The School Bell
Williston Schools / February 17, 2023
In this issue...
A Message from the Principal - Link to Summer Camps offered by Williston Recreation - Strategic Planning Input Opportunity - Garden of Life Newsletter - FY24 Budget Information - Safety Reminder for WCS Dismissal - Order your WCS Yearbook today - 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 Gregory Marino, Williston Schools Lead Principal
Williston Penguin Plunge - Ice Water Bucket Dump!
It was an interesting start to a Friday for sure! I hope that all of you were able to navigate your travels safely today. I want to thank our bus drivers and facilities crew for going above and beyond today to help make a school day possible. I’m sure there were some disappointed campers when my phone call went out announcing that the bus hills were closed as opposed to school being closed.
Speaking of cold and Ice, I am so proud of our Williston Penguin Plunge team. After the plunge in Lake Champlain was canceled due to dangerously cold temperatures on February 4, we decided we wanted to take some sort of “plunge” together as a team, here in the community, to celebrate the spirit of the event! So last Saturday 35 brave penguins assembled in the WCS parking lot - seated in a circle on cold metal folding chairs, waiting for a “Bucket buddy” to dump an ice cold bucket of water over their heads. We counted down from 10, and then went around the circle. A few brave souls even volunteered to take a 2nd bucket for the cause! It was a crisp sunny day - and the Wildcat spirit was alive and well. The team felt great about honoring the generous donations raised that totaled over $16,400 - Wow! In fact, for the first time, our Williston Team was the top fundraiser among the school teams signed up for the event this year. These monies will all go to Vermont Special Olympics, which will in-turn, benefit our very own Williston unified sports teams. Congratulations to the team and their supporters! I would also like to thank Julia Quinlan and Lynn McClintock who helped to organize Saturday’s special event. Enjoy some photos from the event below.
Attendance Letters:
Over the last week some caregivers have received letters from the school referencing the number of absences your student has on record for the school year so far. Prior to the Covid-19 pandemic, sending these letters was common practice for the CVSD schools, as the letters are a required part of the State attendance protocols. The protocols require that letters be sent to caregivers of students when they reach 5, 10, 15, and 20 days absent from school. You can find a sample of the letters here. We have just resumed sending these required letters again and realize it may have caught some caregivers off guard. These letters are sent regardless of the reasons for particular absences, including illness. The letters are intended to serve as an added layer of communication so that caregivers are aware of absences throughout the year, including between report card periods or parent teacher conferences. As the letter states, “Our goal in sending this letter is to work with you to ensure students are in school and learning. We know that school attendance is critical for successful school performance, and that national research suggests that student academic performance corresponds to their attendance.” We hope these letters are received in the spirit of communication and partnership with which they are sent. The school understands there are a multitude of legitimate reasons that cause a student to be absent from school from time to time. If you received a letter and have questions, please do not hesitate to reach out to me, Angela Filion, or Jackie Parks.
Mark Your Calendar
Upcoming Events
02/18 - Swift House Bottle Drive
02/23 - Summit Fieldtrip to Catamount, Towne/McLaughlin School Bus Play @ 10am
02/24 - Kindergarten Registration Due
02/27 - VACATION WEEK / NO SCHOOL
Important Safety Reminder
WCS BUS CIRCLE DISMISSAL
Recently, parents, staff, and even members of our Town emergency services community have observed and commented on unsafe conditions in the WCS Bus circle at dismissal time.
This was discussed at the safety committee meeting this week.
The biggest danger is when students attempt to cross the bus circle to get in the car of their parents / caregivers while the buses are still in the circle. At times, students have walked between buses to do this. Another danger occurs when a driver pulls out of the waiting line and leaves the parking lot while the buses are still there. We ask that drivers not do this.
Students will be reminded that they should only be picked up along the curb directly in front of the school. Students being picked up by vehicles must wait on the grass area in front of the school until all the buses have left the circle. After buses have left, students can wait on the sidewalk for cars to come around and pick them up. It takes only 1-2 additional minutes for cars to circle to the pick-up area after the buses have exited.
We appreciate your help in keeping everyone safe during our dismissal procedures. Maintaining safety is everybody’s responsibility.
Williston Schools Summer Programming
Our summer programming will run five mornings per week for 3-weeks this summer. This includes both ESY services through Special Education and Tier II intervention services through the Regular Education Program.
Invitations for participation in these programs will be sent out in late February. However, knowing that summer camp sign-ups are currently underway we thought this information would be helpful to parents/guardians who may have a student being invited. The 3-weeks are: July 10-14, July 17-21 and July 24-28.
If you have any questions, please reach out to Lauren Goracy-Special Education Director, Greg Marino-Lead Principal, Angela Filion-ABS Principal or Jackie Parks-WCS Principal.
Kindergarten Registration for Fall 2023 is Open
**If you have a student that will be in Kindergarten in the Fall and you have not received an email regarding registration for your child - please contact us at absfrontoffice@cvsdvt.org**
**Current ABS Preschool students - be on the lookout for an email to send in proof or residency and updated immunization information**
If you have a child that will be 5 by September 1, 2023 they are eligible for Kindergarten this Fall. You will receive an email with additional information and step-by-step instructions for registration.
Be sure you have the following documents ready when registering:
- Proof of Residency
- Birth Certificate
- Immunizations record
Questions? ABS Kindergarten Info Online or email absfrontoffice@cvsdvt.org
As we near Town Meeting Day, Champlain Valley School District community members and voters have the opportunity to learn more about the proposed 2023-2024 (FY24) budget. Just as we offer opportunities for our students to learn in a variety of ways, we are providing the same to you. Please attend an in-person presentation, see videos and slides, read articles, or view charts and graphs on the Budget page of the district’s website and in our Annual Report. Find the manner that best suits your style of learning to be an informed voter. If, after that, you still have questions, reach out to the CVSD School Board cvsdschoolboard@cvsdvt.org or use the School Board or Budget Let’s Talk topics https://www.cvsdvt.org/page/268 Please join the CVSD Annual Informational Meeting on Monday, March 6, 2023, at 5:00 at CVU.
See the Annual Warning on the budget page of our website for all of the CVSD ballot articles. All eligible residents in Champlain Valley School District towns are encouraged to vote on March 7th or earlier.
CVSD Strategic Planning: Draft Plan Elements and Survey for Feedback
The CVSD Strategic Planning committee has drafted some elements of the plan and is seeking input from all community members. That includes parents/caregivers, those without children in our schools, faculty/staff, and students. Please view this set of slides, which were shared at the January Virtual Town Hall, and then use this form to share your thoughts. Please contribute your input by March 3. Thank you!
All About ABS...
🕺 ABS Spirit Week 🖍️
Monday, February 20th- Wear your favorite Color to school
Tuesday, February 21st- STOP-DROP-DANCE- At some time throughout the day, Ms. Filion will announce that it is time to Stop what we are doing and have a dance break! Classrooms will get to pick their song.
Wednesday, February 22nd- Winter Wear and classroom snowball toss: Wear whatever reminds you of winter, White, Blue, Snowflakes, Buffalo Plaid, etc. Classrooms will then have time during the day to have a “snowball toss” using crumpled up paper!
Thursday, February 23rd- Class Poster Designs: Classrooms will get to design a poster to be displayed in the hallways of ABS
Friday, February 24th- Comfy Day: Wear whatever makes you feel comfortable (but still appropriate for school)
Lost & Found - Final Call
The lost and found is currently out in the lobby at ABS. Feel free to stop by and take a look if your student is missing something. Thursday morning any remaining items will be packed up and donated.
What's Up at WCS...
SPARK Enrichment After School Session 4
We are excited to offer your child an opportunity to participate in Spark Enrichment, an after-school applied learning program for students in grades 5-8. Sessions will run for 5 weeks from 2:50 p.m - 4:20 p.m. with our 4th session starting March 9th and ending April 6th. These small group classes will be facilitated by school faculty and staff. Students will have the opportunity to participate in a variety of activities that can be found on the link below. Caregivers will receive an email (using the email given on the form) informing them of the assigned workshop on Monday or Tuesday of the week that workshops begin. In order to take full advantage of this learning opportunity, students will need to make a commitment to attend all five Thursdays. If your child decides to not take part in this session after having registered please contact Julie Rogers so that others may fill the spot. The after-school activity bus will provide transportation home for students in need of a ride home.
The dates of the session are: March 9, 16, 23, 30, and April 6. When registering, students will be able to rank their choices for better placement! Students will be placed on a first come first serve basis as well as ensuring that students do not repeat workshops unless there are open spots. Please use this registration form and a listing of workshop descriptions. Contact Julie Rogers (jrogers@cvsdvt.org) with any questions.
CVSD Statement about Athletics/Events
Many of you may be hearing in the local and national news that there have been issues and altercations at middle and high school athletic events and other school events. The Vermont Principals Association (VPA) sent a reminder to all Vermont school districts. This pregame statement will be read at each event.
Our School:_________ and (name of away school) remind participants and spectators
of the requirement to behave in a respectful manner. Sportsmanship and safe playing environments are the top priorities for all Vermont school-sponsored activities. This is especially true with respect to a person’s race, gender, sexual orientation, religion, national origin, ethnic differences, or disability. Any violation on the field or in the stands can result in game stoppages, ejections, or forfeits.
Let’s work together to ensure a positive, supportive, and healthy learning environment
for everyone involved and have a great game!
We very much want everyone to have a positive experience at school events and we are all there to support our students and our schools. Our school leaders, site administrators, and athletic directors will address behaviors that violate the pre-game statement. This may include actions up to the expulsion of those that do not adhere to the requirements.
Please make every effort to ensure that our students are allowed to perform to their greatest abilities at all CVSD events without unnecessary interruptions. Let’s have fun and support our students!
WCS 4th Grade Chorus Info
When:
Tuesdays after school, 3:00-4:00.
Rehearsals for session 2 begin on Tuesday, February 21st.
The first two rehearsals are “open enrollment.” (2/21 and 3/7) Students can come to check it out with no obligation.
Starting Tuesday, March 14th, students need to make a final decision to be a chorus member or not. Chorus members must attend all rehearsals. Absences due to medical, religious, or family reasons are excused.
Non-members are not permitted to attend rehearsals.
Where:
WCS Music/Chorus room
Students should bring a snack to eat between school dismissal and the start of chorus rehearsal. No food is permitted in the rehearsal room. Only water is permitted.
There is a 4:20 activity bus available to take students home. Supervision is provided between 4:00 and 4:20.
Other Information:
The 4th grade chorus will give performances on Tuesday, June 6th, 2023.
The chorus sings a variety of music from different time periods, cultures, and styles. The students will be singing in different languages, meters, and tonalities. The songs range in level of difficulty.
No audition- just a love for singing!
No cost.
Sign-up forms will be coming home in your child’s take-home folder. (Or use this online form instead!)
** Students already in the 4th grade chorus do not need to sign up again**
Please contact Danielle Trasciatti-Holmberg (Mrs. T-H) with any questions or concerns. dtrasciatti@cvsdvt.org
Hello
We are Swift students of the Fashion Upcycle Group and we are gathering donations of shirts, pants or any other fabric you have. We will repurpose these materials into bags and other items. We are going to place a donation box in the WCS front office, so if you have anything, put it in the box! Thank you!
We are also looking for sewing supplies, including sewing machines in solid working order, that we could use in school through June. If you have a machine you would be willing to loan please contact Amy Skapof (askapof@cvsdvt.org) to arrange details.
Sincerely,
The Fashion Upcycle Group
Special cost all Williston Central School Students-$250
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
■ 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's Needed!
Were you one of the lucky winners of a basket at a Basket Raffle fundraiser? Did you receive a gift basket filled with goodies over the holidays? Do you have empty baskets in your home that need a new purpose? The Basket Raffle committee needs empty baskets to fill and decorate for the Basket Raffle Fundraiser, which is on Saturday, April 15th. Please drop empty baskets off in either the ABS or WCS Main Office soon. Thanks!
- 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!
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
Community Connections
Thinking Day Event - Charlotte Girl Scout Troop 30066 World
Won't you please join Charlotte Girl Scout Troop 30066 as they celebrate World Thinking Day on Saturday, February 25, 2023 from 10am - 12 noon at St. Jude's Church in Hinesburg. This is not a girl scout recruitement event and there is no cost to attend. Each of the girls in the troop has picked a different country outside the US that she is interested in. They have each learned how to make a traditional craft and a delicious recipe from their chosen country and would now like to share it with some of their peers. Won't you please join us in making some colorful paper plate sombreros from Mexico, a cute Highland Cow book mark and/or refrigerator magnet from Scotland, beautiful plastic water bottle tropical fish from Tahiti (French Polynesia), pretty cherry blossom printing from Japan, South Korean paper fan folding, Rangoli stenciling from India, egg carton mancala game making from Africa, etc. Come sample some of their delicious dishes and see the girls dressed in their "traditional attire." This event is probably best suited for school age children along with adult supervision but is open to anyone. Please RSVP to Cindy Bradley at cahbradley@yahoo.com by 2/22/23 if you would like to attend or if you have any questions. Thanks so much. We hope to see you there!
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.
Preschool Storytime
Tuesdays, 10:30-11 a.m. Join Danielle for stories, songs, and rhymes.
Read to a Dog*
Tuesday, February 21, 4-5 p.m. Sign up for a 10-minute time slot to meet Emma the therapy dog!
After School Craft
Wednesday, February 22, 2-3 p.m. Make a suncatcher to hang in your window at home!
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, February 23, 3-4 p.m. Make something exciting with the Library’s LEGO collection!
Teen Night: Food for Thought
Thursday, February 23, 5-6 p.m. Ages 12+. Join our teen advisory group and help come up with programs for younger kids, programs for teens, and volunteer opportunities! You bring the thoughts, we bring the food.
Comic Book Workshop (Session 2 of 2)*
Friday, February 24, 4:30-5:30 p.m. Register and attend in-person at the library or online from home. Learn from comic artist Marek Bennett how to make your own comics. Marek Bennett is one of the editors and artists of Vermont Reads selection, The Most Costly Journey. (You do not need to read this to attend the comic book workshop, but if you would like to request a copy for the book discussion later this month there is still time!) The workshop is geared towards ages 8+, but all ages are welcome to attend if they are interested.
Take Your Child to the Library Storytime
Saturday, February 25, 10:30-11 a.m. Celebrate (belatedly) National Take Your Child to the Library Day with a weekend storytime and craft!
Williston Recreation & Parks
Summer Camps
Registration is now OPEN for all Summer Camps. Be sure to check out the Rec. website for offerings and to register. Early registration is encouraged as some programs and camps fill fast. The Camp Grid is available to help plan your children Summer of Fun!- Camp Grid- https://willistonvt.myrec.com/forms/6000_form.campgrid_23.1.pdf
Spring/Summer Programs
Registration is now OPEN for all Spring/Summer Programs. Look for the Spring/Summer Program Guide in this week’s Williston Observer- Feb 16.
The R.E.C. Zone
Recreate, Explore, Create- will be OPENING in March. Look for new programs coming to the “Zone”. The will be an Open House, Saturday. March 4 from 9:00am-4:00pm. Come check out the facility, get involved with a demo of upcoming programs or stop in to talk with Staff and instructors. More info coming!
Youth Lacrosse
Grades K, 1-2, 3-4, 5-6, & 7-8. Registration OPENS January 22.
Lacrosse is a fast paced sport that combines the power of football and hockey and the endurance of soccer and basketball. The K & 1-2 programs are Coed, and the 3rd-8th programs offer separate boys and girls teams. Volunteer Coaches are needed.
Early-Bird Deadline for the 3rd-8th programs is March 5.
Kindergarten https://willistonvt.myrec.com/info/activities/program_details.aspx?ProgramID=30268
1st-2nd https://willistonvt.myrec.com/info/activities/program_details.aspx?ProgramID=29862
3rd-8th https://willistonvt.myrec.com/info/activities/program_details.aspx?ProgramID=29960
Chess Wizard February Camp
Age 6-12. A week full 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! Instructor: Chess Wizards Staff. https://willistonvt.myrec.com/info/activities/program_details.aspx?ProgramID=30102
Dinosaur Dig & Fossil Hunt
Age 6-11. April Break. Explore Archeology, Paleontology, and Geology and excavate the simulated bones of a model dinosaur! Assemble the fossil from your own dig to complete a 3-dimensional model of a dinosaur to take home. Instructor: STEAMworks. https://willistonvt.myrec.com/info/activities/program_details.aspx?ProgramID=30280
Youth Tennis
Grades K-2 & 3-5. Now, it’s easier for kids to play and develop a love for the sport! Taught by certified tennis professionals who are trained to teach to kids of all ages. Players learn basic stroke techniques. Instructors: The Edge Tennis Staff. https://willistonvt.myrec.com/info/activities/program_details.aspx?ProgramID=29967
Fun with Circus Skills
Grades 3-8. Circus Fun! Join this fun-filled and exciting low risk program focusing on circus skills: juggling (balls, clubs, rings, and scarves), low stilt-walking, unicycling, flower sticks, diabolo, balance skills and more. Instructor: Rob Crites. https://willistonvt.myrec.com/info/activities/program_details.aspx?ProgramID=30258
Knitting
Grades 3-8. The program offers the basics for first timers, as well as provides early and intermediate knitters with specific how-to and help with projects. All materials are provided. Instructor: Christine Heavner, Owner Knitting Circle. https://willistonvt.myrec.com/info/activities/program_details.aspx?ProgramID=29959
Jubo
Grades 3-8. Learn to play the 4-Hole Ocarina. Jubo is a new music methodology for all who want to learn an instrument quickly. Jubo is a lightweight pendant whistle with four holes that allows one to master music quickly. Instructor: Wayne Hankin. https://willistonvt.myrec.com/info/activities/program_details.aspx?ProgramID=30273
Safe Sitters Babysitters Course
Grades 6-8. April program added. Safe Sitter® prepares teens to be safe when they’re home alone or babysitting. The course offers four main content areas: Safety Skills, Child Care Skills, First Aid & Rescue Skills, and Life & Business Skills. Instructor: Rec Staff. https://willistonvt.myrec.com/info/activities/program_details.aspx?ProgramID=29842
Ninja Science Camps
Ages 5-10. February or April Break. These camps unite the body and mind by combining martial arts, tumbling, and parkour with environmental science. We help children realize their potential in an environment that is playful. Instructors: ONTA Studio. https://willistonvt.myrec.com/info/activities/program_details.aspx?ProgramID=30219
Ninja Kids Intro
Age 4-8 or 7-11. The play-based curriculum increases strength and self-confidence, while moving meditation helps children manage their emotions and develop the connection between mental and physical well-being. Instructor: ONTA Studio
Age 4-8 https://willistonvt.myrec.com/info/activities/program_details.aspx?ProgramID=30097
Age 7-11 https://willistonvt.myrec.com/info/activities/program_details.aspx?ProgramID=30206
Ninja Teens Intro
Age 9-15. The play based curriculum increases strength and self-confidence, while moving meditation helps children manage their emotions and develop the connection between mental and physical well-being. Instructor: ONTA Studio. https://willistonvt.myrec.com/info/activities/program_details.aspx?ProgramID=30098
Jiu-Jitsu Intro
Age 7-15. Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is a dynamic martial arts style. It will help your kids with realistic bully-proofing and gives them self-defense skills that they can use for the rest of their lives! Separate Programs for 7-10 & 11-15. Instructor: Julio Fernandez, Owner. https://willistonvt.myrec.com/info/activities/program_details.aspx?ProgramID=30277
Horseback Riding Intro
Age 8-14. The Livery Horse Farm, Hinesburg is offering Introductory riding programs. The focus is on English riding. Horses provide a variety of skill levels for children to learn on. Programs offered after-school or Saturdays. Instructor: Kim Johansen, Owner. https://willistonvt.myrec.com/info/activities/program_details.aspx?ProgramID=29937
Learn More Online...
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.