THE SCHOOL BELL
Williston Schools /October 23, 2019
A Message From The Administration
Restorative Conversations
by Sarah Crum, Director of Student Services
At Allen Brook and Williston Central, teachers and teams dedicate the first six weeks of school to community building and establishing a sense of belonging for all students on the team. For most teams this means returning students modeling group norms and leading as new students make the transition to a new team and sometimes to a new school. Teachers support their classes in establishing and practicing routines, building relationships, and creating a unique climate and culture where students can be individuals as well as part of the greater whole.
Now, almost two months into school, that dedicated time has built a foundation of safety and community that allows us to engage in the hard work of learning and growing we show up to do everyday. And that includes us as faculty and staff. On Tuesday, the Williston Central School faculty and staff began the first session of a whole school professional development series on restorative practices. In her September School Bell, Principal Jackie Parks explained how we have incorporated restorative practices into our behavior response system. Tuesday’s professional development focused on opening ourselves to restorative conversations and committing to improving our practice in this skill area.
Engaging in this kind of work requires a level of vulnerability and honesty with myself. But if I want to improve my own practice and relationships, I have to be willing to self-assess and stretch myself as I try on a new way of thinking and approaching conversations. I had several ah ha moments that I will use to remind me of the importance of this work as we go forward:
Restorative conversations look like being curious, wanting to know more about what is happening for all the individuals involved
Restorative conversations require valuing the voice of all involved and helping them identify their own needs in response to what has happened
Restorative conversations depend on establishing safety and connection, building the relationship is the first priority
Restorative conversations create equity in understanding that everyone involved has a need; everyone’s needs are valued equally
Restorative conversations invite individuals to the table to work toward a resolution together
When we say the word school, a learning institution is likely the first image that comes to mind. Describing school in a quick summary will typically focus on learning skills in reading, writing and math; exposure and practice with art, PE, and music. But conflict is a part of our everyday and it is equally important that we see school as a way to learn and practice the skills we need to face and resolve conflict in our lives. A restorative approach allows us to do that in a productive manner. These first two months of school have built the community we need to engage in this challenging learning together. I look forward to our next session.
SPARK Enrichment After School ~ Session 2
The 2nd session of Spark Enrichment, an after-school applied learning program for students in grades 5-8, takes place from November 7 - December 12. These small group classes will be facilitated by school faculty and staff. Please access the link to the sign-up form below by November 4th. You will be able to rank your choices for better placement!!
ABS Collecting for Operation Gratitude
Inspired by Synergy's Veterans wall, ABS is hosting a candy drive for Operation Gratitude. Operation Gratitude sends Care Packages filled with entertainment, hygiene, and handmade items, non-perishable snacks, and personal letters of appreciation to U.S. Troops, First Responders, Veterans, Military Families, and Wounded Heroes & their Care Givers. Every Care Package reflects countless Americans expressing gratitude.
ABS will collect October 30th through November 5th.
Donations include: individually wrapped Halloween candy (NO pixie sticks or bags of loose candy-ex. candy corn), and letters/hand drawn pictures from our students and families. Stationary will be available by the drop off box- please place finished letters into the envelope provided.
We are also accepting money donations to help with the shipping costs (any money left over will be donated to the organization.)
If you have questions, please feel free to contact Ali Hearn at apollack282@gmail.com or Rebecca Ashford at rashford@cvsdvt.org.
VISION & HEARING SCREENINGs
Health Offices at WCS and ABS are starting to test students vision and hearing. Vermont schools are required by the state to test students vision and hearing in Kindergarten, 1st, 3rd, and 5th grade. Students in 7th grade will only have a vision test.
This year we are very lucky again to be selected for Vermont Lions KidSight program. Middlebury Lions Club will be coming to WCS on October 25 to perform vision photoscreening (ABS was completed October 16).
Art News
ABS and WCS, Kaleidoscope
The ABS art room is buzzing with activity. Inspired by Eric Carle’s The Very Hungry Caterpillar, kindergarten students have been exploring line, shape, pattern and symmetry in their work using a variety of materials.
Red Clover book, Potato Pants by Laurie Keller is the motivation for our first and second graders’ mixed media cartooning project. Our halls will soon bring smiles as we complete and exhibit these humorous works of art. In these images, you’ll see sponge paint, drawing, collage and sometimes written text.
Physical Education: important for all children
Physical Education is more than just rolling out a ball playing games. It is also more than physical fitness testing. Yes recreational skills and fitness are important components of learning in physical education but the educational aspect of physical education goes much deeper. When we design our units of study in physical education we base our teaching on the SHAPE America National Standards.
Paraprofessional Opening at WCS
October 21-25 is National School Bus Safety Week
Vermont School Bus Laws
It is against the law to pass a school bus which has stopped and has its red warning lights on. Never pass from any direction when the red lights are on.
When a school bus is on the highway and is about to pick up or discharge students, the school bus driver activates the alternately flashing yellow lights and begins slowing down. You should be preparing to stop. After the bus has stopped, the driver will activate the alternately flashing red warning lights. Once the red warning lights have been activated you must stop your vehicle.
Remember, even in a schoolyard, you must not pass a stopped school bus with its alternately flashing red warning lights activated. There are a few exceptions where a stop is not necessary. You do not have to stop on a divided highway if the school bus is traveling in the opposite direction. A concrete barrier may be used to separate traffic from the bus, and you are not required to stop. In Vermont, if you are found guilty of passing a stopped school bus with its warning lights on, you will be subject to a substantial fine and five points on your driver license.
Beginner Band Starts in November
Important dates:
Friday, 10/25- students attended the beginner band instrument demonstration.
Friday, 11/1- deadline for signing up for beginner band (on music web page)
Tuesday, 11/12, 6:30 pm- Ellis Music sponsored instrument pick up night. (WCS auditorium)
The beginner band program is available to all interested students in grades 4 and up. All beginners will attend a weekly small group lesson during their school day and have an opportunity to perform in a June concert.
How to sign up:
The Beginner Band sign up form is available on the WCS music website. Please be sure to sign up by 11/1 in order to ensure your child is enrolled in a class.
5th-8th Grade Performing Arts Shirts (Band and Chorus)
It’s time for 5th-8th grade musicians to order their WCS Performing Arts shirts! All 5th-8th grade performing arts (band and chorus) students will need to wear this shirt on concert days and to field trips and other organized events.
We are using the same shirts as we have in the past. Older students should check and be sure they have their shirt and that it will fit them for the remainder of the year as this is the only order we are placing.
All students new to the program and older students that need to replace their shirt should place an order and send your payment directly to your child’s music teacher. Shirts need to be ordered and paid for by Friday, October 25, 2019. The cost is $9 and financial support may be requested.
Fall Craft Show Volunteers Needed!
The Fall Book Fair theme is Arctic Adventure! Our fall book fair will be the perfect opportunity to stock up on books for the holidays! Among all of the amazing new releases and favorites, we will have the newly released Diary of a Whimpy Kid Book and will be taking preorders for the new Dog Man book being released in December.
We are looking for parent volunteers to help with set up, during the book fair and clean up. Please sign up at https://signup.com/go/sONzERG if you are interested in helping. Thank you for your support, all profits from the Book Fair go to benefit all of our Williston students at both schools. Hope to see you there!
CVSD Meeting Schedules
CVSD Committee, Board, and and Budget Meetings
Committee meetings are on the 1st Tuesday of the month at 6 pm excluding Dec. and Jan., at CVUHS, Room 160, 162, 165
Regular Board Meetings are on the 3rd Tuesday of the month, excluding Dec. & Jan.
Budget Meetings: Nov. 19, Dec. 3, Dec. 17, Jan. 7, Jan. 21, at 6 pm in the CVU HS rm. 160.
Child Find Notice
Champlain Valley School District (Charlotte, Hinesburg, Shelburne, St. George and Williston)
Champlain Valley School District is required by federal law to locate, identify and evaluate all children with disabilities. The process of locating, identifying and evaluating children with disabilities is known as child find.
Champlain Valley School District schools conduct Kindergarten screening each spring, but parents may call to make an appointment to discuss their concerns at any time. As the school district of residence, CVSD has the responsibility to identify and provide services to any child with special needs who may require special education and related services in order to access and benefit from public education.
If you have, or know of any CVSD resident who has a child with a disability under the age of 21 or a child who attends a private school located in Charlotte, Hinesburg, Shelburne, St. George or Williston, Vermont, we would like to hear from you. Sometimes parents are unaware that special education services are available to their children.
Please contact the School Principal (Charlotte Central School – 425-2771, Hinesburg Community School – 482-2106, Shelburne Community School – 985-3331, Williston Central/Allen Brook Schools – 878-2762) or the Director of Student Support Services, Meagan Roy at 383-1234 or mroy@cvsdvt.org.
Allen Brook School Gear
Interested in a cool bee shirt for yourself or student? We have tee-shirts and sweatshirts in youth and adult sizes. Order before October 25th!
Email Nicole Pfende at npfende@cvsdvt.org with any questions!
Outdoor Clothing Donations for Kindergarten
Wondering what to do with outdoor gear your child has outgrown?
Kindergarten is in need of gently used gear for our Forest Classroom Time:
rain slickers- sizes 5,6,7
rain boots- sizes 12,13, 1, 2, 3
snow pants- sizes 4,5,6,7
winter boots-sizes 11,12,13, 1, 2, 3
warm waterproof mittens/gloves: kindergarten sizes
Please leave in donation box in front hallway.
Big Thanks from the Kindergarten teams!
Full Time Custodial Position (2nd Shift)
Williston Schools has a full time 2nd shift (2:30 pm to 11:00 pm) custodial opening. Great benefits including paid holidays, health insurance options, sick and vacation time.
Contact Lyall Smith with questions. lysmith@cvsdvt.org or 871-6013
Box Tops for Education
click for a video explaining the changes and more information
Bus Information
Part 2
Part 2 is offering enrichment classes this fall and there are offerings at ABS and WCS this September.
The link to sign up is on our website, http://www.parttwokids.com/.
Four Winds Volunteers
How can I get involved?
Sign up to be a Four Winds Volunteer!
October topic is Leaves: Nature's Suncatchers
Monthly Fitness Fun
October Calendar
School Nutrition Program
Please make payment checks out to 'CVSD - ABS' or 'CVSD-WCS'
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.
FAP CRAFT SHOW Nov. 2
Volunteers are needed for set-up on Friday evening November 1st and during the Fall Craft Show on Saturday November 2nd. Find more information and shifts on the sign-up link: https://signup.com/go/kYomFsu or contact Karen and Paula at wsdcraftshow@cvsdvt.org.
Tuesday Early Dismissal
ABS Dismissal is 1:35 pm.
WCS Dismissal 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.
Upcoming Events
Fri. Oct. 25 / Beginner Band Demo / WCS / 10:45-11:30am
Fri. Oct. 25 / Fun Night w/Swift House / WCS / 6-8 pm
Sat. Nov 2 / Craft Fair / WCS / 9 am - 4 pm
Sat. Nov. 2 / Band Auditions for Country Music Festival / 9 am - noon
Tues. Nov. 12 / Beginner Band Instrument Pick up / WCS Auditorium / 7-8:30 pm
Wed. Nov. 13 / Four Winds Training / WCS Community Rm / 8:30-10:30 am
Thurs. Nov. 14 / FAPAC /WCS Community Rm / 8:15-10 am
Nov. 18-21 / Fall WCS Book Fair
More Links, More information
DAML Programs
Click here to access the DAML web site listing of events.
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