THE SCHOOL BELL
Williston Schools /October 22, 2021
A Message from the Administration
What we Think we Know
by Director of Student Support Services, Sarah Crum
The longer I am in the field of education, the more I realize I have to learn. I remember that first year, as a high school English teacher, when I thought that as long as I kept really good tabs on the lesson plans and made sure that I labeled and filed each one of the activities I created, the following years of teaching would be a breeze. It didn’t take long before I realized that isn’t how it works.
Even with the full training and licensure I had to be a teacher, I had entered the profession with assumptions and preconceived notions that were quickly dismantled, and for good reason. It turns out that teaching high school English wasn’t about me and my planning, but rather about the students in front of me: who they were, what they needed, and who we became together. And each year that changed because not only were the students in my class coming with different gifts, but I was also evolving my thinking.
In my lifetime, there has never been a more important time to take stock of what we think we know to be true than right now. Certainly there have been eras of great political divide, global unrest, even pandemics. But for many of us, this is our first time living with some of these realities. What we have learned in this time of uncertainty is that we are able to adapt and adjust when faced with a new understanding of the world around us. In some ways, the pandemic has forced us to rethink the way we operate in our world and experience success in alternate pathways.
What we know about strong communities who learn and grow together is that they acknowledge the contributions of the individuals embedded in this work every day. In our schools that includes teachers, support staff, custodians, bus drivers, food service providers, after school caregivers, parents, and students. I now know that I have come to my work with many assumptions based on my own lived experiences. I continue to be inspired by those who help me unpack those assumptions and engage in some deeper understanding. Our students will be stronger individuals and we will be a stronger community when we serve the needs of the students in our schools.
COVID-19 Update for Williston Families, from Lead Principal Greg Marino
The Williston Schools have seen an increase in positive case activity in the last week. All new cases this week have been associated with WCS, and some have association with buses as well. I have included an overview of the cases below. All close contacts associated with these cases have been contacted.
On Monday, 10/18, a probable positive case associated with Summit house and Bus K was investigated resulting in some close contacts associated with the team and one of our buses. Because of the smaller number of close contacts identified having to quarantine and more students being vaccinated, there was no pivot to remote instruction by classes on this team. This case was later reversed when the required PCR test for the “probable positive” individual came back negative on Wednesday, which ended all quarantining associated with the case.
On Tuesday,10/19, we learned of a positive case associated with Equinox House and Part2. This case resulted in some close contacts associated with two classes and one bus having to quarantine. This resulted in one partial class having to pivot to remote.
On Wednesday we learned of a positive case associated with Clover House. This resulted in the identification of some close contacts but no full classes were assigned to remote instruction. This case did not involve any buses.
On Thursday we learned of an individual who tested positive associated with WCS but not associated with any particular class or house. This case did not result in any close contacts.
Today, 10/22/21, we learned of a positive case associated with Mosaic house. This resulted in the entire class being identified as close contacts. The class is expected to be remote next week.
Some good news:
Today, we were able to use for the first time the newly released revised guidance for contact tracing from the VT Agency of Education. Using these guidelines will reduce the number of students identified as close contacts, especially in cases associated with the school bus and 5-8 grade teams.
We received some encouraging news today that the Test to Stay program is on its way to CVSD. Though we can not make assurances about a start-up date yet, I can share that progress has been made toward implementing the program in Williston and CVSD.
I continue to be inspired by the flexibility, responsiveness, and collaborative spirit of the Williston Faculty and staff. Everywhere I turn, I see individuals jumping in to help do what is needed to make learning happen for our kids.
A CVSD newsletter will be published later today (or already has been published) and will contain more detailed information about the new contact tracing guidance, the Test to Stay program, and other pertinent updates. Please take a few minutes to review that newsletter.
We acknowledge and appreciate the impact that even one case has on our students, families, and staff. We want you to know that we remain vigilant with all of our mitigation measures. We continue to ask families to be mindful about making choices that reduce your family members' risk of coming into contact with the virus. We are grateful and uplifted by the spirit of cooperation and support from our parents and community. We are truly all in this together! Thank you for your persistent efforts in this essential partnership.
NEW LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES FOR QUARANTINING STUDENTS
We are pleased to announce that starting the week of 10/4, the Williston Schools will offer optional daily learning opportunities for students who are quarantining without their class and teacher. On each school day there will be two types of learning opportunities that can be accessed by students: “Meets” with teachers and learning menus. The activities completed during the “Meets” and through the learning menus will not directly connect to the lessons happening at school, but they will allow students to access productive and engaging grade appropriate learning opportunities.
This slide deck contains more information about these opportunities including the “Meet” schedule and links to math, science, and literacy activities:
Digital Citizenship Week is October 18-22
All CVSD schools will participate in Digital Citizenship Week later this month. Using many resources, including those from Common Sense Education, we will focus on one strand collectively across the district: Privacy and Security.
From Common Sense:
We care about everyone’s privacy. Students learn how to protect personal information and gain a deeper understanding of their data privacy rights so they can advocate for themselves and others.
We will share more information as we get underway. Here are some resources for families related to Online Privacy and Security from Common Sense.
If you are not familiar with Common Sense Media, it's a fabulous resource for families on all topics related to technology in the lives of our children. (reviews, forums, and much more!)
The CVSD Board of Directors Welcomes Community Input
The CVSD School Board encourages you to get involved and share what’s on your mind as we begin the budget development process for the 2022-2023 school year. This budget will be presented to voters before and on Town Meeting Day, March 1, 2021. We invite you to join us in the process.
- Please share your thoughts to help inform our work around developing the budget and rate those of others in this Thoughtexchange between now and October 31. Visit it a few times to see what new thoughts have been added and rate some of those too. View this video introduction from Board Chair, Angela Arsenault.
- Please consider attending the CVSD Virtual Community Budget Forum on Wednesday, October 27th at 7:00. This will be a virtual forum with an introduction by Board Chair Angela Arsenault and Superintendent Rene Sanchez. Following that, the community is invited to share their thoughts and engage in discussion around budget priorities.
- All CVSD community members are also welcome to join all School Board meetings, especially those focused on the development of the proposed budget. See the Budget webpage for more information and the dates of those meetings.
Important Updates About Curriculum Nights and Parent-Teacher Conferences
We are making some changes to the format for curriculum nights and parent / teacher conferences this year. Please note these changes below.
Curriculum Nights:
The school will not be hosting live curriculum nights this year.
In place of this, teams will prepare a slide presentation (or packet) for parents. These will contain the information that is typically presented at in-person curriculum nights and will be sent home to families anytime between now and the end of October.
Teams will provide opportunities for parents / caregivers to ask any questions they may have, either in a virtual office hours format, or at parent-teacher conferences.
Parent Conferences:
Virtual Parent-Teacher conferences will be offered by all teachers / teams between Oct 8 and the Thanksgiving break and will be in touch with information about how to sign up.
Families may request an in-person conference if there are circumstances that will make a virtual conference difficult.
Face Mask Reminder
Also, cloth masks should be washed almost daily and rotated.
Remember to use only CDC recommended type masks.
See this link for recommendations and guidance.
Are you getting all the correct school communications?
CVSD Updates
In this CVSD Update you will find information about:
- DEI work in the district
- The COVID Test-to-Stay program
- Updates to the Contact Tracing Guidance and how that impacts schools
- How community members can share their thoughts and voices in the budget development process
- Two upcoming Community Forums - both next week!
- (Budget and Test-to-Stay)
- and more!
Williston Families As Partners (FAP)
Williston Families As Partners (FAP), Williston’s “PTA” organization, provides a forum for parents, teachers, administrators, and community members to actively discuss activities, events, and programs in the Williston schools. The participation of teachers and administration differentiates our FAP from a typical PTO/PTA and helps further promote our children’s health, well-being, and educational success. FAP also serves as the fundraising arm of the Williston Schools.
We are looking for volunteers in all areas, our council, house representatives, and event volunteers! Please fill out this form if interested in helping!
Williston Central School is looking for Mentors!
WCS Diversity Equity and Inclusion Student Group
Working Towards Justice in our Community
We must take action to create an equitable community. By doing this we are changing perspectives and recognizing biases. To make a safe and inclusive, educated community, we need to raise awareness of the differences among us. We need to raise our student voices to address structural racism and achieve social justice.
Welcome to the WCS Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Student Group. Students in 5-8 grade and teacher facilitators meet each Tuesday at lunchtime to discuss past, present and future goals for the group. We have been brainstorming a new name for the group, and hoping to launch the new rebranded name for the DEI group. In addition, we are exploring art as activism, excited about the potential of a group art installation in our school. More to come! All 5th - 8th Graders are invited! Open enrollment, so come any time!
WCS Recess ISO
Welcome to the CVSD IT Help Desk Portal
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 29, 2021. The cost is $10 and financial support may be requested.
All-Sports Gear Swap/Sale
CVU’s Athletic Leadership Council needs your help. We are holding an All-Sports Gear Swap/Sale to provide affordable options for families looking to get active and raise money to support the ambitious goals of ALC. Do you have an old pair of your kid’s cleats kicking around? What about snow pants that were outgrown in the blink of an eye? A tennis racket that no one ever uses anymore? We will take any sports gear with life left in it. Need a larger pair of cleats? An almost-new football? A lacrosse stick for this spring? You can find it at our sale.
Who: Anyone with old sports gear collecting dust in the house
Anyone looking for lightly used sports gear at very affordable prices
What: Donations of sports gear that can be used again.
A HUGE “Garage Sale” of Sports Equipment - all seasons, all sports, great deals!
When: Donations accepted on 10/23 at CVU between 2:00-7:00 pm (front entrance)
Where: SALE on Sunday 10/24 from 10am - 2pm in the CVU cafeteria.
Why: To help families find affordable sports gear and raise some money for the CVU community.
The Craft Show is Back - Volunteers Needed!
Please help us staff volunteer 1 or 2-hour shifts at the FAP Fall Craft Show on November 6th. Volunteers are needed for set-up on Friday evening November 5th and during the event on Saturday November 6th. Find more information and available shifts on the sign-up link: signup.com/go/vDRgjyp or contact Karen and Paula at wsdcraftshow@cvsdvt.org. Thank you for helping with this important school fundraiser!
Are you interested in a part or full time paraprofessional position in Williston?
Elementary and Middle School Levels:
We are still seeking several energetic folks to join our team! We are looking for skilled, caring individuals to provide support for individual and small groups of students in personal development, behavior support, and social-emotional skills.
We have positions available in the following categories:
Non-Intensive ($14.28-$15.91 - last year's rates, will likely increase)
Intensive ($17.28-$18.91- last year's rates, will likely increase)
Specialist ($21.78-$23.41 - last year's rates, will likely increase)
Paraprofessionals are contracted 6.5 hrs a day for 194 school days and begin as soon as possible.
There is a different pay scale for each of these, as well as a different level of expertise needed. However, we CAN train folks and we have money available for PD along with GREAT benefits and student schedule.
Any interested folks can reach out directly to Sarah Crum, Director of Special Ed (scrum@cvsdvt.org or 802-871-6140).
CVSD is an equal opportunity employer. Black, Indigenous, People of Color (BIPOC), women, and LGBTQ+ candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.
Box Tops App makes it easy
All you need is your phone to help earn money for our schools! Download the Box Tops app, shop as you normally would, then use the app to scan your store receipt within 14 days of purchase. The app will identify Box Tops products on your receipt and automatically credit your school’s earnings online. Twice a year, your school will receive a check and can use that cash to buy whatever it needs!
Have an hour to give?
Help needed to cut and count Boxtops for Education. Please contact Sally Dattilio sdattilio@cvsdvt.org
Please turn in your clipped box tops from Boxtops for Education products so they can be submitted by the October 31st deadline.
Maintenance and custodial openings
Full time with benefits. Part time option also.
Please contact Lyall Smith at lysmith@cvsdvt.org or 316-1275.
CVSD is an equal opportunity employer. Black, Indigenous, People of Color (BIPOC), women, and LGBTQ+ candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.
Administrative Assistant (Allen Brook)
This is a year round, permanent full time classified staff position.
To find out more, visit www.schoolspring.com.
Substitute Teachers Needed
Allen Brook Library
We are excited to work in collaboration with the Dorothy Alling Memorial Library on a special project to provide a free opportunity for family literacy engagement centered on creating a welcoming and inclusive community. Our libraries were recently awarded a grant from the American Library Association (ALA) Libraries Transforming Communities: Focus on Small and Rural Libraries grant.
We have offered BraveBooks Bags to each second grade family this fall. The bags include two picture books and two chapter books to spark conversations, understandings, and build caring, valued relationships. These books, created by Black authors and illustrators, were chosen to encourage conversations around racial equity and inclusiveness. The books range from picture books to middle grade titles, to encourage conversations amongst the very young as well as older family members.
As a follow-up to the distribution of the Brave Book Bags, on SATURDAY, October 23rd at 10am our Williston community community is invited to a celebration of the project on the Town Green. We will be reading aloud the picture book Hands Up! by Breanna J. McDaniel to celebrate social justice and the partnership between DAML & Allen Brook School. The story will also be featured on a Storywalk® on the Town Green this month.
Our Hands Up! Celebration is open to all and we will have a limited number of additional Brave Book Bags to give away to interested community members at our event.
Williston readers soar!
In September, 2,389 books were checked out from the WCS library...that's over 113 books each day school was open!
WCS students also checked out 646 books on our digital ebook & audiobook app, Sora, in September. That was the 2nd highest school checkout total in Vermont!! If you haven't tried Sora yet, have a look! It's our incredible library of ebooks and digital audiobooks for students.
It's the perfect online reading partner to the wonderful collection of books & audiobooks in our school library.
Access Sora here https://soraapp.com/library/vssdcvt (school Google login)
or through the WCS Library website https://www.wcslibrary.org/
If you have any questions, contact librarian Ellen Arapakos at earapakos@cvsdvt.org
Happy reading!
Your WCS and ABS Libraries:
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)
- 1-800-273-TALK (8255) (National Suicide Prevention Lifelife: USA)
- 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
ABS - Reminder for Safe Drop Off & Pick Up
Pre K-2
It has been reported to administration from some parents that they are concerned about our arrival and dismissal procedures. As a reminder it is very important to stay in your vehicles during arrival and dismissal. It appears that many parents stop, get out of their car, talk to teachers or other parents, and stand around to visit. Some vehicles are being left unattended so parents can walk their child into school. This creates a line of cars backing up as other parents wait for a spot to pull up to. We have also seen some families not using the designated lane for your child's house as a means to get through the line faster. Please adhere to the procedures we have created and do your best to pick up and drop your child off in a timely and efficient manner. Thank you!
For K teachers only:
When dropping your child off in the K lane please be sure to pull up to the curbside to drop your child off as opposed to parking your vehicle as if you are in a parking spot. This helps with the overall flow and avoids having vehicles having to back up which causes congestion and traffic jams. Thank you!
We appreciate all you can do to follow these guidelines to ensure a safe and smooth transition in and out of school!
Please refer to this map for the correct location to drop off/pick up your student:
From the Nurses Office- Return to School Following Illness COVID-19 Information for Families
Mask Reminder: Please remember to send a few masks to school daily with students. We thank you for your support.
Vision and Hearing Screening for Students
Parenting Resource
If you have a child who is experiencing anxiety, depression or other social and emotional challenges, Amy will be on hand to offer her support and guidance and be armed with useful resources in the community if you need/want them. For more information, click here.
You can pop in for a quick question or to chat through a situation. Amy would love to try to help! Here is the link to join: http://meet.google.com/nfm-tovh-bjz
Four Winds
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
Williston Families as Partners
School Nutrition Program
Upcoming Events
Saturday, Oct. 23, - Hands Up Celebration, 10 am on the Town Green
Wed., Oct. 27 - CVSD Virtual Community Budget Forum, 7:00pm
Thurs. Oct. 28 - CVSD Virtual town hall, 7 pm
Monday, Nov. 1 - Picture Retake Day
Saturday, Nov. 6 - Craft Fair at WCS, 9am - 4 pm
Nov. 22-26 - No School (Thanksgiving break)
CVSD School Board
CVSD's COVID Recovery Plan
CVSD schools re-opened for the 2021-2022 school year following the guidelines provided by the Vermont Agency of Education. Our school districts are working to meet the needs of all students, especially after a pandemic year. We were required to create a Recovery Plan for the Vermont Agency of Education for approval. CVSD is calling this our Strategic Response Plan. Learn more about the plan and provide feedback at this link.
DAML Programs
Click here to access the DAML web site listing of events.
Click here for Youth Programming and upcoming events
Recreation & Parks Offerings
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