The School Bell
Williston Schools / March 17, 2023
In this issue...
A Message from Principal Greg Marino - Williston Rec Summer Camps Link - Fun Night Information - WCS Jr Iron Chef Team Wins an Award - A Note from Nurse Love - 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 Lead Principal
Coffee Anyone?
It was really great to see a number of parents attend the “Coffee With the Principals” session this morning at WCS. This is a new monthly opportunity the Leadership team is initiating, with support from the Families As Partners group. Our goal is to create an additional space for relationship-building and communication between caregivers and the Leadership team. For future meetings, we will announce planned topics in advance, attempting to choose areas that we believe to be of timely interest to caregivers. Some combination of the three principals will be hosting these coffees depending on the topics at hand. Today, we heard ideas from parents about potential future topics and talked mostly about the structure of our school lunch programs. Next Month - April, date TBA, we will dive into supporting positive student behavior and the schools responses to both positive and unexpected behavior. We will also give an overview about the student placement process and how the school supports successful transitions from grade to grade and school to school. We hope we will see some of you in April. Please stay tuned for details on the date and time.
I will use the space here to recap some of the information we shared about our lunch structures, along with some information we learned from caregivers who attended. Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out to me.
Guiding beliefs
In Williston, we believe that all students should have an opportunity to eat a nutritious lunch every day in an environment where they feel comfortable, happy, and safe. We believe that students who have fueled their bodies will be more successful learners. We believe that all students need chances to socialize during their school day and practice social skills in settings like the cafeteria.
How long do students have for their lunch periods?
K-2, 25 mins lunch, 25 min recess
3-4, 20 mins lunch, 25 min recess
5-8, 20 mins lunch, 20 minutes recess
How does this compare to other schools around CVSD?
Lunch periods around the CVSD fall within a narrow range from 20 - 25 mins, except for 30 mins in Kindergarten at Charlotte.
Do students really have enough time for students to eat their lunch?
As we observe students across the grade levels over the years, it seems that most students are done eating their food with time remaining before the end of the period. In years we have tried longer lunch periods, we have found that students can struggle with having too much unstructured time in the cafeteria, leading to some restlessness and challenging behaviors. For students who get school lunch, it takes approximately 6-9 minutes to move every student through the lunch line in a given lunch period. This allows even that last student who passes through the line 11-14 minutes to eat.
We heard from caregivers this morning that not all students can eat their lunch in this amount of time and can feel hurried by the current schedule. As a result, we will seek opportunities to provide those students with a little extra time if we can. We also discussed the reality that the cafeteria is a highly stimulating environment and this can be challenging for some students. Finding alternative settings for lunch is an ongoing effort, especially at WCS. Having sufficient staff to supervise these alternative settings is the primary challenge. This challenge will not keep us from continuing to seek solutions.
How are students grouped for lunch?
All 7-8 graders (approx 200 students)
All 5-6th graders (approx 190 students)
Kaleidoscope and Mosaic - 3rd-4th grade (approx 135 students)
Equinox - 3rd-4th - (approx 80 students)
Allenbrook - lunch sessions grouped by individual team ( approx 40-80 sts per group)
Do students who want school lunch have to pay for it?
As many of you know, lunch is free for all who want it this year. We are so pleased to be able to provide free breakfast and lunch for our students every day. There is currently Vermont legislation in play that could make this a more permanent change.
Even though lunch is free for all, it is still important for caregivers who may qualify for Free or Reduced meals to complete the application. This will help assure that your students continue to receive free meals, regardless of what occurs with the State legislation and funding. Our local enrollments in the Free or Reduced meals program also directly relate to other important grants and funding streams from the federal government. These grants and funds help provide targeted school programming that otherwise would not exist. So, it is important that our Free and Reduced enrollment numbers match the genuine needs in our community. You can find the link to the Free or Reduced Meals application here.
Mark Your Calendar
Upcoming Events
03/20 - Lucky U Winners notified
03/24 - NO SCHOOL - Teacher & Parent/Caregiver Conference Day
04/05 - Incoming Kindergarten Meet & Greet (Registration Required)
04/12 - Incoming Kindergarten Meet & Greet (Registration Required)
04/12 - Families as Partners Meeting, WCS Community Room, 8:30 - 10:30am
04/15 - Big Basket Raffle, WCS Cafeteria
04/24 - 04/28 - NO SCHOOL - SPRING BREAK
Thank You
On behalf of the entire school district, we would like to express our sincere gratitude for your support in passing the budget for our students and our schools. Your decision to invest in education will have a positive impact on the lives of our students and the future of our community.
Your vote demonstrates a commitment to providing our students with the best possible educational experience, and we are grateful for your trust and confidence in us. We will continue to work hard to provide a safe, supportive, and inclusive learning environment for all of our students, and to help them reach their full potential.
Thank you again,
The Champlain Valley School District Board of Directors
All About ABS...
A Note from Nurse Love...
Dear Parents/Guardians:
We have seen an increase in cases this week of children diagnosed with Strep Throat at Allen
Brook. This strep is atypical meaning we are not seeing a fever. Most common signs are sore, red
throat, looks like was roughed up by sand paper, swollen tonsils, painful swallowing. None to low
grade fever. Strep Throat is a bacterial infection in the throat and tonsils. They get irritated and inflamed.
What causes Strep Throat?
Strep Throat is caused by streptococcal bacteria.
What are the symptoms of Strep Throat?
The most common symptoms of Strep Throat are:
* a severe sore throat
* pain when you swallow, difficulty swallowing, funny, guttural sounding voice.
* fever, (not always)
* swollen tonsils and lymph nodes.
* (sometimes) white or yellow spots on the back of a bright red throat.
May also have a headache and belly pain. Less common are a red skin rash, vomiting, achy, or not feeling hungry
How does Strep Throat spread?
Strep Throat can be passed from person to person. When a person who has Strep Throat breathes, coughs, or sneezes, tiny droplets with the strep bacteria go into the air. These droplets can be breathed in by other people. If you come into contact with strep, it will take 2 to 5 days before you start to have symptoms.
How is Strep Throat diagnosed?
Your doctor will do a rapid strep test. Often another test, called a throat culture, is also needed. If the rapid strep test says that you don't have strep (the test is negative) but your symptoms suggest you do, your doctor may do a throat culture to be sure. This is because rapid strep tests are not always accurate.
How is Strep Throat treated?
Doctors treat Strep Throat with antibiotics. You are contagious while you still have symptoms. Most people stop being contagious 24 hours after they start antibiotics. If you don't take antibiotics, you may be contagious for 2 to 3 weeks, even if your symptoms go away.
Your doctor may also advise you to take an over-the-counter medicine like acetaminophen (such as Tylenol) or ibuprofen (such as Advil or Motrin) to help with pain and lower your fever. Do not give aspirin to anyone younger than 20. It has been linked to Reye syndrome, a serious illness.
Your child should stay home from school until 24 hours after they have started antibiotics and feel better.
If you have any questions, please contact the Health Office at
871-6248 (ABS).
Thank you so much!
Nurse Love
Important Reminder about End of Day Changes
Please remember: If your child needs to be released early from school, there is a transportation change for the day, or any other change to their typical end of day plan, please be sure to contact the front office and teacher BEFORE 1:45PM (or 12:45 pm on Wednesdays). Changes in your student(s) schedule will not be accepted after this time unless it is an emergency. Due to the number of students, classrooms, parents and after school activities we can not guarantee changes received after 1:45pm (by 12:45 pm on Wednesdays) will happen.
Send all emails regarding attendance and end of day changes to:
The classroom teacher
Front Office: absfrontoffice@cvsdvt.org
The Team Assistant for your grade:
Kindergarten - cplouffe@cvsdvt.org
First/Second Grade - lsaladino@cvsdvt.org
Please be sure to include the following information: date/day of change, name of child, name of parent/guardian, teacher's name, and the reason/details
In the event of an emergency, a phone call to the main office at 802-871-6200 is the best way to ensure the message will be received. Unless it is an emergency, please make every effort to avoid dismissal changes after 1:45 pm.
Allen Brook School dismissal begins at 2:30 (1:30 on Wednesday) in order for buses to leave at 2:35 (1:35). Please click here for full arrival and dismissal details (also linked in the School Bell every week). In order for us to keep all students safe and accounted for, it is crucial we know about any and all changes outside of the usual routine for the day.
ABS Lucky U Activites
What's Up at WCS...
Wildcats Jr Iron Chef Team wins Lively Local Award
Congratulations to the Williston Central School Jr. Iron Chef VT competitors who competed and won the Lively Local Award!! See part of their journey here.
Please mark your calendars. Spring Art Show season is here!
Examples of K-8th grade work will be exhibited through the month of April at the Dorothy Alling Library.
At WCS, the 3rd-8th grade art celebration will be on Wednesday, May 24th
from 5-7 p.m.
My name is Travis Glock and for my 8th grade challenge I am collecting distraction toys for the UVMMC Pediatric Infusion Bay. Kids that have to get infusions are usually very scared of getting a needle put in them, and distraction toys help soothe the kid's nerves and make it more enjoyable. They also get to leave with a super cool toy for being so brave! I have created a wish list on Amazon where you can buy these for the patients. I will deliver them myself to the pediatric infusion bay in April.
https://www.amazon.com/registries/gl/guest-view/122BDBIBYJOZA
WCS Lucky U Activites
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
REGISTER NOW FOR GIRLS ON THE RUN
We are having two different groups this year. Register for Monday/Friday or Tuesday/Thursday sessions. We will meet at WCS from 3:00-4:30 each time. Pick up or late bus options available.
See below for more information.
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
Williston Families as Partners Monthly Meetings
● 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.
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
Greetings Williston Community - Community Spaces Project
We’ve had a great launch to our Williston Community Spaces project, but would love all your input. Join in the conversation! Visit the project website, www.willistoncommunity.com, to see a schedule of drop-in events (updated regularly) or to submit a form to schedule an interview.
What the Project is About:
The Town currently does not have a community center or permanent indoor recreation space. The Dorothy Alling Memorial Library is well-loved but has reached its space capacity. Led by the Town's Community Center Scoping and Library Assessment Steering Committee these initial interviews will focus on hearing from residents to receive feedback on what future community spaces in Williston they want to see. The conversation is centered on the library space, what additional community spaces are sought to gather, recreate, learn and connect, and the possible intersections between these interwoven components.
Gathering data is the critical first step in understanding what type of facility, or facilities the community wants to be part of Williston's future. The feedback gathered will inform a larger scoping project being led by Black River Design architects to assess the current library space to understand if adding onto it is possible, evaluating the concept of a new community space for gathering and activity, including indoor recreation, and determining if a new combined facility for the library and community center is a viable option.
The second wave of community engagement will come in May to gather space specific feedback informed by the initial discussions taking part now. The goal is to hear from as many people in Town as possible as part of this project.
Please direct any questions to Town Manager Erik Wells at ewells@willistonvt.org or 802-876-1168.
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.
Teens D&D
Monday, March 20, 5-6 p.m. Ages 12+. Join our March campaign!
Preschool Storytime
Tuesdays, 10:30-11 a.m. Join Danielle for stories, songs, and rhymes.
After School STEAM Fun Activity
Wednesday, March 22, 2-3 p.m. Love hands-on experiments? Try some out at the library after school!
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, March 23, 3-4 p.m. Design something exciting with our LEGO collection!
Teen Night: Food for Thought
Thursday, March 23, 5-6 p.m. Join our teen advisory group! You bring the thoughts, we bring the food.
Kids Zen Retreat
Friday, March 24, 3-4:30 p.m. Drop by at your convenience to enjoy a little Zen Time led by our teen volunteers!
*NEW* Preschool Music
Saturday, March 25, 10:30-11 a.m. Do you love music time, or have you been wanting to try it out? Linda Bassick will be at the library one Saturday a month for Preschool Music starting on March 25th!
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
New Camps Added:
Culinary Mashup Camp- Age 10-14, 1:00-4:30p, June 26-30
Creative Engineering- Age 6-11, 1:00-4:30p, July 24-28 (second camp added due to popularity)
Kids Kitchen Camp- Age 6-12, 1:00-4;30p, Aug 7-11
RehabGYM 1st Annual Williston Community 5k
Age 12+. Saturday, May 13, 9:30am. A great way to bring the community together, support local businesses/organizations and enjoy the Spring. The course is accessible and adaptive athletes are encouraged to participate. Register on the Recreation website.
https://willistonvt.myrec.com/info/activities/program_details.aspx?ProgramID=30272
Boaters Safety
Age 12+. Boating safety education is required for any operator, 12 years of age or older, born after January 1, 1974. The course is 8 hours and is offered over 4 days. Participants must be present at all classes to be eligible for certification. Instructor: Jon Fick
https://willistonvt.myrec.com/info/activities/program_details.aspx?ProgramID=29866
Stargazing: The Current Night Sky
Age 6-8 & 9-12. view the current night sky in a digitalized planetarium dome, set up inside, where you'll feel like you are outside at night looking at a perfect sky! Explore the current night sky constellations. Come to one or more viewing. Instructor: Carrie Cruz
https://willistonvt.myrec.com/info/activities/program_details.aspx?ProgramID=30292
Youth Lacrosse
Grades K, 1-2. 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. Volunteer Coaches are needed.
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
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
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
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
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
Ninja Science Camps
Ages 5-10. 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.