School Bell
Williston Schools / March 24, 2023
In this issue...
A Message from Principal Jacqueline Parks - Basket Raffle is Back: Sign Up to Help Out, Click to See your Student's Classroom Theme - Fun Night Information - CVSD Info about Grants - Attendance Letter Note (Reprint from February) - 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
Happy Spring! One of the goals for the middle school this year is to grow student leadership opportunities, increase involvement in clubs and make space for student voice in the school experience.
Our club offerings have increased immensely this year and we have added them to our website under Families, Extra Curricular, Middle School Clubs and Activities. Many of our existing clubs are continuing and new additions include: Needlework Club, Lego Robotics, Card Club and Chess Club. Sharing a common experience in an area of interest with peers has so many benefits including: positive peer interactions, increased self-esteem and positive adult connections. If you have not checked out all of these opportunities, please look for them on our website.
The middle school has also added many new leadership opportunities for students to help develop these skills in our students. Most recently, twenty-six middle school students attended the Vermont Association for Middle Level Education which featured workshops relevant to adolescents. They came back with ideas to try out at WCS. All year long a group of about 16 students have been meeting with Up For Learning. They have identified strengths of our school, found areas to improve upon and are working to plan a half-day program for our 7th and 8th grade students. Both our ⅞ students and our ⅚ students have worked with Mrs. Parks to organize a dance and Fun Night for their grade spans.
Student voice has also been an area of focus! Students have given feedback about the lunchroom experience which led us to make some changes. Recently, 17 students submitted an interview question to ask a potential new hire and then interviewed the candidate with their questions. Their feedback about the candidate, along with teacher feedback and reference checks were used to make a final decision on the hiring.
It has been a pleasure to watch the faculty and staff come together to create the opportunities for student voice, leadership and increased activity options. I hope your student has been able to take advantage of some of these opportunities.
Mark Your Calendar
Upcoming Events
04/05 - Incoming Kindergarten Meet & Greet (Registration Required)
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 - CVSD School Board Meeting @6pm
04/24 - 04/28 - NO SCHOOL - SPRING BREAK
06/15 - 8th Grade Graduation
06/16 - Last Day of School
Attendance Letters: (REPRINTED from February 17 School Bell)
Over the last week some caregivers have received letters from the school referencing the number of absences your student has on record for the school year so far. Prior to the Covid-19 pandemic, sending these letters was common practice for the CVSD schools, as the letters are a required part of the State attendance protocols. The protocols require that letters be sent to caregivers of students when they reach 5, 10, 15, and 20 days absent from school. You can find a sample of the letters here. We have just resumed sending these required letters again and realize it may have caught some caregivers off guard. These letters are sent regardless of the reasons for particular absences, including illness. The letters are intended to serve as an added layer of communication so that caregivers are aware of absences throughout the year, including between report card periods or parent teacher conferences. As the letter states, “Our goal in sending this letter is to work with you to ensure students are in school and learning. We know that school attendance is critical for successful school performance, and that national research suggests that student academic performance corresponds to their attendance.” We hope these letters are received in the spirit of communication and partnership with which they are sent. The school understands there are a multitude of legitimate reasons that cause a student to be absent from school from time to time. If you received a letter and have questions, please do not hesitate to reach out to Greg Marino, Angela Filion, or Jackie Parks.
All About ABS...
Please mark your Calendars - Spring Art Show season is here!
Examples of K-8th grade work will be exhibited through the month of April at the Dorothy Alling Library.
There will be a schoolwide K-2 art celebration at ABS on Thursday, May 18 from 6-7:30 p.m.
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...
Spring Sports registration is open!!
All students who want to participate must register online here
- Track and Field
- Softball
- Baseball
- Ultimate
Everything starts on April 10th
We hear from parents and caregivers, school staff, and others who care for youth in our communities that increased vape use among youth is one of their top concerns. We recently surveyed parents and caregivers in the area who repeated the same message: We are worried about all the teens we see vaping.
In this virtual event we have brought together experts to help us all learn more about today's Electronic Nicotine and Cannabis Delivery Systems and help us have more informed conversations with children about the impact these devices have on developing brains and bodies. We'll talk about resources to help our kids and have a chance to answer your questions. Mariah Flynn, Director of Burlington's substance misuse prevention coalition, the Burlington Partnership for a Healthy Community will share:
- What vapes are, harms of youth use, and examples of commonly used products
- How to recognize signs of youth vaping and how to talk to your kids about nicotine addiction
- Resources to support youth who need help to quit.
A multi-district panel of experts who serve and support our youth every day will share what they are seeing in their work and answer your questions
Facilitator: Amy Sayre, CVSD SAP and ParentIN Coordinator for the CVSD schools
Panelists:
- Sunnie Lobdell, BSD Hunt Middle School Student Assistance Program Counselor
- Matt Meunier, CVSD CVU High School Student Assistance Program Counselor
- Dr. Leah Costello, MD, Pediatric Specialist
- Mariah Flynn, Coalition Director, Burlington Partnership for a Healthy Community
Please share this opportunity widely and be sure to REGISTER HERE 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.
Direct any questions or access needs to one of the e-mail addresses below:
parentincvsd@gmail.com
parentinburlington@gmail.com
Sign up to receive first notification of all our events like these at bphc.link/news
Please mark your calendars. Spring Art Show season is here!
Examples of K-8th grade work will be exhibited through the month of April at the Dorothy Alling Library.
At WCS, the 3rd-8th grade art celebration will be on Wednesday, May 24th
from 5-7 p.m.
My name is Travis Glock and for my 8th grade challenge I am collecting distraction toys for the UVMMC Pediatric Infusion Bay. Kids that have to get infusions are usually very scared of getting a needle put in them, and distraction toys help soothe the kid's nerves and make it more enjoyable. They also get to leave with a super cool toy for being so brave! I have created a wish list on Amazon where you can buy these for the patients. I will deliver them myself to the pediatric infusion bay in April.
https://www.amazon.com/registries/gl/guest-view/122BDBIBYJOZA
Hello
We are Swift students of the Fashion Upcycle Group and we are gathering donations of shirts, pants or any other fabric you have. We will repurpose these materials into bags and other items. We are going to place a donation box in the WCS front office, so if you have anything, put it in the box! Thank you!
We are also looking for sewing supplies, including sewing machines in solid working order, that we could use in school through June. If you have a machine you would be willing to loan please contact Amy Skapof (askapof@cvsdvt.org) to arrange details.
Sincerely,
The Fashion Upcycle Group
CVSD Grants - Input Opportunity
CVSD benefits from a number of federal grants to support our system. A key factor for some of these grants is the desire and need to engage students, families, and community members in decisions about how to best use these funds to support our students. We invite you to send your feedback to Sarah Crum, Director of Learning & Innovation, at scrum@cvsdvt.org or submit feedback through the Academics Let's Talk button on our website.
You can find information about all of our grants on our website, cvsdvt.org, under Curriculum: Grants. We are specifically seeking input regarding our investments for the Title IV federal grant which is intended to improve students' academic achievement by increasing the capacity to 1) Provide all students with access to a well-rounded education; 2) Improve school conditions for student learning; and 3) Improve the use of technology in order to improve the academic achievement and digital literacy of all students.
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.
*NEW* Preschool Music
Saturday, March 25, 10:30-11 a.m. Do you love music time, or have you been wanting to try it out? Linda Bassick will be at the library one Saturday a month for Preschool Music starting on March 25th!
Life-Size Board Game
Monday, March 27, 3-4 p.m. Help make the rules and board and play as your own game piece!
Teens D&D
Monday, March 27, 5-6 p.m. Ages 12+. Join our March campaign!
Preschool Storytime
Tuesdays, 10:30-11 a.m. Join Danielle for stories, songs, and rhymes.
After School Dungeons and Dragons*
Tuesdays, March 28, 3-4 p.m. Register for a limited seat in the second session of this after school 2-part D&D campaign. Suggested ages 8+.
After School Craft
Wednesday, March 29, 2-3 p.m. Enjoy painting at the library!
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.
Read to a Dog*
Thursday, March 30, 4-5 p.m. Register for a 10-minute time slot to read to (or hang out with) Emma the Therapy Dog!
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
Build your Own Rain Barrel to Help Lake Champlain
Thinking about spring? Join the Rethink Runoff Stream Team in a Rain Barrel workshop where you'll be able to build and paint your own rain barrel in preparation for warmer weather! By installing a rain barrel you can save water, save money, and help your local streams all at the same time. Friday, April 14, 10a-12p or 1-3p. Register at- https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScSgCrWh2OjvXrM_jCnJpU7TQEOw8Tznm-1wT4HFt0PYl5zcg/viewform
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
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
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 teach to 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
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
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
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 offered after-school or Saturdays. Instructor: Kim Johansen, Owner. https://willistonvt.myrec.com/info/activities/program_details.aspx?ProgramID=29937
Learn More Online...
Greetings Williston Community - Community Spaces Project
We’ve had a great launch to our Williston Community Spaces project, but would love all your input. Join in the conversation! Visit the project website, www.willistoncommunity.com, to see a schedule of drop-in events (updated regularly) or to submit a form to schedule an interview.
What the Project is About:
The Town currently does not have a community center or permanent indoor recreation space. The Dorothy Alling Memorial Library is well-loved but has reached its space capacity. Led by the Town's Community Center Scoping and Library Assessment Steering Committee these initial interviews will focus on hearing from residents to receive feedback on what future community spaces in Williston they want to see. The conversation is centered on the library space, what additional community spaces are sought to gather, recreate, learn and connect, and the possible intersections between these interwoven components.
Gathering data is the critical first step in understanding what type of facility, or facilities the community wants to be part of Williston's future. The feedback gathered will inform a larger scoping project being led by Black River Design architects to assess the current library space to understand if adding onto it is possible, evaluating the concept of a new community space for gathering and activity, including indoor recreation, and determining if a new combined facility for the library and community center is a viable option.
The second wave of community engagement will come in May to gather space specific feedback informed by the initial discussions taking part now. The goal is to hear from as many people in Town as possible as part of this project.
Please direct any questions to Town Manager Erik Wells at ewells@willistonvt.org or 802-876-1168.
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.