THE SCHOOL BELL
Williston Schools / April 8, 2022
A Message from the Williston Schools Leadership Team
By Sarah Crum, Director of Student Support Services
Ebb & Flow
The natural world provides us with many examples of the need for things to ebb and flow in our lives. The waxing and waning of the moon, the changing tides & seasons, trees budding and then losing their leaves. This is true for us as individuals and for our students as they develop. We can see this easily when it impacts their physical growth and we realize that they suddenly need new shoes (didn’t I just buy a new pair last month?) or that the pair of pants that I thought would make it through the season just won’t suffice. It is harder to see with their social emotional growth and with their academic learning, but it is happening there too. It is important for us to remember that we can’t remain in one phase for sustained periods. Just as our breath requires an exhale before we have space to take the next inhale, we have to allow the natural ebb and flow to support us in our lives and in our growth. It is natural for children to revert back to behaviors they may have overcome and it is natural for their brains to take time to strengthen mastery of one skill before acquiring a new one. Spring is a time of year when we clearly see this reality for our students. They have been in school now for many months and their brains and bodies have absorbed a lot of new learning and development. As they get ready to shine with all their new skills and growth, they are likely to take some faltering steps. This is okay and we will be there to help guide them as they become the newest version of themselves. The weeks following the April break can often feel rushed and chaotic as we all try to pack in our remaining hopes for the school year against the clock. We are re-energized by longer days and warmer weather and want to take advantage of all that spring has to offer. April break can be a good time to really exhale and make space for all we want to take in as the school year closes. In the next couple of weeks, we hope you can take stock of some of the ebb and flow in your lives and feel ready to embrace whichever phase you might be in right now knowing that it is all a part of the journey!
Looking for your feedback!
CVSD has taken steps to respond to the needs of our students and community using the ESSER funding provided to schools. We would like to share the ways that these funds will directly impact the Williston Schools and support the social and emotional needs of students, increase engagement, and ensure continued academic growth. Starting at the beginning of next school year and for the next two school years, the Williston Schools will have an additional Guidance Counselor at WCS and we have added a Social Emotional Learning Coach at Allen Brook School. The two additional implementation team teachers we have had this year will also continue to support our system in increasing teacher expertise and support our effective use of student data to inform instruction.
We are asking our community to give feedback as we continue to plan for the additional funds. Please complete the survey below to let us know what you would like to see our system prioritize as we move forward with the Covid Recovery Plan. An informational slide show is also included for further details.
CVSD ARP ESSER plan video & slideshow
Return to School Following Illness - Information for Families
What happens if my child has symptoms in School?
* If your child has any COVID-19 symptoms while at school, they will be sent to the Health Office, a nurse will perform a LAMP COVID test in the Health office and you will be called to come pick up your child.
* If the test results are positive, the nurse will communicate the isolations guidelines and return to school timeline.
* If the results are negative, your child will still need to go home. Your child may return to school once symptoms are improved.
* If symptoms worsen or new symptoms develop - your child will need to be re-tested for COVID
Symptoms of COVID-19 can be mild, moderate or severe and may include:
Fever (100.4 °F or higher), cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, chills, fatigue, muscle or body aches, headache, sore throat, new loss of taste or smell, congestion or runny nose, nausea or vomiting, diarrhea
What happens if my child has symptoms at home?
* If your child has ANY of COVID-19 symptoms listed above, keep them home from school and call the school nurse to report their absence.
* Get your child COVID tested - Take 2 antigen (rapid) tests as close to 24 hours apart as possible; or take 1 PCR or LAMP test
* If your child tests negative - they should still stay home while symptomatic. Your child may return to school once symptoms are improved.
* If symptoms worsen or new symptoms develop - your child will need to be re-tested for COVID with a PCR test.
* If you choose not to test your student, they can return to school after day 5 from onset of symptoms.
A reminder: Students should continue to stay home when sick, regardless of whether or not they have COVID-19. Students may return to school when their symptoms improve.
As with other contagious illnesses, if your child tests positive for COVID-19, we ask that you inform your school’s nurse.
Please email Nurse Maria (WCS) = mkapetanovic@cvsdvt.org or Nurse Love (ABS) - slove@cvsdvt.org with any questions.
Keep reading for important Info on School Celebrations and DAML Art Show ahead!
Williston Central School Dress Code Reminders
WCS is committed to creating a comfortable and positive learning environment for all students. The WCS dress code is designed to promote a body-positive environment where all students feel safe and welcome by upholding standards that foster a secure and equitable community. Our dress code seeks to ensure that all students are treated equitably regardless of race, sex, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, ethnicity, religion, cultural observance, household income, disability or body type/size.
WCS expects its members to come to school dressed appropriately for being in a public space, community and work environment.
Students are expected to wear clothing that:
Fully covers belly or midriff, rear and chest, and should not be transparent (see-through).
Undergarments (not including straps) should also not be exposed.
Does not display messages that depict, or symbolize sexual references, drugs/alcohol/tobacco, weapons or harassing references (targeting based on race, color, ethnicity, gender, sexuality, religion, sexual orientation, or disability).
Does not completely cover the face. Exceptions for religious coverings, masks for health reasons, and hats/hoodies (as long as they are not impacting safety, health or learning).
NOTE: Certain areas in the school might require particular dress for safety reasons especially in Design and Tech space and the gymnasium; teachers of these spaces will share expectations with students.
Handling Dress Code Violations
Potential dress code violations will be handled…
In a manner that does not pull a student out of an instructional class
Through a private, respectful conversation
With a trusted adult that has a relationship with the student
Without requiring the student wear a “loaner” item
If there is a violation, the student will be asked to cover up or change using their own clothing
Final dress code decisions will be made by the Principal.
Tuesday, April 12th - Dress in Disguise Day
Attn: Allen Brook Students
We filled the hive by being Safe, Kind and Responsible. On Tuesday, April 12th, we will have Dress in Disguise Day!!! Feel free to wear hats, glasses/sunglasses, scarves, etc. This does NOT include costumes or Halloween style face masks, please keep those at home! Everyone will receive a fake mustache to wear if they would like!Spare Clothing for Mud Season
A Reminder from Dorothy Alling Memorial Library
Library Art Show - April 2022
Keep reading... LOTS of upcoming events this issue...
CVU Summer Camp
23rd Annual Bill Mikell Easter Parade & Egg Hunt
The Williston-Richmond Rotary club will hold its 23rd annual Bill Mikell Easter Parade and Egg Hunt at the Williston Central School on Saturday, April 16 for children 12 years old and younger. The parade begins promptly at 9:00 am so please be in place. The event will take place regardless of the weather so children should be dressed appropriately.
Easter baskets with prizes will be awarded to children who find specially marked Easter eggs. Other prizes will be awarded to children wearing costumes or bonnets. Children are encouraged to bring their own Easter baskets and to recycle their eggs. Mark your calendar now so you don’t miss this fun event. For more information contact Andy Mikell @ 343.2704 or amikell@catic.com.
Visiting Classrooms
Students riding the bus
The Late Bus
DAML Programs
Click here to access the DAML web site listing of events.
Recreation & Parks Offerings
Community Events
ABS Safe Drop Off & Pick Up
It is very important to stay in your vehicles during arrival and dismissal. We appreciate all you can do to ensure a safe and smooth transition in and out of school!
Please do not stop in the handicap parking spot or the crosswalk in front of the school - this creates safety and accessibility challenges when these areas are blocked.
Students being driven to ABS in the mornings can arrive between 7:30-7:55 for all 1st and 2nd grade students. 7:50-8:00 for all Kindergarten and PreK students. Walkers are welcome as early as 7:30. School begins at 8:00.
Please refer to this map for the correct location to drop off/pick up your student:
ABS Dismissal Update
*Please note: we did not shorten learning time for our students, we are just making the time students are waiting to leave and waiting outside less.
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 Breathe Out - How to deal with stress due to COVID-19
- Vermont 211 -Vermont database of resources and services
Help Desk Portal for Technical Issues
INTRA-DISTRICT K-8 SCHOOL CHOICE
Children entering grades K-8 who live in the towns of Charlotte, Hinesburg, Shelburne, St. George and Williston may exercise school choice. Our goal is to both allow options for families and also make balanced class sizes to provide a positive learning environment for all of our children. Processes for intra-district choice of school will be guided by the needs of students, space availability, and existing resources. Given this, we will work to meet as many families’ needs as possible. Guidelines and Application
Internet Connectivity for Families
CVSD has been awarded a federal grant that provides assistance for Internet connectivity for families that qualify for the free and reduced-price meals program.
The Emergency Connectivity Fund (ECF) is designed to help students who currently lack Internet access that they may need to connect to classrooms. It is funded through June 2022.
If you have any questions about the program, please send a note to CVSDECFProgram@cvsdvt.org . If you have questions about your student’s eligibility for the Free and Reduced Meal program, email Stephanie Hurlburt at shurlburt@cvsdvt.org
Four Winds
Nature's News Newsletters
December - No Newsletter
Slides Presentations
Lesson 1: Leaf-Eaters
Lesson 2: Life in the Dirt
Lesson 3: Snags and Rotting Logs
Lesson 4: Squirrel Tales
Lesson 5: Staying Warm
Lesson 6: White-tailed Deer
Williston Four Winds Program
Contact Us: wsdfourwinds@cvsdvt.org
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
Upcoming Events
Apr 6 - Kindergarten Meet & Greet, 2:00-4:00pm @ Allen Brook School
Apr 13 - Four Winds Training, 8:30-10:30, WCS Community Room
Kindergarten Meet & Greet, 2:00-4:00pm @ Allen Brook School
Apr 18 - Apr 22 - Spring Break - NO SCHOOL
May 3 - Eid al-Fitr - NO SCHOOL
May 11 - Four Winds Training, 8:30 - 10:30, Location TBD
May 19 - WCS Concert, Band & Chorus
May 26 - WCS Concert, Beginner Band
June 9 - 8th Grade Graduation, time TBD
June 10 - Last day of school, Grades K-7/ Half-Day
CVSD School Board
CVSD's COVID Recovery Plan
Learn more about CVSD's Strategic Response Plan and provide feedback at this link.
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