School Bell
Williston Schools / May 19, 2023
In this issue...
A Message from ABS Principal Angela Filion - Lots of Important Concert Details - WCS Art Show - Summer Camps & Opportunities - LOTS of important dates - 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 Team links
- CVSD District & School Board Links
- Important Family Resources
A Message from the Williston Schools Leadership Team
by Angela Filion, Allen Brook School Principal
The Time of Year to Celebrate!
As we begin to wind down the school year, I find myself doing a lot of reflection on how the year has gone, what things we have been able to learn and do, and what areas we have struggled with, so we can fine tune our systems as we move toward the 2023-2024 school year. Upon this reflection, I though a lot about what we can celebrate....and there is so much to be proud of! So, I have decided to give you the top 5 things to celebrate here at Allen Brook School for the 2022-2023 school year.
- Despite having many staffing challenges this year we have been able to shift and adjust our internal supports/staffing to cover areas that are most critical in the building. This required flexibility and understanding from our faculty and staff. We have been fortunate to have parents and community members step into supporting roles as well. It has truly taken a village to adequately staff our building. Thanks to ALL that contributed their time and energy when needed.
- Parent and community activities have gradually started to increase as we moved out of pandemic guidelines. We were able to host our first ever open house to welcome our children and families into the building and share what wonderful things we are doing here at ABS! Parent volunteers, field trips, Four Winds, art shows, plays and various other celebrations have been had where families are welcome to join us in celebrating student success and experiences.
- As indicated in a previous segment, we had a dedicated group of educators come together as a systems think tank to analyze various topics post pandemic. We were able to begin looking at how we are currently structured and what possibilities in our future we may consider to better meet the needs of our youngest learners. We have created new data systems to store pertinent information on students in a way that is more accessible and efficient. We are also looking at our intervention model and brainstorming ways to use the resources we currently have, paired with the growing needs to the best of our abilities. All of this work will serve us well as we move forward into our next school year.
- With the rebuilding of the FAP, we have been fortunate to be able to offer rich experiences to our children with funds that have been raised and allocated. Here is a list of the wonderful things that have taken place across Williston Schools this year due to the revitalization of FAP: Author visit at ABS - Rebecca Rule "The Iciest, Diciest, Scariest Sled Ride Ever!", purchase of decodable readers matching interest and reading level of special education students, purchase decodable books for reading groups in Horizon House, purchase of large tapestry loom for weaving in classrooms or public spaces at ABS, purchase of books and other resources to support the Pathway to the Seal of Bi-literacy program at WCS, School Chicken Coop at WCS, Abenaki Land Link Presentation at ABS for students participating in this project, Jeh Kulu West African Dance and Drum Theater Residency at ABS, purchase of decodable readers for reading groups in Synergy, creation and purchase of original and unique circuit boards for specific lesson in Design Teach at WCS, purchase of specific board games to be used with DELTA students to support SEL skills, and purchase of new student atlas collection for Sterling House. Thanks to ALL that contributed to providing these rich experiences for our children!
- Lastly, I want to celebrate the incredible dedication and commitment that our faculty and staff continue to exude despite the hurdles and challenges we have faced together over the last few years. The resilience, persistence, and creativity that people bring to our schools is admirable. I have seen incredible support, empathy, and understanding when things get tough, and for that I feel honored to lead this group of hard working human beings!
Mark Your Calendar
Upcoming Events
05/23 - WCS 5th Grade Orientation, 6:30 - 7:30 WCS Auditorium
05/24 - WCS Art Show, 5-7pm / 5th - 8th Grade Concerts (details below)
05/25 - Harmony to Shelburne Museum
05/30 - 06/02 - Scholastic Book Fair at ABS
05/31 - Horizon to Maple Street Park, Swift to Five Tree Hill
06/01 - Coffee with the Principals, 8am @ WCS Community Room
06/01 - Synergy to Montshire Field Trip, Swift to Petra Cliffs, 4th Grade Beginner Band Concert
06/06 - Clover to Maritime Museum
06/08 - Clover to Maritime Museum, Harmony Celebration of Learning @7:30am
06/08 - Families as Partners Monthly Meeting, 8:30 - 10:30am, WCS Community Room
06/08 - Last Day of PreK
06/09 - Sterling to Knight Point State Park
06/13 - Harbor to Sandbar State Park, Summit to Oakledge Park, Sterling to Button Bay State Park
06/15 - Swift to Sandbar State Park
06/15 - 8th Grade Graduation
06/16 - Last Day of School, K-7 (Half-Day)
Lunch Menu
Williston Schools Job Opportunities
All About ABS...
Mark your calendars for the Spring Scholastic Book Fair
Families As Partners (FAP) is bringing back a student favorite: The Spring Scholastic Book Fair!
Tuesday, May 30th - Friday, June 2nd
This is the second Book Fair of the school year for the Williston Schools. It will be held at Allen Brook School from 5/30-6/2. All students at ABS (Prek-2nd grade) will have a chance to shop the Book Fair with their classes.
The Spring Book Fair theme is 'Be A BOLDER, PROUDER and STRONGER Reader'! We have lots of fun planned! This is the perfect opportunity to stock up on books to combat the dreaded 'Summer Slide'! Kids read more when they pick books that interest them!
Does your kiddo attend WCS? No problem! We are holding a special 'WCS Night' on 6/1 from 5-8 pm. WCS families are invited to join us at ABS for snacks, treats, games and prizes just for coming!
We are looking for parent volunteers to help with set-up, to assist kids with book purchases during the Book Fair, and to clean-up. Please sign-up at https://signup.com/go/faRgpqE if you are interested in helping.
See you there!
***FAP is committed to making Book Fairs equitable and accessible to all of our students. Having a Fall Book Fair at WCS and Spring Book Fair at ABS saves precious classroom time by eliminating the need to bus students back and forth.
All ABS Library books due Friday, May 26th
Notes From Nurse Love
FYI: Children's Dental Health - New Office for Kids
Green Mountain Pediatric Dentistry recently opened in South Burlington. They are accepting new patients under 20 years old and accept Medicaid Insurance. Their contact information below.
Green Mountain Pediatric Dentistry
Address: 42 Timber Ln, South Burlington, VT 05403
Phone: (802) 332-6808
Fax: 802-242-4858
Email: om@smile802.com
What's Up at WCS...
5th-8th Grade EVENING CONCERTS Wednesday, May 24, 2023
5:15 - 6:00: 5th Grade Band & 6th Grade Band
Student Call Time: 5pm
6:15 - 7:00: Wind Ensemble & Jazz/Pop Band
Student Call Time: 6pm
7:15 - 8:00: 5th/6th Grade Chorus & 7th/8th Grade Chorus
Student Call Time: 7pm
Students will perform during the school day as well. Please wear black bottoms and your performing arts shirt during the school day and in the evening.
Williston Central School Art Show
3rd-8th grade WCS art celebration will be on Wednesday, May 24th from 5-7 p.m.
WCS Needlework Club Raffle!!
Would you like a chance to win a knitted lap blanket, and at the same time support a local charity? WCS Needlework Club is holding a raffle!
From Monday, May 22nd through Monday, June 5th, all students, faculty and staff are invited to go to the Direction Center to purchase a raffle ticket, $1 each. All the money collected will go to a local charity of the winner’s choice.
Thank you for your support!
The WCS Needlework Club
Clover House Brook Trout Release!
Clover house raised 110 brook trout from eggs and released them into Lewis Creek in Starksboro on May 17 as part of the Trout in the Classroom Program.
YOUNG PLAYWRIGHTS FESTIVAL
Now in its 29th year, Vermont Young Playwrights exists to provide every Young Vermonter an opportunity to discover their authentic voice through playwriting. Vermont Stage, Main Street Landing Performing Arts Center, and a network of professional theatre artists come together every year to produce the largest youth playwriting program in the State; providing a unique opportunity for students to explore writing plays that give voice to their take on the world.
Students have four sessions in their schools with a visiting plawright who guides them through the process of writng 10-minute plays that are submitted for review. Three plays are selected: Honorable mention, a second place play that will have a cold-read by professional actors, and a first place submission that is acted by professionals after the young playwright has time practicing and directing them.
Students then attend a day-long festival to see these amazing plays, from both middle school and high school students come alive. We attended on Tuesday, May 17th and had a fantastic time!
Honorable mention: Nora Brady
2nd place: Hailley Hem
3rd place: Alex Carr
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
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
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.
Williston & CVSD Services and Resources
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
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!
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.
Teens D&D
Monday, May 8, 5-6 p.m. Ages 12+. Join our teen Dungeons & Dragons campaign!
Preschool Storytime
Tuesdays, 10:30-11 a.m. Join Danielle for stories, songs, and rhymes.
After School Craft
Wednesday, May 24, 2-3 p.m. Make a craft to take home after school 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.
LEGO Time
Thursday, May 25, 3-4 p.m. Make something exciting with the Library’s LEGO collection!
Casual Crafting for Kids
Thursday, May 25, 4-5 p.m. Let your imagination flow with the library’s craft supplies.
Saturday Preschool Music
Saturday, May 27, 10:30-11 a.m. Sing and dance with Linda Bassick on the Town Green!
Littles D&D*
Saturday, May 27, 12-1:30 p.m. Suggested ages 5-8. Little siblings and interested kids can join a 1-session D&D campaign! Caretakers should stay to help their campaigner as needed. Registration required.
Williston Recreation & Parks
Track & Field
Age 6-14. Participants will learn the basics of running, jumping, throwing, and relays. There will be meets with other area Rec. Depts. and a VRPA State Meet for Athletes ages 7-14. Great program for those who love to run, jump, and throw. https://willistonvt.myrec.com/info/activities/program_details.aspx?ProgramID=29844
Enrichment Camps
Be sure to check out the variety of Enrichment Camps being offered this Summer. Use the Camp Grid to see what is offered and when and to pan your Summer of Fun!
Camp Grid- https://willistonvt.myrec.com/forms/6000_form.campgrid_23.1.pdf
Summer School or an Enrichment Camp?
Is your child attending Summer School or do they want to do a morning or afternoon Enrichment Camp? If so, add a half day option of R.E.C. Camp- morning or afternoon and make it a full day of camp for your child. See R.E.C Camp Info below.
ENRICHMENT CAMPS
If doing a morning or afternoon Enrichment Camp- register for the opposite R.E.C. Camp half day option and the Camp Staff will get or bring your child to their next camp, after having lunch together.
SUMMER SCHOOL
If your child is doing Summer School, register them for the half day afternoon option of R.E.C. Camp.
NOTE:
1. Summer School is Mon-Thurs, we will be accepting campers all day Fridays.
2. Summer School ends before the afternoon session of R.E.C. Camp begins- that's OK, register them for the afternoon option, let us know your child is in Summer School, and then have the Summer School Staff bring them down to the WCS Cafeteria, where they will have lunch with the Camp.
3. If an Afternoon Session of R.E.C. Camp is Full, and you need one for your child who is attending Summer School, contact Rec- We can override it and get your child in.
R.E.C. Camp- Recreation Experiences for Children
Is a wonderful twist on the traditional day camp. Packed with recreation, sports, and arts & crafts, there is never a dull moment. This child centered day camp is the perfect blend of choice activities, group games, free play and the ever-popular field trip and swim day. Campers have the opportunity to meet new friends, learn new things and have fun. Each day campers participate in choice activities, group games, and indoor and outdoor play. After a morning on the go, there is lunch and quiet time to rejuvenate and be ready for an afternoon of fun activities. Campers get to choose their choice activities that come from the counselors in camp. There are a variety of activities to choose from each Summer. Thursdays, each session, are Field Trip and Swim Day. There is a field trip in the morning and swimming\water games in the afternoon- swimming at beaches or pools or water games at camp.
CAMP INFO:
Location:
Camp is held at Williston Central School
Camp Options:
Full Days- 7:30a-5:30p
Half Days- Mornings- 7:30a-12:30p
Afternoons- 12:30-5:30p
Camp Sessions:
A session is Monday-Friday, full or half days. A session cannot be spilt up by days or the full and half day options.
There are 8-1 week Full Day Sessions available from June 26- August 18
There are 7-1 week, Morning or Afternoon Sessions offered from June 26-August 11
(Your child may attend any days of a session that you want, but the registration is taking a session spot, so full fee must be paid and will not be prorated)
Session Fees:
Full Days- $190 Res/$205 Non
Half Days- $100 Res/$115 Non
NOTE: No Camp July 3rd & 4th
July 5-7- Full Days- $115 Res/$130 Non
Half Days- $60 Res/$75 Non
Registration:
https://willistonvt.myrec.com/info/activities/program_details.aspx?ProgramID=30249
Final Camp Balance is due June 9, 2023
L.I.T. Camp- Leaders In Training
The L.I.T. camp is designed to build leaders both at camp and within the Williston community. A small number of teens can register each session for this special position at camp where they learn from experienced staff to develop the skills necessary to work with their peers and younger children. L.I.T.s will also receive training in the following areas: camper safety, positive role-modeling, team building and problem-solving. L.I.T.s may also complete projects that improve R.E.C. Camp. L.I.T.s are integrated into the camp program and receive hands-on experience working alongside counselors. L.I.T.s are not permanently assigned to Pods nor will they be without a counselor during any activity time. L.I.T.s will have an augmented camp day that includes trainings as well as portions of the day where they will be interacting directly with campers.
Expectations of L.I.T. Campers:
L.I.T’s must abide by all rules and policies of the Williston Recreation Dept. and Williston R.E.C Camp.
Arrive at Camp promptly each day and sign in with the LIT Counselor.
Provide positive role-modeling for campers.
Assist R.E.C. staff in providing a safe and healthy environment for campers.
Assist R.E.C. staff with running pod time and choice time activities while keeping the camp experience fun.
Take proper care of R.E.C. Camp property and equipment.
To be enthusiastic and engaged within their group.
Have timely communication with the LIT Counselor regarding the need for late arrival or early pick-up, issues or concerns.
CAMP INFO:
Location:
Camp is held at Williston Central School
Camp Options:
7-one week sessions are offered from 8:30am-4:30pm- June 26- August 11
Early and Late Options can be added to extend the camp day
Early Option- 7:30-8:30am
Late Option- 4:30-5:30pm
Session Fee:
$190 Res/$205 Non
Note: No Camp July 3rd & 4th- $115 Res/$130 Non
Registration:
https://willistonvt.myrec.com/info/activities/program_details.aspx?ProgramID=30250
Final Camp Balance is due June 9, 2023
O.U.R. Camps- Outdoor Ultimate Recreation Camps
Are one week adventures for youth entering grades 6th-8th in the Fall. O.U.R. Camps are for the teen who is looking to be active this summer. There are 7 weeks of themed camps offered. Each one will have a variety of trips to keep teens moving. This camp is On-The-Go and for the teen who likes to be active in the outdoors. Sign up your child for one week or more!
CAMP INFO:
Location:
Camp is held at Williston Central School and Beyond!
Camp Options:
7-one week camps are offered from 8:30am-4:30pm- June 26- August 11
Early and Late Options can be added to extend the camp day
Early Option- 8:00-8:30am
Late Option- 4:30-5:00pm
Camp Fees:
Full weeks- Monday-Friday- $260 Res./$275 Non
July 5-7 Wednesday-Friday- $160 Res/$175 Non (no camp July 3 & 4)
Registration:
https://willistonvt.myrec.com/info/activities/program_details.aspx?ProgramID=30251
Final Camp Balance is due June 9, 2023
CAMPS:
Wk. 1- Summit Scramble - June 26-30
Do you like to conquer great heights? If so, register now for this camp and enjoy a week of hikes. Hikes will progress throughout the week. See VT from new heights!
Wk. 2- 3-Day Adventure - July 5-7 (no camp July 3 & 4)
This is a short week, but a thrilling one. Campers will discover and explore 3 days of different adventures. What will these be? It is up to the group of campers that are registered this week. they will work with the Camp Director to set up adventures that interest them.
Wk. 3- Park Around - July 10-14
Come discover what the State Parks of VT have to offer- Swimming, canoeing, kayaking and much more. Each day will be a new state park to explore!
Wk. 4- Beach Bum Bonanza - July 17-21
Let's hang out at different beaches this week and enjoy the water. Each day will be discovering a new beach that we can swim and play at.
Wk. 5- Psyched About Cycling - July 24-28
Biking is the topic that we will explore this week. Short and long rides will be taken and possibly get in some Mt. biking.
Wk. 6- Wet n' Wild - July 31- Aug 4
The week is full of getting wet in wild places, like pools, splash pads, Amusement Park and other great places we can discover.
Wk. 7- Discover VT - Aug 7-11
The last week of OUR Camps will be exploring what VT has to offer from the tourist side. Come discover what great and different things VT has to offer.
(The camp descriptions above are brief, what and where actual things will be happening are determined by the counselors and campers of each week. Planning out the week and planning for different happenings is part of the camp experience)
Learn More Online...
Summer Camps - Sports - Community Events
UVM Chemistry Camp 2023 - Saturday 6/03
Dear Parents/Guardians/Teachers,
The graduate students at the Department of Chemistry, University of Vermont are offering a half-day long Chemistry Camp for elementary school students on June 3rd 2023, Saturday. Please see attached flyer for additional details on the camp.
For Registration, please fill out the registration form here (https://www.uvmfoundation.org/s/1690/19/interior.aspx?sid=1690&gid=2&pgid=3033) and send it to us by mail before May 13th 2023. Space is limited to 75 children so hurry and send in your form! Registration includes a t-shirt with Chem Camp logo, a lab note book, lunch, snacks and hand-out for students.
Thank you for your continued support, and we look forward to seeing your children at ChemCamp 2023.
Do not hesitate to reach out to us with questions or concerns at chemcamp@uvm.edu.
Best,
Chem Camp Committee
Department of Chemistry
82 University Place
Burlington, VT 05405
Telephone: (802) 656-0198
Summer of Science 2023 Workshops
Please read the workshop descriptions carefully for grade requirement, location & time and registration deadline.
- Space is limited; first-come, first-served.
- Please do not register until you know 100% that you can attend.
- Do not register for a program unless you meet the grade requirement; your registration will be canceled if you are not the correct grade.
- If a program is full, please contact Lauren.Traister@uvm.edu to be placed on a waiting list.
Workshops are FREE but registration is required. (Flyer, PDF)
Most workshops are open to youth entering grades 7-12 in the Fall but there are a few exceptions as noted.
June 23: Learn About Lake Champlain on a Floating Classroom
June 27: Flow Cytometry
June 28: Plant and Fungi Ecology and Evolution
July 6: Build a Rocket (Part 1 of 2) entering grades 9-12
July 10: Biomimicry
July 12: Learn About Forest Ecology
July 14-16: Natural Resources Management Academy entering grades 7-10
July 17: Special Conference/Youth Day: Stem Cells, Cell Therapy and Bioengineering in Lung Biology and Disease entering grades 8-12
July 18: Learn About Brain Connections with Neuronify
July 21: Microbe Detectives
July 24-28: Science Exploration Camp entering grades 6-8
July 27: Build a Rocket (Part 2 of 2) entering grades 9-12
July 31- August 4: Morning Cup of Code entering grades 5-12
August 4: Brain Lab
August 6: Nature Awareness and Ecological Restoration
Other Upcoming Opportunities Include:
May 6 - Teen Science Cafe on "Potato Batteries and Exploding Gummies: A Peek into the World of Chemistry"
May 21 - Science Fun Day:Out of this World STEM Activities for grades 3-5
June 1 - Apply to be a teen leader for the Youth Environmental Summit
June 1 - Apply to be a 4-H Science Ambassador for the 2023-2024 school year
And much more!
Go to the 4-H Announcement Page to see all of the upcoming opportunities.
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.