THE SCHOOL BELL
Williston Schools /October 24, 2018
The School Journey
by Sarah Crum, Director of Student Services
In the last month, our school pictures have arrived. Each year, I pin the latest version of my children in their predictable school pose up on my bulletin board. What I love is to see the progression through the years. Early on we had gaps in the smiles where there was a lost tooth or two, adult teeth pushing those baby teeth right out as my children learned to read and write and become contributing members of a community. The pictures always reflected a slightly more disheveled look than when I had sent them out the door that morning. Learning is a messy business and it was clear they had been busy and active as they grappled with new concepts and experiences.
As the years went on, there were new hairstyles, sisters who wore the same dress for 1st grade but very differently, suddenly a pair of glasses in 3rd grade, a new pair in 5th grade. The books coming home in the backpack shifted from simple sentence sight word practice to chapter books and then young adult novels. Math practice began as counting on and skip counting to understanding arrays and solving for x. There seemed to be a clear shift around 4th grade when they no longer wore whatever I chose for them but had distinct and individual clothing preferences. We tried new instruments, played soccer, ran for student council, auditioned for a play. I recall it was 6th grade when the picture outfit required friend approval rather than mom approval (there may have been a year when the outfit required no one’s approval as it seemed a silly exercise all together). Conversations about what happened at school today took more prompting, but when those doors opened I heard increasingly sophisticated connections and understandings about the world in which we live. There were braces in 8th grade, contacts in 9th grade.
Day in and day out, these changes were imperceptible. We navigated the successes and challenges each day as they unfolded. But when I string them all together, I begin to see the phenomenal transformation that this school journey has been. Each child’s identity has been shaped by all the different school experiences, they have grown and changed, matured and become more independent. As time went on, the smile seemed to change the most as the ratio of baby teeth to adult teeth shifted and my school children became young adults. However, even in the most recent rendition, you can see a glimmer of all the versions that came before.
Board Games Needed for Indoor Recess
WCS is in need of short board games to use during indoor recess for 5th & 6th grade students. Potential games include: Spot It, Elementos, Scattegories, Checkers, Connect Four, Uno, Cards, Jenga, Trouble, Boggle, Telestration or other games designed for a 15-20 minute span. Thank you! Please drop them off at the WCS front office.
Craft Show Volunteers Needed!
Please help us with the Fall Craft Show on November 3rd. Volunteers are needed for set-up on Friday evening November 2nd and during the event on Saturday November 3rd. Find more information and available shifts on the sign-up link: http://signup.com/go/rUkLHGt Or contact Karen and Paula at wsdcraftshow@cvsdvt.org. Thank you for helping with this important school fundraiser!
Family Movie Night at ABS
Movie Night!
The Great Pumpkin Charlie Brown
Saturday, October 27, 6 pm at ABS
To benefit the UVM Children’s Hospital
Donations accepted!
Bring your blanket, stuffed animal, and pjs!
***This event is being organized by 1st and 2nd grade students*****
FAP Speaker Series Presents Stress Reduction Strategies
Life can be stressful sometimes! Kids and adults experience increase levels of stress and worry. Come learn some easily accessible techniques to help everyone in your home reduce stress and worry, and increase relaxation and calmness. A variety of topics will be introduced including using mindfulness, breathing techniques, body movement and more. We use our time together to tailor towards what the group is most interested in and will practice some techniques during the workshop.
November 15th
6:30-8pm
WCS Community Room
FUN NIGHT @ WCS this Friday!
Drop off your kids grades (K-5) for an adult supervised Fun Night, sponsored by Swift House. All proceeds benefit the Swift House trip to Washington, DC in June.
What: An evening of adult supervised FUN & PIZZA for the kids.
Where: Drop-off/Pick-up through the FRONT entrance @ WCS!!!!!
Who: Children grades K - 5
When: Friday, October 26th Time: 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Activities Include: Holiday-themed crafts, face painting, basketball, bowling, movie, bean bag toss, bingo, prize table and more!!!
Prices:
Pre-Registration Discount: $10/child, $15/family
At the door: $15/child, $20/ family
(all food CASH only at event)
Snacks are $.50 each
Hot Dogs $2.00
Pizza Slices $2.00
CVSD Community Forum October 30th
8th Challenge Coat Drive
I’m Devon Gamelin and my 8th grade challenge is collecting winter coats and donating them to people in need. I am working with Sweetwaters who takes the coats to be cleaned and then hands them out to people on Thanksgiving. All new or gently used coats will be accepted. We are in need of women’s, men’s, and children’s coats of all sizes. There is a box for donations in the WCS front lobby. I will be accepting coats until next Wednesday, October 31. Thank you!
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 8 - December 13. These small group classes will be facilitated by school faculty and staff. Please access the link to the sign-up form below by Oct 9th. 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 and goods 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 29th through November 6th. Donations include: individually wrapped Halloween candy (NO pixie sticks or bags of loose candy-ex. candy corn), dental floss, travel sizes of non aerosol deodorant, sunscreen, powder, wipes, gum, lip balm, playing cards, sewing kits, individual serving packet drink mix 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.
If you have questions, please feel free to contact Ali Hearn at apollack282@gmail.com
Halloween Safety
Beginner Band Starts in November
Important dates:
Thursday, 10/18- students attended the beginner band instrument demonstration.
Friday, 10/26 deadline for signing up for beginner band (on music web page)
Monday, 11/5, 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. Students may choose:
flute, clarinet, alto saxophone, tenor saxophone, trumpet, trombone, baritone, or percussion.
Percussionists rent a percussion kit that includes a mallet instrument and a drum pad.
7th and 8th Grade District Music Festival Information
The District Festival is for 7th and 8th grade students. Students from all over Chittenden County come together for a two day music festival on February 1 and February 2 and perform in band, chorus and orchestra. Band and chorus are by audition. String players need a recommendation sheet filled out by their string teacher. This is an honor and a privilege to be selected to represent Williston Central School at this festival.
Band: All Wind Ensemble members are working on the audition material in lessons. Auditions are on Saturday, 11/3 at Colchester Middle School from 9am - 12 noon.
Orchestra: If you play a string instrument and wish to represent our school in the festival orchestra, please contact Ms. Kennedy or Mrs. Thompson. We will give you a form for your private teacher to fill out and return to us by Friday, 10/26.
Chorus: Rehearsal and audition schedule can be found here. The auditions are on Friday, October 26 during core.
WCS PHYSICAL EDUCATION BIKING PROGRAM
Williston Central School Physical Education Biking Program for Students in 4th Grade
Made possible by: Local Motion and Kohl’s Kids Bike Smart Trailer
Monday, October 22 - Friday, November 2, 2018 during scheduled PE classes
WCS 4th Graders
Helmets will be provided
4th Graders are encouraged to bring OWN helmets
Bicycles will be provided
Students may use OWN bicycles if it is not a hardship for families to get them to the bike racks behind WCS by scheduled PE class time.
Students should dress appropriately for the weather
*Parents who are interested in biking with students during class time should contact Lynn McClintock at 871-6194 or Lmcclintock@cvsdvt.org
Cans for Cause Event - Thanks for Donations!
The Williston Community Food Shelf has served an average of 238 families per month and has provided food for 6,438 individuals, so far, this calendar year. The food shelf is very grateful for your assistance in helping to feed our hungry neighbors. Together we are making a difference!
Click here to read more about the Food Shelf's upcoming “Turkey Day”
Saturday, Nov. 17, 2018, 8:00 - 11:00 am at the Food Shelf
Keep Halloween safe for kids with allergies
Safety Committee Meet & Greet
Would you like to know more about School Safety in Williston?
Come and meet members of the safety committee, including representatives from The Williston Police and Fire Departments*, VT State Police, School Staff and Town Personnel
This is a chance to learn more about their work and ongoing efforts to enhance school safety
Coffee/Tea and refreshments will be served
8th Grade Challenge
Hello Everyone, my name is Addi Hunter and for my 8th grade challenge I am raising money for the Make A Wish Foundation. I chose Make A Wish because I love what they do for people and I want to be involved in something that is positive and helpful. I am participating in the Witches, Wizards, and Wishes Walk on October 27th. My team is called Wildcats for Wishes. If you want to support the walk, here is the way to get to my page:
If you search up Witches, Wizards,and Wishes and get to the home page.
It will either say register or donate.
You click the donate button and go to search teams.
Enter Wildcats for Wishes
From there you will see the page.
Thank you!
Here is my email address if you have any questions: addisonhunter@cvsdvt.orgDevelopmental Screening for Children ages 3-5 years
Do you have concerns about your child’s development? Allen Brook School is offering a developmental screening for children ages 3-5 years. A screening can be used to determine if children are learning basic skills and meeting developmental milestones. Early childhood professionals will engage in activities which will allow them to observe the way your child plays, learns, speaks, and moves their body. Each child is unique and develops at his or her own pace, but sometimes concerns can arise, and it is helpful to identify these concerns as early as possible to in order to get necessary supports in place.
Friday, November 2nd from 9:00 - 11:00. Pre-registration is required.
Please call Victoria Francis, Early Childhood Outreach Educator,
at 871-6240 to schedule an appointment.
(* If you have concerns about a younger child and would like to request a screening, please call us.)
Supervised Volunteering in the Schools
The CVSD Board recognizes the valuable contributions made to the schools by volunteers. It further recognizes that appropriate supervision of volunteers will enhance their contributions as well as fulfill the responsibility that the school district has for the education and safety of its students.
It is the policy of the Champlain Valley School District to ensure that volunteers will be appropriately screened prior to entering into service in the school district .
Consent for Release of Registry Information Form C
Supervised volunteers and chaperones will complete the Consent for Release of Registry Information and provide a copy of a photo ID. This allows the district to perform a search on the Agency of Human Services Abuse Registry and the Vermont Internet Sex Offender Registry (VISOR).
Read more from the Williston Website
Yearbooks
Order your student a yearbook before they run out!
Order at www.jostens.com
Contact ABeauregard@cvsdvt.org with questions.
Essential oil use in pediatrics: Safe and effective?
FLU SEASON IS COMING FAST
Below are links from the CDC for your information.
If your student receives the Flu vaccine please be sure to let your schools Health Office know.
"An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure".
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.
Families as Partners
Tuesday Early Dismissal
Dismissal at ABS is 1:35 pm.
Dismissal at WCS 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.
Four Winds Nature News
School Lunch Menus
Monthly Fitness Fun
More Links, More information
Upcoming Events
Fri. Oct. 26 / Swift Fun Night / WCS / 5:30-8 pm
Sat. Oct. 27 / Movie Night at ABS / 6-7pm
Tues. Oct. 30 / CVSD Community Forum / 6-7:30 pm / CVUHS rm. 160
Fri. Nov. 2 / Meet & Greet Williston Safety Team / ABS Cafeteria / 7:45-8:30 am
Fri. Nov 2 / Developmental Screening / 9-11 am / ABS
Sat. Nov. 3 / Craft Fair / 9 am - 4 pm / WCS
Mon. Nov. 5 / Beginner Band Parent Night / 6:30-8 pm / WCS Auditorium
Thurs. Nov. 8 / FAP / 8 am - 10 am / WCS Community Room
Fri. Nov. 9 / District Jazz Festival
Wed. Nov. 14 / Four Winds Training / 8:30-10:30 am / WCS Community Room
Thurs. Nov. 15 / Stress Reduction Speaker / 6:30-8 pm / WCS Community Room
Fri. Nov. 16 / Harmony Breakfast / 7:30-8:30 am
Thanksgiving Break - Nov. 19-23 - No School
Upcoming Events on the School Web CalendarDAML 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