We had a great first three days of school with the students. I have been able to eat lunch in the cafeteria with kindergarten, 4th grade, and 5th grade and begin getting to know new WES students as well as visit with returners. Although the school has grown in size to 280 students as of today, there is a nice feeling of community developing in the various grade levels and wings of the school. We have also had a few parents come and visit for lunch, which we always encourage. It adds to the feeling that we are all a team helping the children grow and learn. Please let the office know in advance if you would like to join your child for a meal. We love to see families in our school!

Sincerely Yours,
Maggie Mills

Playground Updates: This summer, the WES PTO helped launch a fundraising effort for short-term and long-term improvements to the playground. Through the funds raised thus far and a grant from Vermont School Board Insurance Trust, we were able to fix the erosion under the treehouse, relocate some climbing boulders, build up the sandbox, create an auxiliary sandbox, and repair the swing set. This summer, through generous help from Chippers, we also relocated some trees that inhibited ball sports in the small playing field area. Playground fundraising will continue this year with the hopes of implementing long-term projects such as further addressing the hillside trails and purchasing a climbing structure. Information about how to donate can be found here. We are always eager to have volunteers help with the upkeep of our gardens and grounds if you can offer time with projects such as pulling weeds, sweeping sand, and raking mulch.

If you have had a chance to read our WCSU Elementary Handbook, you may have noted the following protocol regarding dismissal change of plans:

1. Call or notify the school prior to 1:30 PM to change regular dismissal plans.

   
   

2. Please notify the school office of dismissal changes by phone (457-2522), e-mail (davidmiles@wcsu.net) or note.

   
   

If your child is taking a different bus or different bus stop, include the name of where they are going and a full address of where they are to be dropped off. The drivers require a note from us with this information.

After 1:30, it is VERY challenging to get messages regarding end of day plans to students and teachers and bus line monitors. When plans change, we must notify the student and the teacher and update the bus list. We need ample time between 1:30-2:30 to make these changes as we receive dozens of calls/messages each day regarding changes. When we have to hold the bus because your child does not know his/her plans or the plan changes last minute, it leads to bus drivers working beyond their contracted hours and worried parents/guardians at bus stops due to late buses. Please help us keep things running smoothly so all the buses can run on time.

The best thing you can do is spend a few minutes on Sunday evening or Monday morning reviewing the week's dismissal plan with your child and communicate this plan to his/her teacher and the office. Children feel worried and then have a hard time learning when plans for the end of the day are uncertain or change frequently. PLEASE help your child feel safe and secure at school knowing that all the adults have a plan to take care of their whereabouts after school.