School Bell
Williston Schools / April 7, 2023
In this issue...
A Message from Principal Greg Marino - Basket Raffle! & Fun Night Information - SPARK sign-up - 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 Gregory Marino, Williston Schools Lead Principal
Spring = Growth
Before approaching the Bell article this week, I went back to look at some April editions from recent years to generate some ideas. What do you know - April, 2021 was entitled, “Covid-19 Case Increase - Update and Fact Check”. I don’t mind saying that I twitched just a little bit when I read that headline and the ensuing piece. Wow - we have come such a long way in the last 24 months!
Though COVID-19 still continues to significantly impact our lives on a daily basis, we have no intention of reviving the COVID updates in the School Bell at this time. This article did remind me of how much of our bandwidth was dedicated to dealing with the Pandemic just 24 short months ago. It also provides a strong reminder not to take for granted our current focus on student growth and belonging, and how that focus is bearing fruit every day. Reflecting on that for a moment results in a feeling of gratitude. Recultivating a theme from last year’s April edition, here’s a reflection on some powerful signs of spring.
As the buds emerge outside and the grass turns a shade greener with each passing day there are so many signs of spring and growth in the young humans that make up our learning community.
The last two weeks have been filled with these signs of blooming in our students. These celebrations of growth take so many different forms and it’s indeed a privilege to be witness to them as an educator and a parent. Some are very subtle, like the slight change in posture and personality a student presents as they walk down the hall with their head held up just a little higher, making eye contact and saying hello - in a way that just would not have happened two or three short months ago. Some are more tangible, like a student who for the first time has the confidence as a learner to present their work in front of the class, or try out for an athletic team for the very first time, even though they are an 8th grader. This was exemplified in the over 90 students who showed up for the brief Volleyball season, and in the incredible March concert, facilitated mostly by our young musicians. Some spring “buds” are social in nature, like a friendship that springs up between students who have known each other for years - but they just learned they share a common interest. These are all powerful examples of growth and belonging.
Along with these signs of growth come visible signs and moments of joy springing up around us. Examples of this include the 5th and 6th grade student activity night, the 3-4 Grade PBIS extra recess celebration, the spontaneous ABS morning sing-alongs that pop up thanks to teacher, David Bolger, and the wide-eyed, soon-to-be Kindergarten students who arrived for their Kindergarten orientation visits last week. Reflecting on where we were just 24 short months ago, I am so grateful we are where we are today. There are still plenty of challenges we are facing and will continue to face together. There is also a growing and palpable sense of optimism and confidence in our community as we witness these small but powerful celebrations. Join me in finding an opportunity this week to notice one example of new growth or joy that you come across and pause for a moment of appreciation and gratitude.
Image 3-4 Extra Recess Celebration, featuring some of of our students, staff, as well as WCS mascot, Einstein, who became fast friends with Duke the comfort dog and his partner, Officer Matt Cohen.
Mark Your Calendar
Upcoming Events
04/12 - Incoming Kindergarten Meet & Greet (Registration Required)
04/12 - Four Winds Training, WCS Community Room, 8:30 - 10:30am
04/12 - CVSD DEI Virtual Town Hall
04/13 - Families as Partners Meeting, WCS Community Room, 8:30 - 10:30am
04/15 - Big Basket Raffle, WCS Cafeteria & Gym, 6pm / Fun Night for Grades K-4
04/18 - Coffee with the Principals, 8:00am @WCS Community Room
04/18 - CVSD School Board Meeting @6pm
04/24 - 04/28 - NO SCHOOL - SPRING BREAK
06/15 - 8th Grade Graduation
06/16 - Last Day of School
Diversity Equity and Inclusion team at WCS and ABS is excited to begin a DEI Committee
The Diversity Equity and Inclusion team at WCS and ABS is excited to begin a DEI Committee that will look to, expand, revise and implement systems within our school community to ensure that they are rooted in antiracism, diversity, equity and inclusion.
The committee will work within Williston Central, ABS and with district leadership to bring us into greater compliance with the CVSD Equity Policy and the CVSD DEI Vision, Mission and Goals. Additionally, the committee will help with implementing the necessary changes noted in the CVSD equity audit and help ensure school practices have been viewed through an equity lens.
The group will be made up of caregivers, students, teachers, staff and administrators from our school community and will meet roughly once a month during the school day. If you are interested in being part of this group, please reach out to Mike Fife at mfife@cvsdvt.org
Thank you,
Mike Fife
WCS/ABS DEI Coach
Military Affiliated Data Collection
All school districts in Vermont have been asked to send this form out to families/caregivers.
If your family is currently affiliated with a military branch, please fill out this form provided by the Vermont Agency of Education(AOE). The AOE uses this information to fulfill its federal and public reporting requirements.
This data collection is for the current school year. If your family is not currently affiliated with a military branch, no action is required.
All About ABS...
Please mark your Calendars - Spring Art Show season is here!
Congratulations to the following ABS Artists who have work on display at Dorothy Alling Memorial Library through the month of April. The work can be found in the glass display cases, the hallway and the room at the end of the hall to the left where you will find beautifully drawn and painted birds. We hope you will visit and enjoy
Josie Morris, Alexis Lepage, Lucy Membrino, Tyler Koenemann, Lewis Hibbert,
Bodie Meservey, Ewan Capitaine, Emme Goldfried, Jacob Henry, Brie Aguillon,
Addie Taylor, Chapin Howe, Emma Densmore, Roger Conant, Clara Popa,
Mckennah Robtoy, Parker Ward, William Barkley, Huxton Joyal, Dax Bressack,
Thea Doll, Hadley Frehulfer, Ryker Rogers, Posey Wannop, Lillee Gerry
There will be a schoolwide K-2 art celebration at ABS on Thursday, May 18 from 6-7:30 p.m.
A Note From Nurse Love
Spring Allergy Season
When should I start allergy medicine for spring?
You should start taking them anywhere from 2-4 weeks before your allergy season begins. This should get you to the point where you are protected against pollen allergies.
When Is Vermont Allergy Season?
Vermont’s mild climates during the spring, summer, and fall make perfect conditions for pollen allergies. The winters do get very cold, and this provides residents with a break from seasonal allergies. Usually, allergy season will start again in early March and will last until the first hard freeze of winter.
Spring
Spring is one of the worst allergy seasons for Vermont residents, with the plethora of trees producing pollen from early March to late May. Some common tree allergies are caused by oak, birch, maple, hickory, ash, cedar, willow, and mulberry.
Common Allergens
Residents of Vermont can expect trees, weeds, and grass to play a primary role in their seasonal allergy problems. Indoor allergens can also be present year-round and include pet dander, mold, and dust mites.
Common Symptoms
Vermont residents can expect the following allergy symptoms:
Runny nose
Coughing
Congestion
Sneezing
Headaches
Scratchy throat
Itchy eyes
Watery eyes
Hives
Aggravated asthma symptoms
The most important thing to remember is these symptoms can mimic COVID, so include a COVID test if you see these symptoms to rule that out first. Happy Spring!
Important Reminder about End of Day Changes
Please remember: If there is any change to your student's typical end of day plan, please be sure to contact the front office and teacher BEFORE 1:45PM (or 12:45 pm on Wednesdays). Changes in your student(s) schedule will not be accepted after this time unless it is an emergency. Due to the number of students, classrooms, parents and after school activities we can not guarantee changes received after 1:45pm (by 12:45 pm on Wednesdays) will happen.
Send all emails regarding attendance and end of day changes to:
The classroom teacher
Front Office: absfrontoffice@cvsdvt.org
The Team Assistant for your grade:
Kindergarten - cplouffe@cvsdvt.org
First/Second Grade - lsaladino@cvsdvt.org
Allen Brook School dismissal begins at 2:30 (1:30 on Wednesday) in order for buses to leave at 2:35 (1:35). Please click here for full arrival and dismissal details (also linked in the School Bell every week). In order for us to keep all students safe and accounted for, it is crucial we know about any and all changes outside of the usual routine for the day.
What's Up at WCS...
4th Grade Band and Chorus Shirt Order
It’s time for 4th grade musicians to order their WCS Performing Arts shirts! All 4th grade performing arts (band and chorus) students will need to wear this shirt on concert days.
Please place an order and send payment directly to Kim Thompson or Danielle Trasciatti-Holmberg. Shirts need to be ordered and paid for by Friday, April 21, 2023. The cost is $10 and financial support may be requested.
If you have access to a shirt from an older sibling friend or neighbor, you do not need to order a new shirt.
SPARK Enrichment After School Session 5
We are excited to offer your child an opportunity to participate in Spark Enrichment, an after-school applied learning program for students in grades 5-8. Sessions will run for 5 weeks from 2:50 p.m - 4:20 p.m. with our 5th session starting April 20th and end May 25th. These small group classes will be facilitated by school faculty and staff. Students will have the opportunity to participate in a variety of activities that can be found on the link below. Caregivers will receive an email (using the email given on the form) informing them of the assigned workshop on Monday or Tuesday of the week that workshops begin. In order to take full advantage of this learning opportunity, students will need to make a commitment to attend all five Thursdays. If your child decides to not take part in this session after having registered please contact Julie Rogers so that others may fill the spot. The after-school activity bus will provide transportation home for students in need of a ride home.
The dates of the session are: April 20, May 4, 11, 18 and 25. When registering, students will be able to rank their choices for better placement! Students will be placed on a first come first serve basis as well as ensuring that students do not repeat workshops unless there are open spots. Please use this registration form and a listing of workshop descriptions. Contact Julie Rogers (jrogers@cvsdvt.org) with any questions.
Please mark your calendars. Spring Art Show season is here!
Congratulations to the following WCS Artists who have work on display at Dorothy Alling Memorial Library through the month of April.
3rd-8th grade WCS art celebration will be on Wednesday, May 24th from 5-7 p.m.
Please share this opportunity widely and be sure to REGISTER in order to receive reminders leading up to the event on April 13th at 7pm. For improved security, only registrants will receive the Zoom link via e-mail about a day in advance, so please check your email and/or spam filters.
Sign up to receive first notification of all our events like these at bphc.link/news
CVSD"s April Virtual Town Hall: DEI
Don't miss this month's CVSD Virtual Town Hall on Wednesday, April 12th at 6:30 pm. The Virtual Town Hall will be facilitated by Williston DEI coach, Mike Fife, with the following focus: We will have a conversation about how Restorative Practices (RP) intersect with DEI work. We will begin with a conversation about attendees' experiences with RP and then move on to a question-and-answer session with RP experts who are doing this work in schools. We are hoping to be joined by staff from Up for Learning and Evan Sivo (CVSD).
Please visit the CVSD DEI site for the Zoom meeting information. It can also be found on the district's website calendar. We look forward to seeing you online!
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 - Trees in Winter
March - Galls Galore
April - Songbird Songs
May - Dandelions
Training Schedule 22-23
Trainings held at the WCS Community Room, 8:30 - 10:30
■ 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
Williston Families as Partners Monthly Meetings
● 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.
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.
Pokémon Club
Monday, April 10, 4-5 p.m. Show off your favorite cards, play some themed games, and make some Pokémon crafts!
Teens D&D
Monday, April 10, 5-6 p.m. Ages 12+. Join our April campaign!
Preschool Storytime
Tuesdays, 10:30-11 a.m. Join Danielle for stories, songs, and rhymes.
Robot Maze
Wednesday, April 11, 3-4 p.m. Try your hand at getting Roswell the Robot through a maze and/or obstacle course!
After School Movie
Wednesday, April 12, 2-4 p.m. PG. What do you do if the punishment (digging holes) doesn’t fit the crime (stealing shoes)?
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, April 13, 3-4 p.m. Make something exciting with the Library’s LEGO collection!
Williston Recreation & Parks
Summer Camps
Registration is now OPEN for all Summer Camps. Be sure to check out the Rec. website for offerings and to register. Early registration is encouraged as some programs and camps fill fast. The Camp Grid is available to help plan your children Summer of Fun!- Camp Grid- https://willistonvt.myrec.com/forms/6000_form.campgrid_23.1.pdf
New Camps Added:
Culinary Mashup Camp- Age 10-14, 1:00-4:30p, June 26-30
Creative Engineering- Age 6-11, 1:00-4:30p, July 24-28 (second camp added due to popularity)
Kids Kitchen Camp- Age 6-12, 1:00-4;30p, Aug 7-11
Stargazing: The Current Night Sky
Age 6-8 & 9-12. view the current night sky in a digitalized planetarium dome, set up inside, where you'll feel like you are outside at night looking at a perfect sky! Explore the current night sky constellations. Come to one or more viewing. Instructor: Carrie Cruz
https://willistonvt.myrec.com/info/activities/program_details.aspx?ProgramID=30292
RehabGYM 1st Annual Williston Community 5k
Age 12+. Saturday, May 13, 9:30am. A great way to bring the community together, support local businesses/organizations and enjoy the Spring. The course is accessible and adaptive athletes are encouraged to participate. Register on the Recreation website.
https://willistonvt.myrec.com/info/activities/program_details.aspx?ProgramID=30272
Boaters Safety
Age 12+. Boating safety education is required for any operator, 12 years of age or older, born after January 1, 1974. The course is 8 hours and is offered over 4 days. Participants must be present at all classes to be eligible for certification. Instructor: Jon Fick
https://willistonvt.myrec.com/info/activities/program_details.aspx?ProgramID=29866
Mixed Martial Arts Intro
Age 13+. For Fun & Fitness. The program mixes training techniques from boxing, kickboxing, and Jiu-Jitsu to create a fun, non-competitive environment where you will get a great workout and learn practical self-defense skills! Instructor: ONTA Studio. https://willistonvt.myrec.com/info/activities/program_details.aspx?ProgramID=30115
Youth Lacrosse
Grades K, 1-2. 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. Volunteer Coaches are needed.
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
Youth Tennis
Grades K-2 & 3-5. Now, it’s easier for kids to play and develop a love for the sport! Taught by certified tennis professionals who are trained to instruct kids of all ages. Players learn basic stroke techniques. Instructors: The Edge Tennis Staff. https://willistonvt.myrec.com/info/activities/program_details.aspx?ProgramID=29967
Dinosaur Dig & Fossil Hunt
Age 6-11. April Break. Explore Archeology, Paleontology, and Geology and excavate the simulated bones of a model dinosaur! Assemble the fossil from your own dig to complete a 3-dimensional model of a dinosaur to take home. Instructor: STEAMworks. https://willistonvt.myrec.com/info/activities/program_details.aspx?ProgramID=30280
Jubo
Grades 3-8. Learn to play the 4-Hole Ocarina. Jubo is a new music methodology for all who want to learn an instrument quickly. Jubo is a lightweight pendant whistle with four holes that allows one to master music quickly. Instructor: Wayne Hankin. https://willistonvt.myrec.com/info/activities/program_details.aspx?ProgramID=30273
Track & Field
Age 6-14. Participants will learn the basics of running, jumping, throwing, and relays. There will be meets with other area Rec. Depts. and a VRPA State Meet for Athletes ages 7-14. Great program for those who love to run, jump, and throw. https://willistonvt.myrec.com/info/activities/program_details.aspx?ProgramID=29844
Ninja Science Camps
Ages 5-10. April Break. These camps unite the body and mind by combining martial arts, tumbling, and parkour with environmental science. We help children realize their potential in an environment that is playful. Instructors: ONTA Studio. https://willistonvt.myrec.com/info/activities/program_details.aspx?ProgramID=30219
Ninja Kids Intro
Age 4-8 or 7-11. The play-based curriculum increases strength and self-confidence, while moving meditation helps children manage their emotions and develop the connection between mental and physical well-being. Instructor: ONTA Studio
Age 4-8 https://willistonvt.myrec.com/info/activities/program_details.aspx?ProgramID=30097
Age 7-11 https://willistonvt.myrec.com/info/activities/program_details.aspx?ProgramID=30206
Ninja Teens Intro
Age 9-15. The play based curriculum increases strength and self-confidence, while moving meditation helps children manage their emotions and develop the connection between mental and physical well-being. Instructor: ONTA Studio. https://willistonvt.myrec.com/info/activities/program_details.aspx?ProgramID=30098
Jiu-Jitsu Intro
Age 7-15. Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is a dynamic martial arts style. It will help your kids with realistic bully-proofing and gives them self-defense skills that they can use for the rest of their lives! Separate Programs for 7-10 & 11-15. Instructor: Julio Fernandez, Owner. https://willistonvt.myrec.com/info/activities/program_details.aspx?ProgramID=30277
Horseback Riding Intro
Age 8-14. The Livery Horse Farm, Hinesburg is offering Introductory riding programs. The focus is on English riding. Horses provide a variety of skill levels for children to learn on. Programs are offered after school or Saturdays. Instructor: Kim Johansen, Owner. https://willistonvt.myrec.com/info/activities/program_details.aspx?ProgramID=29937
Kindermusik
Age 0-5 yrs. Classes provide a playful, supportive environment for children and their caregivers to play together with music, dancing, singing, exploring instruments, and more. Different levels are offered for age groups. Instructor: Rachel Smith
Ages 0-12 Months- https://willistonvt.myrec.com/info/activities/program_details.aspx?ProgramID=30274
Ages 1-5 yrs.- https://willistonvt.myrec.com/info/activities/program_details.aspx?ProgramID=30275
Jiu-Jitsu Intro
Age 4-6. Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is a dynamic martial arts style. It will help your kids with realistic bully-proofing and gives them self-defense skills that they can use for the rest of their lives! Come try this Intro Program. Instructor: Julio Fernandez, Owner. https://willistonvt.myrec.com/info/activities/program_details.aspx?ProgramID=30276
Learn More Online...
Teen Science Cafe - April 15
We hope you will join us for our next teen science cafe!
When: Saturday April 15
Time: 5:00 - 7:00 pm
Topic: Joining Neurology, Muscles and Machines to Enhance Health and Mobility (Learn more here)
Biomedical engineering offers a pathway for combining a desire to help others with an interest in engineering and technology. In this café you’ll learn about the field of biomedical engineering, with a focus on emerging engineering solutions for neurological problems. Participants will explore three hands-on activities focusing on new treatments that expand patients’ ability to interact with their environment after neurological injury or limb loss. This cafe is being led by Nic Fiorentino, a biomechanist with a mechanical engineering background in solid mechanics and dynamics. His areas of expertise include biomechanics, orthopedics, and imaging. His long-term research goals are to improve the overall health and well-being of those who have suffered an injury and to reduce the burden from all disabling musculoskeletal conditions. He leads the Musculoskeletal Imaging and Orthopaedic Biomechanics (MIOB) research laboratory at UVM.
Make sure to register ahead of time so we know how much pizza to order.
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.