THE SCHOOL BELL
Williston School District / January 7, 2015
Caring Teachers Engaging Students in Meaningful Learning
A Message from the Administration
by Walter Nardelli, District Principal
I recently found an article from the Williston Observer dated December 16, 2004 whose title was Shelburne Principal Tapped as Top Candidate for Willliston Post. On my birthday in 2004, I was appointed as the new District Principal for Williston. Williston appealed to me for several reasons. I considered it one of the most innovative school districts in the State of VT. The house structure, which created small learning communities and built long term relationships among teachers, students and parents had been in place for years, well before research lauded this practice. Former Williston teachers I knew spoke highly of the Williston School District. I felt my philosophy towards education, an individualized approach to educating each student to achieve success, matched well with Williston’s. I knew I would be working with a wonderful group of educators in a system that celebrated innovation as a core value.
It has been nine years since I accepted the position. During those years, I have truly enjoyed working in Williston. Professionally, it has been a wonderful learning experience. The faculty and staff are dedicated and an amazing group of people to work with and I could not ask for more supportive parents. That being said, and after careful consideration, I have decided to retire at the end of this school year. I have worked 47 years in education and feel that I would like to continue to contribute, but in a different way. It is time for a change. I thank everyone for their support during my years in Williston and will leave feeling that we - all of us working together - have done an excellent job of providing the children an outstanding education. Thank you for this wonderful opportunity.
Sincerely,
Walter Nardelli
District Principal, Williston
Learn to Ski or Ride
Williston Recreation & Parks
Deadline to Register- Friday, January 9, 2015
Fitting Night- Thursday, January 8th, 6:00-8:00pm at Williston Central School.
The fit night is for those wishing to borrow skis from the school. There is a $25 per equipment charge to cover equipment repairs. This is payable at the fit night.
In the Learn to Ski & Ride Program the emphasis will be on learning to downhill ski or snowboard, through weekly lessons. The program is primarily for the participant that wishes to learn or improve on their skills. All participants will take 1 hour weekly lessons and then be provided an hour of free skiing to practice what they have learned.
The program will meet for 8 Fridays- Jan. 16, 23, 30, Feb. 6, 13, 20, Mar. 6, 13. (This schedule will be weather dependent). The program will be from 1:30-5:15pm- this includes from dismissal time to arrival time back to the Williston Central School. Lessons will be 2:15-3:15pm and free ski from 3:20-4:20pm.
The Learn to Ski or Ride Program is for Williston students in grades 1-8. (Kindergartners can participate if transported and accompanied by an adult, this means parents are required to help out with lessons and ski with their child during the free ski time). Students participating in the program must be up to date with all school work.
More than ever we are depending upon the help of parent to make this program a success. We need volunteers on a regular bases, each week, and also can use the extra help occasionally. If you plan on taking your child to and from the mountain on your own, please consider how you can help out. The success of this program depends on the adult volunteers we have!
Registration forms can be found on our website at- www.town.williston.vt.us
or follow this link to the form- http://www.town.williston.vt.us/vertical/sites/%7BF506B13C-605B-4878-8062-87E5927E49F0%7D/uploads/RegForm.Ski.pdf
Welcome to 2015
Happy New Year to you all! As we kick off a new calendar year please join us in celebrating all that FAP- only with the participation of family, school and community- has accomplished so far this school year. First and foremost, thank you for supporting the following successful events; The Learning Expo & Curriculum Night, the Craft Fair, and the Scholastic Book Fair. In addition, fieldtrips and/or expanded learning opportunities have been funded across every house and grade level - broadening educational experiences for all students in both schools. In addition, Educational Grants have provided funding for special classroom materials and events. Thank you to all who have volunteered, participated, and donated in order to make the Fall so successful.
Be on the lookout for the following upcoming events – The Variety Show, The Big Basket Raffle & Silent Auction, and Williston Runs for Education. We look forward to your continued support of our efforts to strengthen the educational experience of our children.
The 2015 Variety Show
This much loved and successful event is in need of new committee members and volunteers in order to happen this year! If you have organizing and/or show experience and would be willing to volunteer for this event please contact willistonfap@cssu.org.
New CSSU K-4 Report Card: Frequently Asked Questions
This is the final article of a three part series to support your understanding of the new K-4 report card. The new report card will arrive at two times during the year, January 23 and June 12th (or the last day of school) and is being used by all K-4 classroom teachers throughout CSSU schools. This article will summarize information in the first two articles in a question-answer format. The report card committee provided these articles in order to support your understanding of the new reporting system. The January report card will also include an insert for more explanation.
Why did we transition to this new form?
There are two primary reasons:
Common Core State Standards - With the implementation of the Common Core State Standards throughout Vermont, instruction and assessment is now based upon learning expectations related to these standards. The new report card is aligned with CCSS (Common Core State Standards) and replaces an old form that was based on GE’s (Grade Level Expectations) that are no longer used.
Consistency - The new report card will be used across all CSSU K-4 classrooms and achieve a high level of consistency regarding what we are assessing and how students are graded.
Read the complete article or click on any of the following questions:
What is a “4” and how can I help my child strive for it?
Is it possible for my child to “change” from one grade score to another?
Essential Early Education Community Peer Selection 2015– 2016 School Year
The Williston School District is now accepting applications for a lottery for community peers for the 2015–2016 school year pre-school program. To have your child’s name included in the lottery, please pick up a questionnaire at Allen Brook School, Williston Central School or print one off the school website and return it to the school by Wednesday, February 18, 2015. Community peers must be 3 years old but not 5 years by Sept. 1st. They need to be toilet trained, separate easily from their parents, and be easily understood when talking. Our preschool classes are Monday through Thursday mornings or afternoons.
Names will be drawn for a limited number of available peer slots on Friday, February 20, 2015 Families of students who are drawn through the placement selection will be notified by phone within two weeks of the drawing.
Dress for the Weather
Younger students should also have a spare set of indoor clothing at school.
Afterschool Enrichment for ABS Students
Health Office
Dental Cleanings
During the months of January and February, your child can receive a dental cleaning, exam, and fluoride rinse for $20. Click here for more information and sign up form.
Early Data Suggests Severe Flu Season
Based on early data, the 2014-2015 flu season could be severe. Protect yourself and your family against seasonal flu. Getting vaccinated and taking everyday precautions—like washing your hands, covering your cough, and staying away from sick people—are the best ways to keep yourself healthy this flu season. For ore information visit: http://www.flu.gov/
Flu Update December 29, 2014
Flu activity is increasing in the US, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is getting reports of flu illnesses, flu hospitalizations and flu-related deaths. Fifteen pediatric deaths have been reported so far this season. The most common strain is Influenza A (H3N2). CDC has found that H3N2-predominant seasons are associated with more severe illness and mortality, especially in older people and young children, than during H1N1 or B-predominant seasons.
More than two-thirds of the influenza A (H3N2) viruses analyzed since October 1 are antigenically or genetically different from the H3N2 vaccine virus component for the 2014-2015 season. As a result of this antigenic drift, the vaccine may not work as well.
The Vermont Department of Health and CDC still urge flu vaccination because it can still reduce flu illnesses, doctor’s visits and missed work and school due to flu, as well as prevent flu-related hospitalizations and deaths.
http://healthvermont.gov/prevent/flu/index.aspx
ABS: 871-6248 / Sylvia Love, RN
Chorus Remind 3/4
Mrs. T-H would like you to join chorus remind 3/4!
To receive messages via text, text @chorus34 to 81010. You can opt out of messages at anytime by replying 'unsubscribe@chorus34'.
Or to receive messages via email, send an email to chorus34@mail.remind.com. To unsubscribe, reply with 'unsubscribe' in the subject line.
3rd/4th gr. Chorus Concerts
Wednesday, February 4th at 1:30pm and 6:30pm in the WCS auditorium.
Musicians are required to wear concert attire* for both concerts. Musicians need to arrive at WCS at 6:10pm for the evening concert.
*What is concert attire?
Boys: long pants, shirt with collar, and a tie
Girls: dress or skirt of appropriate length, or dressy pants, with an appropriate top
Shorts, t shirts, hats, athletic wear, flip flops, and jeans are not appropriate. Please do not wear them.
Please contact me with any questions or concerns. Danielle Trasciatti-Holmberg (Mrs. T-H) dtrasciatti@cssu.org
Join the WCS Penguin Plunge Team!
We need YOU to join our Williston Wildcats Penguin Plunge Team! This is our 5th year having a school team participating in the Penguin Plunge. The Penguin Plunge is a fundraiser for the Special Olympics and all the participants jump in Lake Champlain! It is very cold but lots of fun. The date is Saturday, February 7th and it takes place at the Burlington Waterfront. If you have questions please talk to the student captains: Eric Couture, Maggie Warren, and Noah Townley. We need students, teachers, staff, parents, and siblings on the team! Please email Jennifer Townley at j.e.townley1@gmail.com or Alice Fothergill at Alice.Fothergill@uvm.edu if you have questions.
If you are interested in joining the team, please sign up on line at http://www.firstgiving.com/vtso/burlington2015
Make sure to select the "Williston Central School Wildcats" team. Also, please sign your name on the sign up sheet in the WCS front office.
Be a part of your school's team and support a great cause!
Employment Opportunities at WSD
Re-opened: Working second shift Custodian Supervisor
Williston School District has an opening for a working second shift custodian supervisor (first shift during the summer).
Qualifications:
• Demonstrated ability to supervise 2nd shift custodial staff
• Demonstrated leadership skills
• Ability to work with the public
• Must be enthusiastic and proactive in maintaining a high standard of safety and cleanliness at two locations.
Long-Term Substitute Custodian, second shift
Substitute custodian needed for second shift.
Contact Lyall Smith for more information: 871-6013 lysmith@cssu.org
Upcoming Events
Ski Fitting / Thurs. Jan. 8 / 6-8 pm / WCS
School Dance / Fri. Jan. 9 / 6:30-8:30 pm / WCS
4 Winds Training / Wed. Jan. 14 / 8-10:30 am / WCS Dining Room
St. George School Board Mtg. / Wed. Jan. 14 / 5:30-7:30 pm. / WCS Dining Room
NO SCHOOL / Mon. Jan. 19
School Board Budget Mtg. / Thurs. Jan. 22 / 4:30-6:30 pm /
Click here for athletics
Dorothy Alling Memorial Library Programs for Kids
Click here for the Bell listing of DAML events scheduled for children.
Click here for the DAML newsletters.
Previous Newsletters
Williston School District
Email: cpavlik@cssu.org
Website: www.wsdvt.org
Location: 195 Central School Drive, Williston
Phone: (802) 878-2762
Twitter: @wsdvt