The School Bell
Williston Schools / December 9, 2022
In this issue...
A Message from the Leadership Team - Bus B & C Changes in the Afternoon - Updates from our school nurses - Meet Ziggy the Therapy Dog at ABS - CVSD Budget Development Meeting Information - WCS Spirit Wear order deadline extended - PreK lottery open - 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 links
- CVSD District & School Board Links
- Important Family Resources
A Message from the Williston Schools Leadership Team
by Lauren Goracy, Director of Student Services
Hello Williston Community!
As we start wrapping up the year, I wanted to share with you some information around our Multi-tiered System of Support (MTSS) at Williston Schools and in Champlain Valley School District. Since I have worked in Williston schools and also transferred from Shelburne Community Schools as a special educator, I have witnessed and been part of the MTSS system. I continue to be in awe of the hard work and dedication our systems of supports demonstrate in Williston Schools and in the greater community of CVSD. We are always continuing to improve our systems and are working hard to meet the needs of every student. I have also had many conversations with staff and families about our system of supports and wanted to give you a general overview.
Above is a graphic of CVSD’s multi-tiered system of instruction and intervention. The focus is first on the provision of high-quality evidence-based instruction in the classroom. Our goal is to identify students who may be at risk of struggling as early as possible in order to provide specific, targeted interventions. We believe that we will be most successful in meeting the needs of all students when we use data to adjust instruction in a problem-solving approach.
Within our Tiered System of Instruction are a variety of State and Federally regulated programs designed to provide intervention and support for students experiencing challenges in school.
All interventions in CVSD are guided by our Guiding Principles for Instruction and Intervention. This document outlines a series of evidence-based practices in interventions that have shown promise in accelerating the learning for struggling students. Our professional development in the area of intervention centers around these principles.
Educational Support Team
"Within each school district’s comprehensive system of educational services, Title 16 of the Vermont Statutes requires each public school to develop and maintain an educational support system (ESS) for children who require additional assistance in order to succeed in the general education environment. Support includes prevention, intervention, and pre-school services. The educational support system is required to include an educational support team (EST) and a range of support and remedial services, including instructional and behavioral interventions and accommodations. Act 117 requires each school board to assign responsibility for developing and maintaining the ESS to the superintendent or principal. It also requires each superintendent to annually report on the status of the ESS in their schools including how funds, such as Medicaid, are used to support the ESS." - (VT Department of Education, 2010)
What is 504?
Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 protects people with disabilities from discrimination in any program or activity receiving federal funding. Students with disabilities that substantially limit a major life activity such as learning, working, hearing, speaking, etc. may require an individual accommodation plan or specific services to ensure access to education and school sponsored activities.
For more information on 504, link to the Vermont Department of Education Website
Special Education
Special Education entitles eligible children to a free appropriate public education beginning as early as the child’s third birthday and can be provided to those eligible through 21 years of age.
Age 3-5 Services: Essential Early Education (EEE)
Educational program designed to provide educational services to students with a developmental delay (40% or more), a medical condition which places them at risk of developmental delay or with an identified disability according to 3-21 regulations.
Services provided in an array of environments, including school-based early education classrooms as well as home/community-based environments.
Age 6-21 Services: Special Education & Related Services - Students are identified as being in need of special education services if they meet the following:
Presence of an identified disability in one of twelve recognized disability categories.
Disability has an adverse effect on the students’ education (defined as performance in the lowest 15th percentile for same-aged peers)
Student is in need of specialized instruction that cannot be provided through the school’s system of supports for all students.
An individualized education program (IEP) is designed for students eligible for special education to provide a free and appropriate public education without charge to the parent or student.
Students are eligible for special education services after they have been determined eligible under Vermont State Regulations.
Special education regulations entitle families to specific rights in regards to their child’s education. More information can be found here on the State of Vermont Agency on Education site.
This information was taken directly from the Champlain Valley School District Website. There are a number of steps and laws that support and protect students within our system. Sometimes it can be confusing and there is a lot to dissect and understand. Please feel free to reach out to me with any questions about MTSS.
Mark Your Calendar
Upcoming Events
12/14 - Winter Concerts! Concert Band & Wind Ensemble @5:30pm / Chorus @7:00pm
12/14 - CVSD Virtual Town Hall with DEI Director Dr Asma Abunaib @6:30pm
12/15 - Mosaic to the State House, WCS Concerts / Snow Date
12/23 - 1/02 - NO SCHOOL - EARLY WINTER BREAK
01/11 - 4 Winds Training, 8:30 am, WCS Community Room
01/12 - Families as Partners January Meeting, WCS Community Room 8:30 - 10:30
CVSD Early Education Programs News
Preschool Lottery is now open for 2023-2024!
The CVSD Early Education Program is now accepting applications for a random preschool
lottery drawing for the 2023-24 school year. This lottery is for an opportunity to enroll in one of
our school-based classrooms which run 10 hours per week. Our school-based preschool
classrooms are 5 STARs, licensed early education programs that provide play-based,
developmentally appropriate environments for all children in an inclusive setting. Our
curriculum is based on the Vermont Early Learning Standards (VELS).
Our programs follow the CVSD school calendar. Children who will be age 3 or older by
September 1, 2023, who have not enrolled in kindergarten, and live in the communities of
Charlotte, Hinesburg, Shelburne, St. George, and Williston are eligible to enter the lottery.
Families who are selected for the lottery and choose to enroll their child in a CVSD program
access their Act 166 publicly funded pre kindergarten funds for the school-based program.
All applications must be received by February 3, 2023, and are located on the CVSD Early
Education website under 2023-2024 Preschool Lottery . Paper applications are available upon
request.
For additional information, questions about our program, or any concerns about your child’s
development, please visit our website or contact Director of Early Education, Erin Gagne at
egagne@cvsdvt.org. Our Early Education team is also available for developmental screenings in
the areas of communication, social-emotional development, motor skills, adaptive development,
and cognition.
🚍 Afternoon Bus Route Changes - Bus B and Bus C - to start Monday Dec 12th 🚍
Due to higher than anticipated ridership on Bus B, beginning on Monday 12/12, Pinecrest Village/Timothy Way will be moving to Bus C after school. The morning routes will remain the same.
This change will include: Cedar Ln, Rita Rd, Abby Rd, Balsam Cir, and Timothy Way.
Full Bus Details can be found online HERE
CVSD Virtual Town Hall
The December CVSD Virtual Town Hall will be focused on diversity, equity, and inclusion. DEI Director Dr. Asma Abunaib will provide an update on our plan to implement recommendation #1 from the equity audit (developing DEI shared understanding for the school district) and Superintendent Rene Sanchez will talk about how DEI is a part of the strategic planning process.
Wednesday, December 14 at 6:30 pm.
The Zoom information can be found on the district's website calendar and on the DEI site.
CVSD invites all community members to learn about and join in on the budget development process by attending upcoming School Board meetings. All members of the CVSD community are always welcome to attend Board meetings. See the topics and schedule in the image above and on the Budget page of the district's website. https://www.cvsdvt.org/budget
Links to join the virtual meetings will be available on that page and on the website calendar. We will also post the presentations on the Budget page afterward for those that cannot attend.
Food Service Substitutes Needed
We are looking for a few people to help out in the kitchen preparing and serving meals for our CVSD students and adults. No experience needed, we will train. Flexible hours. Fast paced and fun. Please contact Scott Wagner (swagner@cvsdvt.org) if interested. We would really appreciate your help making sure our customers get the best food and service we can possibly provide.
All About ABS...
Meet Ziggy
I am excited to announce that my dog Ziggy and I just became a certified Therapy Dog Team! Ziggy is a 2 year old mini-goldendoodle, who is full of love. Goldendoodles do not shed, therefore have much less dander than dogs who shed. Ziggy can come across as a bit shy or nervous, but warms up quickly and is like a big teddy bear.
When he is at school with me, he is working and is expected to be well behaved at all times. He and I will visit classrooms, have small group opportunities, and will be present for pets and hugs.
Here are some important things to know:
Ziggy will always be on a leash with Ms. Nicole
We ask that you please ask before petting
If students or Ziggy seem overwhelmed, overly excited or stressed, Ziggy and I will make a quick exit from the situation
Ziggy will be at ABS with me on Wednesdays and Fridays.
Lost & Found
Lots of Lost and Found items. Feel free to stop by during drop off or pick up times to look through and collect your items. Whatever is left will be donated and discarded during the break.
What's Up at WCS...
Date to Order Wildcat Sprit Wear Extended to 12/12
Appeal for Yarn from the WCS Needlework Club!
The 5th-8th WCS Needlework Club meets weekly on Fridays, where students knit, crochet, chat and have fun together in a relaxing and supportive environment.
It’s amazing, however, how quickly our yarn supply diminishes!! It’s hard to keep up with the demand….
If you have yarn at home you would like to donate, or if you would like to purchase new yarn for the club, we would be so grateful! You can contact either Susan Simpson (ssimpson@cvsdvt.org) or Kim Odachowski (kodachowski@cvsdvt.org), send yarn in with your student, or drop off at the front office. Many thanks in advance!
Lost & Found
Lots of Lost and Found items. Feel free to stop by during drop off or pick up times to look through and collect your items. Whatever is left will be donated and discarded during the break.
From the Health Office
Head Lice Management in Schools
The Health Offices at ABS and WCS were notified that families would like more information regarding how head lice is managed in schools and we want to update families on our procedures.
Our schools’ head lice management is based on the most recent evidence based practices. The guidelines come from Center for Disease Control CDC, American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), National School Nurse Association (NASN) and Vermont Department of Health(VDH).
NASN released a position statement that the management of head lice infestations in school settings should not disrupt the educational process, including but not limited to the elimination of classroom screening, forced absences from school for nits and/or live lice and broad notification that a case of head lice has been found (National Association of School Nurses. (2020). Head lice management in schools (Position Statement).)
Both the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and the CDC agree and advocate for the following practices to be discontinued:
whole classroom screening,
exclusion for nits or live lice,
notification to others except for parents/guardians of students with head lice infestations
Based on the above guidelines, we have the following procedures in place when a case of head lice is identified:
Any student with live lice (or nits within one quarter inch of the scalp) may remain in school until the end of the school day. Immediate treatment at home is advised.
Student may return to class, but restricted from activities involving close head-to-head contact or sharing personal items with other children. Immediate removal of the child is unnecessary—if the child has lice, they probably have been infested for weeks and prompt removal of the child could lead to embarrassment and ridicule. The child can be sent home at the end of the day and should be allowed to ride the bus.
School nurse will notify the parent/guardian directly and offer education, support and resources on lice treatment. The school nurse can offer assistance in head lice check after the treatment is completed if a parent requests one.
Parents should continue daily lice checks and nit removal for the next two to three weeks and retreat as necessary according to the product label.
It is recommended that you consult with your pediatrician or pharmacist for the most current and safest product.
November 18th, 2022
Dear Families,
We are starting to see Influenza-like-Illness (IFI) activity in our schools. We check the temperatures of all students who come to the health office and this time of year, we are a bit stricter on our return-to-school recommendations. While the number of confirmed influenza cases in our buildings is still relatively low, we wanted to share this important information to help keep your child and our community healthy. In an effort to reduce the spread of illness, we ask that you keep your sick child home until they are healthy (fever-free x 24 hours without medicine and their respiratory symptoms significantly improved), reinforce the importance of covering coughs and sneezes with an elbow or tissue, and encourage your child to wash hands often and well.
Please let the Health Office know if your child is sick with flu-like illness or if they have been diagnosed with Flu. If you have any questions, we encourage you to call your child's pediatrician or refer to the resources we've shared below.
Be well,
Maria, Carol and Sylvia
How do I know...Is it a cold or the flu?
Treating the Flu | Vermont Department of Health
Influenza: What You Need to Know This Year
WCS Health Office:
Maria Kapetanovic, RN, BSN, MSN/Ed
Carol Albertelli, RN, BSN
WCSnurse@cvsdvt.org / ph: 871-6170
ABS Health Office:
Sylvia Love, BSN, RN
slove@cvsdvt.org / ph: 871-6248
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
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 - Galls Galore
March - Trees in Winter
April - Songbird Songs
May - Dandelions
Training Schedule 22-23
Trainings held at the WCS Community Room, 8:30 - 10:30
■ Wednesday, January 11th
■ Wednesday, February 8th
■ Wednesday, March 8th
■ Wednesday, April 12th
■ Wednesday, May 10th
Contact Four Winds
If you have any questions or would like to volunteer please contact: wsdfourwinds@cvsdvt.org.
Families as Partners
Basket Raffle is Back - April 15, 2023
We are looking for committee members to participate in organizing this wonderful event! Please contact Emily Downing Ponce at emilydowningponce@gmail.com if you’re interested. First meeting will take place in January.
- Connect to your child's school and enrich the experiences it offers all 1000+ PreK-8th grade students by joining the volunteers of the Williston Schools Families As Partners Organization!
- Be a part of this collaborative partnership whose focus is to enhance and support students, teachers and the community by providing materials, programs, field trips, guest artists, guest educators and innovative learning opportunities.
- Help elevate the potential for motivating, happy, healthy, and productive lifelong learners.
- For more information contact: willistonfap@cvsdvt.org
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.
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!
CVSD School Board
Information from your CVSD School Board here
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.
Pokémon Club
Monday, December 12, 4-5 p.m. Show off your favorite cards, play some themed games, and make some Pokémon crafts!
Teen Night: Dungeons and Dragons Characterization
Monday, December 12, 5-6 p.m. Ages 12+. Create or work on a character, sketch them out, and talk about future D&D plans at the library!
Preschool Storytime
Tuesdays, 10:30-11 a.m. Join Danielle for stories, songs, and rhymes.
After School Movie
Wednesday, December 13, 2-4 p.m. Rated PG. Who will win this basketball game between cartoon and basketball favorites?
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.
Read to a Dog
Thursday, December 15, 3:30-4:30 p.m. Call to sign up for a ten-minute time slot to read to Lola the therapy dog!
Borax Crystal Snowflakes
Thursday, December 15, 5-5:45 p.m. Make snowflake and star forms, mix your solution, and learn about the reaction! Stop by on the 16th to pick up your creations.
Teen Genre Book Club
Friday, December 16, 5-6 p.m. Ages 12+. Read any graphic novel and discuss what you thought! Vote on February’s theme or genre.
Vermont Reads Kick-Off Party
Saturday, December 17, 10-11 a.m. Pick up a copy of The Most Costly Journey, learn about upcoming events, and record a short snippet if you’re interested – all while enjoying Mexican hot cocoa and pastries!
Williston Recreation & Parks
Holiday Decorating Contest
Show your holiday spirit and join this friendly competition while infusing some cheer in the community! Whether you do it to win a prize, for the bragging rights, or you just enjoy sharing your festive decorations, we want YOUR family or business to participate!
Judging will be the week of Dec 17-22. Register your home or business prior to December 11. Prizes from Williston Observer, Healthy Living Market, Adams Farm Market, VT Meat & Seafood, Williston Coffee Shop & Shaw’s. https://willistonvt.myrec.com/info/activities/program_details.aspx?ProgramID=30200
New Programs- Online
There are a series of New programs now on the Recreation website- Home Programs to Enjoy! There are programs in National Park Tours, VT State Parks Videos, Green MT Club Videos, CSWD Videos and your- Fun things to do Videos. Under each of these categories you will find links to videos that you can enjoy from the comfort of your home. New videos will be added. https://willistonvt.myrec.com/info/activities/default.aspx
Learn to Ski/Ride
Registration is now open for the Learn to Ski/Ride Program for grades K-8th. Be sure to register before the Early-bird Discount to save- December 18. There will also be two fitting dates for equipment in late November and early December. You must register your family for a fitting time. Info is on the registration page. https://willistonvt.myrec.com/info/activities/program_details.aspx?ProgramID=30204
KinderRec Basketball
This is a parent/child program designed to teach the fundamentals of the game. Each week youngsters will be introduced to a new skill and fun activities that will enhance their learning. This program meets on Saturdays in January and February. Instructors: Rec. https://willistonvt.myrec.com/info/activities/program_details.aspx?ProgramID=29932
1st-2nd Basketball
This program provides the opportunity for youngsters to learn the game, improve their skills, and enjoy playing. This program meets on Saturdays in January and February. The hour session will consist of a practice and scrimmage time. Parent volunteers are needed to coach teams. Sign up to coach when registering your child. https://willistonvt.myrec.com/info/activities/program_details.aspx?ProgramID=30239
Chess Wizards
Ages 6-12. Join this program for tons of challenging chess lessons, exciting games, and cool prizes. You'll improve your chess skills, meet new friends, and work out your most powerful muscle - your brain. December 27-29. Instructors: Chess Wizards Staff. https://willistonvt.myrec.com/info/activities/program_details.aspx?ProgramID=30102
Charlotte Central School (CCS) Holiday Market - December 10th
The Charlotte Central School (CCS) Holiday Market is back and we hope you can join us on Saturday, December 10th! The holiday market will be open from 9am to 3pm. We will have two gyms filled with artisans, as well as several on site food options. There will be a kids zone with free art projects for kids to create while you shop. We are excited to welcome back former CCS art teacher, Mrs. B, who will be leading spin art projects for kids.
New this year is our silent auction! The auction will open up online Saturday, December 3 at 8am. The auction features a week-long stay at Claybrook, Sugarbush, VT and artwork by Jessica Scriver. We have many other items from local businesses including, Elli Parr, Saratoga Olive Oils, Red Barn Kitchen, Mysa, The Gilded Elephant, and many more. To access the silent auction, please go to ourschool.auction/CCSholidaymarket
Silent auction and raffle proceeds will go directly to the CCS PTO to support a variety of student enrichment programs including STEM, Theater, Athletics, as well as our community Emergency Care Fund. We look forward to seeing you on December 10.
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.