THE SCHOOL BELL
Williston Schools /September 10, 2021
No School- September 16, 2021
A Message from the Administration
Student voice is a cornerstone of a strong school community. We see it represented on our CVSD mission statement as “Responsible and Involved Citizenship.” This speaks to wanting our students to “participate and collaborate effectively and respectfully to enhance the learning environment.” The updating of our school dress code is one example of how students are helping us to shape our community.
Last spring, Mrs. Parks and Ms. Paffett-Lugassey were approached by a few middle school students that wanted to review and update our dress code. We began to work collaboratively with the students and quickly brought together student representatives across all middle school teams to engage in the work.
The group of students researched dress codes throughout Vermont and nationally and compared them to our current expectations. All agreed that we wanted a focus to be on developing an inclusive dress code that felt respectful to all. Throughout the course of several meetings, students gave us feedback on different points within the dress code. This feedback was then used to draft a dress code. We then sought feedback from all our middle school students, WCS faculty, staff and parents. Over the summer, we reviewed all the feedback and developed a final version. We shared the updated dress code with middle school students during our welcome assemblies and are now using it as our guide. We now ask that families review the dress code and help us monitor it.
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
Thank you for helping us prioritize student voice as we know it helps strengthen a sense of belonging and community.
By Jacqueline Parks, WCS Building Principal
Check out one of Williston's new electric buses!
Every 8th grader and staff person gets a flower on the first day!
Powerschool Parent Portal - Thank-you!
Picture Day is Coming!
Allen Brook picture day is Wednesday, September 22, 2021.
For more information on online ordering, click here. Beltrami.
Passwords:
ABS: abs321
WCS: wcs321
Intra-District K-8 School Choice
Early Release Days for the 2021-2022 School Year
Parentin Resource
If you have a child who is experiencing anxiety, depression or other social and emotional challenges, Amy will be on hand to offer her support and guidance and be armed with useful resources in the community if you need/want them. For more information, click here.
You can pop in for a quick question or to chat through a situation. Amy would love to try to help! Here is the link to join: http://meet.google.com/nfm-tovh-bjz
Dear Families of Wind Ensemble Students(7th and 8th grade band students)
5th - 8th Grade Beginner Band Starts Soon!
Are you interested in a part or full time paraprofessional position in Williston?
CVSD is seeking energetic people to join our team as paraprofessionals in early education, elementary education and middle school classrooms in Williston this year.
Preschool:
Our preschool is currently looking for a part time paraprofessional on Mondays and Tuesdays. We are seeking warm, highly organized, and dynamic individuals to support an inclusive preschool classroom. Candidates must be skilled, caring individuals able to provide support for individual and small groups of students in personal development, behavior, and social-emotional skills.
All candidates will be an advocate of inclusive education, a problem-solver and strong collaborator, and a positive team member. The ability to promote child growth and foster independence and a willingness to learn is essential. Please note that lifting may be a requirement for this job. Position may include supporting students on the bus ride to or from school.
Please contact Shelley Henson, shenson@cvsdvt.org, Director of Early Education if you are interested or have questions.
Elementary and Middle School Levels:
We are still seeking several energetic folks to join our team! We are looking for skilled, caring individuals to provide support for individual and small groups of students in personal development, behavior support, and social-emotional skills.
We have positions available in the following categories:
Non-Intensive ($14.28-$15.91 - last year's rates, will likely increase)
Intensive ($17.28-$18.91- last year's rates, will likely increase)
Specialist ($21.78-$23.41 - last year's rates, will likely increase)
Paraprofessionals are contracted 6.5 hrs a day for 194 school days and begin as soon as possible.
There is a different pay scale for each of these, as well as a different level of expertise needed. However, we CAN train folks and we have money available for PD along with GREAT benefits and student schedule.
Any interested folks can reach out directly to Sarah Crum, Director of Special Ed (scrum@cvsdvt.org or 802-871-6140).
CVSD is an equal opportunity employer. Black, Indigenous, People of Color (BIPOC), women, and LGBTQ+ candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.
Maintenance and custodial openings
Full time with benefits. Part time option also.
Please contact Lyall Smith at lysmith@cvsdvt.org or 316-1275.
CVSD is an equal opportunity employer. Black, Indigenous, People of Color (BIPOC), women, and LGBTQ+ candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.
Playground/Lunch Assistant Needed
Substitute Teachers Needed
Access CVU-New Class Registration is Open!
Popular classes fill quickly! Sign up today, tell your family and friends, and please help spread the word about our AWESOME classes!
· 202 awesome classes
· Back to in-person learning at CVU!
· 42 Online classes via Zoom
· 27 New instructors!
· 100% FUN- Bring a friend & sign up today!
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 Breath Out - How to deal with stress due to COVID-19
- Vermont 211 -Vermont database of resources and services
ABS - Reminder for Safe Drop Off & Pick Up
A note from the administration: As we conclude our second week of school we are seeing a few things that we need to fix up for our arrival and dismissal procedures to make them run safely and efficiently.
- Please stay in your vehicle and avoid extended chats with the adults as we are trying to efficiently move people through the pick up line. Please do not leave your car unattended in the lane at any time. We also prefer you NOT park your vehicle to come and retrieve your child. Our way of ensuring your child gets to you safely is that exchange at your vehicle for the adult to see.
- Please pull all the way up to the curb for pick up as others are waiting to move up behind you.
- Avoid "double-parking"/parking diagonally
- Please drop off and pick up your child at their team’s designated location ensuring that you leave space for the other team locations.
- Please arrive between 7:30-7:55am
- For safety, all students must exit the passenger side of the vehicle
- Your child must have their mask on when entering the school
- Please drive attentively, slowly, and safely, following directions of school staff
We appreciate all you can do to follow these guidelines to ensure a safe and smooth transition in and out of school!
Please refer to this map for the correct location to drop off/pick up your student:
From the Nurses Office- Return to School Following Illness COVID-19 Information for Families
FAP Information
Thank you to those who attended our Williston FAP Launch Event! But in case you were unable to attend Williston Families As Partners (FAP), Williston’s “PTA” organization, provides a forum for parents, teachers, administrators, and community members to actively discuss activities, events, and programs in the Williston schools. The participation of teachers and administration differentiates our FAP from a typical PTO/PTA and helps further promote our children’s health, well-being, and educational success. FAP also serves as the fundraising arm of the Williston Schools.
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
Williston Families as Partners
School Nutrition Program
WCS School Library
WCS Library is so happy to welcome ALL students back inside! 3rd & 4th grade classes have begun their weekly read aloud & book choosing visits to the library.
5th-8th grade students drop in & visit flexibly as they choose to browse for books.
Using seating charts & a Google sign-in form, we know who's stopped by for a visit & can be safe. We're so glad to welcome readers back in the library!
Allen Brook School Library
Dear Second Grade Family!
Imagine our schools and public libraries as joyous, safe, and equitable. Envision a reading community strengthened by equity efforts and acts of justice. What can our libraries do to threaten the existence of racism here in Williston, VT? We can speak up, actively listen, become allies, and cultivate curiosity.
Let’s begin with families and Brave Books. Our goal is to provide a free opportunity for family literacy engagement centered on creating a welcoming and inclusive community. Brave Books Bags are available for each second grade family at Allen Brook School. These bags include 2 picture books and 2 chapter books to spark conversations, understandings, and build caring, valued relationships. Allen Brook School and the Dorothy Alling Memorial Library have partnered through a grant from the American Library Association to offer these books to your family for reading together and adding to your home collections.
Why these four books?
These books created by Black authors and illustrators can encourage conversations around racial equity and inclusiveness. They offer an opportunity to discuss race and identity and how people experience our world. The books range from picture books to middle grade titles, so conversations can be held amongst the very young as well as older members of your family. Watch for a Hands Up! family celebration on Saturday, October 16th at 10 AM at Dorothy Alling Memorial Library (rain date will be Oct 23rd) and community conversations in November together!
Second grade teachers will reach out to families this week to invite your participation and start sending home book bags. Thank you!
Mrs. Clopton
(Pronouns: she/her/hers)
School Librarian PreK-2
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Coach
Upcoming Events
Thursday, September 16, 2021- No School, Yom Kippur
Tuesday, September 21, 2021- WCS Picture Day
Wednesday, September 22, 2021- ABS Picture Day
CVSD School Board
CVSD's COVID Recovery Plan
CVSD's COVID Recovery Plan
CVSD schools have re-opened for the 2021-2022 school year following the guidelines provided by the Vermont Agency of Education. Vermont school districts are working to meet the needs of all students, especially after a pandemic year. We were required to create a Recovery Plan for the Vermont Agency of Education for approval. CVSD is calling this our Strategic Response Plan. Learn more about the plan and provide feedback at this link.
DAML Programs
Click here to access the DAML web site listing of events.
Click here for Youth Programming and upcoming events
Recreation & Parks Offerings
More Links, More information
Williston Schools
Email: alongley@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