:00 to 10:15 am. Afternoon preschool is 11:15 am to 1:30 pm.
Four Winds Nature News
School Lunch Menus
Monthly Fitness Fun
More Links, More information
Upcoming Events
Wed. March 21 / 7th & 8th Grade Concert / WCS Auditorium / 7 pm
Fri. March 23 / NO SCHOOL / Parent / Guardian / Teacher Conferences
Sat. March 24 / Voyager Recycle Sale / WCS Cafeteria / 9 am - 12 pm
Mon. March 26-Wed. March 28 / Kindergarten Registration / ABS
Wed. April 4 / Intergen Reading Program / DAML Library / 12-1:30 pm
Fri. April 6 / Jump For Heart / 8:45-11:15 am / ABS
Fri. April 6 / Guys & Dolls / WCS Auditorium / 7pm
Sat. April 7 / Guys & Dolls / WCS Auditorium / 2pm and 7pm
Wed. April 11 / 4 Winds Training / ABS Cafeteria / 8:30- 10:30
Thurs. April 12 / FAPAC / WCS Dining Room / 8:15-10 am
Thurs. April 12 / Synergy Family Showcase / 6-7 pm
Thurs. April 12 / How to Stop Bullying / ABS Library / 6-7 pm
Sat. April 14 / Fun Night / WCS / 5:45 - 8 pm
Sat. April 14 / Big Basket Raffle / WCS Cafeteria / 6-9 pm
Wed. April 18 / Horizon Reading Restaurant / 5:45-7:45 PM
Click here for athleticsUpcoming Events on the School Web Calendar
DAML Programs
Click here for the Bell listing of DAML events scheduled for children.
Recreation & Parks Offerings
Williston Schools
Email: cpavlik@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